Healing Heart

Reviewed by Kelli Glesige for Reader Views (10/06) Author Rachel Druten has taken the period of time around World War II and the place of Pasadena, California, and written three short stories of three strong-willed women. All the women have experienced pain from the repercussions of the war, and all find redemption despite their strife, with help from God. "The Healing Heart" (2003) begins in June 1947 when Rebecca and her four- year old son Davey, arrive at the home of Court Fielding, brother of Rebecca's good friend Daisy, with the intention of becoming the new housekeeper. Traveling all the way from the Philippines, Rebecca hopes to start a new life in America after her husband has been tortured and murdered during the Japanese occupation. Court is confined to a wheelchair and had no previous knowledge Rebecca would be bringing along a four-year old child. He immediately announces the arrangement will not work. "He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not" (2005) takes place in the summer of 1948 when Pastor Jack McCutcheon believes Daisy Fielding, referred to as a child as Ditsi Daisy, may be attempting the impossible when she vows to increase attendance at the Girls' Bible Study Group. Daisy has great ideas and everyone is enthused with her plans, except the one whose favor she seeks the most. Will Jack ever see Daisy as more than Court's little sister, Ditsy Daisy? "Against the Tide" (2005) opens in late November of 1941 with Claire, a journalist, and her fiancé Daniel Essex III, an attorney. Times are stressful, especially after the Japanese bomb Pearl Harbor, leaving large numbers of American boys dead and wounded. Bill, Claire's brother, decides to enlist and serve his country, along with twin cousins, Brian and Wesley. Daniel enrolls as a conscientious objector, strongly believing in God's Commandment of Thou Shall Not Kill. Claire now views Daniel as cowardly and knows the wedding must be cancelled. Later, a terminal illness reunites Claire and Daniel once again, and Claire learns the reasons for Daniel's reluctance, but is their past love repairable? I strongly recommend "Pasadena Promises" to those who enjoy Christian Romance and World War II history. Rachel Druten was inspired by special women close to her and she bases several of her characters on those special women in her stories. She writes what is close to her heart, and she does it well. Mrs. Druten's stories are inspiring and uplifting, despite the difficult time period, and they are appropriate for all ages of readers. I endorse "Pasadena Promises" without hesitation.