Customer Reviews

Tenderness

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
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This book is different then most other Garlock books, it takes place at the turn of the 20th century. Jesse and Wade must over come many obsticles to find happiness including narrow-minded townspeople, criminal accusations, and Wade's pride. Wade's love and protection of Jesse is very touching. This is a fantastic book!

Set in 1902, this wonderful historical romance story about Wade and Jesse is both endearing and highly entertaining. Wade, falls in love with Jesse at first sight, and finally gets the chance to be near the Nurse and Doctors daughter, when he is needed to escort her through the hills to visit children sick from the scarlet fever. This is Jesse's first experience with the notorious bad guy, and she is surprised to find he is a kind and honest man, with a lot of pride. When a madman goes through town sneaking in the homes of young women of the town, all fingers point at Wade as the criminal. Along the way, as in real life, other events take place to harm their chances of staying together, and the happiness of themselves and those they care about. This book has a little of everything, and I just loved it! Now I'm out of Dorothy Garlock books, so I will anxiously await the release of her new book, "High on the Hill" this summer.

Maybe it was me, but I don't think this is one of DG's better books. Jesse and Wade had the potential to be great characters, but I didn't get to know them. The plot was predictable and thrown together at the end just to tie up loose ends. I can't stand it when characters are made to do something that is illogical just to get romantic tension. If Wade loved her as much as he did, he would never leave her while she was injured. That's just dumb.

TENDERNESS is a wonderful story. Dorothy Garlock manages to write a very good book and she does not rely on sex to keep reading interest. This is a story with a "Walton Mountain" feel and displays a vivid homespun quality.

In the town of Harpersville, Tennessee, Jesse Forbes wore her nurse's uniform proudly. She was pleased and honored to serve in her father's surgery. She was proud to be a nurse and her desire to care for the sick was worth the two years she had spent away from home.

Wade Simmer lived in the hills surrounding Harpersville. The people in the town commonly called him a hillbilly or hill trash. They had hanged his father for murder and some people figured Wade Simmer had naturally inherited bad blood. He had a reputation for being wild and difficult.

So, exactly why did Wade Simmer stop Jesse Forbes' buggy on that cool spring day? Curiosity? No! It was fascination. The town doctor's daughter fascinated and intrigued him.

Yes, TENDERNESS is a good story. Strength enhances Dorothy Garlock storytelling ability. Strength gained with her use of strong characters and a variety of effective storylines: a town pervert, a wicked housekeeper, and a snooty "first-family." No, Garlock does not tax her reader by using a one-dimensional outline; instead she runs a collection of lively storylines and, thus, maintains her reader's total interest.

This book is completely recommended for readers who cherish good writing, honest storytelling, and gentle romance.

MaryGrace Meloche.

This is a wonderful book, true to Dorothy Garlock's form. She writes in such a way that makes you feel like you personally know her characters. Judith McNaught is the same way. If you loved "Tenderness" and haven't read Dorothy Garlock's books she wrote set during the depression, "With Hope" "With Heart" "With Song" and "After the Parade" (I believe that is the correct order) do give them a try, I guarantee you won't be disappointed. "Ribbon in the Sky" and "More than Memory" are equally as notable. Dorothy Garlock is one of the best authors out there today.