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Joan Donaldson is the author of adult and young adult novels. In 2010, her book, On Viney's Mountain, won the Friends of American Writers Award for Outstanding Young Adult Novel. The State of Tennessee chose the book to represent TN at the 2010 National Book Festival. Donaldson writes about women's issues and hopes her words will build a more equitable and safe world for women. She and her husband run an organic blueberry farm in Southwest Michigan. In her free time, she gardens with the aid of two cats, sews quilts and plays a Celtic harp.
Reviewed by Edith Wairimu for Readers' Favorite
Joan Donaldson crafts Lizzie and William’s love story beautifully in Ae Fond Kiss: Love Blossoms in Tennessee, a remarkable, hope-filled romance novel set in a close-knit community in the Appalachian Mountains. Following the death of her fiancé, Lizzie Walker wrestles with despair that almost overwhelms her. Lizzie meets William, an affluent gentleman from Cincinnati who is battling with his own grief over his sister’s death. When William takes up the role of schoolmaster in a local school with Lizzie’s help, they fall in love. Their growing relationship is, however, threatened by their past errors. As their relationship develops, they draw strength from each other in their grief, face their past mistakes, and find hope in their blossoming love. They also grow in their appreciation of their community.
Joan Donaldson is gifted at creating characters with emotional depth who struggle with relatable challenges and introducing fresh twists to familiar themes. I loved seeing both main characters transform and develop as their relationship grew stronger. The bond within the community and the friendships Lizzie developed with the mountain women were heart-warming. With extraordinary skill and brilliant storytelling, Donaldson reminded me of the value of community and the beauty of simplicity. There were several suspenseful scenes in the story which I found captivating and many joyous scenes that I loved. Set in a beautiful location and a lovely community, Ae Fond Kiss: Love Blossoms in Tennessee by Joan Donaldson will resonate with readers looking for an enthralling love story about finding hope and love after loss.
