Official Review: My Darling Dorothy by Jo Virden

Post by **Annelore Trujillo** » 21 Jul 2016, 09:33

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "My Darling Dorothy" by Jo Virden.]

4 out of 4 stars

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My Darling Dorothy by Jo Virden begins in modern times as Dorothy’s kids are going through her belongings. Dorothy is a hoarder, and the kids know it. There’s junk covering every inch of the attic, so they never thought they would come across a box of love letters from World War II let alone letters from two different men. Intrigued, Dorothy’s daughter Jo begins to read, and the reader is taken back to Dorothy’s past and the horrors of World War II.

This historical fiction novel is packed with romance. My emotions were put on board a roller coaster as I followed Dorothy’s love life. She experiences innocent love, heartbreak, mixed emotions, and longing as she tries to decide what’s best for her life while both of the men in her life are off fighting in the war. There’s Jack or “Smitty”, her first love that left her when the going got tough. Then there’s Tommie, the man that stepped in and loved her after Smitty broke her heart. All she can do now is write letters and wait.

I enjoyed the format of the book. Each section is dated with a month and year, which is really helpful in understanding the timeline. I also liked that the story follows each of the three main characters on their individual journeys, not just Dorothy. It gives the reader a better understanding of the entire story. As each character reads one of the letters, it is written in the text so the reader can also see it. The letters were my favorite part. The reader also gets a peak into the dreams of each of the characters as they sleep. These two diversions from every day text really made the writing unique.

I actually read this book because of the time period that it was set in. The World War II era has always been very interesting to me. Most of the books I have read, however, were set in Europe. In school we were always taught about what was happening across the ocean, not what was happening on our own soil. This is one of the few books that I have read that is set mostly in the United States. I got a very different view of what the war was like for Americans and American soldiers. It was a heart-wrenching story, and I’m glad I read it.

I also have to commend the author for the care that was put into this book. The writing is seamless, the storyline is clean, and the writing is almost flawless. I think I counted maybe two errors in the entire book. It is always relaxing to read a novel that is without numerous grammar errors. Almost error-free, this book was stress-free for me.

My only complaint about the book was that there was one loose end. I can’t say too much without giving the ending away, but I can say that I was left with questions. I kind of understand why the author might have chosen not to elaborate, but it still would have been nice to know exactly what happened.

Since my one complaint really isn’t much of a complaint, I give the My Darling Dorothy 4 out of 4 stars. The author’s work was outstanding. The loose end that I mentioned isn’t that big of a deal; it just left me curious. As good as this book was, it definitely doesn’t take away from the overall effect. I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone who enjoys historical fiction and clean romance.

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My Darling Dorothy
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linekela · Post by **linekela** » 23 Jul 2016, 12:11

Make me eager to read the book

MrsCatInTheHat · Post by **MrsCatInTheHat** » 24 Jul 2016, 19:55

Like you, most of the historical fiction I've read from the time period took place in Europe. It's nice to see one set here in the United States.

barb429 · Post by **barb429** » 25 Jul 2016, 09:53

Great review. Although WWII is not the era that I am most interested in (I keep saying that, but I also keep finding books I want to read that are set in that time), I do love when a story is told from the perspective of journals.

Post by **Annelore Trujillo** » 25 Jul 2016, 10:11

Thank you for the great comments! It was definitely nice to see the book set in the United States. It was really a great book to read.

Stephanie-Ann · Post by **Stephanie-Ann** » 26 Jul 2016, 21:19

Thank you for this in-depth and highly descriptive review! Your take on this definitely encourages me to look for this book. I am equally disturbed by spelling and punctuation errors and almost cannot even begin to take seriously any author or publisher that allows a book to go out that way - especially if I notice the mistakes early on and with multiple infractions! It was refreshing to know I am not the only one who is relieved to simply sit back and enjoy a good read! Thank you for your insights.

Post by **Annelore Trujillo** » 06 Aug 2016, 17:05

Stephanie-Ann wrote:Thank you for this in-depth and highly descriptive review! Your take on this definitely encourages me to look for this book. I am equally disturbed by spelling and punctuation errors and almost cannot even begin to take seriously any author or publisher that allows a book to go out that way - especially if I notice the mistakes early on and with multiple infractions! It was refreshing to know I am not the only one who is relieved to simply sit back and enjoy a good read! Thank you for your insights.

Thank you! I am glad that the review encouraged you to read the book.

ashnance · Post by **ashnance** » 09 Aug 2016, 08:09

Great review! I love the idea of breaking up simple narration with both letters and dreams. Both seem like they would add extra depth to the book overall. I'll have to add this one to my list!

Amh73090 · Post by **Amh73090** » 15 Aug 2016, 08:46

You had me hooked from your first paragraph. I love stories like this. Thank you for sharing and great job on your review.

Pinkrose353 · Post by **Pinkrose353** » 16 Aug 2016, 17:42

Great review, makes me eager to read the book. I, too, am bothered if there are a lot of spelling and grammar errors; it's like a huge rock in the path that one keeps stumbling over instead of being able to enjoy the journey of a good story.