Thorns and Roses

Everyone was soaked to the skin. Holding onto one another, the victims struggled against the wind and flying debris to reach the shelter. Hannah Pierson has faced much more than hurricanes. As a young widowed mother of eight, Hannah must face the struggles of the depression and the horrors of two world wars as well as the uprooting of her entire family in her quest to find peace and togetherness. Burdened with the trials and tribulations of making several new starts, Hannah finds comfort and continuity in her faith and her family, which she is constantly afraid of losing. Through it all she keeps the best present her husband ever gave her-a rose bush. Though pricked over and over by the thorns of life, Hannah learns over time to love the moments of beauty and sweetness that blossom despite the troubles. An historical novel set in the first half of the twentieth century, Thorns 'n' Roses, by author Ralph Parker, shows the comfort that family love can bring and paints a portrait of a strong woman full of perseverance and determination that will carry her through anything. Ralph Parker was born in Alachua County, FL in 1927. Mr. Parker graduated from Jefferson High School in Tampa, FL and attended Hillsborough Community College. He enjoyed a successful career in advertising until his retirement. His hobbies and interests are: painting in oil and acrylic, pen and ink sketches, writing and genealogical family research. He serves as an elder in his church and is a Gideon. Mr. Parker and his wife have five children, as well as grandchildren and great grandchildren.