Terrie Todd Libros

In the dead-end Canadian town of Bleak Landing, twelve-year-old Irish immigrant Bridget O'Sullivan lives in a ramshackle house and dreams of another life, even as the Great Depression rages. Routinely beaten by her father and bullied by schoolmate Victor Harrison, the waifish yet fiery redhead vows to run away and never return. Just a few short years later, run she does -- fleeing the unspeakable repercussions of her father's gambling. In Winnipeg, Bridget lands a job at a garment factory, the first step on her journey to shed her past and begin anew.

It's 1939, and Canada is on the cusp of entering World War II. Seventeen-year-old farm girl Cornelia is heartbroken when she learns that her beloved soldier, Henry, has been killed in a train wreck. Alone and carrying a heavy secret, she makes the desperate choice that will haunt her for years to come. Never telling a soul, Cornelia pours out the painful events of the war in her diary. Many decades later, Cornelia's granddaughter, Benita, is in the midst of her own crisis, experiencing several losses in the same week, including her job and the grandmother she adored. The resulting emotional and financial stress takes its toll on her and her husband, Ken, who is also unemployed. On the brink of divorce, she discovers Cornelia's diary. Now the secrets of her grandmother's past will lead Benita on an unexpected journey of healing, reunion, and renewed faith.

"Winnipeg, 1942. War widow Maggie Marshall finds it hard to grieve for her abusive husband. But when Charlotte, the unwed pregnant teen in her care runs away, Maggie's childhood friend Reverend Reuben Fennel is happy join Maggie in her pursuit to Fort William to find Charlotte though it may cost him his job and his reputation"--

A compelling narrative that captivated readers, this award-winning fiction delves into intricate character development and explores profound themes of love, loss, and redemption. Set against a richly detailed backdrop, the story weaves together personal struggles and societal issues, creating a tapestry of human experience. The author's unique voice and storytelling prowess shine through, making it a standout work in contemporary literature, resonating deeply with audiences and critics alike.

Exploring the concept of forgiveness, the narrative delves into its profound and often dangerous implications. It challenges the belief that forgiveness is inherently virtuous, revealing how it can lead to manipulation and betrayal. As characters navigate their relationships, the story unfolds the darker side of reconciling past grievances, highlighting the complexities of human emotions and the potential for forgiveness to become a weapon rather than a healing force.