Reviews
“ Barton Barre ”
-Kirkus Reviews
“ Legends of War ”
“The book has drawn me forward with anticipation and reward. A good read. Thank you so much.”
Reader- JRF, London, England
“ The Road Home ”
Reader-S.
“ 'Prelude to War' is the first book in the historical fiction saga of the La Barre family. ”
The story begins in the summer of 1928 on the La Barre plantation in Louisiana where we meet Barton, five year old son of Richard La Barre. He’s watching a caterpillar inch across a step. Soon we are introduced one by one to three generations of La Barres who are all vacationing at the La Barre plantation. Then we follow those characters through the Depression and up through the Second World War.
The dramas of the La Barre families during this time frame are well documented and richly told. The settings in which these stories unfold are so well-detailed that, as a reader, I’m transported to them. Dialogue is consistent with the era and the locales. It was remarkably easy for me to lose myself in this saga.
“ Beautiful portrayal of a fractured family ”
Beautiful portrayal of a fractured family, an invisible child, and how things really do matter in the end. Youth is sweet and Francis is a special boy who wants to please all and be loved. Yet his father is frustrated with him and often is missing in the boy’s life.
Elise is a faithful wife who patiently puts up with the faults of her husband, Bart. She is the binder that keeps everyone together, despite the constant callousness of Bart and his presence in their family.
Great nostalgic moments for Baby Boomers growing up in the 1950’s through the 1960’s. Good place descriptions of Texas (Austin, Houston, Beaumont) in the 1950-1960 eras. UT Austin alums will enjoy it.
“ Sparrow Wars in the Garden of Bliss #2 ”
Gritty and rowdy. Love scenes sweet. I’ve read it three times since as part of the series. I still like it-lots! Good characters and interesting stories that twist and bend the rules of a normal love and war story.
“ Sparrow Wars in the Garden of Bliss #4 ”
This is the best one so far. Great mystery and lead-up to mayhem. Good reconciliation and characterizations.