Helen yearns for a life of love, a family of her own. She was raised on an Iowa farm in the care of her overbearing, resentful grandmother. Now in high school, she's determined to erase the sad little girl with the greasy hair and dirty, shabby clothes who never seemed to fit in. When she captures the heart of Joseph, the hunk with the dimpled smile, quick wit, and energetic enthusiasm, she thinks she's buttoned up her future. Creating a loving family with Joseph would be a dream come true. As the young lovers reach for happiness and security, their naivety, impulsive choices, and the challenges of World War II put a snag in their plans. Helen's choices leave her in a nearly impossible situation. She'll need to draw upon her strength to stitch together a life of love while ripping out the anger that nearly strangles her heart, keeping her from a second chance at love. Years ago, author Clare Bills met an elderly relative, Helen, who revealed secrets from her mother, Cora's, life. Helen agreed to let Clare write her mother's story, which resulted in the historical fiction Mountains of Trouble. Helen also revealed unknown details from her own equally dramatic life throughout numerous interviews, which resulted in this sequel - Mending Helen's Heart.
