A review by Pennell Paugh

Richard G. Opper has released the last book in his Oakheart Trilogy, Oaks From Acorns Grow. It is written in deep point of view of each player in the story, including the criminals.

Mona Oakheart, goes to Guam to find her leading porn star, Tina.Upon Mona’s arrival, Tina is murdered by a judge who took advantage of her when she was a minor. In the midst of events, Mona falls in love with a female court psychiatrist. Upon Gary’s arrival in Guam, Mona ends her relationship with the former Navy and Harbor Police officer.

Mona decides to go back to school, hoping to help other women from exploitation. Unfortunately, danger is close at hand, as a group of rapists terrorizes the island of Guam. Meanwhile, Gary returns to San Diego to face the Tong, a criminal organization that aims to kidnap the war orphans for whom his father is caring. 

As Mona confronts personal tragedy, she becomes aware of an unexpected miracle that will bind her to Gary for the rest of their lives. 

The book, like the others in the Oakheart Trilogy, is written in an unusual style that is fast-paced and a pleasure to read.

Former professional photographer and TV-show host, Richard G. Opper later chose law school and went to UCLA where he met his wife, Ann Poppe. They have two grown children.

After graduating they opened a law partnership in Santa Cruz, but they were soon lured away to work for the Attorney General’s Office for the Territory of Guam. Their children were born on Guam, where the family enjoyed their sailboat and being part of the local community. Richard later became the Attorney General for the Territory, On his leaving the office, he was awarded membership in the Ancient Order of the Chamorri, one of the highest civilian honors the Government of Guam can bestow.

After leaving the island he landed in San Diego, where he established a career in environmental law and practiced the power of storytelling in jury trials. Richard was a frequent lecturer on the topic of brownfield redevelopment, and the US EPA sent him to Europe several times to describe cutting edge ideas to our European allies.

Opper is founding director of Progresso Fronterizo (Foundation for Border Progress), an organization focusing on environmental and health conditions along the US-Mexico border. For many years he was a board member for the Museum of Photographic Arts in San Diego.

Opper has published articles in the San Diego Union Tribune and professional journals. Oaks From Acorns Grow is his third novel.