Every Tear a Memory

GIVEAWAY

JOHNSON, MYRA
EVERY TEAR A MEMORY

Joanna Trapp found adventure serving in France as a "Hello Girl," one of over 200 telephone operators called upon by General Pershing to serve in the Army Signal Corps, but she still mourns her doughboy sweetheart killed in battle. Returning to Hot Springs, Arkansas, she takes a job as a switchboard operator at the Arlington Hotel and quickly discovers that after her experiences overseas, civilian life proves dull.

Thomas Ballard still regrets he was medically ineligible to serve in the war and feels inferior to those who did, especially his war-hero brother, Gilbert. When Thomas finds himself attracted to Joanna, he strives to match her adventurous spirit, when all he really wants is to settle down, raise a family, and earn respect as a successful businessman.

As romance blossoms, can two such different people learn to accept not only their own but each other's God-created individuality . . . or will love change them both?

My Review:

A prodigal son story with a twist because Thomas is the dutiful son who does everything right. His prodigal brother has brought enough heartache and tragedy to the family (When Clouds Roll By and Whisper Goodbye.) But now Gilbert has his life on track and Thomas is having difficulty adjusting to 'normal'.

Just a side note: This is an awesome series, and there is plenty of character overlap in Every Tear a Memory but don't worry -- you needn't have read the first two books to enjoy this one. Johnson does a wonderful job of setting up past threads so they are easily understood by the first time reader. Mind you, if you have read the first two you will have some lovely interludes with friendly faces to look forward to.

Joanna doesn't know the meaning of normal. She fled a dysfunctional home right after graduation and ended up overseas in France for the duration of the war. She hides hurt and insecurity beneath an adventurous spirit but her wings are clipped when circumstances call her home. Resentful and wary, she arrives with a chip on her shoulder, ready to flee at a moment's notice. Of course Thomas falls for her. How could he not? She's everything he isn't and for the first time in his life he starts thinking outside the box.

Joanna and Thomas are polar opposites and yet they are magnetically drawn to one another. Loved the push/pull in their relationship. And it's an emotional one as they both learn to bend into the storms of life so they won't snap. Alas there are a lot of broken pieces to pick up before they get that lesson right.  Johnson keeps us on tenterhooks throughout the whole book as she hurls one complication after another at her hapless hero and heroine. We all know I love it when my emotions are engaged so no surprise when I say I found Every Tear a Memory to be a sumptuously satisfying read.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Every Tear a Memory please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday November 16 2014. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

My thanks to the author and publisher for supplying me with a copy of this book.