Publisher's Synopsis
The volume consists of a short novella for young readers which may have broader appeal to adults dealing with autism in the family, and several short stories and poems which would be of interest to adolescents & adults. The theme that ties all together is faith & the wonder & spirituality of nature, but is not heavy handed in its presentation. The novella (Violets in the Rain) deals with an old farmhouse near the Gettysburg battlefield. A country preacher had been killed there - a civilian casualty - during the civil war. His ghost remained in the house which was purchased and renovated by a family from Philadelphia who had an autistic son named Charlie. The parents had a good relationship and loved Charlie dearly, but were becoming increasingly frustrated and at odds about what was best for their child. This was very upsetting to their other son, Ricky, who desperately wanted the family to stay together.. When Charlie finally encounters the ghost everything changes The author had extensive experience in working with autistic children; helping them to more effectively communicate. She saw first hand the frustrations of loving parents caught in the dilemma of trying to make the right choices for their families. This novella will resonate with anyone who is or has been in that situation. The shorter works (5 poems/3 very short stories/1 short drama) have varying themes, but most involve some aspect of faith and its relation to the natural world. The first poem is about a lamb lost in the snow; the second is about the birth of Jesus; the next two are very brief and are about snow; and the last is about taking leave The first short story is about a car with a soul and a need to be useful; the second involves a young girl present at the birth of Jesus; and the third is about a Christmas homecoming. The short drama involves two Jewish men arguing about Jesus' message.
