Annie and Will — John Hopkins

Will comes to the Gunderson's as a ten-year-old orphan with a broken heart and a sizeable trust fund. His adoptive mother, Beth, tends to his emotional wounds while her husband, Reverend Gunderson, has less sympathetic motives. Eight-year-old Annie is delighted to have a big brother, but as the years pass, she and Will find their feelings for each other evolving. The prim Reverend, horrified by the "inappropriateness" of the relationship, takes advantage of circumstances and attempts to wrest Will away from both Annie and his inheritance. But is love strong enough to overcome secrets and selfishness? Annie and Will leads you through the turbulent times of the Sixties through the eyes of an adoring girl and her adopted brother. A story of both triumph and pain, you will witness the blossoming relationship of two young people who are brought together by a mother's death and then torn apart by jealousy, hatred, and greed. Discussion questions are included and the author will be available to interact with your discussion group via Skype, phone, or email.