Dear John [Paperback]

Norma L. Betz (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 28, 2008

When financial aid adminstrator Susanna Smith goes to Massachusetts to settle her aunt's estate, she never suspects that her well ordered life will take an unusual turn. Susanna and her faithful companion, Quincy, embark on journey into the past that not only reveals the life of an ancestor-a famous historic figure-whose circumstances parallel her own, but also results in an important discovery about her own life. With the pre-American Revolution as the backdrop, and a cast of old and new friends, the excursion develops into an adventure with historic drama and a dash of unexpected danger. "Dear John" has all the elements of an engaging tale: a heroine, a cast of characters, an appealing animal, struggle, danger, friendship, humor, and romance. From "tweens" to adults, the story will appeal to anyone who likes romance, who has a beloved companion pet, or who is interested in the events that formed our nation.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Professor Norma L. Betz earned her doctorate from Drew University in New Jersey. A financial aid director and professor of sociology and history for many years at New Jersey Colleges, she presently works and teaches at Ocean County College. She and her husband Allen make their home with Quincy, their beloved Weimaraner, in Manahawkin, on the New Jersey Shore.

Product Details

• Paperback: 232 pages
• Publisher: AuthorHouse (January 28, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 143431071X
• ISBN-13: 978-1434310712
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,327,986 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Charming book, February 22, 2008

By 

Elizabeth C. Patson "L.C." (New Jersey) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dear John (Paperback)

Dear John by Norma Betz is a charming tale of a women's search into her family's past. The characters are real, and some actual U.S. history gives the story dimension. Anyone who has a dog will fall in love with the character of Quincy. This is a good read for tweens, teens and adults, especially women or history buffs.

3.0 out of 5 stars Dear John, August 28, 2008

By 

booklover1983 - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dear John (Paperback)

This was a good debut novel. Some of the font was extremely hard to read particularly the letters between Abigail Adams and her husband John. I did like and get the feeling the author was going after for the letters. Several items mirrored the heroine Susanna with the author. The plot was predictable but still enjoyable. The author's hard work and history degree show in the historical details. I really enjoyed learning more about John (our second president) and Abigail Adams. It was especially interesting to learn about their faith in God that helped them through trying times like being separated during the war and the formation of the new government. The two main plots worked together good. The main plot is Susanna in the present day moving back to her Aunt Susanna's house to go through her things and make plans. Flashbacks through the letters is the second plot. There is a little mystery, suspense, and romance in this debut novel by Norma L. Betz. I hope she writes another book soon.

3.0 out of 5 stars Discoveries ...past and present, August 21, 2008

By 

Mary G. Longorio "Texasbookgirl" (Eagle Mountain, UT) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dear John (Paperback)

Suzanna Smith is saddened by the death of her Aunt Suzanna. An orphan since the age of 19, Suzanna had only one relative, her Aunt Suzanna and she has not seen her in several years. Suzanne is content with her life and having her beloved Weimaraner, Quincy, by her side. Now she and Quincy have to travel to Weymouth, Massachusetts to settle so Suzanne can settle her late aunt's estate. Meaning to only stay a few days, Suzanna is startled to learn she has inherited her aunt's home and heirlooms as well as a packet of letters authored by Abigail Smith Adams to her husband, John Adams, the future president of the United States. These letters have remained in the family as a legacy of their most famous ancestor. While monetarily valuable, their worth to the Smith family is much more. In the few days Suzanna is in Weymouth, she discovers its charms as well as befriending some of her aunt's friends. These friendships are tested when another person is determined to acquire the letters, and will go to any length to get them; these new friendships may actually save her life.

Norma Betz blends fiction and fact to produce an interesting novel. The story is very spare, and left me wanting more details and depth. The type face chosen to reproduce the Abigail Adams letters is very difficult to read and I found myself having to go back to reread the letters to get their meanings. Even though resolution of one storyline is too abrupt I enjoyed this book.