Dear John
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Chapter 5
By six o'clock, Susanna and Quincy had finished their shopping, eaten dinner and gone for a long walk. Coming back into the house, Susanna thought about the letters in the trunk. She ought to get it over with and start reading them. She was running out of time.
"Let me make a cup of tea and go upstairs."
Tea in hand, she and Quincy climbed the stairs and went into Aunt Susanna's bedroom. Susanna sat in her aunt's rocker, with Quincy lying down on the rug beside her. She opened the trunk and took out the wooden box that contained the letters. The box was old and made of oak. It was hinged and about the size of a breadbox, with a mellow luster and warmth to it, like only an antique piece can have. It was handmade and Susanna wondered who in the family had made it. Opening the box, she was surprised at the number of letters contained within it.
"Gosh, there must be ten letters here. I wonder how old they are-I'm sure that's why Aunt Susanna kept them. They appear to be in excellent condition. My guess is that they're very valuable."
Each letter had been protected by tissue paper and wrapped in cheesecloth. Attached to the top of the letters was an envelope that had yellowed with age with what appeared to be a letter inside. The envelope was addressed to Susanna Smith....
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About the Book
When financial aid adminstrator Susanna Smith goes to Massachusetts to settle her aunt's estate, she never suspects that her well ordered life will take an unusual turn. Susanna and her faithful companion, Quincy, embark on journey into the past that not only reveals the life of an ancestor-a famous historic figure-whose circumstances parallel her own, but also results in an important discovery about her own life. With the pre-American Revolution as the backdrop, and a cast of old and new friends, the excursion develops into an adventure with historic drama and a dash of unexpected danger.
"Dear John" has all the elements of an engaging tale: a heroine, a cast of characters, an appealing animal, struggle, danger, friendship, humor, and romance.
From "tweens" to adults, the story will appeal to anyone who likes romance, who has a beloved companion pet, or who is interested in the events that formed our nation.
About the Author
Professor Norma L. Betz earned her doctorate from Drew University in New Jersey. A financial aid director and professor of sociology and history for many years at New Jersey Colleges, she presently works and teaches at Ocean County College. She and her husband Allen make their home with Quincy, their beloved Weimaraner, in Manahawkin, on the New Jersey Shore.