The Good Dream

Author Donna VanLiere certainly doesn't disappoint her fans with her first full-length novel.  This book stirs the emotions,

warms the heart and challenges the mind.  She places such characters as Ivorie Walker, an old maid stated by many in the

town because she is in her thirties and not married.  Then there is George Coley who wants to marry Ivorie but when she finds

a starving, abused boy raiding her garden that she wants to help, he decides that isn't the life for him.  This little boy 

has been abused, neglected, scared and unable to speak because of a cleft palette.  Ivorie can't turn her back on him, even though

most of the town would quickly say it is too much for a single lady like herself to ever get involved in.  

Ivorie's brother Henry and his wife quickly aid Ivorie in her endeavor to help this little boy who after much time she learns 

is named Peter.  She tells the little boy that his mother must have named him that because according to the Bible Peter means

a rock and he is one strong and determined little boy. 

It is amazing what a person can see through the eyes of a young little boy.  Because Ivorie isn't willing to give up on this young lad, she is blessed in return by finding a young man who is smart, loving, engaging, desires to learn and responds with great affection.  

This book challenges the reader to not just look at people in passing rather to look deeper within ones heart to see who they truly are and more importantly who they can become.  It may make the reader ask some pointed questions, such as:  the one who is mean spirited, the hard to get along with, the screamer or hurtful person could be someone who has encountered a great deal within their own life and they aren't sure of how to respond to life's challenges?  Peter challenges the reader to make sure how we respond to others is how we would like others to respond to us.  Ivorie shares the love and compassion of Jesus as she reaches out to Peter to make a difference within his life.

There is suspense, drama, action, romance, and laughter to engage the reader as they turn page by page to find out what will

happen next.  The author does a great job of leading the reader through one situation to the next always building and causing

the reader to want more.  

This is a definite 5 of 5 book, that most any reader would enjoy and certainly one that leaves the reader feeling involved in the reader.