To Dream Again by Laura Lee Guhrke

This is was an interesting book that I'm not quite sure about.  Ms. Guhrke's writing is excellent and the plot is definitely inventive.  I found the detail of starting a new business and keeping that business running fascinating.  In fact, the business almost overshadowed the entire romance, but this is not necessarily a bad thing.  Nathanial was stereotypical beta hero who just wants to build toys.  Mara is a tough cookie who has pulled herself through life with sheer determination.  As you can imagine, Nathanial was easier to like, but it was Mara who truly shined as she fought her distrust and fears to embrace Nathanial's vision.  In a movie, it would be the actress who played Mara who would be nominated for an Oscar because it would take a truly stellar performance to pull her off as likable and sympathetic.

I think the inclusion of the secondary characters really help this plot from becoming too intense.  Billy and the kitten give Mara emotion, while the incredibly unlikeable brother gives Nathanial a chance to show some alphaness.  I really didn't like the way he caved at the end only to be saved by Mara, but I guess it moved the plot along.  Personally, it would have been more interesting to see him beat his brother up and then rat him out to his fiancee.

So I am giving this a three star rating, but I think it is probably better than that.  I will save it and read it again next year to see how I feel.  BTW, the period this story takes place in (1899) is as much a character in this story.  It kind of reminds me of North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell.  I hope a screenwriter finds this story because I really think it would translate well onto the big screen.