Heartwood by Belva Plain

I have read all of Belva Plain's books. They are heavy on characters, family and relationships. Sex and violence are non-existent. (Well people are having sex but we do not have to know the details - just like the good old '50's!). Sadly this is the last one, for Belva has died.
This is story of one family, with most of the emphasis being on Iris and her grown daughter Laura. We do hear the story of Iris' mother, Anna, who was the perfect wife. She dedicated her life to making her husband happy. With that as her model, Iris tried to do the same. She stayed home to raise her three children before going back to school and earning her degree. Now she is a professor.
Laura fell in love with Robbie when they were in college. Of course they weren't too young to get married (where had Iris ever gotten such an idea?). But perhaps they were a bit too young to have a baby - but that baby kept Robbie out of Vietnam. Things are not easy for the young couple (no surprise there). In fact there aren't a lot of surprises. One family secret but it wasn't all that shocking.
If you want a book that keeps you on the edge of your seat, go find another book. If you want a gentle read that wraps itself around you like a blanket check out this book. There will never be another one like it. I'll miss you Belva!