When the Bluebonnets Come

John J. Dwyer
Blue Bonnet Press (2007)
ISBN 0976822415
Reviewed by Vicki Landes for Reader Views (4/07)

Author John J. Dwyer weaves a beautiful story of the human spirit in his latest fictional book, “When the Bluebonnets Come”.  Set in Cotton Patch, Texas the novel chronicles life from a young girl’s perspective as she witnesses the clash between her father and big city business.  Her accounts of his actions speak of devotion to his family, love of his fellow man, respect for the land, courage to stand with his dwindling community, helping those less fortunate, strength of character, and refusing to give up despite the difficulties.  These events are destined to change the young girl’s life and have a profound impact on her maturity as she grows up.   

Written with a deep southern Texan vernacular, you can actually hear the twang as you read.  When I first began reading the book, I honestly didn’t think I’d like it.  As a ‘Yankee’, I’m not used to hearing, much less reading, an accent.  However, I quickly got used to the dialect and immensely enjoyed getting to know these simple people of the land and empathizing with their plight.  Dwyer does an impeccably beautiful job developing these rustic characters and bringing the story full circle when his young main character becomes an adult with children of her own.

Full of positive messages and appropriate for the whole family, “When the Bluebonnets Come” is perfect for anyone looking for a wholesome story of Christian values.  Despite the hardships these characters face, the book is both touching and uplifting and can easily be followed by all ages. 

John J. Dwyer is expressive, articulate, and truly brings a deep love of God into his novel.  His descriptions of Texas and her landscape are crystal clear, even to the point of being able to smell the flowers, feel the cool evening air, and see the colors of the setting sun as you read.  If you’ve been to Texas, it will make you ache to go back; if you’ve never been, it will spark a love and curiosity of this delightfully rural land.  

“When the Bluebonnets Come” flowers with emotion.  Its sweet fragrance is a mixture of love, courage, and sense of community that holds true even when the thorns of big business threaten to overgrow the area.  John J. Dwyer grows his tale with the bright warmth of God’s love while pruning the human spirit with just enough adversity to make it even stronger than.  Simple, beautiful, and heartwarming. 

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