Kindle Edition Amazon Linda Heavner Gerald, Author Category:  Women Publisher: Lime Pie Publishers ISBN-10:  1072243555 Type: Fiction Pages: 386 Copyright: July 19, 2019 ISBN-13: 9781072243557 Price: $2.99 (eBook) A group of Auburn graduates discovers that remaining in their hometown provides all sorts of benefits as they experience life in a small coastal town. You'll laugh and cry with their antics.   Becky Connors lived in the same place for most of her life. An old southern town, one of the oldest in her home state of Florida. Even though she traveled extensively and lived in many places, Becky returned home to her "slice of Heaven" located on the beautiful Gulf Of Mexico in the Forgotten Coast. All of her group had remained close since elementary school and later in their university days at Auburn University. Now, this group of beloved friends faced growing older. This tale of life is told with humor and tears when conditions change for each one as they age. True to reality, many decisions faced the devoted ensemble. Share in their joys and sorrows. Things never remain the same for long. Now, these friends face the countdown of life together.      https://youtu.be/LHpaZV42Vds

‘If only I could return to the joyous days of our past’
Florida author Linda Heavner Gerald has retired from her medical background and is living and writing along the Gulf of Mexico. She has already established a solid reputation as a writer of twelve mystery thrillers, winning awards both in this country and abroad, having been awarded the Florida Authors and Publishers Association award for Fiction. Linda's keen eye for evil in her books is matched by her conviction that 'regardless of our actions, God is always ready to welcome us back with forgiveness.' Rather than simply titillate her readers with superbly terrifying stories and psychological drama she offers a bit of a rainbow at the end - a sense of hope or encouragement for the characters of her books. ‘ Her goal is to demonstrate that God loves all of us. No one is beyond his redemptive grace.’ Her numerous books have embraced PTSD, bullying, the effects of war on families, and now she approaches the challenge of aging and the manner in which that affects our relationships.

While the well-known concept of ‘Dear John’ letters may be all too familiar to many, usually signaling a final goodbye, Linda take this concept and opens the tone of her fine new novel with her Prologue as follows: ’Dear John, It is with great sorrow that I write this letter to you, my darling. For many months, I have constructed it in my mind with love. What I am about to say is not rendered with vindictiveness, even though the actions you have portrayed lately cause devastation to me. For the longest time, I cried myself to sleep, as I echoed the word, “How could he?” Of course, in my mind, I do understand the reason for the horrible things you utter to me, as well as the sordid behavior which you flaunt, but in my heart, it is impossible to accept. Despite your betrayal, I lovingly treasure our beautiful life together. Do you? Probably not, but it’s okay. Frequently I whisper those words, “That’s fine, John,” to you, as I watch you joyfully embrace your new love…’ The end of a marriage, and the beginning of a life that fills this story.

But on to the story as per the synopsis – ‘Becky Connors lived in the same place for most of her life. An old southern town, one of the oldest in her home state of Florida. Even though she traveled extensively and lived in many places, Becky returned home to her "slice of Heaven" located on the beautiful Gulf of Mexico in the Forgotten Coast. All of her group had remained close since elementary school and later in their university days at Auburn University. Now, this group of beloved friends faced growing older. This tale of life is told with humor and tears as conditions change for each one as they age. True to reality, many decisions faced the devoted ensemble. Share in their joys and sorrows. Things never remain the same for long. Now, these friends face the countdown together.’

Once again Linda Heavner Gerard has accomplished a novel with a strong message for all ages so eloquently written that it becomes obvious that we are in the presence of a very fine author indeed. Grady Harp, July 19

Pain and happiness
An aging town and an aging group of friends: the past has a way of creeping in, and life has a way of revealing truth.

This is Becky's story, one of pain, realization, a new beginning and finding a new life to replace the old -- of overcoming loss and going in a new direction through the love of her friends and trust in God. It is also the tale of a small Southern town and its longtime residents.

The author brings Becky Connors to life through the revealing of both her current and past life, through the sadness and the liberation from betrayal; with a touch of humor.

The author understands people, and it is reflected in her writing. The characters are fully believable, authentic, and compelling. If you have lived in a small Southern town, you will recognize the town's folks, but then, they are both universal and unique. Becky displays a full range of human emotion as she fights internal pain. The narrative flows evenly and is insightful. Reviewed by the author of The Children's Story, About Good and Evil.


Terrific Summer Read
So happy I picked up Dear John! It was a perfect read on my last vacation.