Book Review: The Whittaker Family Reunion, Shirley Roe

The Whittaker Family Reunion

Shirley A. Roe

PR Worldwide, Inc.
650 Wantagh Avenue
Levittown, NY 11756-5390

ISBN: 978-1-906806-51-4

$15.95 2008

Fantastic Read

Reviewed by Carol Hoyer, PhD

I didn't have the luxury of reading the first book Of Dreams and Nightmares by Shirley Roe and I guarantee I will find it to read.

Ms Roe has an incredible ability to capture a reader from the first page in her fast-paced, down to earth book.

The character Martha is a very strong woman who was able to escape her abusive husband but still has grave concerns about how her children were affected.  Her daughter Anna is spoiled and hates everything. She criticizes everyone and is very aloof to bringing in new family members by her brothers.

The author's ability to bring to readers what it was like to live in this time period is uncanny. You almost feel as if you were there. There are not many books that I have read like this that can give you a great feel for this era. It was full of suspense, made you love-hate some of the characters and yet at the same time realize that abuse was evident even in this time period and we don't read much about women who can leave the past behind, be strong and make a life for themselves.

This was a book of compassion, unconditional love, love-hate relationships and a family trying to get their life together. I read this in 2 days.