THE FINAL BOOK IN THE OAKHEART TRILOGY…
Oaks From Acorns Grow
Oaks From Acorns Grow by Richard G. Opper is a captivating drama that continues the story of Mona Oakheart, a woman at a crossroads. After the death of Tina, the star of her X-rated films, who was murdered by a judge who took advantage of her, Mona seeks change. She has recently ended her relationship with Gary, a former Navy and Harbor Police officer, to be with … a court psychiatrist. Mona decides to go back to school, hoping to help more women in danger. Unfortunately, danger is close at hand, as a group of rapists terrorizes the island of Guam. Meanwhile, Gary faces the Tong, a criminal organization that aims to kidnap the war orphans his father is caring for. As Mona confronts personal tragedy, she becomes aware of an unexpected miracle that will bind her to Gary forever.
Set in the 1970s, Oaks From Acorns Grow has a nostalgic feel of the era, with tensions surrounding the Vietnam War, black-and-white televisions, societal pressures, and the threats posed by organized crime like the Tong. Richard G. Opper’s narrative focuses on individual struggles, connections, and personal growth amidst these social changes. He tells the story from multiple perspectives, revealing each character’s motivations and thoughts. The inclusion of a child’s viewpoint is a refreshing surprise, capturing the innocent nature of children and how easily they are influenced by their environment. It shows the importance of providing them with love and protection as they grow up. The story also addresses the exploitation of women and children—a dark reality that many tend to shy away from. It advocates for justice and measures to ensure their safety. Fans of the series will appreciate the character development and the author’s compelling storytelling, which balances entertainment with significant themes. Overall, this is an excellent read, and I recommend it to anyone interested in historical dramas that explore emotional depth, human connections, and societal challenges.
–Reader’s Favorite
REVIEWS AND PRAISE
As in the previous books, Opper creates an excellent sense of tension and drive, blending unexpected opportunities and challenges into the overall process of battles, healing, and new beginnings. He cultivates a fine tone of investigation and discovery which, at times, also blends in wry humor that appears from various character perspectives. …
Librarians seeking a fast-paced read that holds the solid characterization of a literary novel, the action component of a thriller, and the attraction of a series of seemingly disparate lives and special interests that dovetail in scenarios of confrontation and change will want to highly recommend the concluding Oakheart volume Oaks from Acorns Grow. …
While it can be enjoyed as a stand-alone story, ideally Oaks from Acorns Grow will be pursued as part of the wider trilogy which brings these individuals to life, flushing out their adventures with growth which is traceable between books and satisfyingly complex and thought-provoking.
–Diane Donovan – Editor, Donovan’s Literary Services, Library Review, Editor, Bookwatch
–Carl Vonderau, prize winning author of Saving Myles