Thursday 23 August 2012

The Destiny of Sunshine Ranch - T.M. Gaouette

The Destiny of Sunshine Ranch
T.M. Gaouette
ISBN 9781470011024
eISBN 9781621101482
ASIN B007SY2CCK


This book took me completely by surprise. From the amazing dialogue to the raw emotions it portrays and captures it is a wonderful read from the first to last word. I know a number of foster children. I have seen them come and seen them go. This book captures their lives, their experiences and their hopes. The book was incredibly moving. Having known so many kids who have gone through the foster system knowing some of their stories and some not so much this book captures children when they are vulnerable, when they are reactionary and when they fear hope. But hope and love is what many foster children need most.

The story follows Benedict as he is pulled from one foster home and moved in the middle of the night. This has happened before. He has had ok experience in the foster system and some horrendous experiences. Then he arrives at Sunshine Ranch, and it is different, the foster parents Martha and David seem genuine, devoted Catholics but genuine and yet he does not want to let down his walls. The other children there seem to really like being there. But still Benedict holds back. The ranch is more like a family than many of these children have ever known. Then it looks like it might all fall apart, not enough money for repairs and to make it through another season. The children decide to put on a show to raise money to save the ranch.

The story is told from Benedict's perspective remembering back. Recalling what he had lost, what he had and maybe what he could have again. The story was amazing. I love it and highly recommend it. The story is a mix of faith, the spirit's movement and learning to trust and hope. And for some that is the hardest thing in the world to do. I highly recommend this book. And hope it is the first of many from this author.


Books by T.M. Gaouette:

Contributed to:
Secrets: Visible & Invisible 7 Amazing Stories - Catholic Teen Books
Gifts Visible & Invisible 8 Christmas Stories for Teens
Treasures: Visible & Invisible 8 Stories for Teens

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