Review: A Story of Strength, Faith, and Love
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 04 5, 2014
Phantom of Riverside ParkBy Peggy WebbI was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.I really enjoyed reading Phantom of Riverside Park by Peggy Webb. Not only is the prose lyrical and warm with Southern charm, the story itself is well developed and emotionally charged.Elizabeth Jennings works hard to provide a small income for her little family. She, her 90-year-old grandfather, and her four-year-old son live in a small rental house in a low-income area of Memphis.Peggy Webb sets the scene with her simple philosophies that contain a measure of absolute truth. The opening sentence: "When you live in the middle of your own tragedy you get so used to the daily terror that you can sail unharmed past the boulders that drop into your path at every turn. It’s the pebbles that make you trip and fall."The family, originally from the Mississippi Delta came to live in Memphis when Elizabeth found herself pregnant, dismissed by her wealthy college boyfriend, and thrown out of her home. With very little money and a minimal amount of hope, Thomas Jennings promised Elizabeth God would take care of them, and his faith is still strong.While Elizabeth works in the unpleasant atmosphere of a local bakery, Papa and Nicky spend the day at Riverside Park. Once they get back to their little house, have dinner, and Nicky goes to bed, she heads to her second job at a dry cleaners. There are also her night classes to finish the college degree she longs for.Watching all this happen from his office high above the city is David Lassiter, a decorated hero of the Iraq war, who has his own scars—physical and mental—to deal with on a daily basis.This story is rich in Southern heritage and emotional impact. I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend it highly. Frankly, I didn’t think you could write such a sweet love story in such a contemporary setting. Please don’t tell anyone, but parts of it made me cry, and I loved that Peggy’s vivid descriptions put me right in Elizabeth’s shoes.The story builds slowly but with a wonderful sense of anticipation. I stayed up late to finish it and was so glad I did!