American Dreamer

Ms. Weir is noted for her controversial subjects. This one may just well be one of her best. If you've not read award - winning author Theresa Weir, you're in for a treat. This contemporary love story is a smooth, powerful, character-driven book with no gimmacks. It's beautifully written and engaging as it deals with the delicate subject of rape and healing. Well worth the money. I highly recommend it.

It seems strange to write a review for a book no longer published. If you find a copy somewhere buy it and read it. It is short, only about 270 pages. Although the center plot revolves around murder and rape (with a realistic portrayal of a rape victim) by the end of the book one can only take a deep breath and release it with a smile. This truly is a lovely story about second chances and having the strength to let your dreams come true.

I have read this book at least ten times! Each time I laugh and cry, only to find myself feeling very peaceful and happy at the end of the book. I love Lark and Nathan as if they were my two best friends. The tender passion with which they love each other moves me. I've read numerous books from Sandra Browne to LaVyrle Spencer, but none has touched my heart like the love of Nathan and Lark. If I could make everyone in the world read this book, I would. This is what love should be about!

Over a decade ago, Lark Leopold was viciously attacked, forcing the traumatized young lady to return to her parents' home to recover. Ten years later, she feels it is time to return to the living. She accepts federal money to study farm animals in Iowa. ...... Lark meets Nathan Senatra, a person with a four-poster hangover, who refuses to suffer the indignity of dealing with a fed. However, Nathan's nastiness to her is nothing compared to what happens to Lark next as she finds a murdered body. Local law enforcement officer Adam Trent is assigned the case. He is elated with this investigation because he sees an opportunity to destroy his enemy Nathan, even if the person is innocent. He blames Nathan for driving his sister to a breakdown years ago. Even with a law out to hang him, Nathan tries with all his might to drive Lark away. However, she sees through his cynical outer shell into the lonely, melancholy man suffering through life. Lark must convince Nathan that they may have both been hurt in the past, but the future could be a time for joint healing. ...... AMERICAN DREAMER is an interesting romantic mystery due to the struggles of the lead protagonists to overcome the ghosts from their pasts. The efforts of the law to prove Nathan guilty adds a twist to the who-done-it story line. If this novel is a sample of her work, fans of romantic mystery will want to read more work from the obviously talented Theresa Weir because she spins a great yarn. ......Harriet Klausner