Rating: 
Summary: A Brave Mother
Review: This story tells of a desperate twenty-year-old mother, Opal Gates, who has made more than her share of mistakes in her life. She accidentally had a baby, Zack, at fifteen, and after that, her life changed forever. Her mother hated her more than ever, and she discovered that she did not love the baby's father, Billy, after all. On an impulse, she decided to pack up and head north with Zack without telling of their destination to anyone. At Normal, a little country town in New York, Opal found a new life, a new work, and a new start in her life. She enjoys herself, and made friends with her neighbor, Rose. However, all of a sudden, Billy wants his son back. For five years he had not paid attention to his son's warfare, and now, he does. He, supported by Opal's mother and father, challenge her to the law. Vivian Cummings, Opal's lawyer, helps defeat the opponents, but at the end, Opal has to move back to her old home in New Zion. But she goes back with support this time, instead of being alone: Rose.
I like this book because I have never had the wrath of my parents on me. They have always loved me for my twelve years with them, and never for a moment told me I shamed them. Occasionally, when they are angry at me, I think about running away, but never did accomplish it; I'm too practical, since I know I can't stand a night without shelter or food. So it is interesting to hear about someone else running away from the world she knows well to someplace she has never been to. Furthermore, I have never heard of a teenager having so many troubles yet: I know there are accidents that involve babies, but never before the combination of babies, anger, and running away. It seems too much to happen to a teenager.
My favorite part of this story was at the courthouse. I have often thought about being a lawyer, so I like to read about such things. Lawyers, like Vivian Cummings, are so clever in making up snappy comments and defending the offender to the end. And they can make the mistakes the offender did sound mild and unimportant. To be all that, a person has to be very well trained. And very few people are, so reading about it is great.
Rating: 
Summary: the emotions in this book will leap off the pages!
Review: This was a beautiful story from beginning to end. The characters depicted were vivid and believable. I finished this book is a few hours - I couldn't put it down! Every woman should read this story of motherhood and friendship. You'll cry at the end so get that hankie ready.
Rating:
Summary: A Tale of Two Mothers
Review: Two women, both mothers, who under most circumstances would have nothing to do with one another, become intimately connected. The first mother, Rose, lost her only child, Todd, to a tragic accident. She continues to grieve intensely. The second mother, Opal, most would normally dismiss. For Opal is a 20 year old woman with a five year old son. She parents unconventionally, but her love for her son, Zach, is imense. Conservative Rose, finds Opals beliefs in signs and the unknown disturbing. She is continually fearful of Opal's parenting, and fears a diaster waiting to happen. Opal, who has left the restrictive and controlling nature of her past, sets out on a path to make a life for herself and Zach. With the roll of a die and three tanks of gas she arrives in Normal, and neighbor to Rose. All to soon, the past is at Opal's door challenging everything that is important to her. As well, Rose continues on her downward spiral of grief and self-blame. Here is where the friendship forges and grows. Entering Noraml is the story of strong connections of mothers and women. It is the story of hope and redemption and facing one's greatest fears. I applaud Anne Leclaire for writing this beautiful novel.
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