Dreams of Home

Review Sam and Steven went off to war together, but only Steven has come home. Sam's sister, Meg, although devastated by her brother's death, is also one of Steven's friends, and has looked forward to his return. However, Steven arrives with bad news--he's still in the military, and he's being sent to Palestine. This extended service is a blessing in disguise. Steven's jealous, brutal, bullying step-brother, Fred, has harassed their father into giving him his half of the family farm early, and Fred has threatened to demand his rightful portion in cash, thereby bankrupting his parents, if Steven is allowed to stay there. Kirkwood's ability to involve her readers emotionally will have them rooting for the hero as he overcomes roadblock after roadblock. The vivid descriptions of life in rural Scotland after the end of World War II add to the reality of the story. --Booklist, 1st October 2009 About the Author