Review: The Incredible Winston Browne by Sean Dietrich

Title: The Incredible Winston Browne by Sean Dietrich
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Genre: Historical (’50s), Fiction
Length: 352 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Beloved writer Sean Dietrich—also known as Sean of the South—will warm your heart with this rich and nostalgic tale about community, kindness, and the meaning of the everyday incredible.

In the small, sleepy town of Moab, Florida, folks live for ice cream socials, Jackie Robinson, and the local paper’s weekly gossip column. For decades, Sheriff Winston Browne has watched over Moab with a generous eye, and by now he’s used to handling the daily dramas that keep life interesting for Moab’s quirky residents. But just after Winston receives some terrible, life-altering news, a feisty little girl with mysterious origins shows up in his best friend’s henhouse. Suddenly Winston has a child in desperate need of protection—as well as a secret of his own to keep.

With the help of Moab’s goodhearted townsfolk, the humble and well-meaning Winston Browne still has some heroic things to do. He finds romance, family, and love in unexpected places. He stumbles upon adventure, searches his soul, and grapples with the past. In doing so, he just might discover what a life well-lived truly looks like

Review:

The Incredible Winston Browne by Sean Dietrich is a heartwarming novel which takes places in the mid-1950s.

Fifty-two-year-old Winston Browne is the beloved sheriff in his hometown of Moab. He is more than just a lawman; he is caretaker for its residents. Winston does everything he can to keep the town’s boys out of trouble and he assists in forming a Little League team.  After having his heartbroken, Winston has no interest in getting hurt again. But after escorting Eleanor Hughes to a town social, the two begin spending time together (much to the dismay of his best friend Jimmy Abraham). When nine year old runaway Jesse finds her way to Moab, Eleanor and Winston offer her a place to stay.  Jesse remains tight-lipped about her past until it catches up with her. With danger coming their way, will Winston, his deputy Tommy Sheridan and Eleanor keep Jesse safe from the people searching for her?

Winston is a warm-hearted, compassionate man who spends long hours keeping Moab safe. He also delivers groceries to the elderly and takes fourteen-year-old Buz Guilford under his wing. After receiving unexpected news, he is a little more willing to give love a chance. Winston reassesses some of his life choices and with a newfound perspective, he decides to take a few more risks than he normally would.

Eleanor has been going out with Jimmy for most of her adult life.  But she is growing tired of his unwillingness to marry her. After an evening of dancing with Winston, Eleanor resolves to make changes in her life. So, when Winston continues to visit her, she decides to see where their relationship takes them.  When Jesse initially comes to live with her, Eleanor is definitely out of her element. But she allows the young girl to keep her secrets and Eleanor discovers how much she likes caring for her. With Jesse spending a lot of time with Winston, she despairs of the girl’s tomboy ways.

With a hint of mystery and a dash of danger, The Incredible Winston Browne is a captivating novel that is very touching. The characters are wonderfully developed with an array of flaws and strengths. Moab is an idyllic setting and springs vividly to life. The storyline is well-developed and thought-provoking.  Sean Dietrich brings this heartfelt novel to a poignant yet gratifying conclusion.

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Filed under Fiction, Historical, Historical (50s), Rated B+, Sean Dietrich, The Incredible Winston Browne, Thomas Nelson Publishing

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