Strive and Protect

by Sharon S Darrow

Laura was raised to hide who she was. She'd been told repeatedly to never reveal her Cherokee heritage, or the fact that she'd been attacked by her own father. And no one should ever know she had the Second Sight, or they might think she was crazy or possessed. Somehow, Laura built a life on her own, married a good man who adored her, and had children, all while managing to keep her secrets. She was determined to raise her children in a home filled with love and support, rather than in an atmosphere of fear and pain like the one she'd known. Laura's husband shared her ideals, but had demons and fears of his own from his experiences in World War 1. Together they worked hard, but their best intentions were repeatedly beaten down by the realities of life in the Great Depression. This book is Historical Fiction, but was inspired by a real woman of tremendous courage and determination, the author's maternal grandmother. It's Sharon S Darrow's way of honoring her and all of the other ordinary women throughout history who overcame incredible challenges.

519 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 18, 2021

Reviews

[Linda Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sharon Darrow’s Strive and Protect is the second in the Laura’s Dash series, and it does not disappoint. Picking up where She Survives left off, Laura is back again, this time as a strong-minded adult. After a harrowing childhood where she was told to never speak of her Cherokee heritage and was attacked by her father, she’s determined to build a life that is filled with love and happiness. She marries and becomes a mother, but is steadfast in her decision to keep her past secret. Between her husband’s experiences in World War 1 and raising a family during the Great Depression, the odds seem against this couple. Strive and Protect ends on a sad, and yet hopeful note, and most certainly leaves you aching for more. Darrow has a talent for writing in a way that makes you feel you are part of the story, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for Laura in the third book of this series. Thank you, Sharon, for sharing your grandmother’s story with us.