Pepper's Way Book

I read this book on a day when I had spent a large portion of my hours counselling a girlfriend, whose marriage is on the rocks. Lack of understanding, discomfort in listening and unwillingness to support her husband (who is a cop and who went through a terrible ordeal a couple of years ago in the line of duty, plus loosing his Dad to cancer a couple of months ago), has led to a gradual dissociation between them. She has preoccupied herself for a number of years with other interests, and meanwhile he has spiralled into a depressed mental state. Now suddenly, she wants to fix it all, as a crisis has emerged that is causing her discomfort. She cannot seem to comprehend that a man who has a job on the frontline needs extra compassion, empathy and understanding from his wife. She is so used to seeing him 'man up' and be the tough guy, the superhero who carries all loads with ease, including her own.

This is my second read of 'Pepper's Way'. I didn't choose it on purpose today. It was on top of my stack of relaxing reads that I reached for in desperation, as I gradually hit overload on the frustration scale with my girlfriend's entirely self-orientated and compassionless viewpoint. Thank goodness for Kay Hooper and her amazing heroine 'Pepper'! Here is a woman who values a person and her integrity above personal wants. Who is unwilling to play emotionally manipulative games to gain the upper hand in a relationship. Who knows how to show love and tenderness, without subjugating herself or her own principles in the process.

Quirky, fun, amusing and witty. This book will make you laugh and keep turning the pages to discover more and more about the main characters in this story and what makes them tick. Not one character in this story is left shallow. Kay Hooper paints a loveable, irresistible, humanly-flawed depth of character for every single person who walks onto her stage. It is fun, frolicsome and carries a deeper message of the values of love, trust and acceptance that restored and renewed my own personal beliefs about love between a man and a woman.

I am fortunate to have been married 20 years to my own everyday hero. A man who works on the frontline, but nearly always comes home to the reassurance of a warm home, an understanding heart and warm embrace. I was so happy to read about a female main character who shares similar values, ideals and an independent spirit and appreciation for life that feels akin to my own.