Missing Max is a work of fiction that details the impact of a missing child. This family goes through some very profound changes as they struggle to deal with the reality of a missing infant and the psychological torture that comes from such a situation.
Each person struggles to hold on to their sanity in different ways. A teenaged daughter blames herself because of the circumstances surrounding the actual taking of the child. She morphs into an unknown personality as her guilt takes her places emotionally that no one can reach. She acts out and eventually she hatches a place to replace her young brother as a way to make things right.
The father hides himself in his work. The mother tries to deal with her loss by throwing herself into the world of missing children by volunteering at an agency that tries to help families find their children. The eventual strain of the relationships within the house and those individuals relationships with others in their circle of influence threatens to burst as they all try to come to a place of healing. Will the child be found? Are things as they really seem? Was this kidnapping a stranger abduction or is there an evil more bizarre at work behind the scenes?
For anyone who has ever wondered how someone survives such an ordeal as having a child kidnapped this book does a fine job of simulating the lengths to which the devastation can reach. I recommend this book written by Karen Young and published by Howard Books, a division of Simon & Schuster, Inc in 2010.
Listen is a Christian Mystery which was written by Rene Gutteridge. The story is one right out of today’s society…the powerful impact of the words and actions that take place online and how they affect people and communities in their daily life.
In the story of Listen, a little quiet town named Marlo suddenly becomes a hotbed of intrigue and crime because of an anonymous poster who writes words taken right out of people’s mouth…private conversations not meant for public consumption. No one seems to know how it is being done or why. Yet, words meant for private conversations are suddenly being posted online and wreaking all kinds of havoc in relationships in the small town of Marlo.
How does this change the environment when trust is removed between two people having conversations? Is the line between online life and real live being blurred? How can partial conversations taken out of context cause such emotional misery? Crime takes on a whole new face when people words are used against them in an online forum. Why are people drawn to the misery of others and how do they avoid becoming a victim of such a violation of trust? Is this a form of bullying?
I think reading this book is important for those who don’t necessarily understand how words and actions online can be misdirected. Listen was published by Center Point by association with Tyndale House Publishers, Inc in 2010.
The Returning is a work of Christian fiction. It was written by Ann Tatlock . It is the story of John and Andrea Sheldon’s family. A family that started out on shifting sand and entered into a full force windstorm- a separation which includes a 5 year prison term for causing the death of a stranger.
How does a family rebuild itself after a death, the birth of a special needs child, incarceration…infidelity and poverty? Children continue to grow and emotions become confusing and conflicted. Does a jailhouse spiritual conversion translate to a real true spiritual commitment to live a life dedicated to service to God and following his leading? Is it easier to be a Christian inside prison walls or outside prison walls?
This story is a story that is played out around the world; it is painfully experienced by each individual in a family that is unfortunate to have to go through such trials. I found this story of spiritual growth to be life affirming. It is a story of encouragement for families who are struggling with reconnecting after a deep and profound brokeness that seems insurmountable. It reinforces the very basics of faith, family & commitment.
The Returning was published in 2009 by Bethany House Publishers a division Baker Publishing Group .
Saving Cicadas is a wonderful work of fiction about a single mom who finds herself unexpectedly pregnant. Woven throughout the book are some great illustrations of the complexity of families and relationships. Our emotions often get the best of us and we sometimes don’t see past those emotions to learn the life lessons that we are meant to learn while we are here on earth.
This novel explores so many subjects that it is hard to imagine how they could all be woven so expertly into the story line without feeling like you are ticking off a list; however, the author skillfully does so. Saving Cicadas shares with us an adult unplanned pregnancy, we learn of a teenaged pregnancy, an estrangement from parents in a time of need, we get a window into what it is like for a parent to deal with life’s ups and downs while parenting a special needs child. Along with those issues we get exposed to the consequences of relationship failures and how they not only impact those in the intimate relationship; but also, into other peripheral relationships and how they are affected. This story explores the raising of children without fathers, it dives into adoption, abortion, abandonment, and the complicated layers of influence that religion plays on our decisions and our choices in our daily lives.
There are some definite artistic licenses taken with traditional Christian beliefs when it comes to exploring the concept of angels and the limits, or lack there of, that they play in our earthly lives. The line between our physical selves and our spiritual selves is explored too. I love how the story line explores the ramifications of what would have, should have, or could have been, in regards to the life of the unborn who’s lives were terminated through abortion. This may be a hard read for those who have been touched by abortion. However, the book also underscores the power of repentence and forgiveness which is exactly what scripture promises to those who truly seek it.
All in all, this book is a life affirming book which I believe makes it worth the time and emotional energy that the reader expends while unfolding the storyline. It is a good book and I like that the author takes the time to write questions at the end of the book which helps guide the reader’s feelings and understanding of the different areas of thought on these subjects.
The author is Nicole Seitz and the book was published in 2010 by Thomas Nelson Publishers. The publisher’s website can be found here: http://www.thomasnelson.com/consumer/ and here is the author’s website: http://www.nicoleseitz.com/
The Throwaway Piece, is a novel written by author Jo Ann Yolanda Hernandez. The main character in the novel, is named Jewel. She is the only child of her mother. Her mother Angela is single and always hooking up, with her hopes invested in her latest man and what he can do for her. She goes from man- to- man looking to him to make her life better; only, he never does. Jewel is judged for her clothing, her lifestyle, her ethinicity, her attitude and her speach.
Jewel is her mother Angela’s joy, her savior, and her anchor. She is also the ball and chain to Angela’s relationships. Angela puts Jewel on the back burner until she needs her when her latest man walks out, beats her up, uses her or just plain and simple demands that she dump Jewel into the foster care system.
Jewel is used to saving Angela from her poor choices. She has changed roles with her mother and becomes the responsible adult in the relationship. Even in foster care, Jewel has to steady and calm her mother over the phone.
The downside is that Jewel’s emotional needs are always put aside; buried, disregarded and deminished. Jewel has learned not to trust, not to expect too much…and, to be ready to move at a moments notice. She is smart but uses confrontational interaction to keep others at a distance. She yearns to be accepted, loved and nurtured…but is unable to accept that she is worth it. She holds out hope that she and her mother will have the life that they dreamed of…the fantasy life. However, she really doesn’t expect it to happen.
Like many State Kids, Jewel has never really fit in. This last time though, she has found a teacher who supports her, who understands her and who believes in her. She toys with the concept of having friends…even though she doesn’t expect much from them. She makes some poor choices and endangers herself after finding her mother Od’d. She is sexually assaulted. She saves someone who thinks little of her and in doing so…she finds a grudging respect and opens the door to some adult acceptance. Her mother has abandoned her and is lost to her forever.
Jewel is strong…too strong; she is vulnerable…too vulnerable. Jewel is precious and she is worthless at the same time. Does she find a way to find value in her own life before it is too late? Does the system destroy her or help her to build upon a foundation that is cracked and crumbling? Does anyone really reach out far enough to help her to save herself? You’ll have to read The Throwaway Piece to know for sure. I enjoyed reading it…because it is real.
Just for full disclosure; I did receive this book as a free review copy. This in no way, affects my opinion of it. It is worth reading. If you would like to purchase this book you can go Amazon.com. Otherwise, here is a link to the publisher’s website where you can purchase the book directly: http://www.latinoteca.com/app-home/app-inprints/Pinata_Books . This book was copyrighted in 2006 by Pinata Books an imprint of Arte Publico Press.
Enjoy getting to know Jewel so that you can have compassion in your heart for foster children everywhere! Every life has value and meaning…look beyond behaviors and read and understand the heart.
As with most books about beautiful places in the great outdoors…the writer of The Signal, Ron Carlson, is gifted with describing the mountainous scenery and creating an image in the mind of the reader. This builds a background of love and commitment behind the story; after all, who couldn’t love the bond between the land and the main characters in this story. It adds richness and depth to the lengths to which a man will go to protect a legacy of preserving land that has been in the family for generations. When that legacy is threatened because of finances, Mack finds himself on a downward spiral as he tries to come up with ways to save the ranch. Before he knows it, he has jepardized his relationship with his wife who loves the man and his ranch and sacrifices right along with beside him willingly.
When his failure to overcome financial obstacles starts to consume him and destroy him…it causes her to leave temparily. This in turn leads him to a life of crime and an over-indulgence in substances that numb him and allows him to lower his moral standards even farther until he can no longer tolerate the man he has become. As he tries to regain his self worth he attempts to reconnect with his wife who has divorced him. Can they find their way back to one another after such devastation?
One last time, they agree to camp and fish together on the land they love so that they can have closure on their relationship. He has hurt her badly and regrets it; knowing that when he let her go it was a huge mistake. He had temporarily in the midst of his addictions had a relationship with a fellow addict…his wife Vonnie knows of this and is hurt. On this last time together on the land that drew them together in the first place and upon which their love was grown they come to a place of healing only to find their future endangered by the past illegal relationships that Mack had tried to walk away from. Where they go and how they get their is why you will want to dive into the words between the covers of this book. If you love action, stories about commitment and relationships you will enjoy this book.
The Signal was copyrighted in 2009 by Viking. You can visit their site here: http://www.vpbookclub.com/
Standing Still is a novel that has the edge of a psychological thriller. It is the story of Claire who is bound up in her struggle between the cliff of her irrational fears and the valley of her very real, emotionally dis-connected marriage. She doesn’t even have the assistance of her husband to help her deal with her panic attacks; because his focus is elsewhere, on his own seperate pursuits in life. Claire must brave her demons on her own power; she feels helpless to do so.
In what turns out to be a case of self-fulfilling prophecy, Claire is kidnapped. She was faced with a scenerio right out of one of her nightmares when a stranger forces himself into her home and attempts to steal her young daughter. In a desperate moment of complete mother love, Claire trades her freedom for her child’s potential imprisonment by this stranger. As the knowledge of what she has done sets in, Claire’s internal panic mode sets in. It is her nightmare come to life; that lack of control over what is about to happen to her…she feels trapped and powerless to guarantee a good outcome. Claire’s husband has been living a secret life; maybe that is true but, so has she. These things are revealed slowly to her, during her time in captivity.
This taking of her freedom is what ultimately sets Claire free and opens her eyes to the life that surrounds her. Come and see how she puts the pieces of her life together, into a framework that allows her to live her life in appreciation of beauty, instead of fear; with a sense of fulfillment and gratitude for the things she holds dear. By the time the book was completely finished, I thought the title should have read; Still Standing! I loved this book, and you will too.
If you have ever had any relationship with an irrational fear, panic attacks or an anxiety disorder this book will feel like someone is speaking your language. A sister who shares your thoughts and feelings…she gives you hope that life can be different, freer, and more peaceful once again. Read the novel, soak it up and enjoy the knowledge that this author, Kelly Simmons, doesn’t make light of those who know what Claire has been through!
You can learn more about the author here on her website: http://www.bykellysimmons.com/ There you can also find a link to purchase her book. You wont be sorry that you did. The book Standing Still was published by Atria Books and copyrighted in 2008. They are a division of Simon & Schuster, Inc. You can find Atria Books here: http://www.simonandschuster.net/content/destination.cfm?sid=33&pid=427719
Kelly Simmons has written a novel called Standing Still. It is a novel filled to the brim with all kinds of fears that a woman can have; both real and imagined.
A wife, a mother, a daughter who is so consummed by the fears that she faces daily that she almost forgets how to “live”. Her life is dictated by those fears. When one of the things she fears most happens…she sacrifices herself for one of the most basic reasons…motherly instinct.
A man breaks into her home…she discovers him as he is attempting to kidnap her young daughter. She offers herself in place of her child out of a need to protect her child…at the same time…wondering if she will survive this very real threat.
In the days to come, her heart and her mind examines her life and her priorities. She confronts some of her fears as she almost “rests” in the captivity caused by her kidnapper.
Secrets from Claires past have held her hostage. She used to be a fearless writer, an insatiable reporter, a woman who was constantly on the move, a woman not willing to be tied down in life. She has built an invisible wall all around her family. Her husband has become distant and she no longer feels as if she knows who he is or what he wants or needs from her. Will their marriage survive…will she survive this ordeal?
How is it that the kidnapper understands her better than her own husband. He knows her likes and dislikes. He nurtures her and he protects her from others who wish to inflict violence…and yet, he hits her. How can they be friendly in a situation that is definately not supposed to feel safe?
This writer, Kelly Simmons, writes as if she has lived in this woman Claire’s head for a long time. She understands her …she has a connection to the way that the character Claire sorts through her turmoil. I found the conversational style of writing very inclusive…i felt as if i too, could understand how a woman in Claire’s position found the kidnapping situation, almost as if it were a sabbatical from her real life…a time to reflect and a time to induce changes. It is a good read.