After the Parade [Mass Market Paperback]

Dorothy Garlock (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2000

DOROTHY GARLOCK...is a New York Times extended list bestselling author, "a gifted writer" (Chicago Sun-Times) who celebrates the indomitable American spirit and the triumphs of the caring heart. Now she vividly portrays the era after World War II, when men and women torn apart by years of combat had to rebuild marriages and lives...

Rawlings, Oklahoma, 1945. Johnny Henry is coming home from the Pacific, and his estranged wife, Kathleen, secretly watches him step off the train to a hero's welcome. Her heart races when she sees him; his breaks when he doesn't spot her. Misunderstanding and tragedy had destroyed their marriage right before he shipped out. Now Johnny's pride will keep him from confessing how wrong he had been; now Kathleen's hurt will stop her from running into his arms. But when a disturbed stalker plunges Kathleen into a real-life nightmare, her only hope is Johnny -- and a love that can bring two hearts through every battle, especially the one within.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Setting: Rawlings, Oklahoma, 1945

Sensuality: 7

Johnny Henry returns from World War II to a boisterous hero's welcome, but the only face he really wants to see is that of his estranged wife, Kathleen. Craving assurance that he is alive and well, Kathleen watches him from afar, never realizing that he searches the crowd for her. After the parade is over, Johnny struggles to rebuild his life and deal with his love for Kathleen--a love that he is convinced is now forbidden. For her part, Kathleen's heart is breaking as she's often thrown into Johnny's company in the small ranching community of Rawlings, Oklahoma. The tragedy that tore the couple apart before Johnny shipped out for the Pacific still haunts them both. And the depth of misunderstanding that lies between them seems insurmountable until Kathleen's life is threatened and Johnny is forced to confront his fears.

Garlock offers a keen insight into the mores and character of 1940s middle America in this post- World War II novel. Blue-collar workers and the rural atmosphere blend well with the hint of deranged obsession that threatens the heroine in this fourth and final of Garlock's books set in Oklahoma. --Lois Faye Dyer

Review

"AN EARTHY PORTRAYAL OF SMALL-TOWN LIFE....A REFRESHING READ." -- Minneapolis Star on With Hope

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Warner Books; First Edition edition (April 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446608114
• ISBN-13: 978-0446608114
• Product Dimensions: 4.2 x 1.1 x 6.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #586,626 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #22 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Romance > Authors, A-Z > ( G ) > Garlock, Dorothy

More About the Author

National bestselling and award-winning author of thirty-five romances that often feature the exciting backdrop of the Old West, Dorothy Garlock is one of America's-and the world's-favorite novelists. Her books, all enthusiastically reviewed, now total more than eight million copies in print with translations in 15 languages. She lives in Clear Lake, Iowa.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

51 of 52 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Terrific end to a Groundbreaking Series, March 30, 2000

By 

Beachreader "BeachReader" (Port Townsend, WA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: After the Parade (Mass Market Paperback)

Dorothy Garlock's series set in the 30s and 40s has been truly groundbreaking -- not many romance novels being set in these decades.

AFTER THE PARADE continues the story of Johnny Henry and Kathleen Dolan from WITH HEART. And tells the story of them and their marriage after Johnny returns from World War II. Their marriage is in jeopardy after the death of their infant daughter -- a death Johnny blames on himself and his heritage. There is also something more dangerous about as an admirer of Kathleen's crosses the line from admiration to obsession.

Dorothy Garlock deftly tells their story as only someone of her talent can. Here's hoping more authors follow her lead and write stories set in the 30s and 40s. AFTER THE PARADE is a must read.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Dorothy saved the best of the series for last., May 14, 2000

By 

Janet Kagan - See all my reviews

This review is from: After the Parade (Mass Market Paperback)

Garlock manages to pull out a historical period not usually covered by romance authors - and gives us a truly wonderful story. I enjoyed the book that preceded "After the Parade" but LOVED this final work the best. Her characters have substance - with both strengths and weaknesses, faults and goodness. Garlock is to be commended for her ability to cover the era so acurately. Kathleen and Johnny's story is one that will all can identify with - a tragic event, depression, denial and the difficult path to rebuilding. The characters that surround the couple and support them are as rich, and interesting as Kathleen and Johnny. Dorothy, what a wonderful tribute to your husband, by dedicating this one to his memory.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great ending to the war series, March 20, 2001

By 

J. Williams (Worcester, Ma United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: After the Parade (Mass Market Paperback)

Once again Dorothy Garlock gives us a great book. Johnny Henry and Kathleen must overcome their own misgivings and issues surrounding their backgrounds and the death of their baby. A strange character that is fixated on Kathleen only adds to drama.

The characters in this book are very real. There were several times that I wished I could snap some common sense into Johnny Henry and get these two together.

This was a great ending to the war series. For anyone who has read "With Hope", "With Song" and especially "With Love" this is a must read.