It all begins as the opening pages set forth events from 1967, when the life of a pregnant teenager, Shelly Fagan, changes irrevocably and forever in Controlling Shelly Fagan by Olive Dunn. The father of her child, Chris, is unaware of Shelly’s circumstances, as is her brother, Steven, who would otherwise have supported her, but who headed off for the Vietnam War just as the story begins. Prior to that day—the day that Shelly’s parents leave her at a convent to have her child in secret—Shelly had lived a life of the favored. Her father was mayor of the town in which she lived, and she and her brother were popular among their peers. But everything changed and Shelly’s faith was shattered when her parents left her under the care of the Mother Superior who did not take kindly to “wayward girls.” Alongside this story comes another, and that is a story of events that transpired 19 years later. As if living an entirely separate life in an entirely separate world, Shelly is now married to Philip and has two sons. Between these two stories, the reader learns how the 1967 events shaped Shelly’s life, and why Shelly reacts as she does when, two decades later, Chris re-enters the picture.

Shelly Fagan’s parents responded in a manner we would consider extreme these days, although in 1967, it was not so unusual to send a pregnant teenager away to have their child in secret. Controlling Shelly Fagan, by Olive Dunn, provides a good illustration of how a teenager might emotionally survive such a situation. It also shows how such events can color one’s future, and the many ways that lies can harm others. I felt deep sympathy for Shelly, particularly at the outset, given the cruelty the Mother Superior visited on her. As the story progressed, I was happy to learn that she found a dear friend and helper at the convent. That fact restored some of my faith in the goodness of others. Eventually, however, I was surprised by decisions that Shelly made that left me hurting for her husband, Philip. For that reason, I found myself looking forward to discovering what Shelly learned from her experiences, how her experiences would affect her actions toward others, and how her actions would ultimately affect the lives of others. As Shelly’s story illustrates, one life and one lie can truly have unimaginable ripple effects.

Shelly and Steven Fagan were as close as a brother and sister could be. It was the 1960’s, and they and Steven’s best friend, Chris Johnson, spent many idyllic summer days in their small southern Indiana hometown. Doug and Janice Fagan were devoted Catholics, highly respected in the town, and loved their children dearly. Shelly and Chris fell in love. On the day Steven left for Vietnam, Shelly’s parents took their pregnant daughter to St. Francis de Celle Convent. They thought it was the best option, as they only wanted her to have the best life possible. But, it traumatized Shelly with losing everything she loved. Nineteen years later, Shelly is married to Phillip Gerard, with two young sons, living in Louisville, Kentucky. When the family traveled to St. Francis, Indiana, for a baseball tournament, many memories returned to Shelly and many truths were revealed. In the romantic novel, Controlling Shelly Fagan, written by Olive Dunn, a riveting story unfolds.

The 1960’s decade is accurately depicted in this book. The author captures this decade well – from the music to high school and sporting events, to the constant drumming of the Vietnam war. The options for young pregnant women were limited, due to society’s attitudes at the time. Long-term effects of Shelly’s pain, lack of choice and closure are explored fully. Finding peace again became necessary for her, and how this was accomplished adds to a compelling storyline. The author skillfully crafted a plot that easily moves back and forth between two decades. Author Olive Dunn has presented a thought-provoking, page-turner romance novel in Controlling Shelly Fagan. An unforgettable, touching story. I truly enjoyed the book!