"Lake Surrender"
by Carol Grace Stratton
Description
Stratton's debut contemporary Christian romance introduces readers to the healing joy of life. A promising tale of redemption and perseverance. ~ Publishers Weekly
Nominated for a Christy Award
Quicker than you can say "downsized, unemployed, and divorced," Ally Cervantes finds herself with the Pacific Ocean in her rearview mirror as she and her two children head to Lake Surrender in rural Northern Michigan to live with her aunt. The dry hills of California are a metaphor for her empty soul, but she can't afford to wallow in self-pity with an autistic son who can't make eye contact and a precocious twelve-year-old daughter counting on her to get it together.
With no other available jobs, Ally steps through the only open door for employment, working as head cook at a dilapidated Christian camp. Problem is, she doesn't cook and doesn't like religious fanatics.
But despite everything, she finds herself strangely hopeful as she learns her journey ends where the lake begins.
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Biography
I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and lived in the Midwest most of my married life.
In my first novel, Lake Surrender, I use my love of Michigan lakes to tell a story of a woman struggling with abrupt change and difficult circumstances to see a greater hand at work.
With slices of humor, I write of hardships many face as a single mom, a parent of a disabled child, a displaced employee, a lonely widow and a once homeless young man.
My characters, flawed, live through unnerving stress, like a barefoot water-skier hanging on to the boat connected with one strand of yarn to life. While hanging onto the boat for dear life they find the unwavering patience of God in the most unusual places.
Using my degree in Recreational Therapy I have worked with autistic children, In this novel I wanted a story that would lift their value in the world while at the same time highlight the difficulty raising such a special child.
My first book, Changing Zip Codes: Finding Community Wherever You're Transplanted is a devotional for movers, anecdotes pulled from 22 moves. I have a passion to help families move reminding them they will have a life and community at the other end.
A foot loose and fancy-free freelancer for fourteen years I've now settled down to a regular gig as a reporter for the Mooresville Weekly in Davidson, North Carolina.
Words define me....I love to speak to women's groups such as MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) and at national writers' conferences.
Family defines me more. I have a great husband, four grown children and five grandchildren. As far as hobbies I love music and favor bluegrass. If prodded, I will produce a mandolin.
My secret dream was to become a lounge singer. But realizing that dream is a little late to happen, I've found great contentment writing stories to encourage and inspire women. So actually I've chosen the better path.
In my first novel, Lake Surrender, I use my love of Michigan lakes to tell a story of a woman struggling with abrupt change and difficult circumstances to see a greater hand at work.
With slices of humor, I write of hardships many face as a single mom, a parent of a disabled child, a displaced employee, a lonely widow and a once homeless young man.
My characters, flawed, live through unnerving stress, like a barefoot water-skier hanging on to the boat connected with one strand of yarn to life. While hanging onto the boat for dear life they find the unwavering patience of God in the most unusual places.
Using my degree in Recreational Therapy I have worked with autistic children, In this novel I wanted a story that would lift their value in the world while at the same time highlight the difficulty raising such a special child.
My first book, Changing Zip Codes: Finding Community Wherever You're Transplanted is a devotional for movers, anecdotes pulled from 22 moves. I have a passion to help families move reminding them they will have a life and community at the other end.
A foot loose and fancy-free freelancer for fourteen years I've now settled down to a regular gig as a reporter for the Mooresville Weekly in Davidson, North Carolina.
Words define me....I love to speak to women's groups such as MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) and at national writers' conferences.
Family defines me more. I have a great husband, four grown children and five grandchildren. As far as hobbies I love music and favor bluegrass. If prodded, I will produce a mandolin.
My secret dream was to become a lounge singer. But realizing that dream is a little late to happen, I've found great contentment writing stories to encourage and inspire women. So actually I've chosen the better path.
Website: http://carolgstratton.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Carol-Grace-Stratton-813339755356589/
My Thoughts ~
Ally's losses continue to mount, a divorce, her home, and to top that off, her job. A single mom with no job, no home, and two children to raise, makes a life-changing decision. With her almost teen daughter and an autistic young son, she makes a big move toward healing and a new start in life. They leave San Francisco behind and move to Michigan to stay with Ally's aunt on Lake Surrender.
This is a debut novel for this author, and had I not known that fact I would have been amazed! This author's creative writing skills are remarkable. She has obviously done a lot of research regarding the topics that are broached in this touching story of this uprooted family. Her descriptions of an autistic young child are authentic and stirring. The challenges that are met in this heart wrenching story are poignant and realistic.
I could hardly wait for my reading time each day as I looked forward to what might happen next in this unpredictable novel. I look forward to more writing from Carol Grace Stratton, as I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Family is pivotal to this story, and the relationships within this family are emotional yet heartwarming.
I highly recommend this new author's touching novel. An emotional journey through the lives of a family stricken by hardship after hardship will open your mind and heart to the realities of life through the eyes of this talented author.
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