Sweet Annie [Paperback]

This is the inspiring story of Annie Sweetwater, a young girl who has been coddled by her protective parents because of an illness that has left her weak and unable to walk well. When a young boy named Luke Carpenter dashes into her life, Annie discovers she longs for a world beyond her wheelchair. The resulting story is one of inspiration, love and strength.

Cheryl St. John has a wonderful gift for writing beautiful stories that not only entertain, but make you think.

- Sharon Galligar Chance

Annie Sweetwater was born crippled, lives in a wheelchair, and is never permitted to do anything that might endanger her. At her tenth birthday party, a visiting Luke Carpenter takes her for a horseback ride and she soars with a sense of freedom; a sensation quickly quenched when an overly-protective brother beats Luke when they return from riding. Annie's entire family shelters and keeps her child-like, but her mother is the most dominating figure, intent on keeping her daughter dependent. She continually reminds Annie that she is not like other girls and never will be, leaving a sensitive young girl feeling suffocated and useless with no self-worth at all.

It is ten years later when Annie's life begins to change, and a chance stop at the livery stable is the beginning of one of the sweetest romances you'll have occasion to read. Luke is one of the most sensitive heroes Ms. St. John has created. He's not only handsome, he's compassionate, protective, and oh-so loving and thoughtful. He's a man any young girl in town would be thrilled to have as a suitor, but it's Annie who captures his heart. He sees her as a beautiful young woman and, through his love and tenderness, she begins to see herself that way too. Readers will see a young, sheltered girl mature into a determined, independent woman deserving of Luke's adoration.

As in her former title THE DOCTOR'S WIFE, Cheryl St. John writes another emotionally-driven plotted tale in SWEET ANNIE. She touches on many sensitive issues, including a physically challenged person, a battle of wills between a dominating mother and her daughter; an over-protective family; an unexpected death; rich vs. poor; struggle for acceptance; and much, much more. Cheryl St. John delivers a beautiful, well-written story to touch your heart. She'll have you cheering for Annie and falling in love with Luke. Like Caleb in her title THE DOCTOR'S WIFE, Luke is a hero to die for. SWEET ANNIE is a romance that will end up on your keeper shelf, and one I highly recommend for your reading pleasure.

Carol Carter/As written for Under The Covers