Visiting Donna Dee

Reviewed by Michelle Puffer © 2007

Wild Child Publishing.com © 2006

Title: Visiting Donna Dee
Author: Zinnia Hope
Publisher: Amira Press
Genre: Inspirational
Length: Short Story
Release Date: February 2007
Author's Website: Zinnia Hope's website

Regina Mayse is the store manager at a bookstore, which she happens to live above. When she hears about Arnold Cuttshaver she thinks her boss is out of his mind to have hired an ex-con. An ex-con who served fifty years for murder no-less.

Arnold Cuttshaver is the cantakerous ex-con who just wants to do the job he was hired to do and be left alone. When he was locked up he lost his freedom and the wife he loved so much. Whether he actually committed the crime he was incarcerated for wasn’t the point.

In this short story Zinnia Hope tells a unique tale of friendship between a young girl and an old man. I really liked Arnold and found his character to be especially well written. I completely believed the fact that he saw his ex-wife Donna Dee in Regina. The rising floodwaters added to the tension in this very nice story but unfortunately I thought the wrap up to be slightly abrupt and didn’t necessarily believe the very last line.

However, this author knows how to layer characterization and build the story. I found this to be a delightful, feel-good read.

I give it 4 Cats.

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To find out more about how to purchase Visiting Donna Dee visit Zinnia Hope's website.