On My Nightstand - Where Willows Grow by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Frustration and longing trouble Anna Mae Phipps. When her husband leaves for a Works Progress Administration job, she fears he'll abandon the family like so many other men. An argument prior to his departure adds to her concerns.

Harley Phipps loves his wife and children. He'll do anything to save their farm and provide for them. When he hears about the government job, he jumps at the opportunity even though it means leaving home for a period of time.

Misunderstandings pile up as distance and hardship tighten their stranglehold. Will the couple be able to handle the strain on their marriage or will love die in the fires of adversity?

Kim Vogel Sawyer brings us a Depression-era story filled with courage and hope. My grandparents often shared about those difficult times. The comparison between those who give up and those who become stronger piques my interest. Why do some get consumed by their circumstances, while others press on and triumph? I think Kim gets to the core of their strength.

Well-written, tugging-at-your-heartstrings characters, and realistic setting make this book a must read for historical fiction lovers. If you've never read her novels, this is a good place to start.

As a sidelight, it's interesting to see historicals being written about the 20th century. As I said to a friend, "they're getting closer to my generation every day." One no longer has to dive into the 17th and 18th centuries to produce a historical. The early 20th century is fast becoming a popular timeframe.

What do you think about writing a historical set in the 20th century? Is it something you'd consider?