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Reviewed by Patricia Day for Readers' Favorite
Life changed dramatically for Dana Montgomery, the main character in The Glass Ball, after her father died. Her mother succumbed to the offer of help from his brother, who moved into their home to help support them. This was a dramatic life changer for little Dana. Until that point she had enjoyed a close-knit relationship with her daddy, but this newcomer took away her childhood. When Dana reaches adulthood she finds relationships difficult. Closeness and intimacy challenge her sanity, to the point that she decides to leave her boyfriend, Mark, and take a sabbatical trip away from the demands and expectations of others. She needs to find peace within herself. Arriving in Alaska, she undertakes the task of becoming whole and finding contentment, enough to change her life or so she hopes. When she meets Luke MacFarland, her life takes a new turn. Dana finds in him a friend of a special kind. Does she return home, or does she stay in this northern paradise that Luke calls home? I will not say. You must read the book and find out for yourself.
The Glass Ball by Jean Hatfield is a decidedly delightful story, despite the underlying shadow of child abuse. I found this a totally entrancing story, despite the traumas of Dana’s life. Her determination to empower herself and move onwards, instead of living in her dark past, makes her a woman of strength and I’d be honoured to know her and call her my friend. It didn't end the way I'd hoped, but it ended in a way that was right for Dana. I became very close to her, and definitely had my expectations dashed at the end. Very enjoyable, nevertheless. Beautiful story, despite Dana's childhood. A must-read at any time.
