From Publishers Weekly
On a hot Texas day in 1930, Stella and Kate Behrman and their cousin Effie dream of traveling far from the family farmland. It seems unlikely that the three friends will be allowed to escape their limiting milieu, yet one by one the girls attend the University of Texas. Dour Frederick Behrman is certain it's a waste to send his athletic, competitive daughter Kate to college, sure she'll never land a husband there, as beautiful Effie does. Worse, his prettier daughter Stella seems content to allow academics to sweep her off her feet. But when an unrequited love affair breaks her heart, Stella marries an ambitious man who gives her no opportunity to pursue her own desires. Effie, who becomes a shrewd businesswoman while World War II rages, is glad to go back to homemaking when her doting husband returns from the conflict. Although marriage dampens Kate's spirit, motherhood fills her with contentment. While Effie and Kate adapt to the needs of their husbands and families, Stella remains painfully trapped between love and duty in ways she never expected. This is a warm and winning novel that steers clear of a strident message and taps into genuine feelings. The strong bond between the women is as realistic as the compromises each must reach to achieve a balance in life. 50,000 first printing; $50,000 ad/promo; BOMC selection.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From Library Journal
This has best seller written all over it, and it is one of those rare novels that deserves to be popular. Stella, Kate, and Effietwo sisters and a cousingrow up in a small Texas town in the 1930s. Stella is intellectual, Kate is passionate about athletics, and Effie is good-natured and charming. How growing up, marriage, and motherhood change and refine their essential natures is the substance of this deliciously long story. At some point in each of their lives, the women must choose between careers and marriage and motherhood. The rewards and losses that result from their choices are sensitively depicted, and the reader comes to care about the husbands and children as well as the women. Expect lots of requests.Janet Boyarin Blundell, Brookdale Community Coll., Lincroft, N.J.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
