The Alley of Wishes [Paperback]

Laurel Johnson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 27, 2003

Despite the ravages of WWI on Paris and on the young American farm boy, Beck Sanow, and despite the abusive relationship that the chanteuse Cerise endures, the two share a bond that is unbreakable by time, war, loss of memory, loss of life and loss of youth.

Editorial Reviews

Review

...a modern masterpiece. Her poetic words flow seamlessly, creating a story of incredible depth. Highest recommendation. -- MyShelf.com - reviewer Nancy Mehl

A love affair that will draw you into its very essence... A story you will not soon forget. -- Midwest Book Review - reviewer Shirley Johnson --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Author

This book was born of stories my mother used to tell her children. One parable was of a tender, loving man, a man who was nothing like my father. Her stories of Beck Sanow softened up the edges of our nightmare life, and set me on a path where cruel, abusive men could never follow. If he truly ever did exist, this might have been Beck Sanow's story. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 296 pages
• Publisher: Dandelion Books, LLC (August 27, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1893302466
• ISBN-13: 978-1893302464
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (39 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,464,907 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I grew up in a small northeastern Kansas town back in the era of Liberty gardens and war rationing. Those early years of World War 2, growing up in a family that worked hard and lived frugally, formed the pattern of my life.

I'm embarrassed to admit that as a writer, I'm mostly unknown. At this point in my literary career, I try my hand at different genres and styles for the experience.

I began writing after retiring as a Registered Nurse. My first book was published in 2001, the fifth in 2007. My Muse has been on hiatus and I'm not sure if she will return, or if she's moved on to greener pastures.

My husband and I live on a small acreage on the outskirts of town. We enjoy sitting outdoors in mild weather, watching wind in the trees, the birds flitter between the trees and bird baths, and our rabbit family frolic in the grass. Retirement is a blessing.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

44 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A love affair like no other,, August 27, 2003

By 

Dara Rourke - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Alley of Wishes (Paperback)

The Alley of Wishes by Laurel Johnson has got to be my favorite book so far this year! It is a romance affair like no other! I have read this book over and over and I plan to keep reading it over and over until I get my fill of it! This is the first romance novel that has ever made me feel this way! Buy it and judge for yourself, I think you'll agree!

35 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW SAYS "OUTSTANDING!", August 1, 2003

By 

Shirley Priscilla Johnson "Author/Reviewer -... (USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: The Alley of Wishes (Paperback)

How much sorrow can the human Spirit endure? What is the limit of anguish that will finally destroy the life flow within us? Cerise and Beck , the main characters of Laurel Johnson' novel, The Alley Of Wishes, could answer these questions for you. Meeting in the glamorous city of Paris, France, Cerise and Beck were two wounded souls that fate, or perhaps a God who loves us, brought together. Beck, a farm boy from Kansas, had come to France to fight for the idea of liberty, not knowing the stark truths of war and death would sear his soul with scars so deep that surely he could never be free. Cerise, caught in the throes of an affair with a sadistic man, struggles to maintain life with a crushed and broken spirit, never allowing herself the thought that any man, other then the cruel heartless Paul, would want her.

The Alley Of Wishes is a story of tragedy and defeat, heartache and deep sorrow, but one that shows how love, reaching deep inside our being, can result in a meaningful life of happiness. Cerise and Beck share their past sorrows and struggle to overcome unsurpassing obstacles that life bestows on them as their spirits become one.The loss of a child, the loss of one's mind, are only two of the many battles that they must overcome.

I have read and reviewed many a novel, but never have the characters stayed within my heart as Cerise and Beck have. A love affair that will draw you into its very essence awaits you in this outstanding read. War, lust, murder, love, hate and forgiveness all play a part in The Alley Of Wishes. This is a story you will not soon forget.

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!, December 27, 2002

By 

K. Bosworth (Connecticut) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Alley of Wishes (Paperback)

THE ALLEY OF WISHES is one of the finest pieces of literature I have had the pleasure of reading in a long time. The creativity of the author's beautiful words captured my attention from the first page. The characters are well defined and endearing.

This is a heartwarming tale of Beck; a disillusioned, broken man. Three years of fighting on the front lines during WWI have left this American with little hope. Cerise is a victim of abuse, which has left her spirits wounded. They find each other in war torn Paris. Can their love heal old scars? Will the adversity that has plagued each of them make them stronger?

The writing style of Ms Johnson made this story both believable and touching. The reader is transported to another era with ease. I felt the deep emotions of the characters. The angst and triumphs were written with an almost poetic beauty. The bombs exploding in Paris were real and frightening. This is a must read for people that want a glimpse into the horrors of war while experiencing the wonder and power of love.

This is an outstanding book and I give it my highest recommendation. I am sure that I will read this one again. It has all of the qualities of a classic novel that should be handed down from generation to generation and read over and over again.