Specialist John Caldwell of the 82nd Airborne Division stationed in Iraq received the letter telling him of his grandmother’s death. He wrote thanking her and a friendship began. For the next ten months, he wrote to Aunt Bee, that friend of his grandmother, and she wrote back sending cookies and various other items the residents of Pleasant Oaks accumulated. Tommy, a six-year-old boy Aunt Bee frequently babysat, also sent him pictures.

This story took some surprising twists and turns. Ms. Jo Barrett developed their story into an uplifting glimpse into the lives of three generations and how they truly intermingled. She took two young individuals who had both been crushed by their previous loves and expanded their friendship into much more. Even as they were forced to deal with their previous disappointments, the vulnerability they had to deal with was a poignant glance into the healing process.

There was a myriad of supporting cast members including Lisa, the mother Tommy’s best friend, and Baldwin, John’s soldier friend still in Iraq. I mention these by name because, hopefully, I sense a sequel in the future. The residents of Pleasant Oaks were a diverse, outspoken group and played a great role in the telling of this story about love after personal devastation.

This is a very well-written book with a lot of interesting areas covered. From a small town setting, with big hearted residents to the war across the world, there’s a little of something for everybody. I recommend it highly. It was emotional with a surprise end which I believe all will enjoy.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Mildly sensual

Reviewer: Brenda Talley
November 14, 2008