Today is day four of the Miracles & Ghosts Past Blog Tour, and I’m visiting the very supportive Jan Sikes. I was first introduced to Jan right after I published my first book, and I found that she is one of the first to jump in to help. The beautiful image she sent me of an angel and a bear is my screensaver, and a story is still to come from it. If you haven’t read her memoirs, short stories, or novels, you are missing out. Before you head over to the blog post, I’d like to share one of my favorites of Jan here.
My 5-star review:
Layken returns from fighting in World War ll and finds that his family’s farm is about to be foreclosed. After the bank turns down his loan extension request, Layken is presented with another option – to marry the unwanted and badly treated daughter of the bank man to get two years to catch up on the loan. At first, Layken refuses but then sees that he has no choice if he is to honor his parents and family that has lived on the land. A quick wedding leaves two strangers living together. This beautifully written story offers hope and second chances in grim situations. What shines through is the friendships that are developed and honored, especially between Sara Beth and Layken. I had a soft spot for Sara Beth’s bunny and the person who borrowed food from them. In the middle of selfishness, greed, and cruelty, we are reminded of the goodness in people too, including when neighbors show up to lend a helping hand. When things seem hopeless, there is always a small glimmer of light. The setting on the farm is lush. I could picture living there and smell that blackberry pie cooking. The story skillfully incorporated tarot card reading and music in a natural way that I love. I am eager to continue the story of the inhabitants of this small farm. I highly recommend this heartwarming story!
- 9-24 John Howell
- 9-26 Sandra Cox
- 10-1 Miriam Hurdle
- 10-8 Jan Sikes
- 11-5 Lauren Scott
- 11-6 Darlene Foster
- 11-12 Diana Peach
- 11-20 Robbie Cheadle
- 12-3 Noelle Granger
- 12-4 Colleen Chesebro
