A Word from the author:I am a schoolteacher by profession and have taught school for (thir—ahem!) years. I grew up in Raymond, Alberta, and attended the University of Lethbridge after graduating from high school and serving a two-year mission to Japan. During university, I met and married Marsha Smith, and we are the parents of four children, which has grown to include their spouses and our ten grandchildren.
I have always loved to write. I started writing stories before I was old enough to realize I was writing stories. It seemed a natural thing to pick up a pencil and paper and create a world simply by using words—worlds of adventure in steaming jungles (Tarzan was an early influence on me) or realms of adventure in outer space (Buck Rogers). But as I have grown older, I have discovered that the real inspiration for me is exploring the theme of love and how it can make such a difference in the world.
I’ve had an article published in Lethbridge Magazine and have written several dramatic plays, two of which won provincial recognition and were showcased at a drama festival. I won the CJOC radio songwriting contest two years running, and have had one of my songs receive international airplay. I have written four novels intended for the juvenile market. They are unpublished as yet, but I read them annually to my fourth grade students and my students tell me they love them, the darlings.
Learn more about Darrel and his books on his Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
At their sixtieth anniversary party, Adam Carlson asks his wife, Elizabeth, for their customary waltz. After the dance they gather the family and share their story—a story of love and courage overcoming adversity and thriving in the face of overwhelming odds.
It’s the summer of 1946, and Adam has just returned from the war to his home in Reunion, Montana. At a town festival he meets Elizabeth Baxter, a young woman going steady with his former high school rival and now influential banker, Nathan Roberts.
When Adam and Elizabeth share a waltz in a deserted pavilion one evening, their feelings begin to grow and they embark on a journey, and a dance, that will last a lifetime.
If you’d like to read the first chapter excerpt of The Anniversary Waltz, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
The Anniversary Waltz is a beautifully told nostalgic love story set during the year immediately following World War II. Contrasting excitement over the end of the war and returning soldier with the many financial and other challenges faced by the returning heroes, the story illustrates the era well. Hero Adam Carlson and heroine Elizabeth Baxter’s courtship is fraught with complications as they face overwhelming situations and tragedy. Only their faith and some creative solutions help them overcome the odds against them.
As a debut novel, The Anniversary Waltz shows great promise of more good stories to come. The characters are true-to-life and it was easy to become involved in their lives. The setting was the perfect backdrop and I almost felt like I had stepped back in time to post war Montana. I enjoyed The Anniversary Waltz and look forward to reading more by this author.
