Harlan Hague

Anthony Bradford (“Brad”) and John Henry Harris were both Missourians who enlisted as members of The United States Army of the West group, posted at Fort Leavenworth. They were very different in personality but immediately became close friends.

Their group had intended to fight the Mexicans for the Santa Fe area but arrived to a peaceful, community under United States control.

While in Leavenworth, awaiting further assignments, the guys often visited the local cantinas. It was during on of these visits that Morita “caught John Henry’s eye”. From that point on, john Henry began to view his attitudes, thoughts, and goals differently.

The were sexual situations, although it contained no explicit scenes, that made it undesirable for YA reading. It would be disturbing for some adults as well.

The development of the characters were done well. One cold easily feel familiar with them. The scenic/background was described quite well. Te title is good but the book cover would have been a better selling point if some Calvary people or scene depiction had been included. As it stands, it is a passable cover.

This was an interesting tale and the “flow” of the story steadily moved along. It was well written, but the “journey” was too prolonged for me (as I am certain it was for the group, as well!)

Although written well, I had a hard time staying involved in the story and the ending was good but slightly vague, therefore, my review of this novel offers a Four Stars rating.

^This was generously sent to me by the author for an honest review, of which I have given.… (més)

Kenji felt slightly excited to be attending the college where he was to be the professor Dr. David Dana's assistant.

Dr. and Mrs. Dana led a peaceful fulfilling life together. However, life cannot always be peaceful without problems...They will son discover this to be true.

This is a stirring tale of past meeting the present. It is fairly predictable but the writing is done quite well.

The characters seem real and the scenic description is passable. There are a few twists. The author does jump to much between time periods without the proper clarification. The reader is left to determine the story flow for a few seconds before discovering where the new scene came from.

The book cover is eye-catching but does not strongly relate to the story. As for the title,,,I have no idea where that came from.

There are a few sexual situations that aren't very explicit but enough so that I, therefore, I would not recommend this for younger YA.

I fluctuated between a three or four stars rating. I finally decided a weak Four Stars s fair. Although predictable, it keeps the reader's interest.

I was sent this book by the author for an honest review, of which I have given.… (més)

Sakura by Harlan Hague

In literary style and presence, Sakura by Harlan Hague sets firmly between novel and screenplay. The work is presented in novel form, but would be just as powerful, perhaps more so, in screenplay form. As if memories tainted by time, the novel expounds through flashes of events and time yet manages to effectively show readers the work’s world and characters.

The quintet of main characters (David Dana, Beth Dana, Anni Obata, Kenji Obata, and Ilsa) are complex, intertwined, and relatable individuals. Hague presents the cast in a clear and precise manner. These characters are created meticulously through minute description and emotional presence. Emotional bonds between each personality are built upon in a staggered method, which echoes the affecting interchange of turmoil and calm in the tale.

Hague’s work is filled with diminutive imagery that may place some in sensory overload for the first five or six pages, but readers should take heart, as the tale will build swiftly from that point. The plot is extremely well thought out, and incredibly plausible, which lends realism to the story. Quite plainly, Sakura blossoms... shyly, delicately, and sporadically, yet it maintains even in adversity, but it definitely still blooms.… (més)

Harlan Hague brings his beautiful, faulted characters to life in a story of love lost and redemption. West coast professor, David, lives a quiet, yet exciting, life with his wife and they spend their spare time traveling and working in their gorgeous style English garden. Their idyllic life is about to be shattered however; the new student assistant assigned to David turns out to be his son from a lover in a land and time far away.

Kenji traveled from Japan to meet the father he never knew. When David is presented with this truth he must face the past, the past he thought he ran away from. Anni, the woman he loved had done him wrong (or so he thought) so he left Japan, but never forgot her. When Anni comes to town to visit her son, their romance is rekindled and David must sort out his feelings for the two women he loves; his wife and his Japanese lover.

A short, yet endearing read full of unforgettable characters. Good for romance and contemporary fiction lovers.

I received this book for free in return for my honest, unbiased opinions.… (més)