“This was a great summer read. Mr. Dawson clearly did a lot of research in order to vividly describe the people, places and events in this story. His attention to detail makes the reader feel as though you’re right there with the characters. It’s an absorbing novel blending past and present, east and west. A main character haunted by his actions of the past, leading to his present day effort to achieve closure and peace. It’s one of those stories that draws you in and makes it hard to stop reading. You keep thinking “How is this going to turn out?” I’m anxious to see what kind of story Mr. Dawson tells in his next book!”

"Al Dawson’s story of a WWII soldier who attempts to revisit his past and right a wrong is told with such attention to detail that the storyline is full and engaging. The writing is fluid and colorful. Frankie, the protagonist, returns from war to the place he grew up in. He settles there but part of him straddles two worlds, two cultures; while he thought the past was the past, he realizes he can’t let it go. Family and friends are portrayed as full characters in their own right. This is a tale that reads like a love story and a detective novel within a historical context — all the elements that offer a story worth reading."

"Hard to believe it's the author's first work. Dawson does a great job of weaving an intricate plot that all readers are likely to enjoy . You're constantly torn about wanting to read quickly to see what happens next versus slowing down and appreciating the author's nuanced use of language and rich character development. Dawson needs to be commended for the research he's done to provide more depth for his story, a trait I really appreciated as one who enjoys reading historical novels. I'm eager to read more from this wonderful new writer. Five stars --no questions asked--for this novel."

"A wonderfully written story involving a soldier's search for his Japanese love so many years after World War II ended. It also fulfills a son's promise to uncover the truth surrounding his brother who was lost during the war. I was so moved by the authors sensitivity in his description of Frankies inner struggle between his unyielding love for his wife Melanie and the curiosity and guilt he suffers for leaving his Japanese love Noriko. Families come together in so many different ways. This story blends the harsh realities of war with the softness of the human spirit. A real winner!"

"This is one good book - one great work. Mr. Dawson has made quite good friends with words. His characters, his phrasing, his transitions between scenes make it easy for the reader to follow the extraordinarily good panoramic plot. An additional plus about this book is the knowledge and grace in which he handles the subject matter. He understands the emotional texture of history, the people who lived through it and with it, the roller coaster turns and twists, and the nagging tensions left in it's wake. Reading this book will help you become a deeper, more compassionate human being.I was so moved by the authors sensitivity in his description of Frankies inner struggle between his unyielding love for his wife Melanie and the curiosity and guilt he suffers for leaving his Japanese love Noriko. Families come together in so many different ways. This story blends the harsh realities of war with the softness of the human spirit. A real winner!"

"Mr. Dawson combines incredible depth of character and beautiful detailed descriptions to make you feel you are actually in the scene itself while he seamlessly moves you back and forth between eras where love, life and souls are lost and regained in a touching tribute to cultures, families and redemption. He drops nuggets of intrigue along the way that emerge with mystery and relevance while making sure their significance is amplified before the end. I’m looking forward to his next literary contribution and he will be now on my “Must Read” Author’s list.Families come together in so many different ways. This story blends the harsh realities of war with the softness of the human spirit. A real winner!"