Jo Ann Virden

I liked how the author based the story on actual letters her parents wrote, but that was about it. The dialogue among characters seemed choppy and unnatural, and random characters (i.e. Sam) who tried to make profound statements came out of nowhere. The book seemed to focus more heavily on Tommie and Smitty, than on Dorothy, who seemed more of a secondary character than main character. I almost abandoned this book many times, due to all the unnecessary details, stilted dialogue, and the unrealistic dreams that attempted to signify a change in time.

*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*… (mehr)

The inspiration from a bundle of letters from World War II found in her parent's basement, led author Jo Virden to pen the beautifully written historical fiction, My Darling Dorothy. The author utilized these authentic letters to weave a timeless account into the friendships, romantic relationships, and the trials and tribulations between three young people through their letter correspondence during the Great Depression and World War II years of 1930s-1940s.

Set in Nebraska, Europe, and the Philippines, the readers follow the evolving lives of Dorothy, Jack, and Tommie, the two young men who she fell in love with, during the World War II time period. The reader is easily drawn into these three young people's lives filled with hopes, dreams, hardships, emotional traumas, challenges, struggles, love, losses, and successes that they experienced during this difficult time period.

My Darling Dorothy is an emotional and compelling tale that will tug at the heartstrings and stir the soul. You can't help but get drawn in as Dorothy, Jack, and Tommie's story unfolds. The author does a wonderful job of writing an intricate and romantic tale rich in authentic historical description of the Great Depression and World War II years, and masterfully interweave it with Dorothy, Jack, and Tommie's true-to-life experiences. This is an amazing story that will take the reader on an emotional journey that will resonate with them for a very long time.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour.

http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot.com/2016/08/my-darling-dorothy-by-jo-virde...… (mehr)