When Two Loves Collide: The Inspiring Story of Dr. John and Dot Mooney

by William G. Borchert

Army Captain John Mooney, Jr., M.D., returns from World War II a heroic surgeon, highly decorated for his bravery and the wounds he received saving soldiers in fierce combat all across Europe. In addition to his battle scars, he returns with another war-induced malady. The drugs and alcohol he took to handle his own pain have unknowingly turned him into an alcoholic and drug addict. He marries a beautiful Georgia country girl, a young nurse who loves to drink and party. ...Sheer chaos follows. On the verge of losing his surgical skills, his lucrative medical practice and their three young sons, John Mooney is sent to Federal prison on drug felony charges for writing illegal prescriptions for narcotics. There behind bars he finds the miracle of recovery and redemption the solution for himself, his wife and the thousands of others like themselves they would go on to save.

Genres: Nonfiction

330 pages, Paperback

First published April 30, 2013

Reviews

[Crystal Tadlock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was well written and I ended up having many tearful moments as I read it. I was just shocked by all of the things the Mooney's did as they were drinking. The one part that stuck in my mind was of the time when they left the baby with the sister and brother in law and they later found the diaper pin actually stuck into the baby's skin. I could not believe this. I was shocked at how out there these people were and yet at how secretive Dot was throughout the entire thing. Even her recovery seemed to be in secret. I am so glad that they were able to finally get clean and actually live their lives together in the end. I looked up the Willingway website and see that it is still going strong which makes me very happy about. I was so sad while reading through John and Dot's death that I even looked up the obituaries online. How touching and how wonderful to find the truths out there from this story. Thank you for sharing this couple's lives with the world. Such a great story. Thank you.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Two Loves Collide

What a wonderfully written book by William G. Borchert about Dr. John and Dot Mooney.

Mr. Borchert chronicles the lives of Dr. John and Dot: their never-ending
love for each other and their children - through thick and thin;
the history of their alcohol and drug addictions; how the addictions almost destroyed
their lives, impacted the lives of their children, and harmed their careers;
their attempts at rehabilitation and eventual road to recovery;
the rewarding days of helping others with addictions; and, the establishment of
Willingway.

When Two Loves Collide would give excellent insight and understanding to families
and friends of those with addictions, as well as hope and guidance for those
suffering from alcohol and/or drug dependency.

I received a free copy of When Two Loves Collide through Goodreads First Reads.

[Laura Beasley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really got hooked on this book. When I first heard we were reading it and what the book was abut I was not very thrilled.. Drug users and alcoholics did not sound very interesting but the author did a wonderful job of writing this book. Feel like the book was very honest and open and I learned so much about alcohol and drug addiction. The love story between John and Dot Mooney was not your typical love story but a very real love between two people. They took their vows of for better or worse serious and so many times they went thru bad times. The clever ways that John used to get drugs was surprising and how denying they both were about their addiction. The support and affection for these two people by the community was amazing. They had some wonderful TRUE friends. Also learning how their parents addiction affected their lives was so open and honest. What they ended up doing with their life and building willing way has affected so many people and will continue to do so. They have left a wonderful legacy.

[Cathy Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads. I was not sure I would enjoy this book, but as I began to read and see the story working out like it did, I had a hard time putting this book down. I finished it so quickly, and wanted all to know that this was a great book! It should be a must read for those going through addiction. These people found the way out and helped so many others. What a great story to read. John and Dot are both inspirations, and show that not all get through the rough times the same way. I do recommend this book to all!

[Jenny Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An awesome page-turner! I couldn't put this book down and read it in less than 24 hours. I am amazed by this miraculous and gripping story of Dr. John Mooney and Dot Mooney. Author Bill Borchert is simply one of the best storytellers in contemporary literature. If you could get a 100 star rating on Goodreads, this book deserves it.

[Kinder Cannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great, true story of love and the struggle against addiction. A must-read for anyone who's life has been touched by the ravages of addiction and the pain and suffering it can cause.....

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book on Goodreads Giveaways. I found this book to be particularly inspiring at a very low period in my personal life. This book was very intense and a serious read.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly heartfelt. Phenomenal. Won via Goodreads Giveaway.