Freeing Tanner Rose - A New Young Adult Novel by @TMGaouette (With Give Away!)

Freeing Tanner Rose - Faith and Kung Fu - Book One

• Written by T. M. Gaouette
• Released January 5th,2014
• 202 Pages - English Language
• Christian Young Adult Fiction
• Publisher's List Price - $9.99
• Visit the Author's Web Page www.tmgaouette.com
• T. M. Gaouette is also on Facebook and on Twitter (@TMGaouette)

Tanner Rose is a fourteen year old movie and television star.  She enjoys her fame and is deep into the Hollywood party scene.  When her behavior gets out of control her mother sends her to stay at the country home of her college friend, Miss Ruth.  The plan is for Tanner to rest and regroup so that she will be able to focus when filming for her new upcoming show.

Unfortunately for Tanner her problem is not that she is too stressed - the child is addicted to drinking and smoking and when she is out partying there are drugs and boys who have impure intentions.  Her self esteem rests in her fame so she does not appreciate being dropped off in the middle of nowhere and especially not at the home of a boy that is not impressed by her status.  She doesn't know what to make of Miss Ruth's son, Gabriel.

Gabriel is sixteen and he is a very devout Catholic.  He and his friends are all clean cut and fairly innocent.  Gabriel is also extremely handsome and in good physical condition.  Each day he practices martial arts and is quite accomplished.

As most people who are mired in addiction or other bad behaviors do, Tanner tries to corrupt Gabriel and his friends.  Every time that they go out Tanner does something infuriating or embarrassing.  Gabriel tries not to let her get under his skin but because of his own issues, she does.  Amazingly, he is able to tell her in plain language why her behavior is unacceptable and talk in clear language about how God's love is better than fame or parties or any of the things Tanner holds dear and confuses for happiness.

The story takes some twists and some turns as we learn more about both of the teens and their issues.  It comes to a point where either Gabriel's faith will attract Tanner and allow her to let her true self shine through or Tanner's life will tempt Gabriel to do things he never even considered.

This is the first book in a four story series.  It pulled me in quickly and I read it cover to cover.  The characters are both a little bit complex, and each chapter reveals a little bit more about them.  Although it stands alone just fine it did leave me wondering what will become of the two, especially Tanner Rose.  I hope the next book is published soon! 

The book is Christian young adult fiction - but parents may want to read it with their teens. There are so many topics that will open up for discussion because it addresses so many relevant topics.  You could choose substance abuse, peer pressure, parent/child relationships, (including the importance of behavioral boundaries) the trappings of fame, and more - especially temptations!

If you would like to purchase your own copy, you can order The Destiny of Sunshine Ranch online by visiting the author's website, Barnes and Noble or through Amazon.
You may also want to read Mrs. Gaouette's first novel for young people, The Destiny of Sunshine Ranch.

The author has graciously offered a copy of the book as a giveaway prize.  If you would like a chance to win it please use the Rafflecopter form and complete the tasks as directed.

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Good Luck!

Up for Grabs – The Destiny of Sunshine Ranch – a Novel by T. M. Gaouette @TMGaouette

The Destiny of Sunshine Ranch
Authored by T. M. Gaouette

• A New Novel For Young Adults
• Published by CreatreSpace
• Released March 5, 2012 
• Paperback Volume - 184 pages
• Suggested Retail Price $9.99
• Digital Edition Available ($4.99)

10 year old Benedict has been moved from one foster home to another, and he's hated every one. When he arrives at Sunshine Ranch, he doesn't bother unpacking. What's the point? But his new foster parents and siblings are very different from what he's become used to. David and Martha Credence strive to instill love and Christian values in their family and it inspires hope in each child. Benedict is not into "religion," but Sunshine Ranch is the home he's secretly been yearning for. Still, he fears it's all just a little too good to be true, and his sentiments are validated when he learns that they may lose Sunshine Ranch. Can the Credence children help save the Ranch? Will faith keep them together? Or will Benedict's dream be shattered?

"I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:12-13

Earlier this month I shared my blogged review of this book The Destiny of Sunshine Ranch.  I was very happy to read an interesting, yet cleanly written book for teens.  Now, the author has generously offered to provide an autographed copy to one of my readers.

If you'd like to be entered, please use the Rafflecopter form below.

(Giveaway Closed)

This giveaway is open to US residents, ages 18 and older.  It will close at 12:01AM EST on may 14th.  Winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter, notified by email, and will have 48 hours to respond.  No purchase is necessary to win.  Void where prohibited.

Facebook, Google and Twitter have no connection to this giveaway.  They do not endorse it or sponsor it.  Likewise, none are affiliated with this blog, its reviews, or any of its other giveaways.

Good Luck!

The Destiny of Sunshine Ranch – A Novel for Young Adults #Catholic @TMGaouette

The Destiny of Sunshine Ranch a Novel by T. M. Gaouette

• A New Novel For Young Adults by T.M. Gaouette 
• A Story About a Catholic Couple, and Their Ministry to Young Foster Children
• Paperback Volume - 184 pages
• Suggested Retail Price $12.99

I just finished reading this novel, written for young adults, by T.M. Goouette.  The title is The Destiny of Sunshine Ranch.

Here I am, reading a few chapters during my down time at the water park:



I will freely admit - even though this book is written for teenagers, I was taken in fairly quickly.  The characters are well developed and likable, which made me want to see how things turned out for them.  I usually have a pile of serious tomes stacked up for my free reading time, and most are non-fiction titles.  It was an absolute pleasure to immerse myself in this story.

In addition to a delightful read, there are a few uplifting messages revealed in these pages.  For me, the most important was that faith is the only sure antidote for anxiety.  Coming in a closely behind were the ideas that God waits - and that where there is life, there is hope.

I can't imagine what it must be like to be a foster child, especially one who is moved from place to place.  That is who this story is about.  A lovable and diverse bunch of foster children and the couple who take them into their home.

I loved how Ms. Gaouette presented each child as unique, with his or her own defenses and coping mechanisms.  David and Martha Credence, (the foster parents) have a wonderful ability to understand these kids and assist them as they heal from their painful pasts. They carefully guide the group of young people towards faith, and help them to cope with new situations and emotions. Their capacity to love is amazing, and they have plenty for each of their charges.  Sunshine Ranch is a refuge.

Benedict is the main character, and he is introduced immediately.  He's only ten but he has had quite a rough life.  When he arrives at the ranch he isn't exactly sure what to make of it - or the oddly happy people living there. While the stories of the other children all intertwine through Benny's, the focus always returns to him.  He is a stubborn young man - bound and determined to avoid faith, refuse to trust, and to keep everyone at an arm's length.  He is determined not to become attached to this new home or it's inhabitants, even though Sunshine Ranch is everything he has ever wanted or hoped for.

Of course, just like the rest of us, this patched together family has it's share of ups and downs, joys and heartbreaks, worries and woes.  Through the characters we see the contrast between reactions based on faith, and reactions rooted in fear.

Without being preachy, The Destiny of Sunshine Ranch illustrates the very beautiful passage of Scripture,

I Can Do All things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me.  Phillipans 4:13

The story also shows the detrimental effects that come from holding on to all of our hurts and our worries.  It is not an easy way to live!  Thankfully, readers will also see the profound joy that accompanies conversion.

I am sad to say, there have been times in my life when I have been like Benedict, and I know many Benedicts today.  Many "Benedicts" will show up in the pews during these days of the Triduum - and I pray that this is the year they decide to stay.

While the book is not drenched in Catholicism, it is clearly the faith of the Credence family and it is mentioned occasionally, throughout the pages.  Even so, I think it would be an appropriate book for a teen of any faith to read.

As a mom, I can easily recommend this novel for teens.  The plot is interesting, and there is just enough turmoil to hold the attention of younger people.  There are a few minor plot elements that could probably not happen in real life, but for the sake of the story, they work.  When I'm reading or watching a movie, I allow a little bit of creative license - and these minor blips would probably not register with an average teenager.

If you would like to purchase your own copy, you can order The Destiny of Sunshine Ranch online by visiting the author's website,  Barnes and Noble or through Amazon.

T.M. Gaouette is a freelance writer, ghostwriter, blogger, and fiction novelist. Devoted to Him, Gaouette is dedicated to glorifying God through her stories for children and young adults. She lives in New England with her husband and their children.

In order to write a blogged review, I was given a copy of the book.  I have no affiliation with the author or publisher, and I am not paid to write posts.