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!

Happy Easter

Happy Easter.  

I'm so thankful, and so unworthy.

Forty Days of Seeking Him – A Lenten Meme

Today is the first day of Lent.  If you observe Lent, or would like to learn more about this preparatory season leading up to Easter, you are invited to visit the link up hosted by Trish at House Upon the Rock, and Laura at Day by Day in Our World.

There will be a new linky posted each week.  Bloggers can add their Lenten posts as often as they like during the seven days.

I have really come to enjoy Lent.  (Yes.  Really!)  One of the nicest things about this meme, (I participated last year, too) is that many of the posts help break the stereotype of Lent being all about "giving things up."
Yes, fast, abstinence, almsgiving and other forms of sacrifice are a part of it, but these little discomforts are a wonderful reminder of the greatest sacrifice of all.  The moments of want are such a great opportunity to offer up a prayer for someone in need, or a situation in our lives or our world.  When done properly, I receive so much more than I "give up".

Sometimes, friends will say to me, "Oh, I'm glad I'm not a Catholic, I could never live without .......  (fill in the blank) for forty days!"

I think deep down, we all realize we really can, and it's a daily choice to grow spiritually.

Is living without this:

 Even comparable to this?

Crucifixion - Delacroix

It's all about perspective.

Forty days begins today.  We will go to Mass, get our ashes, and I will observe the guidelines for fast and abstinence.

We will stop saying Alleluia! from today until Easter Sunday.  When we say it again, it will be fresh, and new - and hopefully, we will be, too.

I’ve had an Epiphany!

This painting by Giotto di Bondone is titled Adoration of the Maji. 

With the advent of the Epiphany, the Christmas season comes to a close.

An Epiphany is a moment of comprehension or sudden realization.  That which was unknown becomes known.

When the Maji arrived, their eyes were opened.  Let our eyes be opened, too, and let faith be the bright star that guides us.

It’s time to take down the decorations – but I pray that Christmas stays in my heart all year.

The Sunny Side of the Spectrum - R.S.V.P

My guys always feel conflicted about party invitations.  They love the idea of the party, and usually have fun, but the anticipation, and concern about what might occur at an event leaves them a little bit anxious.  Will there be a clown?  Loud music?  Food they don't care for?  Most times, they accept the invitation, and we have a great time.  sometimes we may have to leave early, and almost always, we have to go home and decompress afterward.

The one that stands out for me the most clearly was an invitation to a birthday party of a classmate.  Boy one brought the invitation home, we looked at it, and immediately, both of my sons refused to go.  

This made me very concerned!  Was this child bullying them at school?  Was there something I should know about?  I tried to get the information out casually.  I asked if they still got along with the boy.  They assured me they did and that he was a great kid!  I asked if they had been told not to come by some of the more unkind children in the class.  Again, they said no.  I took a different approach and asked them if there was something special on television that evening, a place were were supposed to go, or an event I had forgotten about.  No, no, and no.

Now I was really stumped, and since all of the more delicate topics had been cleared I was free to just come right out and ask, so I did.  I asked them why in the world they were so adamant about not attending.

Boy Two picked up the invitation and brought it to me.  "Mom, just look.."

I looked and looked and completely missed the obvious.  I looked again.  Finally the lighbulb went on.  The boy lived  on a street named Dogwood Lane.  After a nasty run in with an untrained German Shepherd, they wouldn't go anywhere near a dog for over a year.

I got up to excuse myself and had a little laugh.  I tried to imagine what a  first grade Aspie mind conjured up when it thought of a street with that name. 

art by Gary Larson

Then I returned and showed them some information about dogwood trees.  We called the boys mother and she assured me they had no dogs, and no dogs would be present at the party, and the boys brightened, and made plans to go.

The Sunny Side of the Spectrum - Santa Edition

  

Ahh, December...   Decorations, carols, good cheer!  All is calm, all is bright.. unless you have Asperger Syndrome.  

This week I have been thinking about some of the ghosts of Christmases Past.  

In a time before this, when I was not as smart, December always brought with it the "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" cycle.    

Here's how it worked.  The boys would worry (way too much) that they might not behave properly.  Having been told by countless well meaning adults and various Christmas song lyrics that children who misbehave don't get any presents, this was all they could think about.  Sadly, anxiety makes them impulsive and edgy, so the more they thought about good behavior, the more they would act out!  Their brains flashed - NO PRESENTS!  NO PRESENTS!!  and the meltdowns would begin.

This sort of thing tends to suck the joy out of the holiday season.. as you can imagine.

So, we had some talks about Santa, and made some changes regarding Christmas in general.  I began focusing on Advent, and the fun things like decorating, crafts, baking, and giving.  

It's gotten much better now that they are older, but the anticipation of any major event, (and even some not so major!) still creates a stir of anxiety.

But that's not my story.. I want to tell you about Boy Two, who at age five came to me and expressed an urgent desire to see Santa.  We got ourselves ready and headed to the mall.  We practiced our social stories on the way, but he didn't tell me what this was all about.  

Once we arrived, it took a little while before either boy would go near poor Santa.  (They've always been wary of Old Saint Nick.)  Finally, with a little more coaching, and his brother there for support, he was ready.  I figured it must be a last minute addition to his list, so I hovered nearby to catch the conversation.  

I could tell he was nervous.  Eye contact is not his strong suit, but his head was practically turned around backward!  After a little bit of small talk, Boy Two set forth his business.  He told Santa - in no uncertain terms, he didn't want him to come inside our house!  

Bless his little heart.. he didn't want anyone in our house while we slept - and honestly.. who could blame him!!    It really is a little bit creepy, if you think about it.  

Santa was very good - he didn't bat an eye!  He negotiated a deal with my son that would have made Monty Hall proud.  He promised that he would leave the presents on our doorstep for my husband to bring inside.  He then shook hands with both boys to seal the promise.  

As we walked away, I lavished him with praise - I knew that wasn't easy for him!  He turned to me and said, "Great!  Now I have guilt!"

The boys were obsessing on all things Toy Story that year.  That's a line that Rex the Dinosaur says in the movie. (You can see the clip below - footage property of Disney - Pixar)  It was so absolutely precious coming out of his sweet little mouth.  - Oh!  How I love these kids!

I Hope They Remember the Laughter

I know I often write about the challenges that come with raising twins with Asperger syndrome, but I don't think I write nearly enough about how much fun we have.  These guys are funny.  The sound of their laughter - the real, true, from the belly laughter is one of the most beautiful sounds I will ever know.  It's such a great contrast to some of the anxieties and difficulties that they face.

Once of the challenges that people with Asperger Syndrome face is that they tend to be very literal.  If we go to visit friends who live on a street named Valley View Drive, the boys complain loudly when we arrive and there is no view of a valley.  Once, when they were little, I told them I had to lie down, my head was splitting.  Two three year olds quickly climbed up beside me to examine my head. (I wonder if I should be concerned that they were slightly disappointed to see that my head was indeed intact!?)

Today I was remembering a day when they were four years old.  I had prepared some Spanish rice for them, and they were excited to try it.  About halfway through his serving, Boy One looked up, and said "Hi, Mommy!"  Then his forehead creased and he looked quite serious for a moment.  He looked up once more and said "I like this Spanish Rice!"  Then he sighed and looked quite dejected.

I sat down beside him and asked him what was wrong.

"This rice doesn't make me speak Spanish."

Oh, how I love these children!!

Lent, Day 38

The  Easter Triduum has begun.  Holy Thursday brings so much with it.  The priests of the diocese gather for renewal and to consecrate the chrism.  The catechumens recite the creed by rote, and some become full Catholics, or prove their readiness for induction at the Easter Vigil.  We recall how Jesus washed the feet of his disciples.  We celebrate the Mass of the Last Supper.    After mass, the altars are stripped, the holy water emptied, and the Blessed Sacrament is carried, by way of a procession, to a place of reposition.  It remains on display late into the night, and Catholics often go from church to church for adoration.  it is an extra special day for me because I made my First Holy Communion on a Holy Thursday Evening when I was a young girl.

Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, "Take, eat; this is my body." And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, "Drink of it, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you I shall not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom"  (Matthew 26: 26-29)

Into the night, we consider the sorrow of Gethsemane, and all that followed.  Tomorrow we will go through the Stations of the Cross again.  When we enter the Church, the tabernacle will be empty.  So many reminders..  What He did for me.  What He endured for me.

Maundy Thursday - The New Mandate. "Love One Another as I Have Loved You."

Lent, Day 37

Both yesterday and today Catholics were directed to think about Judas.  I can't imagine how a man who walked with Jesus, saw his works, and knew him could do the unthinkable.  Thirty pieces of silver.  A pittance.

Betrayal is always painful.  Betrayal by someone I love is almost unbearable.   Yet even knowing this awful pain, there have been times in my life when I have betrayed Jesus.  It was too uncomfortable to own my faith.  I felt unworthy.  When I should have been reaching out, I turned my back instead.

I know that there are still Christian martyrs in this world, and the idea of it turns knots inside of me.  In some places, worship is hidden, and if discovered could be punished severely.  Yet they still gather.  Their faith sustains them.  They refuse to deny, and refuse to betray.   I pray that I shall never betray Him again.

Lent, Day 36

I've been thinking today about how much I have taken for granted in my life.  How it's so human of me.  I hate that  I do it, but I never learn.  I can still hear my father's voice telling me that each day is a gift, and to always remember how lucky I am.  He would remind me that no matter what is happening in my life, somebody has it worse.  Even as he was saying the words, I was taking him for granted.  Wouldn't he always be there to offer such wonderful wisdom?  Shouldn't he be dropping by at any moment?

As I mentioned yesterday, when I reflect on Holy Week, I personalize it.   This year, I'm thinking how much the apostles and other followers took Jesus for granted.  He told them over and over again what was going to happen, but they didn't really hear what he was saying.  They were completely unprepared for the end.

I know that Jesus Christ Superstar is very controversial, but when I watch this segment, Could we Start Again, Please? I think the actors and actress capture what I'm trying to say completely.  They are surprised, shocked, frightened and they still think it can be stopped.  Even Judas is seen looking on in horror and disbelief.  As if this was not what he thought would happen.

They were given the message so many times and when the time came they were confused and caught off guard.  They want a do-over.

Lent, Day 35

I tend to think a lot.  To me, the story of the Passion is very personal.  I know it, but I also feel it.  I think about the people involved.

Judas' fear led him to betray, and then the fear of what he had done led him to take his own life.   Peter was so afraid he denied three times.  The other apostles who scattered in fear, looked on from the shadows.   Pilot, who knew his wife's dream, and was afraid to have the blood on his hands.   Jesus himself, in the garden, wavering...  There was plenty of fear to go around.

Along with the gift of Grace, the Resurrection gives us the gift of never having to fear again.  Faith and Hope were given.   These leave no place for fear.

Here is a popular church song that goes with these thoughts.  Be Not Afraid:

You shall cross the barren desert, but you shall not die of thirst.
You shall wander far in safety though you do not know the way.
You shall speak your words in foreign lands and all will understand.
You shall see the face of God and live.

Be not afraid.
I go before you always.
Come follow me, and
I will give you rest.

If you pass through raging waters in the sea, you shall not drown.
If you walk amid the burning flames, you shall not be harmed.
If you stand before the pow'r of hell and death is at your side, know that
I am with you through it all.

Be not afraid.
I go before you always.
Come follow me, and
I will give you rest.

Blessed are your poor, for the kingdom shall be theirs.
Blest are you that weep and mourn, for one day you shall laugh.
And if wicked men insult and hate you all because of me, blessed, blessed are you!

Be not afraid.
I go before you always.
Come follow me, and
I will give you rest.

Lent, Day 34

It's already Palm Sunday weekend.  Congregations all around the world will begin their masses by retelling the story of the adoring crowds.  We hear how they were laying down of cloaks and palm branches before Him.   Later they will contrast that with the reading of the Passion.  I don't think I have ever gotten through the reading without tears.   From "Hosanna!" to "Crucify Him!"

And so we begin Holy Week.

Lent, Day 33

Today, my Lenten meditation was very comforting.  It was a reminder of God's protection in good times and bad.   It occurred to me once again that He is always there, waiting, patiently - and how often I take the long and winding road.

Lent, Day 32

I was reading the Sermon on the Mount today.  Isn't the Lord's Prayer an incredible gift?

Please enjoy Andrea Bocelli and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir:

Lent, Day 31

I feel surprised that this is the 31st day of Lent.  Because I spent this year dwelling on the blessings of this season, it has made everything  much different for me.  I think spending this time at the end of the day reflecting has been good for me, too.  (Thank You, Trish!)

Of course, now that I have spent 30 days getting my life back on track, I don't intend to hurry through to the end and then put it aside until next Ash Wednesday.  I will take some of the things I have been doing, and continue them throughout the year.  That's one of the reasons we sacrifice.  For growth.

In a different post, I wrote about how we welcome new Catholics into the Church on Holy Saturday at the Easter Vigil.   From that day until Pentecost Sunday is called their period of Mystagogy.   It's a celebratory period almost like a honeymoon.  The new members enjoy Eucharist, and the experience of being fully Catholic.  I think that I want to have a life of Mystagogy.  I have had times in my life where I only went through the motions.  I much prefer being an active and attentive participant.

Lent, Day 30

Judgement - 

Is there no one left to condemn you?

Nor do I.  Go Now and Sin no More.

Lent, Day 29

He was tempted in the desert.  He was misunderstood, overworked, and taken for granted.

He saw his father's house used as a den of thieves.   He was tested by men who wanted to trick him.

His friends were considered lowly and undesirable, and this King lived simply.

He was left to pray and fear alone while his students all fell asleep.

He was betrayed by a kiss, and condemned to die.

His best friend denied him, three times.

He was mocked, humiliated and beaten ~ left without even his clothes.

He carried the cross that would be the means of his death, stumbling under its weight.

He was nailed to the wood and then hung between two thieves.

He is not an unreachable deity.

He understands, he feels, and he knows ~ Take your troubles to him.

He waits.

Lent, Day 28

Jesus wept.

After reading the story of Jesus coming to see Mary and Martha after the death of Lazarus, I'm reminded that he truly came to us as a man.  Flesh, blood, tears, feelings.   It makes the Passion so much more significant.  When I think of the suffering and the pain endured for me - it leaves me in awe.

When I read the rest, He is the Resurrection, and the Life. I am reminded of why.

I'm so grateful, and so unworthy.

Lent, Day 27

Every Friday during Lent, at Catholic Churches, members of the parishes visit the Stations of the Cross.  We reflect upon the steps from condemnation to Calvary and say special prayers.  It is always very moving.

You can always find the Stations placed around the walls of Catholic Churches.  They are there all year, and sometimes, we just walk through them informally.