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Worth of a Girl centers around an eight-year-old girl from Uganda whose young life is altered forever when she is forced into a trafficking ring disguised as a trade school. Why did you choose to tell the story through eight-year-old Bibi’s perspective?
I chose a young girl’s point of view to show perspective. The innocence of a child who trusts adults to do right by them and to help, not hurt, them provides a stark contrast. It reveals truth versus the ugly evil of the world. A child tells the story much better than an adult.
How did you approach writing trauma in a way that is honest but not overwhelming or exploitative?
My books are about children and the evils they face, whether it addresses abandonment, exploitation, or abuse and loneliness. Because the plot is meant to be inspirational, I want to give the reader a sense of the trauma without actually telling it with explicit words. Grueling words, swearing, or foul language are not necessary if the author can show the action. One’s imagination can play a bigger role if the reader is told what to think. It’s been proven: ‘you’re more afraid of what you can’t see. ‘They’ll understand and see it, feel it, if it’s written honestly and plainly without a lot of detail.
The contrast between promise (school, clothing, opportunity) and reality (exploitation) is powerful. How did you develop that tension?
First, and foremost, I pray and ask God to help me write words that convey reality and tug on readers’ heartstrings. Then, I put myself in the main character’s head as much as possible. Although I’ve never faced these terrible conditions, I can imagine what it must feel like. I’m probably not even close. I do know, however, what failed promises feel like and the disappointment that follows. Extensive research (over three years) went into this book from interviews with African missionaries to documentaries and other reading. I learned what many girls had to do and endure to survive. Many of the incidents in the book were derived from real testimonies.
What kind of conversations do you hope this book starts among readers, churches, or communities?Â
The goal of this book is awareness of child exploitation. The awful plight of innocent children who are taken and abused, tortured, and sometimes killed needs to be known. It doesn’t just happen overseas. It’s close to home; it might even be happening down the block from where you live. Who would know? I hope readers will get a sense of urgency to help these children in some way, even if it’s through their church in helping children, fostering kids, or opening their hearts to volunteer. Not everyone can donate money. Many communities have groups that minister to children in some way. I sew dresses for girls overseas. It is known that if they have a new dress, especially with a label on it, it means they are being watched — thus, less likely to be taken by a predator. If I’ve helped just one girl in that way, my mission and goal have been fulfilled. I hope others get involved in any way possible.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
When Bibi faces challenges beyond her control, her bold, unshakable faith guides her with courage and strength. But how will she endure her fate? What will it take to save her?
When the new missions doctor, Dr. Steve Warden, arrives in Uganda, he suspects something nefarious is going on at the trade school. He never expected to unearth the dark underbelly of Evil directly beneath those who vowed to help the children. With righteous indignation ignited, he determines to seek justice for the children and rescue Bibi, even if it means taking down his own colleague and well-known people of the community.
Worth of a Girl
Worth of a Girl is a faith-centered suspense novel that follows eight-year-old Bibi, a Ugandan girl who thinks she is being sent to school, only to be drawn into a trafficking operation disguised as a trade school. From there, the story becomes a survival narrative about deception, cruelty, rescue, and the long road back to dignity. It’s fiction, but the book makes clear that it is rooted in real patterns of child trafficking, and that real-world grounding gives the novel its weight.
I enjoyed how plainly C.A. Simonson tells this story. The writing is direct, accessible, and emotionally clear. There is no fancy distance between the reader and the pain here. We experience so much through Bibi’s innocence, and that choice gives the early chapters a hard kind of irony because I understood the danger long before she did. That made the book unsettling in an effective way. I also thought Simonson handled contrast well. The false promises of dresses, schooling, and food sit right beside the reality of exploitation, and that gap becomes the whole engine of the novel. The dialogue and character lines felt pointed at times, but in this case, I could see why. This is the kind of book that wants to tell a story and sound an alarm at the same time.
I found myself responding just as much to the author’s moral choices as to the plot. This is not a morally gray book. It is openly interested in evil, faith, protection, and restoration, and it leans fully into a Christian framework where prayer, providence, and courage shape the way forward. That will work well for some readers. For me, it mostly worked because the book’s strongest thread is not abstraction but worth itself, the insistence that children who are treated like property are still fully human, still precious, still deserving of safety and a future. I appreciated that the ending does not stop at rescue. It keeps moving toward rebuilding, education, work, community, and leadership, especially in Bibi’s later life, which gave the novel a sense of earned hope instead of quick relief.
I would recommend Worth of a Girl most strongly to readers of Christian fiction, issue-driven suspense, and redemptive drama, especially those who want a novel that is emotionally straightforward and grounded in a real social crisis. It’s not a subtle book, and I don’t think it wants to be. It wants to witness, to warn, and to restore some sense of hope. I respected that. Readers who want a heartfelt, faith-shaped novel about survival, rescue, and human dignity will likely find a lot to appreciate here.
Pages: 314 | ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0G6KNFMNB
Marcus Douglas Presents The Cycle of Completion
The Cycle of Completion by Marcus Douglas introduces readers to New Jerusalem, a haven in a post-apocalyptic landscape plagued by internal discord and looming external dangers. The narrative centers on David Shakir, a young protagonist burdened by prophecy and physical challenges, who is thrust into a leadership role amidst escalating turmoil. This novel intricately weaves themes of faith, resilience, and divine providence, climaxing in a compelling finale that prompts a reevaluation of the concept of salvation.
Douglas adeptly handles these motifs, creating a compelling story that resonates well beyond the book’s conclusion. While the plot occasionally ventures into familiar territory and exhibits some uneven pacing, the detailed character development and rich thematic exploration significantly enrich the narrative. David’s evolution from a hesitant leader to a symbol of hope is particularly engaging, highlighting the transformative impact of faith when confronted with adversity. The author’s examination of human vulnerability and divine intervention invites readers to reflect deeply on their own views of fate and destiny, enhancing the connection with the protagonist. This book delivers a thought-provoking story that encourages introspection. Marcus Douglas’s narrative offers a timely meditation on the critical roles of trust and persistence through life’s challenges. This book comes highly recommended for its insightful portrayal and enduring themes.
The Cycle of Completion not only offers an immersive escape into a meticulously crafted world but also leaves a lasting impression with its profound exploration of spiritual and existential themes. Marcus Douglas’s narrative skillfully encourages the reader to ponder deeper questions of faith and purpose amidst adversity. As such, this novel stands out as a poignant reflection on human strength and the power of belief, making it a notable addition to the genre and a compelling read for those who appreciate stories that challenge and inspire.
Pages: 163 | ASIN : B0CQFZNYXF
Mission Teen Berets: Assault on Ravens Rest
Mission Teen Berets: Assault on Ravens Rest by Kitty Tolsma Anderson is a riveting espionage sci-fi novel that brilliantly incorporates the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic into its pulse-pounding narrative. Anderson’s seamless blending of real-world events creates a gripping and timely story that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
A family of spies go on a daring rescue mission to save one of their own, Fiona—a virologist after 40 years of captivity by the Sino-Chosen-Russian-Iranian Bioweapons spy ring. This rescue mission is based on a new clue received during the COVID-19 pandemic and aims to thwart the sinister plans of the SCRIB spies who now take on the family with renewed urgency in the midst of a global pandemic.
This book is a faith-infused, family-centered narrative that takes readers on a spellbinding odyssey into the lives of the Purdy family. The author meticulously crafts a narrative laced with suspense that unfurls like a flower bud in full bloom. It’s a story that traverses the precipice of life’s fragility as the shadows of tragedy descend.
Anderson’s storytelling ability shines through in her skillful exploration of familial bonds and unyielding principles. The characters, especially the teen berets, were keenly developed, with opportunities presented for readers to see the workings of the characters’ minds.
What distinguishes Mission Teen Berets: Assault on Ravens Rest is its harmonious blend of faith-based values and a spine-tingling espionage narrative. It’s a narrative that beckons the characters to make soul-stirring sacrifices, reinforcing the unassailable creed of the family.
It’s a gem for a curious reader who will find it touches different career paths in the biological sciences. Author Kitty Tolsma Anderson has painted a vivid book that readers will not soon forget.
Pages: 240 | ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0FK86T8Q3
Heart of Evergreen
Heart of Evergreen by Mary L. Schmidt is a psychological thriller that masterfully delves into the unraveling life of Kim Dailey. A devoted wife, Kim’s seemingly perfect marriage takes a chilling turn when she discovers her name linked to a hit list on her husband Steve’s laptop. This revelation propels her into a whirlwind of doubt and fear, where every moment becomes a high-stakes journey to uncover the truth. As Kim confronts the possibility that her husband may be a covert assassin, the narrative explores themes of deception, resilience, and the lengths one will go to protect their family.
One of the novel’s standout strengths is its seamless blend of suspense, mystery, and romance. Schmidt crafts a deeply personal and intimate story, grounding the tension with the raw, emotional depth of her protagonist. Kim’s love for Steve, even amidst her mounting suspicion, and her compassionate observations of him as a father figure to her children, create a poignant duality that resonates. A particularly haunting moment arises when Dmitry’s death is contemplated—a scene so viscerally portrayed that it lingers long after reading. Schmidt juxtaposes the brutal finality of loss with the tenderness of grief, making it both heartrending and unforgettable. The story’s backdrop is a festive celebration overshadowed by the threat of an unseen assassin that creates gripping tension, while the richly layered characters bring authenticity and nuance to the narrative. The novel’s exploration of human relationships is deeply resonant, capturing moments of heartbreak, love, and hope with equal finesse. A notable strength lies in its portrayal of women’s resilience. Whether navigating life-altering choices or enduring harrowing trials, the women in Heart of Evergreen shine as embodiments of strength and grace. Balancing its weighty emotional themes are heartwarming glimpses of Kim’s moments of joy, particularly with her children. These scenes lend a warmth that counterbalances the darker aspects of the plot, offering moments of reprieve amidst the tension. The crescendo of the narrative, the poignant demise of Dmitry stands out as a masterfully written moment, weaving hope and heartbreak into an unforgettable climax.
Heart of Evergreen is an evocative tale that will captivate readers who enjoy romantic family sagas infused with elements of crime, desire, and emotional complexity. Fans of Ian McEwan’s Atonement will be drawn to its layered storytelling and profound exploration of the human spirit. This is a novel that lingers in the mind, leaving readers both moved and reflective.
Pages: 160 | ASIN : B0DR69LRC2
Romance in Evergreen
Romance in Evergreen by Mary L. Schmidt is an engaging novel that weaves together elements of family drama and thriller into an intricate tapestry of secrets and suspense. Set against the quaint backdrop of Evergreen, the story unfolds during the Leawood family’s Thanksgiving celebrations, which are abruptly disrupted by the threat of an unknown assassin. As the family contends with unexpected guests and buried secrets, they find themselves ensnared in a web of espionage that challenges their loyalties and threatens to alter their futures irreversibly.
Schmidt skillfully manages multiple storylines, propelling the narrative with quick twists that maintain the reader’s interest. The incorporation of espionage elements lends a thrilling edge to the familial conflicts, creating a compelling blend of personal stakes and broader intrigue. The novel’s pacing is effectively managed, with tension building steadily towards a climactic resolution. The story, grounded in a rich premise, offers an ambitious narrative style. At times, the prose is intricately crafted with complex sentences and a brisk introduction of new characters, designed to challenge and engage readers more deeply. While this approach might distance some from the emotional core of the story, it adds layers of complexity. Additionally, the transitions between scenes, though occasionally abrupt, contribute to a dynamic and evolving plotline that keeps readers on their toes. The novel shines in its depiction of intimate family dynamics and tense espionage activities. The quieter moments of reflection interspersed throughout provide a welcome respite from the high stakes and help to pace the narrative thoughtfully.
Romance in Evergreen offers a unique blend of suspense and drama that showcases Schmidt’s versatility as a writer. This book will engage readers who enjoy stories where personal and secretive worlds collide.
Pages: 155 | ASIN : B0CZJF3N23
Married to the Devil – Book 1
H.H. Fowler’s Married to the Devil delves into a complex and unsettling narrative that intertwines corruption in the church, the exploitation of faith, and personal vice. The book scrutinizes the damaging consequences when religious authority and financial greed converge within individuals, mainly focusing on a pastor’s wife and their struggles with their own demons of greed and desire. Fowler’s exploration suggests that even lesser evils are not devoid of sin, posing moral quandaries for the reader.
The novel’s writing style is characterized by a raw and tumultuous energy, effectively conveying the intense emotions and instances of domestic abuse within its pages. Fowler’s use of vivid imagery and sharp character portrayals brings the story’s darker aspects to life, particularly highlighting the destructive nature of lust and anger. The narrative of this book embarks on an ambitious journey, particularly in its bold transition between the two parts of the book. This transition showcases a dynamic evolution in the relationship between the First Lady of the Church and Dean Ripley, offering a surprising shift that diverges from their earlier character development and backstory. While this approach introduces a unique twist in plot development, it adds an element of unpredictability and complexity to the reading experience.
The novel’s use of suspense and the strategic introduction of characters are commendable. Each character is pivotal in advancing the plot, reminiscent of Chekhov’s gun principle. This meticulous character integration lends a sense of purpose and inevitability to the unfolding events. The intriguing plot structure of Married to the Devil sets a high bar. While the prose occasionally grapples to fully match the depth and nuance of the plot, it still carries the story with a compelling momentum. Readers need to note that the book thoughtfully addresses challenging themes, including explicit depictions of domestic abuse, contributing to its powerful narrative impact.
Married to the Devil offers a thought-provoking and intense journey for those intrigued by morally complex narratives set against a backdrop of religious and personal turmoil. While the writing style may not resonate with everyone, the plot’s dark twists and meticulously crafted character dynamics are compelling for those interested in exploring the darker side of human nature and faith.
Pages: 311 | ASIN : B07KWS86W4
Christmas in Evergreen: Heart of Evergreen
Christmas in Evergreen by Mary Schmidt takes readers on a gripping journey into the world of psychological thrillers and crime fiction, interweaving elements of a troubled marriage with suspenseful twists. The protagonist, Kim Daily, is an artistically inclined individual married to a private investigator. Her world turns upside down when she uncovers a chilling secret: her own name on her husband’s hit list. This discovery propels Kim and her best friend Nancy to escape to Evergreen City, where they strategize their survival.
Schmidt’s storytelling prowess shines through in her intricate weaving of suspense and romance. The novel’s structure can be perceived as bifurcated, with the first part delving into a labyrinth of mysteries and the latter transitioning into a more intimate exploration of romantic drama. The author’s talent for creating suspense is notable, with each cliffhanger keeping readers eagerly turning pages. A significant strength of this novel is its authenticity and unpredictability. Schmidt skillfully portrays how the slow divergence of goals and aspirations can strain a relationship, culminating in a dramatic crescendo. Her vivid descriptions bring the setting of Evergreen City to life, immersing readers in its unique ambiance. The narrative flows with rich and engaging language, making it a delightful read. Among the characters, Kim stands out as a particularly compelling figure. Her fearless nature and the realistic portrayal of her challenges make her journey resonate deeply with readers.
Christmas in Evergreen is a compelling blend of suspense and romance, marked by Schmidt’s deft storytelling and rich character development. It’s a novel that entertains and offers a nuanced look at the complexities of relationships under strain. The anticipation for a sequel is a testament to the novel’s engaging and immersive nature.
Pages: 165 | ASIN : B0CRGH8ZVY
