With Good Intent is a gripping blend of emotional depth, personal transformation, and social justice, set against the gritty backdrop of a suburb in Yonkers — the childhood neighborhood of Gordon Willows.
Gordon is a wealthy trader disillusioned with his fortune. He is driven to address the deep-seated issues of poverty, crime, and educational inequality in his old patch. The catalyst for his journey is the latest tragic family murder-suicide, which prompts him to launch the SAVE YONKERS CAMPAIGN, aimed at offering immediate relief to those in need. That was followed by SchoolSpark, a bold initiative designed to overhaul the education system.
He teamed up with his childhood friend Randy, an Iraq veteran, and Nassim, a tech-savvy electronics engineer, who bring their practical skills and determination to the campaign. The two campaigns — one focused on urgent community aid for the poor and the other on long-term reform — are propelled by daring public stunts and media attention, keeping the narrative tense and engaging.
While the novel’s emotional core lies in Gordon's internal struggles and complex relationships — particularly with his ex-wife Jessica and Randy, it also ramps up in intensity as it nears its conclusion. As the SAVE YONKERS and SchoolSpark campaigns face mounting opposition, the stakes grow higher, leading to dramatic moments of action that bring the tension to a head.
These sequences, while intense, underscore the personal sacrifices Gordon makes, showing the true cost of fighting for a better future. They are not gratuitous but rather serve to underline the weight of Gordon’s journey. His story, both inspiring and tragic, culminates in a way that will resonate with readers who appreciate stories of transformation and the struggle to make a meaningful impact.
With Good Intent will appeal to readers who enjoy character-driven stories and are drawn to themes of social justice, personal growth, and redemption. The novel’s exploration of the complexities of human relationships — set against a backdrop of intense social issues, will particularly resonate with women and readers who appreciate nuanced, introspective narratives.
The latter part of the novel takes a more action-packed turn, but this is balanced within the context of Gordon’s emotional and moral journey, ensuring that the story remains thoughtful and engaging. It’s a story that speaks to the transformative power of one individual’s quest to change the world — and the personal sacrifices that come with it, no matter the cost.
cvrabela@outlook.com
The Novel. The E Book. The Script