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Writer's Digest Review: What impressed me most about Possibilities was its detailed narration and its emphasis on movement and action in the plot. The opening is powerful because the reader gets a vivid picture of Nora. The action of the book reveals urgency for Nora to work through the psychological effects of her circumstances, and thus sustains the reader’s attention until there is resolution.
Springboro, Ohio October 14, 2003 -- Janet Sue Terry, author of Possibilities, a Contemporary romance novel, has been collecting rave reviews from readers. The story of Nora Steele, a Detroit orphan, gives the reader an unforgettable glimpse of what Christmas can be like for a person without family or other close ties. The story begins in the 60’s when she is 18, and starts a solitary life in a cold world, with no one to turn to for help. Nora is a strong character who sometimes seems frigid and unyielding, especially when handsome playboy Blake Baxter bursts into her life. However, readers smile, root for her, and weep, as she weaves her way through a life that shows her kindness and cruelty, riches and poverty, dreams and disappointments. The author brings these characters and stories so vividly to life that we feel as though we know them personally.
Reviewed by: Shirley Johnson
Nora is an orphan with extreme hurts and fears deeply embedded within her spirit. Abused, rejected, and angry, she grows up determined to make it on her own and to never allow herself to love. The author takes you deep inside the heart of Nora, her search for her parents, her battle with her deep-seated emotions of rejection. At times, your heart goes out to her, at other times you want to tell her to stop using her past as a crutch in her present. It is a sea-saw of emotions. I loved the way the author takes you to the end of the story and surprises you with quite a turn of events. A very good read that definitely, I feel, reveals what an orphan may truly experience in their life as they learn to unlock deep emotions, free themselves to live and to love.
Reviewed by: Molly Martin
In spite of the fact that Nora was raised in an orphanage, she lands satisfactory employment just before she has to move out on her own at age eighteen. Her hard work and devotion pays off when she secures the admiration of her employer. Puissant Detroit Michigan defense lawyer Houston Ripley volunteers to pay for Nora’s college education, before giving her an impressive promotion. Nora’s life is well-nigh flawless until Blake Baxter, on leave from the Navy, anticipating a tour in Vietnam, crosses paths with her at a co-worker’s party. Although he is in the habit of having his way with women, Baxter is chagrined to discover he can't get anywhere with Nora Steele. Whenever he turns on the charisma, she scorns him. The fact that Nora apparently despises him, and views him as a heavy-handed, bothersome idiot, only serves to strengthen his passion to win her over.
Reviewed by Martha M(Reader)
I was delighted to find this book by a new author who shows talent in bringing characters and places alive. Set in Detroit, Cincinnati, and London, Ky in the 1960’s, the author brings these places alive with accurate depictions. I quickly identified with Nora, a young orphan who had to face life after growing up feeling rejected and ugly. She fears intimacy, certain that life will deal her only more pain. But meeting up with Blake, a rich, good looking playboy throws a hitch in her plans to face life alone. As Nora gets involved with other people and their problems, she finds her life opening up. But just like real life, which has its rocky patches, Nora’s life is not all smooth. How she deals with her problems and unexpected complications makes for a heart-warming story.
This is a wonderful story that touched my heart and made me feel there ARE “Possibilities” out there for each of us. It is a book you find hard to put down with its wonderful story line, detail, and roller coaster of emotions.
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