Source: Gregory Saunders
Date: Dec. 2009

America, 1881. The Whittaker’s have weathered many storms. Martha, the grand ol’ dame of the family at age 40, stood fast against an abusive husband in an arranged marriage where terror was her daily repast. Her stepsons from this evil man suffered perhaps more than she and each of them carry secrets and wounds no one can see. But that is all in the past. Jebediah Whittaker is long dead and far removed from their lives if not their minds. The Whittakers have prospered with Martha and Jeremy (Jebediah’s brother) having married and settled down with kids of their own. The stepsons are prospering as well, adults with lives established in places like England and Louisiana and now all are gathering in St Louis, Missouri for a Whittaker Family reunion.

This is the backdrop for Shirley Roe’s second instalment of the Whittaker story. A seemingly idyllic and tight knit family unit, despite some of its members being so far away. With Martha’s fortieth birthday approaching all her family and closest friends will come together for a time of joy and peace. Yet Jebediah may not be done with them. Even from the grave a man can curse you. Someone is lurking just outside their family group. Stalking them, searching for their weaknesses and exploiting those he can. For young Sissy he is a secret friend, an Indian with intriguing stories. For Martha’s headstrong daughter Anna, he is dark and sinister and very exciting, far more than her intended, Hans. Who is he, what does he have to do with the Whittakers and what will he do to shatter their reunion?

Family secrets are always the most interesting; and devastating. Will Jebediah’s insanity and evil be a seed that takes root again? Roe has introduced a character rich story that promises to span many novels and generations and gives the reader a flavour of a budding America. The cliff hanger leaves you in anticipation of more and begs more questions than it answers. I look forward to reading the next instalment and many more of the family Whittaker.

The Whittaker Family Reunion is recommended by Gregory J. Saunders

The Whittaker Family Reunion returns readers to the Whittaker family introduced in Of Dreams and Nightmares. The family is scattered and eager to reunite. The reader connects with each family member as they prepare to reunite. Abraham is a doctor living in lower Mississippi. On his way back to St. Louis, he finds a dying man and a youth in need of his assistance. Fifteen-year-old Anna is driving everyone to distraction. Isaac eagerly awaits the return of Abe and Zeke. Ezekiel arrives first. Their family reunion is filled with romance. A stranger brings terror.
The Whittaker Family Reunion is addictive. I was so obsessed with the story that I could not lay the book down until I read every page. I never wanted to spank anyone as bad as I did Anna the spoiled brat. My favorite character, of course, was Vivienne. I loved her strength, yet innocence. Shirley A. Row knows how to sell books. She leaves readers with a cliffhanger. I have to know what happens next. Ms. Roe, do not keep me in suspense. Please hurry with the next installment..