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Young lovers Jerry Landis and Katey McCray are in an impossible situation. Jerry proposes to high school sweetheart Katey, but the wedding is postponed because a pregnant Katey fears trapping Jerry in marriage and bringing shame upon her strict Catholic parents. Having moved to Chicago to have their daughter, Krissy, she completes business school and decides to win Jerry back. After working out their problems, they set a date for the wedding. But before they can marry, Jerry is drafted into the Korean War. This book picks up when Jerry, horribly wounded in the war, returns. But the couple then discover they have very different ideas about religion, and neither will compromise. Katey has a job as an executive secretary with the California Central Railroad (CCR). Jerry eventually secures a job working for the same railroad. Katey’s father, Aaron McCray, is also employed by the CCR, as are their old friends, Greg Hibbard and Ricco Petrocelli. Jerry says of his new job, “I was hired specifically to eliminate waste and duplication, make recommendations and changes, and reduce paperwork, forms, and reports wherever necessary.”
As Jerry settles into the new job, it becomes obvious that he and Katey still have feelings for each other, even though they have gone their separate ways. Jerry proves to be an important part of the CCR when he devises a way for the CCR to keep afloat when they hit financial troubles. However, the thought of the struggling railroad being sold to one owner troubles Jerry. Anyone that rich could potentially buy out all the stockholders, making the new owner completely powerful to the extent that his monopoly would go unchallenged. “We’d be rubberlike people in a huge rubber room.” When that very thing happens with the railroad being purchased by billionaire JD Silverman, the decision is made to get rid of middle management. However, Jerry doesn’t go quietly, and with the help of journalist Jack Bailey, he becomes the public face of resistance. Unfortunately, Silverman is ruthless and, with his henchman Vince Stoner, attempts to stop Jerry’s endeavors to thwart his plans. Silverman and Stoner’s reaction to Jerry’s efforts leaves Jerry fighting for his life. How will Jerry and Katey overcome the drastic changes in their lives?
This inspiring novel is set in the ’50s, ’60s, and '70s, a time filled with vast social change. Jerry comments on the generational differences of the time by saying, “Why is it, Katey, each generation has to reinvent their own social wheel? Can’t seem to learn a blessed thing from the previous generation.” The two main characters try to hold on to their relationship in the face of the three Cs: change, commitment, and challenges. Bosanko creates two strong and memorable characters in Jerry and Katey. Faced with the dire consequences of Silverman’s ruthlessness, the two must find a way to survive during the most traumatic time of their lives. Katey’s commitment and love for Jerry help her face an unimaginable challenge.
The author has a real talent for creating intrigue and suspense, as well as believable dialogue. From the book’s beginning, one is pulled into the lives of Jerry and Katey and their reactions to the changing times. All the characters are well-rounded, and Bosanko has a way of making readers feel empathy for their various circumstances. The plot is riveting, with lots of twists and turns that keep readers engaged throughout. Though this is the second in a series, the book can be read as a standalone, and the author includes enough information from the first book to allow readers to follow the plot easily. Bosanko's novel captures the imagination as the fascinating plot unfolds. Readers will find themselves immersed in the storyline. It is a page-turner that grabs readers from the beginning and holds on tight. Anyone in search of a thoughtful and thought-provoking read with plenty of captivating moments will find much to like about this one.