Mother Road
By Dorothy Garlock 

     I admit that I began this book with trepidation. I am a devoted Dorothy Garlock fan, but I do not like books written during the depression era.

    The Mother Road Garlock refers to is the famous Route 66. It is set in Oklahoma in 1932. A Texan, known only as "Yates," makes his way along Route 66 to Andy's Garage Gas Camping site to repay a debt he owes Andy, the owner. When he arrives, he finds not only Andy, but Leona (whom he assumes is Andy's wife) and their two young daughters.

     It seems like trouble follows Yates wherever he goes. He no sooner arrives at Andy's Garage than Andy is bit by a skunk. Fearing that the animal might be rabid, Yates takes Andy to the hospital in Oklahoma City. Yates promises Andy that he will take care of his family until he comes back home.

     As is so often the case, things are not what they appear to be. Yates learns that Leona is not Andy's wife, but is in fact his sister-in-law. Andy's wife-the mother of his children-is dead. Leona's reputation is anything but stellar in the small Oklahoma town, as she is "living in sin" with her brother-in-law. Her brother, a Bible-thumping outspoken hypocritical fundamental church-goer, does everything he can to destroy Leona's life, as well as threatening to remove the children from their "evil home."

     As the story unfolds, Yates and Leona find themselves attracted to each other, but Leona is afraid to let her feelings go. The truth begins to be revealed when the oldest of the girls disappears. A crooked deputy sheriff, Leona's brother, the minister and the doctor all play an important part in uncovering the mystery which surrounds the disappearance, and an outbreak of serious illnesses add to the mystery.

     As always, Dorothy Garlock comes through with delightful characters, as well as a well-woven plotline, making Mother Road as delightful as her previous books, even in a time I do not care to read about. I highly recommend it. It will leave you with a warm, fuzzy feeling.