Firstly, I devoured this 208 page book last Sunday. It has been several years since I have sit still long enough to read, or get enveloped in a fictional story, movies are about as fictional as I usually have time for. My preferences for reading are usually self-help, research psychology, medical and alternative healing practices - non-fiction titles. So, this book was a delightful treat for my mind, body and spirit.
The storyteller and author is one of our own, here at Gather - Ernie (the proud owner of PPOW & POW groups) Johnson or authorernieroy.gather.com, and I am both appreciative and impressed with his thoughtful offerings here and in the world of self-publishing. Although I had not read his first installation of this story line, it was an easy transition to grasp the history and dynamic of the compassionate and passionate characters. As a female, older than the authors' "target audiences" age range, I found it most refreshing that the characters were not portrayed as unbelievable comic book heroines, nor did they deal with unrealistic issues. Personally, I was most impressed that the details of the subject matter, kidnapped, missing and exploited children, were kept to a minimum, yet the urgency and importance were pursued with reverence and respectful of 'victims' anywhere and everywhere.
The story begins with Destiny Masters, the main character or Angel of Mercy, newly introduced to Heaven and reunited with her brother, who was kidnapped and murdered, when she was 9 years old. Her death, at 17 years old, by lightning and a plane crash, leaves her soul unsettled, set on finding her brothers' abductors and bringing them to justice. She was given powers to use through the four girls', she'd assembled as a rock band, Destiny's Divas, in the story previous. Here, she has accomplished her goal, and then some, prompting God to choosing her, on behalf of kids who were making it to heaven before their time. Destiny, now winged, returns to Earth, joining Danielle (meaning God is my judge); Dana (meaning coming into own power); Lisa (meaning the consecrated one of divine spirituality); and, Wendy (meaning the wanderer who walks with God), as they begin their West Coast "Heart of Gold" Tour. The author collaborated these names, I thought it interesting to add the symbolic meanings to the names, as they were fitting to each character portrayed.
These self-empowered females change their venue, from the previous story, as they join forces with a savvy female FBI agent, Mary Mappson, to take care of the business of apprehending those power-hungry animals, who prey on the innocence of children for revenge, paying debts and sick, drunken thrills.
The authors' attention to the factual statistics and truths regarding abductions, would make the "Center for Missing and Exploited Children" proud, as an active member and volunteer for their photographing and fingerprinting campaigns, my thoughts of this story would be the perfect 'babysitter' gift of awareness - or anyone caring for children. It is also quite apparent that the author knows police procedure, legal loopholes for criminals, as well as forensic evidence, as he references his knowledge in subtle and profound dialogue between his characters.
The ending, or beginning, was an emotionally charged lesson in the Miracle of youthful purpose and sacrifice, leaving my heart filled with Hope for our future.
A story I will remember forever!
You've got to read this book... You can purchase copies at lulu.com... Thank you Ernie!
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Comments: 21
Dancing With My Dream (VOTE Round Two)"
Kudos my dear friend.
Ernie
Congratulations on your book ernie.
I too bought a book from ernie about boys. In fact two copy's.
I am looking forward to reading them to my Grandchildren very soon. Great review
God Blessings always
10*
You've done a marvelous review of Ernie's book! I cannot think of a more well versed or highly respected colleague than you to do a book review for one of our own. I'm sure that it is worthy of purchasing and even more worthy of reading. You have done him proud! :)
Thank you for letting us know of this worthy investment!!!
And, of course, a hearty thanks to Ernie for bringing this subject to light in such a "novel" way!
One of the most major problems that face our country, outside of the war with Iraq and the war against terrorism, is the war that's being waged against our kids. There are way too many reasons kids are kidnapped and in my books I've only touched on a few of them.
If I can help save the life of one child, through the many hundreds of hours spent writing it, then its been worthwhile.
Thanks for all you've done to help spread the word.
Ernie
..
U wishing you laughter