Sarah's Window

There is obviously something about Janice Graham's writing that keeps me coming back for more, although Firebird and The Tailor's Daughter both made me kind of angry when I was done reading them. I am glad that I gave this third book, Sarah's Window, a chance though. Out of the three, it was by far the best read, and so I am giving it 5 stars compared to the other two. At no point in this story did I feel frustrated or disgusted... it was just a nice escape.

I was mesmorized and smitten by Janice Graham's romantic novel, Sarah's Window. John and Sarah's journey into each other's hearts transcended their invidivual stories yet brought these stories in the soul regions of their pecular and definable histories. Both were wounded by tragic events in their lives and found healing in a remarkable way that brought their love completely together at the end. Written with the beautiful Flint Hills of Kansas as a backdrop, this reader felt himself in the very spots that forged the beginning of John and Sarah's story. This is a quick "feel good" read that nourishes the soul.

Every time I picked this book up to read it, I was instantly drawn in to the story. I felt like I was right there with John and Sarah, and felt whatever each of them were feeling. This book is truly a gem and look forward to reading it again.

Janice Graham has written a wonderfully touching book that will leave you both happy and,momentarily, sad. It is the story of Sarah Bryden,an artist and free spirit, living in a small Kansas town. A physicist,John Wilde,and his wife,Susan,move there to attempt to find a quiet place to raise their difficult adopted baby, Will. An accident leaves Susan unable to care for Will,whom she could never accept from the beginning. Sarah takes charge of Will,giving her a happiness that had eluded her for years. In turn,Will started developing in an unexpected way. John and Sarah soon become more than attracted to each other,falling deeply into a love that seemed hopeless to both of them. A flood,followed by a tragedy, seperates the two of them. What follows is the poignant story of seperation,unrequited love,attempts at a renewed life, and,finally,the joyous reunion that will leave you feeling so good that you read this book. Janice Graham takes you right there,whether it is Kansas,Paris,Greece or England. You feel a part of the locale. Her character development is excellent. Of the many characters in the book,you feel quite familar with them all. You will love Sarah and live with her through all of her pain,all of her joys,even sheding a few tears before you rejoyce at the ending. This book is so well written and a pleasure to read.

This morning, I finished Sarah's Window by Janice Graham, and wish I could be reading it for the first time. While browsing at a bookstore recently I was attracted to this title by the lovely cover of the book. I quickly read the dust jacket and decided to purchase this book and couldn't wait to read it. But when I returned home and read about the author on the back of the book, I realized that I had read Janice Graham's first book, Firebird, and didn't much care for it. I really did begin to wonder how I would enjoy Sarah's Window. Well, I come here now to say that sometimes you can judge a book by its cover and always give an author a second chance.Sarah Bryden is a young woman living in the area of the Flint Hills of Kansas. With dreams of studying art at the University, she's foced to return home when her grandfather suffers a devestating accident. Raised by her grandparents after her mother dies, Sarah works as a waitress at a local cafe, paitinting in her spare time and attracting the heart of a widowed high school teacher who once taught her. Unfortunately, an ill fated love affair a number of years ago has left Sarah resigned to the single life she now leads.Into her midst comes John Wilde, a professor of physics from California, who will be working in the area for a couple of months. He also brings with him his wife, a former resident of the town, and their difficult adopted baby. When Sarah becomes acquainted with the family there is almost an instant bond between baby, Will and Sarah. It seems as though only she can quiet him down, feed him and put him to bed. When Will's mother is hurt in an auto accident she is only too happy to care for the baby. As the weeks go by, Sarah and John Wilde find their relationship slowly changing from friends to something more leaving readers to wonder how this wil be resolved in the end.Graham, with beautiful words and pasages not only captures the landscape of this area but the interior landscape of these characters. I literally gulped this book down holding my breath till I read the last page. Not only was this a memorable read but again was a valuable learning experience. When a book beckons for whatever reason or you have a gut instinct while holding a title, do read it despite any previous experiences. You may be as suprised as I was with this book or another one. Now I am planning on reading Firebird again. I'm hoping that the second time around I enjoy Graham's first book as much as I enjoyed Sarah's Window.