AUTUMN DREAMS is the third book
in the Seaside Seasons, and it is good. I have not read the other two, but it made no
difference, AUTUMN DREAMS is a definite stand-alone book. I am fortunate enough to have
received the first two books and will read them, probably this weekend. Ms. Roper writes
in such a manner I am compelled to finish, and disappointed to leave the characters when I
am done.
When never been married Inn owner Cassandra (Cass) accepts responsibility of caring for
teenage nephew and niece while their parents travel overseas for a year, she has no idea
what that exactly entails. In typical teenage style, Jared is easy going and a big eater,
while niece, Jenn is a headache. Jenn’s obsession with popular and handsome Derrick
bothers Cass, and we learn later on, she is correct. But, more than that, with her 40th
birthday on the horizon, the age and size conscious Cassandra wonders if love will every
cross her threshold.
In the meantime, Dan Harmon arrives at SeaSong Inn for an extended stay. A financial
manager, Dan re-evaluates his life after witnessing the horrific attack on the USA, when
the Twin Towers in NYC were obliterated. Dan seeks a new plan for his life, but at
forty-four years of age, is he too old?
The attraction Dan feels towards Cass is almost instantaneous. And, poor Cass has never
learned to take compliments well. In fact, it seems with her taking care of elderly
parents, one with Alzheimer’s and one who is desperate to care for the other pours
money into mail order sweepstakes, as well as caring for family members and guests, Cass
doesn’t receive too many compliments. But, Dan’s gentle urging to stand on her
own feet, and to say a simple thank-you when someone says you’re beautiful, begins to
bolster Cass’s confidence.
With a touch of suspense, the sub-story with a troubled employee and mysterious behavior
tangles Cass in a web of smoke and gunfire.
Will Dan be able to rescue his new love? Will Cass live to see the love she has finally
found grow? What of Jenn and her beau Derrick? Teenagers + love + ‘roofies’ =
disaster.
With characters you expect to walk off the pages, and a setting as magical yet real as
SeaSide, you can’t but love AUTUMN DREAMS. The author gives new meaning to the phrase
– page-turner. Literally, once started I did not want to stop reading and finished
this 331 page book in one evening/night/morning. Ms. Roper touches on some heavy subjects,
late in life romance, Alzheimer’s and dementia, teens and date rape drugs, and all
handled with the mercy and grace of a loving God.
One of the neatest little gems is on page 132, where one of my favorite inspirational
authors is mentioned! I totally related to Cass’s delight in receiving this
author’s latest book as a gift.
Gayle Roper spins a great story in AUTUMN DREAMS; I must get to the first two books right
away. She is a new author to me, but one that is definitely on my MUST READ list. This
book and I think the whole series will make great summer time reading. With a
discussion/study guide in the back of the book, it will be perfect for Reading Clubs and
Bible study groups.
Reviewed by Linda Mae Baldwin for The Road to Romance
August 23, 2003 |
