Secret Shadow by Loreen Plett - A Book Review

By all appearances Lawanda's father was a conscientious Christian and dedicated family man raising his children to be respectful and obedient. But this carefully cultivated image was far from the truth.

Lawanda and her siblings knew all too well what their father was really like. Living in the dark and secret shadow of her father's abuse and hypocrisy, Lawanda suffered silently, nursing a terrible load of anger and rebellion. She struggled, wanting to do the right thing, but often yielding to fear and bitterness. Lawanda needed help - desperately. But who could help her? Who would love her the way she was? She trusted no one.

What I Loved about the Book:
I will admit upon seeing the cover, my attention was drawn to what lie beyond the cover. Opening that book, I knew not what lie there, but as I read, I found a young soul crying out to be heard. Secret Shadow was written in a way to protect the family and all those involved in this situation and I commend the author and "Lawanda" for being willing to do this. It allows the reader to focus on the life's experiences without having any preconceived ideas or thoughts about those involved. As I read the experiences of the Plett family, my heart cried out for the family. At times, it left me wondering what could be done different.

This book can show a victim of abuse that there is hope, that others have walked this road before and can identify with what you may be experiencing. The book can also be of great help to adults who focus on helping abuse victims by showing them how others have dealt with abuse victims.

I highly recommend taking the time to read this book and I challenge you to take time to breathe a prayer before you crack the cover. Ask God to allow it to speak to you, whether showing you how to deal with a "Lawanda" near you. Or maybe you are a "Lawanda" looking for answers, feeling that you have reached the end of your rope-know that you are not alone in this battle. The battle has been fought before by other "Lawandas."

This book is available from Christian Light Publications and Amazon.
Note: Secret Shadow was written in a discreet manner, but is not recommended for children.

Joey's Story (A True Story) - A Book Review

Joey lied, swore and fought. She smoked in secret and shoplifted when she had half a chance. And she was only a child...But behind the tough shell, Joey's heart ached and cried out for help. A loving God, already working in her life, heard and answered her cry.

...How the book blessed/challenged me...

Hearing tidbits about this book as it was being written peaked my interest and I waited for the book to be printed. As I read the back of the book, I opened  the book with anticipation, but also much reserve. I was shocked by the reality of the story, but I commend the author for writing Joey's story in a unique, but reserved way. The book was not written to be read as a passing whim, but the author has written in a way that pulls you into the story. You will weep with Joey as she experiences many extreme trials, but you also will rejoice with her as she relates the many joys that blessed her life. 

Joey's Story is the experience of so many lives, relating to families as they open their homes via adoption/foster to many young hurting souls out there. Sadly, it is also the experience that many young people encounter in their homes today. In Joey's Story, the author portrays that the story is not written as "pity-me" book, but rather it was written to be of help to others out there that can relate to Joey's experience. Both Joey  and the author wish to portray the story in a way that it might reveal the peace that can be found in Christ. The reader is also challenged to look around them for the Joeys in their lives and to take time to reach out to them.

Joey's Story was the type of book that I picked up and read from front cover to back cover without laying it down. Joey has shown the reader that as a hurting person, you can find victory and strength for tomorrow. She has shown that God is there...all we need to do is call out to Him.

...About The Author...

Ruth Ann Stelfox lives in Alberta, Canada with her husband. She has written "Tears of the Rain", the family's personal story of moving from Alberta to Monrovia, Liberia. Joey's Story was the 2nd book that Ruth Ann has written. 

Joey's Story can be purchased from Christian Light Publications.

Note: Joey's Story was written in a very discrete manner, however it is not a children's book.