The Moon Looked Down
Dorothy GarlockHistorical romance
Available from Grand Central Publishing
ISBN: 978-0-446-69535-0
July 2009
| The Heller family left Germany in 1933 when their country seemed to be falling apart. They're now proud Americans who're making a life in their new country. Because of their background three men in town are trying to make their lives hell. Their barn is burned down and daughter Sophie feels constantly threatened. Cole Ambrose has his own problems. Born with a clubfoot he's worked hard all his life to cope with the emotions of being different. His brother and best friend Jason is going off to war leaving Cole with his father who seems unable to forgive him for an accident that happened when he was a child. Cole and Sophie find comfort and more with one another as troubles boil around them.
Dorothy Garlock pens an excellent love story and tale of men who think they're anti-Nazi while behaving in ways that make them seem as despicable as the real ones. Ellis Watts and Riley Mason are bullys who usually get their way in the small town of Victory. Whatever it takes, they're willing to charm or threaten their way through life. They're nasty villains and we can't help but hope someone gives them their comeuppance. A well crafted background of small town America is the perfect place for this story. The townspeople step up to help their neighbors in times of trouble. Ms. Garlock helps us live a little of what small town life is like. The simmering anger between Cole and his father is well told as Jason helps Cole cope with the animosity he's felt most of his life. The characters and dialogue are all well done helping a reader feel like part of the story. Ms. Garlock evokes some strong emotion as the theme unfolds. Laughter at some of the antics of the townspeople. Frustration at the nasty things done to good people. Anger at bad things done to good people. The author pulls us into their lives. I really hated to see this book end.
Overall rating:
Reviewer: Dee Dailey |
