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Samuel and Julia Wortham, in Dearing, IL, have settled on the farm Emma gifted the family. It’s during the Depression and times are hard. Samuel and Julia depend and trust in God to provide for them. In addition to their own children, they spend a lot of time with the ten motherless Hammond children. Mr. Hammond seems to not have adapted well to his wife’s death. But Julia and Samuel have enough love to go around.
Many of Dearing’s residents are out of work and fun is hard to come by. But, on the fourth of July the Wortham’s take to town, along with the Hammond children, to enjoy a picnic and fireworks. When they return someone waits on the front porch. It’s late at night and there is no reason for a visitor to be there. Must be bad news.
It is not with relief that Samuel and Julia realize the visitor is Sam’s brother, Edward. Recently released from Prison, Edward is not a welcome quest at their home. While both Samuel and Edward share a miserable upbringing, Samuel’s turned his life to the Lord but Edward has shown no change. When Julia passes his car and notices a small girl huddled in it, she fears the worst. But nothing prepares her for the tale Edward spins about the girl, Katie.
All Katie wants is to belong to a stable home. He actress mother wanted nothing to do with her and sent her away with this strange man, who says he knows Katie’s real father. Katie wants to find her real daddy. She hopes he’ll love her the way she loves him already. Even though she’s never met him.
Katie fits in so well with the family. But, while Samuel swears she couldn’t be his child, Julia wants to believe him, yet, the little girl looks so much like him. Having Edward around brings out the worst in Samuel. His constant baiting and accusations test Julia’s faith and Samuel’s as well. How can he love this brother? Only with God.
Julia tries to make friends with the locals, but one relationship with a grouchy, mean older town’s woman seemingly goes nowhere. Until a touching surprise leaves Julia in tears. (Sometimes our good deeds are received even though we may not know it.)
I think Katie’s Dream is the best of the three books. The plot lines are woven carefully together and the characters are immediately our friends. The Depression setting is unique and obviously well researched. I look forward to more from this talented author.
Reviewed by Linda Mae Baldwin
for The Road to Romance
October 12, 2004
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