Book Review: "The Widow's Choice" by Gilbert Morris

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The Winslows during Pearl Harbor

Alana is a widow with three boys living during the Great Depression. Her husband died during an accident in the mine that he worked in. She has to find a way to support to her family by working in a factory. Along the way she meets Oscar Moran, a rich older man who she decides to marry after he shows that he can support her and her family. However the marriage is one of convienience and not love, and Alana finds herself drawn to Oscar's younger brother Jason. The feelings are mutual between the two but they don't act on it due to Oscar's jealousy. Then Jason joins the military right before Pearl Harbor and everything in the lives of the three changes.

I have read almost all of Gilbert Morris's books and every single book in the House of Winslow series. I love this series because goes through almost every single important American event through the eyes of a family. From the way the cover is portrayed, I thought the book would be more focused on Pearl Harbor but that doesn't take place until the last few chapters and even then it's only briefly mentioned. I have also noticed with this book, as with the last few HOW books, that there is no attempt to bring about other members of the Winslow family to the story. I guess when you have a family tree that goes almost four pages, it's hard to keep track of everyone. I didn't like though how Oscar changes from when he was courting Alana to after they got married. All of a sudden he goes from being a nice old man, to a cold, insensitive, jealous husband. What I do love about Morris's books is the rich historical detail he gives into his stories. I really like hearing about the culture and events that took place in the late 30s and early 40s. You learn about news events, movies that were playing, what clothes people wore. Also you can always count on a mouthwatering description of the food from that time period. I have enjoyed reading this series throughout the years, I've learned a lot about history from it. Unfortunately the next book will be the last one in the series. I was hoping for the Winslow family to come into the 21st century but I guess I'll just have to use my imagination for that.

The Widow's Choice by Gilbert Morris is published by Bethany House (2006)