Post-War Dreams by Brenda Whiteside

     Claire Flanagan's life hasn't been easy. She lost her Mom at a young age and it's been Claire and her Da since.  She has a few really wonderful friends in her  life. Her best friend comes from a large family and they make Claire feel right at home.  She can't wait to turn eighteen. Then she'll be free to do what she wants.
      Benjamin Russell is a hardworking, kind and sweet young man.  He'll soon be twenty-one and knows what life is about.  He's been helping to support the family since he was fifteen and he has big plans for his future. He also has one or two secrets.  Will time and the fates allow these young people's dreams to come true?

     What a wonderful, romantic book.  This one will tug at your heart strings.  I think the writing is amazing and the characters perfectly carved out for this book.  I enjoyed the all around way Ms. Whiteside included everyone.  Claire's relationship with her father and her friends is just as important as her dreams.  Post-War Dreams allows us to see the good and the bad of life.  Ms. Whiteside is a wonderful storyteller.  

     I did find issues.  The book is way longer than it needs to be to tell the same story.  Parts could be condensed or left out and wouldn't ruin the story.  The pacing is slow.  When you reach the last  four or five chapters, it really drags and you just want to call it quits. DON'T quit though. It has beautiful parts sandwiched in.

     I gave this one 4 cheers out of 5 for the issues listed above.