The Return of Cassandra Todd Book Review

SUMMARY:  When the popular girl whose friends bullied him in high school suddenly reenters his life, little son in tow, Turner Caldwell must put the past behind him if they are to survive.
     Turner Caldwell works at a local motel as a handyman while attending college full-time.  On his way to class one day, he is shocked to see Cassandra Todd and her young son in town.  The sight of her brings back powerful memories of being bullied in high school - she was the popular head cheerleader and he the target of her friends' mean-spirited pranks.
     When Cassandra and her son check into the motel where he works ad she asks for his help in eluding her abusive husband, he finds himself entangled in a dangerous drama that will require him to forgive and draw on every skill he has if they are to survive.

REVIEW:  Oh my goodness!!!  Darrel Nelson's sophomore project hits it out of the park!!  I love everything about this book!!  The story kept me on the edge of my seat and made it very hard to put it down and go to bed or do my housework!  I respect how both Cassandra and Turner honored Cassandra's wedding vows and did not act on any intimate situation they found themselves in while running from Brad, her abusive husband.  Also, I admire how Turner rose above the hurts of the past to come to Cassandra's aid when she needed help protecting her son and how he treated Justin like he was his own. Different from other stories you might read, both Cassandra and Turner listened to their counselor's advice and did not pursue a relationship after their harrowing ordeal was over but took time apart to heal, even though they both had strong feelings for each other.
     I would HIGHLY recommend this book and Mr. Nelson's first book, The Anniversary Waltz, to everyone.  Darrel Nelson is fast becoming one of my favorite authors.  Check it out!!

This book was provided by Glass Road Public Relations for review without compensation.

Darrel Nelson is the author of The Anniversary Waltz and a retired schoolteacher.  He writes novels, articles, plays, and music.  He has bachelor's degrees in English and education from the University of Lethbridge in Alberta, Canada.  Visit his website at www.darrelnelson.com. 

The Anniversary Waltz Book Review

SUMMARY:  At their sixtieth anniversary party, Adam Carlson asks his wife, Elizabeth, for their customary waltz.  After the dance they gather the family and share their story -

A story of love and courage, overcoming adversity and thriving in the face of overwhelming odds.

     It's the summer of 1946, and Adam has just returned from the war to his home in Reunion, Montana.  At a town festival he meets Elizabeth Baxter, a young woman going steady with his former high school rival and now influential banker, Nathan Roberts.

     When Adam and Elizabeth share a waltz in a deserted pavilion one evening, their feelings begin to grow, and they embark on a journey, and a dance, that will last a lifetime.

REVIEW:  When Adam returns home from serving in Italy during World War II, he picks his life up where he left it - working on the family farm with his parents.  What he doesn't know is that the bank is recalling their loans and plans to put it up for auction.

     Elizabeth works in the local dry cleaners and is dating Nathan Robert, Reunion's most eligible bachelor and the local bank's loan officer.  After Adam wins a kiss from Elizabeth after a shooting competition with Nathan at a local festival and an impromptu dance after a missed hayride, their lives start to change in ways they never saw coming and affects every aspect of their lives and those around them.  

     Oh my!  This book is phenomenal!!  Darrel Nelson is a new author that can easily be compared to Nicholas Sparks, Dan Walsh, and Andy Andrews.  The story develops and flows in an easy to follow but not an easily to predict manner.  Just about the time I think I know what will happen next or have anticipated the ending, the author throws a curve ball and changes the outcome.  This is DEFINITELY a book and an author you will want to check out.

This book was provided by Glass Road Public Relations for review without compensation.

Darrel Nelson is a teacher and writes novels, articles, plays, and music.  He has bachelor's degrees in English and education from the University of Lethbridge in Alberta, Canada.  Visit his website at www.darrelnelson.com.