The 1950s were the post-war decade where everyone grasped for a slice of American pie. It was a time of change for women's roles and a critical period in the explosion of racism. Four families, from all parts of the country, end up together and discover, with many struggles and tragedies along the way, the American dream.

Sarah Robbins, singer, part club owner and single mother, struggles to balance it all out and find true love along the way. After a whirlwind romance, she marries a man who's not what he claims to be. Striking out on her own, Sarah, along with her son Billy, embarks upon a journey to the riches of California.

Neil Dvorak discovers his wife, Anne, has been cheating on him. He gets a divorce, meets Janet and they marry and have a daughter. He's under her spell and doesn't seem to notice the ill treatment their daughter, Amy, suffers. When the truth is revealed, he takes Amy and they move to California.

Thomas and Dolores Drake have a marriage that's as volatile as the racism that's sweeping across the country. Dolores, pregnant again and growing weary of the abuse Thomas dishes out, takes their two daughters and leaves. They move in with Ruthie Jackson who, according to the attitudes of the time, is the wrong color. Their friendship grows, but at the cost of endangering their lives. After giving birth to her son, Dolores is advised to send her daughters away for their protection. After a near tragedy almost kills her son, Dolores and he make their way to California.

David and Karen Stratton are America's golden couple. After meeting in high school and falling in love, David proposes right before he leaves for college. While away getting a degree, Karen learns how to become an executive's wife. They marry and David gets a great job in California. But in order to survive in the business world, he succumbs to some unethical business practices that not only threaten his career, but his marriage as well.

As the families merge for a variety of reasons, there's one individual who threatens to destroy their happiness and their dreams.

BETTER DAYS AHEAD is Charlie Valentine's debut novel and is the first installment in a trilogy, which I am most anxious to continue. Ms. Valentine has put together a great drama with style and flair. Her characters are a perfect blend of likable and not so likable individuals, creating a very realistic and balanced story.