The Man Who Brought Me Roses

Rating:
Summary: Couldn't Put It Down!
Review: I was lucky to be chosen to preview a copy before publication, and from the first few lines, I was hooked. The in-depth look at this man, and of the author herself, was a memorable read. The man of the book was in the national news (Wolfgang Schug, the Lakeport, CA physician indicted for murder in the death of his 11-month old patient went on trial in 1998) and this is when the story opens. The author is first shocked to read the headline of the Los Angeles Times on January 7th, then pleased to think her ex-husband is in trouble. But she realizes judgment based on a news story and ten year-old memories isn't fair. She recounts her courtship with the young German doctor (met him on, of all things, a blind date), her marriage and move with him and her young daughter to Cheyenne, Wyoming from Southern California, where he begins a three-year residency. What happens to him--the way he slowly changes--and how that affects herself and her child makes for an "I just gotta see what happens next" experience for the reader. And the climactic chapter, "Keys" was a heartstopper. Just be sure you can read the rest of the book from the chapter before "Keys" to the end without interruption! But excitement aside, the author treated her account of that time, and of him, with dignity and sensitivity, and that is what made this story so memorable and touching. I saw myself in her many times. And I recognized men I have known and issues I have faced myself, as I absorbed every word. The author's writing style not only flows beautifully, it speaks from the heart and for the heart. I recommend this book for anyone (men, too) who want a glimpse into real life. Forget Hollywood--go for reality. It's in this book, and you won't be disappointed!

Rating:
Summary: Couldn't Put It Down!
Review: I was lucky to be chosen to preview a copy before publication, and from the first few lines, I was hooked. The in-depth look at this man, and of the author herself, was a memorable read. The man of the book was in the national news (Wolfgang Schug, the Lakeport, CA physician indicted for murder in the death of his 11-month old patient went on trial in 1998) and this is when the story opens. The author is first shocked to read the headline of the Los Angeles Times on January 7th, then pleased to think her ex-husband is in trouble. But she realizes judgment based on a news story and ten year-old memories isn't fair. She recounts her courtship with the young German doctor (met him on, of all things, a blind date), her marriage and move with him and her young daughter to Cheyenne, Wyoming from Southern California, where he begins a three-year residency. What happens to him--the way he slowly changes--and how that affects herself and her child makes for an "I just gotta see what happens next" experience for the reader. And the climactic chapter, "Keys" was a heartstopper. Just be sure you can read the rest of the book from the chapter before "Keys" to the end without interruption! But excitement aside, the author treated her account of that time, and of him, with dignity and sensitivity, and that is what made this story so memorable and touching. I saw myself in her many times. And I recognized men I have known and issues I have faced myself, as I absorbed every word. The author's writing style not only flows beautifully, it speaks from the heart and for the heart. I recommend this book for anyone (men, too) who want a glimpse into real life. Forget Hollywood--go for reality. It's in this book, and you won't be disappointed!