The Katydid Effect

Throckmorton Family #2

by Edward R. Hackemer

This is an ACE for ISBN13:9781482669831 The Katydid Effect

The Katydid Effect should appeal to pragmatist and romantic alike. The story follows the lives of Maryanne and Alexander Throckmorton over a period of thirteen years. In 1954, they met by chance at a roadside diner in Appleton, Wisconsin. They fell in love, married, and traveled to their new home in Pensacola, Florida. Time rolls along, and by 1967 many significant milestones have been passed. As they endeavor to establish their new lives together, they are confronted by secrets from the past and problems of the present. How they deal with these surprises and withstand the obstacles before them is the basis for this story. It is an adventure of intimate discovery that takes Alex and Annie through personal and emotional enigmas. New situations force them to navigate around the dark realities of the past and recognize the consequences of the complicated, hidden relationships of the present. Their love and trust of one another is tested, as deep secrets are revealed and force new sentiments on their lives and their loved ones. The Katydid Effect puts their trials and tribulations into perspective.

Although this book is #2 in the Throckmorton Family Novels, it can be enjoyed as a stand-alone story.

Genres: Fiction, Romantic

310 pages, Paperback

First published February 26, 2013

About the author

¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤
Edward R Hackemer lived in Western New York for 55 years before retiring from government service and moving to North Georgia; roughly halfway between Atlanta & North Carolina.
His college education was abbreviated by induction into the US Army in 1968. Ed's civilian employment history runs from paperboy, dishwasher, paper mill laborer, laboratory technician, warehouseman, and over-the-road truck driver. His life experience includes military, federal and county public service in addition to nearly countless trans-Atlantic trips. Ed earned an honorable discharge from the US Army, spent time overseas, and remains happily married. He met his wife in Europe, and upon relocation to the United States she became a proud, naturalized American citizen.
(What a nice word naturalized is! Although it sounds organic and environmentally friendly, his wife isn't green. She's a blonde.)
Ed is currently enjoying retirement with his natural wife, son, daughter in-law, and two grand daughters.
Occasionally, he may be found in the company of his Lenovo Chromebook out on the patio or at his desk plunking out sentences on an HP Pavilion.

Facebook1:
https://www.facebook.com/EdwardHackemer
Facebook2:
https://www.facebook.com/edward.r.hac...
Blogspot:
https://inacreampackard.blogspot.com

~ the Past can be Tense.
but the Future is Perfect. ~

Life is grand. Remember. That's important.
Wishing you all good reads ....

Reviews

[Sharon Huether · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story continues from the first book "A Cream Packard" Alex mets his father, who he thought was dead from the war. He also finds out he has twin daughters, that will live with he and Anne. His father knows a lot more than Alex Jr. thinks. The conclusion will be in the next book " A Bridge to Cross" I loved the story with all it's twists and turns. I recieved this FREE book from the author for my honest review.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Katydid Effect takes up the story of Alexander and Maryanne Throckmorton where "In A Cream Packard" left off-- from newlyweds embarking on their life together on their horse ranch in Florida to 13 years later, and encounter some challenges along the way. Family secrets and some pain need to be tackled and dealt with in order to move on-- and some of the secrets end up being life changing-- but Alexander and Maryanne's love for each other is strong and they manage to weather the storms together. The author sent a companion cd with music from the decades the book was set in and made a very nice soundtrack for the book. I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review-- thank you!

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have thoroughly enjoyed this series. Longer review to follow.

[Sophie Dufort · Rating 4 out of 5]

A e-copy of the novel was provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.

This is the third of Edward’s books that I am reading, and I must admit that I am getting addicted to his writing. It is so enticing and fluent, I just can’t seem to be able to walk away from the computer once I get started. As I said before, Edward has a way with words. His writing is not seamless, nor very strong, yet it has an appeal that just keeps me glued to the pages. It is melodious, elegant, maintaining a beautiful balance between sophistication and simplicity.

The ‘Katydid Effect’ follows the lives of Maryanne and Alexander Throckmorton. After meeting by chance at a roadside diner in Appleton, Wisconsin, in 1954, they fell in love and got married. They traveled to their new home in Pensacola, Florida. This is a story that spans over 13 years, during which the two are confronted by secrets from the past and problems of the present, and their love and trust of one another is tested.

I have certainly said it before, and I will say it once again - Edward’s attention to detail may please some and may annoy others. His descriptions are very intricate, which at times is helpful, but more often than not unnecessary, distracting the reader from the main story. I did enjoy, however, the cornucopia of words used therein, and I can only commend the amount of research performed by the author. Beware, however, of the repetition. Too many words were repeated over and over again, to the point that they became noticeable. Using a good editor and/or a proof reader is always a good idea, as it brings a fresh perspective on the final draft.

Once again, I find that the authenticity of the era was wonderfully preserved. Congratulations on that, Edward!

Just like Edward’s previous novels, the ‘Katydid Effect’ is not a heart-pumping story; it is a relaxing read that fits beautifully the time period it describes, it is well written and definitely deserves your attention. Highly recommended!

I also wish to thank the author for sending me the wonderful soundtracks that provided me with hours and hours of bliss. Great choice of music for the novels!

http://sophiedufort.blogspot.com/

[Mkittysamom · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 2 of "The Throckmorten Family Novels". It opens up at the end of Alex and Annie's honeymoon road trip toward her new home on Alex's horse farm in Chumuckla, Florida. They drove down "In A Cream Colored Packard" from Appleton, Wisconsin (Annie's hometown).

I think Annie is a wonderful wife for accepting one giant surprise after another, as well as participating in finding the truth of the Throckmorten's family secrets!!
In the 2nd book, Alex and Annie meet Nicolas (his father) and family in 1955, about 9 years after no contact/no knowledge of his existence! (In Appleton with Alex's Mom's will, he was given a key to a bank box in Michigan from his deceased father, that his mother never opened which had clues about Nicholas,so in the first book they went chasing clues.)

Yet ....The mysteries haven't been wrapped up yet... More strange circumstances plus Annie's pregnancy, throw the Throckmorten Family into a new road trip!

I never understood the Katydid title till my second reading.. In 1960 Alex gets a strange letter from a lawyer, Mr. Reginald G Meriwether, at 25 Main St East, Rochester 3 New York. The letter informs him about Katy Dobbs's will and estate. On Alex's first trip he brought home a wife and his business partner jokes: "What will you be bringing home from this trip (to NY)?!" We will see, in the next chapter of the Throckmorten Saga.."The Katydid Effect".

Both of these books are very sweet and heart warming! Full of Love, Music, Laughter and truly accepting whatever life seems to throw at the couple!! I felt over the moon about how everything turned out! It was a breath of fresh air and a happily ever after!!

The author kindly gave me copies of this book because I had a special interest and connection to road trips from Wisconsin to Florida and reminded me of my own family! All opinions are my own, but I adore this series!! IN each book Edward's writing talent blows me away! I started a re-read since his releases of books 4-5 :) so.. It does get more.. Daring in later books. The first two were just so full of innocent love and acceptance!! No real tradgedys and all problems wrapped up neatly!

[Debra Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Katydid Effect by Edward Hackemer is an absolute joy to read! He made my memory tingle with his very descriptive sights and sounds of the late 1950's to early 1960's. This is the second book in the Throckmorton Family series. It continues the storyline begun in: In A Cream Packard. In 1955 Alex and Annie are raising horses on their farm near Pensacola, Florida. Alex, reunited with the "Old Man" he thought was dead since 1946; and Annie, are getting to know his Dad. Five years later in January of 1960, their lives are once again disrupted by a registered letter sent to Alex from Rochester, New York. The letter was written by a Katherine "Katy" Dobbs an earlier Navy girlfriend of Alex's. They had both been stationed in Sasebo, Japan in 1953. What did Katy do? What effect will she have on their lives and marriage? Hackemer is a gifted writer. He made me laugh and cry while reading this novel. And that is saying a lot about his capabilities as a novelist!!

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed this whole series, reading 3-5, then 1 and 2. I don't buy many books but had to this time; I was hooked! This book followed Alex and Annie in the years after their whirlwind wedding. As with his other books, Mr Hackemer shows great historical knowledge and enables the reader to experience the decade along with the characters. There is a real genuineness to his books and I look forward to more from this author.

[Jasmine · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book wasn't that good. The charters are not the best and some words are repeated to often. Although, I really enjoyed how Edward Hackemer writes a setting. you can see it in your head. I got a chance to read this book through Good Reads First Reads.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. The only problem was the book ended too soon. I hope the author writes another update novel on the Throckmorton clan. The characters are real, warm and interesting. I want to know what happens next with them.

[Sharon Heaverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Katydid Effect is the sequel to In A Cream Packard. I have read and loved both of these books. The story takes place in the 1950s and the author's descriptions of the products used at that time are so correct of the times. I grew up in this time period and if I didn't remember seeing these things, I remembered my parents talking about them.

I never would have picked up this book of my own choice but the Edward R Hackemer gifted me the third and fourth books in this series. My OCD convinced me to go back and get the first 2 in the series. I have truly loved the journey of Alex and Annie and they are settling down in their married life and talking of starting a family.

I would highly recommend this and the other books in the series to all, especially baby boomers who will identify with so much of the story. I know I can't wait to get started on #3 A Bridge to Cross.

[Debra Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Katydid Effect by Edward Hackemer is an absolutely delightful read. This is the second book in the "Throckmorton Family Novels". It continues the story begun with: In A Cream Colored Packard. It's 1955 and Alex and Annie are living on their horse farm near Pensacola, Florida raising horses. Alex has just been reunited with his father, Nick, whom he thought had died in 1946 in WW II. There is definitely a mystery to this storyline!! Then five years later, in January of 1960, their lives are interrupted by a registered letter sent to Alex from Rochester, New York. The letter is from Katherine " Katy" Dobbs, an earlier girlfriend of Alex. They were both stationed in Sasebo, Japan in 1953 with the US Navy. What did Katy do? What effect will she have on their lives and their marriage? You will find out in this novel. Edward Hackemer is a gifted writer. He made me laugh and cry while I was reading about Alex and Annie's generous love for each other and life! Edward is a writer who just has a wonderful capability with language and dialogue. He can make my memory tingle with the sights, sounds, and tastes of the early 1960's!! That's how good this book is.

[Edward Hackemer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goodreads asks the author to submit a review of their work, so here it is:
"Of course, it's a biased review. I wrote it then read it. Lots of times."
This is book #2 of the Throckmorton Family Novels. Alex and Annie's lives are turned on edge as surprises and secrets of the past are revealed.

[Sheila Cohen · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story was good but there's a ton of irrelevant detail in the book that distracts from the story. The car (Packard) is treated almost like a character. The writing can be stiff and awkward. However, I finished the book fairly rapidly and was interested in it.

[Renate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as much romance as I would have liked, but all together it was a very good story. It had more drama than In a Cream Packard and somee interesting twists in the family jar of surprises! A nice summertime read.

[Skye · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story was interesting but the writing was repetitive and forced. There was not enough conflict to create excitement. It was okay but not great.

I received this book free from GoodReads Giveaways.