Hardesty takes advantage of his narrative's twenty-four year time frame to create a wide cast of memorable characters that populate David and Liesl's world. These include Dexter, a dangerous fugitive who confronts them in a road rage incident, Emily, a single mom who David meets while tending Liesl in a local park, and Samantha, a banal but lovable teenager who becomes Liesl's embedded babysitter.

". . . a well-written and poignant story . . . Hardesty is an excellent writer, drawing me in from the start. A confirmed atheist, David Foley surprises his friends and extended family members with his sensible but unorthodox (grand)parenting skills. His orphaned granddaughter, Leisl, learns that morality comes in many forms, and that her grandfather's belief system may not model the religious undertones of her deceased mother's family, but that the grace of good deeds stands firm in both arenas. A compelling novel of unusual life events, told with honesty and unabashed self-reflection. Just as the reader assumes that all such stories have a happy ending, a new twist appears to remind us that happiness is in the imagination of the reader. An interesting story, one that I do not believe has been told before.."      - Lisa McComb, Author Raspberry Beret,  Opening Pandora's Box


". . . a moving narrative about beating one's past, understanding one's present, and confronting one's place in the universe. Hardesty guides the reader with a deft hand through David Foley's raging internal battles waged between his coarseness and his urbanity, his temper and his equanimity, his Catholic upbringing and his professed atheism. Definitely a five-star read."
                                         - Suanne Schafer Fiction Editor Empty Sink Publishing

Offbeat Grandfather "David Foley is a very likable and inspiring character. The author describes the ups and downs, the adjustments, frustrations, and the humorous moments that all parents and grandparents experience with great insight and observation. I loved the relationship that develops between Foley (Poppa) and Liesl, the granddaughter he raises from birth." 
                                                                  - Hilary Hawkes Readers' Favorite