by Seré Prince Halverson

Heart warming and heart rending by turn, this is a tale of love, of woe, of trial, of tribulation and, overwhelmingly, of hope. I read it pretty much in one sitting, whilst in recovery from an operation, and it perfectly suited the task of transporting me from my own dull, bed-ridden situation to the warmth of California, the sultry air of a backwater country town and the loving atmosphere of an extended Italian family.  Halverson explores the age old societal dilemma of who gets custody of children when things go askew.  The twist here is that the kids are in the care of a step-mum, whilst real mum hasn’t been around to look after them for a few years. Which way will the decision go? Can there be any middle ground? It is thought-provoking stuff and makes for a good read.

©Julia Welstead 2012