Title: Center of the Storm
Author: Ann Simko
Published by: Musa Publishing
Dodge, an angry teenager, grew up in the foster care system. Shuffled from home to home, he has never stayed in any one place for more than 6 months. A miracle would place him with the family of Kate and Mike Landry, on a horse farm in Pennsylvania. There he forms a bond with a horse named Storm, also a victim of abuse. Can Dodge let down his barriers and accept the unconditional love offered to him? Is this what he wants from life, could it really be that simple?
Flash forward. Dodge is now a grown man, married, with an adopted teenage son. Chris is also a victim of abuse, found near death in an abandoned shed. Dodge can’t seem to get past the walls that Chris has erected. There is a late night call from Kate asking Dodge to come to the farm. Maybe taking Chris with him on the 5 hour drive will give Dodge the chance to reach him.
This story flashes from Dodge as a teenager and as an adult. It is superbly written, allowing you to easily follow the story line. Ann Simko writes about the sensitive subjects of abuse, cutting, and suicide. With humorous scenes well placed to lighten it, she writes a moving tale of healing, hope and love.
Rarely have I felt so many emotions from a book. I laughed, I cringed in dread, and in several places I cried.
I received this as an ebook by the author in exchange for an honest review. I will be purchasing it as a paperback because I want to feel the cover as it softens from being read so many times.
I gave this book 5 stars only because I could not give it more!
For more about the author and her books visit her website.