Three Women of Diverse Backgrounds Create Bonds That Heal

Springfield, VA (PRWEB) May 19, 2009

Three women learn to open their hearts and be enlightened by the experience of knowing one another in Donna Kendall's poignant novel "Sailing on an Ocean of Tears" (ISBN 9781591460879, Crystal Dreams Publishing 2009).

Isabella, an Italian immigrant who has spent her life caring for others, is about to close her restaurant for the night when she discovers a homeless woman behind the restaurant's dumpster. It is pouring rain, and the woman looks destitute, so Isabella offers her food and shelter. Ruth, the homeless woman, is reluctant to accept charity, but after she opens up to Isabella, the two become friends.

Over tea, the two women share their life stories. Ruth's father died in a car accident when she was only five, and her abusive, alcoholic mother made it clear Ruth was not wanted. Isabella took over the family restaurant after her mother's early death. She struggles between work and finding time for love in her life. By sharing their memories, Ruth and Isabella discover they have a common friend--Bridget, an Irish woman whose abusive husband took her children from her. Bridget had returned to Ireland, but she is about to visit the United States again, so the three women plan to get together.

Bridget's visit with her two friends sets into motion an incredible chain of events that will right past wrongs, heal hearts and ease minds. Each woman carries within her heart a deep longing for a particular blessing upon the residual effects of past choices. In one final step they take together, they find the common ground that leads them to their destiny.

"Sailing on an Ocean of Tears" takes the reader on a journey through the hearts of three women on two continents, from New York City and the Appalachian mountains, to a coastal hamlet in Ireland and a warm southern Italian village. Kendall writes with honesty and compassion for her characters as when she describes Bridget's love for her children: "The soil of a mother's heart is made for suffering so that the children may bury their pain there; every hurt, every tear, every disappointment. Tis the only way they can grow." Without being sentimental, Kendall turns "Sailing on an Ocean of Tears" into a cathartic experience with three women who become the reader's friends.

About the Author
Born to Italian immigrant parents, Donna Kendall began school without the benefit of the English language but quickly realized it would become her best friend. After receiving a BS in Secondary Education from the University of Akron, she studied writing through the Institute of Children's Literature while enjoying full-time motherhood. As a high school teacher, Donna received the honor of Who's Who Among America's Teachers and was inducted into the National Honor Roll's Outstanding American Teachers. Following her mother's death, Donna's visit to her family in Italy inspired her to obtain an MFA in Creative Writing from National University. Today, she teaches English at the Northern Virginia Community College. Her first short story, "A Heart in Bloom" was published in the Loving Healing Press anthology "A Story that Must be Told: True Tales of Transformation." "Sailing on an Ocean of Tears" is her first novel. With the support of her husband, Jim, and her two wonderful children, Donna has realized her lifelong dream of writing.

"Sailing on an Ocean of Tears" (ISBN 9781591460879, Crystal Dreams Publishing 2009) can be purchased through local and online bookstores. For more information, visit http://www.crystaldreamspublishing.com. Publicity contact: http://www.ReaderViews.com. Review copies available upon request.

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