Reviewed in the United States on May 3, 2025
“Oh Joy – what a journey I have just taken with Leora, Clabe, the twins, the girls, the boys, the farm, the old John Deere….I can see Leora’s chickens and smell Clabe’s pipe in my dreams.
“I wept throughout the stories. And then, I wept when I had finished all the books. I felt like I had closed a chapter on my own life. It was bittersweet. Our stories are our greatest gift. A legacy is an inheritance of the most holy. Thank you for the painstaking research, the documentation and finally for the closure the boys deserved and the family (and I) needed.
“Thank you for sharing the strength of the American spirit, especially demonstrated by the Wilsons and their mammoth heartbreaking sacrifice in the name of our country. I was especially impressed by the utter generosity of all the children to their parents. Whether it be financial or just working to keep the family afloat in good and bad times, the children were obviously raised with generous hearts.
“Carry on, friend. Keep writing. I would love to read more and more about the mid-west and the backbone of the US. Thank you again and again.
“When I retire, soon, I want to visit the graves. I want to see Dexter, Perry, all of Guthrie County[,] the land Leora and Clabe finally owned. I feel like I know all of them and it has been my honor to learn about them and share in your story. What a gift! Thank you.”
What an encouraging review, Heidi D. Bless you for this!
If only I lived closer, I would be honored to give Heidi a personal tour of our families’ “places” and towns.
Oh, that would be such fun! I got to do it for Jeff Willoughby, while your mom was still living. In fact, we started out by visiting her in Stuart.
MY! That IS a great review! And your books certainly deserve it.
Leora’s stories sure reach certain readers, don’t they, Dennis!
How wonderful, Joy. I’m very happy for you!!
Thanks, GP. Now Cousin Bob would like to come back to Iowa and show Heidi around!
So good! So perfectly expressed. 🥰
Isn’t it though, Vicki!
Yes! A beautiful thing to read this Monday morning! Sending love to you, Joy! 🥰
I’m retiring very soon, Joy. And Guthrie County is on my bucket list! I would love to have cousin Bob show me around!!!
Bob lives on the east coast and is the only brother still living, so he hasn’t been to Iowa for quite a while. I’m disabled or I’d love to do it. I showed Cousin Leora’s son Jeff around in 2015, while Bob’s mother (Aunt Darlene) was still living.
Congratulations, Joy!! This review must have made your day. I’m so glad to see how many people are now remembering your family.
Isn’t this amazing? Thank you, Liz!
You’re welcome, Joy!
Heidi’s review speaks volumes of your family’s legacy brought to light by your books. I’ve said this before-a movie should be made of your accounts so many more can better grasp the emotional reality of history. Congratulations on your well deserved recognition, Joy! 🙂
Bless you, Nancy.
Congratulations on a lovely review, Joy.
Thanks, John.
What a fabulous review! It doesn’t get much better than to know your stories moved someone to tears.
I’m amazed and humbled by it, Pete.
This wonderful review makes me very happy for you, Joy. 😍 Congratulations!
Bless you, Tim.
How lovely! Trail those streamers of success!!
You are dear, Annette. Thanks!
Congratulations on this wonderful and well-deserved review, Joy!
Thank you, Lauren!
What an amazing review!!! Congratulations Joy! (I agree with Nancy about the movie.)
Thank you so much, Linda!
What an awesome review. You must be delighted. xo
What a terrific blessing during a week that’s been dominated by Crohn’s and no meds working, one even making things twice as hard!