Praise for Judith F. Brenner’s Debut Novel

THE MOMENTS BETWEEN DREAMS

NOW AVAILABLE

The Moments Between Dreams

A story of hope, courage, and perseverance

Carol misses red flags about Joe’s need for control before she marries him, dashing her dreams for herself and her family. Trouble escalates after their daughter Ellie is paralyzed by the polio virus and Joe returns from WWII. Carol realizes how brutal waking life can be, and she conceals bruises and protects her children the best she can.

The Moments Between Dreams is a captivating story of a 1940s housewife who conforms to the rulebook of society until Joe pushes her too far. His constant intimidation shrinks Carol’s confidence while she tries to boost Ellie’s. Church-going neighbors in Carol’s tight-knit Polish community are complacent, but Sam, a handsome reporter, stirs up Carol’s zest for life. Despite impossible circumstances, Carol plans a secret escape. Along a risky path, she empowers her daughter to know no limits and teaches her son to stop the cycle of violence and gender discrimination.

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“This powerful and well-crafted novel brings us back to the 1940s when a public swimming pool could infect your child with a virus. The story resonates with our own time, as a new virus transforms our lives. Brenner’s intimate and poignant portrait of domestic violence also is relevant today—the issues are the same.”

— Lucy Rose Fischer, author of “The Journalist: Life and Loss in America’s Secret War”

“I couldn’t stop thinking about this powerful, well-written novel that brought me back in time. Brenner’s vivid storytelling through realistic characters reveals how women faced gut-wrenching struggles head on.”

— Sunny Roller, polio survivor, Member, Post-Polio Health International Board of Directors

“Thank you to Judith Brenner for shining a light on the difficult and painful issues of domestic violence. Dreams are a reminder to women that not every prince is charming, and of the courage it takes to become the heroine of your own story.”

— Barb Greenberg, Founder, RediscoveringU.com, Author of the award-winning book, The Seasons of Divorce: Insights for Women in Transition.

“From the minute I began reading The Moments Between Dreams, I was captured, yanked into 1944 and the life of Carol Wozniak and her family, and struck by the similarities to the world we all live in today. It’s flawlessly written and relatable. Put this book on your summer reading list.”

— Nadia Giordana, Publisher/Editor, WINK: Writers In the Know literary magazine

“The Moments Between Dreams is an emotional journey of courage and perseverance as a woman struggles to protect her children and herself. Brenner weaves a story of grit and determination about a woman you’ll cheer for even after the hopeful ending.”

— Jill Hannah Anderson, author of The To-Hell-and-Back Club