CHASING THE DREAM
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Spanning two generations from the 1920's to the 1950's, it is a
vivid portrayal of South-East Northumberland and of Tyneside. Set
against the tough backdrop of a mining town, there is both hardship
and glamour, as Chasing the Dream explores the region's passion
for football.
Millie, haunted by childhood poverty and
eviction, sees security and happiness in the form of handsome but
wayward Dan Nixon. Dan pursues his own dream of playing
professional football as a means of escaping the hardship and dangers
of the mines and for a while it seems their dreams will come true.
But tragedy strikes and a terrible, long-kept secret is exposed
which test Millie's fortitude and dreams to the limit.
"Passionate and dramatic, Chasing the Dream is a compelling
story about the cost of ambition and the sacrifices we make for
love."
Janet: "This novel is about the survival of the human spirit
despite all that fate throws at us. When Millie's dreams begin
to unravel, it is her strength of character and her deep compassion
that count. The football theme was inspired by a walk down Northumberland
Street in Newcastle and passing the statue of United's legendary
striker Jackie Milburn. With my family, I've followed Newcastle
United to Wembley in recent years, but have yet to see them repeat
the triumphs of Milburn and his team-mates in the 50's. We're still
chasing that particular dream!"
Reviewers Comments:
"Janet's picture of life in a North-East pit village between
the wars springs from the canvas. It's spot on! Her characters
are caught in the twists and turns of a lively plot. The story gallops
along and keeps you guessing right to the end.
It begins in 1920 in the bleak pit village of Craston. Times are
hard for Teresa and her miner husband. Just before they are evicted
from their home, she escapes with her daughter Millie to the town
of Ashborough, where she poses as a widow to start a new life. Millie
meets Dan, the dashing footballer who is determined not to follow
the rest of the menfolk down the pit. They marry and have a daughter,
Edith, but his drinking and rumours of unfaithfulness put a strain
on the marriage. Millie knows, though, that she must support Dan
if he is to reach his goal.
Tales of war heroism and lies spice up a compelling novel."
The Sunderland Echo
Readers Comments:
This is the first time I have read any of your publications,
and I loved the book. I felt every pain, that your main character
"Millie" went through. I just felt I had to thank you for taking
me on a beautiful journey, please keep up the good work, you are
a very talented lady.
R.D.
I have just finished reading your Chasing the Dream and have
greatly enjoyed it. Congratulations on having managed to keep
up the extremely high standard set by your four earlier books. The
characterisation seems to me to be excellent, and I greatly admire
your understanding of and sympathy with your fellow human beings
in their frailty and griefs and courage. I found it not easy to
put down. A masterly achievement! Thank you so much and may you
keep up this standard!
C.C. - Durham, England.
Congratulations on a really entertaining, page-turning novel!
Chasing the Dream got me totally immersed in a different world
and you've given the football background just enough importance
to balance and carry the rest of the action. It's a wonderfully
original flavour for a saga - well done!
A.S. - London, England.
I must congratulate you. I have just read your fine and moving
novel which so marvellously re-creates the atmosphere of the
Tyneside where I was brought up and educated in the twenties and
thirties. The Geordie characters are portrayed with genuine insight
and understanding and beautifully brought to life. Moreover your
feeling for human relationships has the right sort of ring. A fine
piece of work and a most enjoyable read.
E.R. - London.
If you would like to write to Janet by
e-mail with your comments about this or any other book, please use
this e-mail link: janet@janetmacleodtrotter.com
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