Review: Kudos, Ms. Wells, for a job well done!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 01 22, 2014
I try to shy away from novels which deal with aspects of America's bitter past, a past deeply rooted in racism, uncertainty and death.  A past where 'plotters in pajamas' or 'torch throwers of the night' made life for black folks a nightmare (Dreaming Black Boy, James Berry), A past where a man or woman could only attend certain kinds of school, or pursue certain kinds of jobs, or sit in certain sections on the bus, or enjoy certain kinds of entertainment, because of the color of his or her skin.  And yes, even couples, like the Loving's, were forced to hide their relationships.  The consequences were dire, if caught.So, by now you get the picture; it's a past I don't like to dwell too much on, because my heart becomes burdened at the very thought of it.First time author, Sondra Wells, does a credible job of depicting a black woman and a white man, who lived in the aforesaid turbulent times, but who were able to defy the odds that were stacked against them, and live their happily ever after.  Yes, the author did touch on the struggles facing blacks in the '60's, but I was happy that the attraction, developing romance, the consummation of the relationship, and finally the marital bliss the couple enjoyed, took precedence over lynchings, the unjust system, the prevailing political climate, and the social discontent.Oh, and one more thing.  Ms. Wells did portray the contrast between the opulence and  feelings of entitlement of the wealthy, on the one hand, and the simplicity and the familial bonds of the not-so-wealthy.  But, again, these did not take precedence over the relationship between the hero and the heroine.So, kudos, Ms. Wells, for a job well done!