Title: True Love Found
Author: Freeda Seltzer
Publisher: XlibrisUS
ISBN: 978-1-9845-3811-6
Pages: 436
Genre: Fiction
Reviewed by: Tara Mcnabb
Pacific Book Review
True Love Found by author Freeda Seltzer is a sweeping family saga that follows multiple generations in their quest for adventure and love.
Beginning in 1877, we are introduced to several characters as they discuss plans to open a sawmill in Oregon; Riley Donovan, the dashing yet cunning man with questionable motives, and John Rebillet, the father of beautiful Nadeen. Keen to get rich and go into business together, the two men forge a deal that will have far-reaching consequences neither yet realizes. Nadeen, only nineteen and spirited, is at first enraged when she discovers her father’s plans to marry her off to the arrogant Mr. Donovan. But after much appeasing from her earnest parents, Nadeen accepts the attentions of the handsome man, not knowing his true intentions. Just as she begins to think she has found true love, things begin to spiral out of control. Will she ever be able to escape from this nightmare and find her true soul mate? If only the kind and gentlemanly Travis would rescue her from this Mr. Donovan before it’s too late.
Seltzer’s novel is almost like watching a grand historical epic; such as Gone With the Wind, we are drawn into a lengthy family history full of betrayal, passion, and adventure. The author leaves no detail unturned, and we are treated to heady descriptions of life in the bustling city, at a time when almost anything was possible. America the land of opportunity is the underlying premise for the novel, and it adds an exciting element to the narrative. Men are eager and ready to stake their claim, and the women are just as eager to find happiness. Through Nadeen, we are able to witness this amazing time vicariously through her eyes as she struggles with finding true love. Her fight for freedom from an abusive marriage is both heart-wrenching and exhilarating, because she emerges stronger than before. When she finally does find the real thing, the result is sweeter than expected. True love found her, and not the other way around.
The family unit is examined in raw material which is as tragic as it is romantic. Family secrets, past trauma and tragedy are all explored through individual perspectives while avoiding soap-opera clichés. The human ability to survive under the direst of circumstances is depicted with a gritty realism, and the victory of emerging unscathed is celebrated. True Love Found is really about our human strengths, and what drives us to survive. It’s also about our unique desire to transform our suffering into everlasting love. If you’re looking for an old-fashioned family chronicle that offers both passionate romance and adventure, this one’s for you.
