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Together for Good
"Melanie has taken the age-old truth that God can be trusted with what we value most and created a lovely story that reveals what can happen when we let go and believe it."
--Susan Meissner, Author, Why the Sky Is Blue
"Melanie Dobson's got a story for you. In this straw-to-gold tale, Dobson shows that she can both spin a yarn and turn a phrase. The tapestry that is Together for Good will warm your heart like only a gift stitched with love can do."
--Melanie Wells, Author, Soul Hunter
I am so impressed, not just by the great story, but also by your beautiful writing. Beautiful descriptions. I felt as though I was seeing Orcas Island first hand. It was a great read.
--Nancy Jo Jenkins, Author, Coldwater Revival
The author created loveable characters who felt like real people to me. And the guys were hunks! Amazingly well-written for a debut novel, IMHO. All around, I'm impressed. The character emotion and grief issues felt real. Plus, to top it all off, the author obviously did her research and got her facts straight about adoption. Whoo hoo! I hate it when an author is clueless about the subject matter and they guess at how the system works.
In addition, I felt like I was in the Puget Sound during the story. I love slipping into another time and place. Honestly, the scenery and sailing felt very real to me. Now I want to visit Washington and Puget Sound. I loved the snorkeling scenes and the wildlife sightings. Wonderful description of the orcas, too. Plus, this story had an environmental issue as part of the plot, so awareness about the harmful effects of pollution came across. Very cool.
The ending was a bit of a tear jerker, but it perfectly illustrated the scripture from Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together to them that love God, to them that are called according to His purpose.
I had a warm fuzzy along with my clogged throat when I reached the end of the story. the kind that makes you want to sigh with satisfaction. The story didn't have a tidy, unrealistic ending, but one that glorified God! I loved this book and highly recommend it! Oh, and it was very romantic even without a lot of physical contact. Very well done!"
--Michelle Sutton
Edgy Inspirational Author Blog
"Melanie Dobson delivers a gripping story of adoption, of loss and of restoration with a fresh twist—one I hadn't read before. Free of clichéd writing, this unique story echoed in my heart long after I turned the last page.
Set on Washington State's Puget Sound, Dobson's description of the area invoked nostalgic memories. My mother was born and raised on Puget Sound, and I spent many summers there as a child. I could smell the Sound as I turned the pages.
Excellent writing, coupled with unforeseen plot twists, this is a story you'll not forget. I found the way Dobson weaves in the characters' faith journeys refreshing and natural. A haunting story, Together for Good is highly recommended."
--Reviewed by Ane Mulligan
Novel Reviews Blog
I was a women obsessed-obsessed with finishing your book! Immediately the story drew me in, and each 'hook' at the end of the chapters kept me turning pages. The book came yesterday. Today I finished it! (admittedly it was tempting to skip Sunday School and church, but I resisted!) Your character pictures were so vivid-I can picture each person in my mind. What a wonderful weekend escape! God's path for your creative handwork is in my prayers.
--Lynda S. (Charlotte, NC)
I got your book in the mail at 4 p.m. and finished it at 4 a.m. WOW! I loved the whole thing!! I found I could relate at times to the mother, and also to the daughter, which is rare. Great job presenting different points of view on a very complex issue. I am very impressed.
--Marji C. (Chattanooga, TN)
Loved your book! Every line was a treat. I felt like I was right there, living inside your story, and I tried to slow down because I didn't want it to end.
--Rochelle S. (Olympia, WA)
I’m a freelance book reviewer for AustinWoman magazine and just finished reading Together for Good. My “real” job is that I own a book publicity company. Therefore, you can imagine that I LOVED your book! I loved the PR sprinkled in and it was a fantastic Christian love story. I can’t wait to read your next one!
--Marika Flatt, PR by the Book
As the vice president of Nulte PR, Abby Wagner has managed to bury her pain by immersing herself in work. However, her life soon begins to unravel when she is assigned a new public relations campaign forHeartsong Adoptions, the firm that had torn her family apart 20 yearsago. Before long, she finds her job on the line as past anguishresurfaces.
When Abby’s daughter Jessica decides to spend the summer on OrcasIsland, the childhood playground she had once enjoyed with her father,Abby finally returns to the family cottage she has avoided since theday her son had been stolen from her life.
While on the island, Abby reunites with her childhood friend Damian DeLucia, who runs a tour boat business on Puget Sound. Prompted byDamian’s concern about the dwindling number of orca’s returning to theSound each year, Abby embarks on a PR campaign to help publicize theirplight.
As Abby works through her past, she discovers the God really does workall things out for the good of those who love him.
Together for Good is a beautifully written story of God’s love andredemption for us all. In the midst of our pain, we often fail to seeany good in the situation and are blinded to the overall picture Godhas painted regarding our lives. In her debut novel, Melanie Dobson hasillustrated Romans 8:28 with tenderness and very real characters.
Set in the beautiful Puget Sound, Melanie successfully weaves twostorylines into a well crafted novel which highlights both the pain andjoy of adoption and the effects of pollution on wildlife.
Whether you have been touched by adoption or not, you don’t want tomiss this novel with its heart-warming characters and beautiful scenery.
--Reviewed by Vennessa Ng
Illuminating Fiction Blog
