Scattered Pages

by Justine O'Keefe

Amid the turmoil of the Great War, this historical novel explores a young woman's struggle to discover the truth surrounding her childhood abandonment. Even after twelve years, Gemma Enman can still remember her amazement and pride at being singled out from among her siblings by her father to travel with him by train from Prince Edward Island all the way to Brookfield, New Hampshire. But seven year old Gemma had no way of knowing how long and tedious a trip it would be or that her father planned to return to their island home without her. Though she has enjoyed a loving home with her grandparents, she remains deeply wounded by her childhood abandonment and haunted by the fear that a shameful secret surrounded the circumstances of her birth. Now a young woman, Gemma has met and fallen in love with Lionel Maines, a man of honor, integrity, and prospects. As Gemma and Lionel plan for their future together, Gemma continues to be haunted by her past. She knows that before she can fulfill her pledge to Lionel, she must keep a promise she made to herself.

302 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2013

Reviews

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the based-on-true-life story of Gemma, which took place in the years up to and including the World War I. Author Justine O'Keefe has created a first novel that is well-written and researched. The reader is quickly absorbed into the lives of Gemma and Lionel, young New Englanders whose lives are deeply affected by triumphs and losses during a time of upheaval for Europe and the United States.

I highly recommend it to readers who enjoy authentic, well-written historical fiction.

[Susan O'regan]

Sweet story from a sweet time.