I read it!

Part One:

After meeting an author on ‘Edgy Christian Fiction Lovers’ website I decided to participate in a Mother’s Day promo for his book. There were a few requirements but they generally seemed… simple enough.

One would be; I’d have to write a review. The book would arrive at my doorstep… I’d read it. Then next, pass it on to someone as a gift, for Mother’s Day. I thought about it; read the rest of the post and said, “Okay.” Considering my frugal side; I’d get my hands on a new book to read, then have an ‘only slightly used,’ present to give away.

I hit reply, offering my online assistance, and then continued to check out some more posts on a few more of my networking sites.

Just as promised, the book arrived in about three days. I love it when the U.P.S. truck stops in front of my house! I barely heard the sound of truck breaks… a sound I recognize (must be a woman thing: packages are a comin’) and before I reached the front door the driver had already dashed back to his truck. I peeked out and could see a brown cardboard box parked in a corner of the entryway. As I retrieved it; recalled… “Ah, it’s my book!”

My husband’s wondering what came… but I’m on my way to the kitchen for a sharp knife. I yell back, “its Timothy Fish’s book.” I planned on sharing it with Bill too, as he’s the one in charge of publishing my web-site, e-book, and paperback for my novel. “Honey guess what, it’s been published by Book Surge." I began reading the back cover and thumbing through and obviously had gotten Bill’s attention with my last comment.

Bill reached for the book. “Let me see.” Looking at it with his ‘inspector gadgets’ eyes, I realized I’m glad I only have to contend with writing my books. Bill relayed back to me offerings on the structure, layout and type size, templates… etc. I just stared back… his tech-y jargon was getting pumped up, and I knew it was getting a bit over my head. Snagging my gift back; I needed to paddle out of his stream of intellectual rambling, and said, “Hold on, shall we read this together?” Bill agreed, although his favorite genre is sci-fi; he will read just about anything as long as it’s in English. So, with fresh cups of coffee in hand and book we meandered out to our favorite spot on the porch, and delved into, “Searching for Mom.”

Part Two:

Any afternoon is enjoyable with the hubby, but working on projects…well we just both love to get into the nitty–gritty of things. We shared the reading and discussed content, set-up, genre’s and more. I know Timothy Fish, probably wouldn’t have wanted us to critique this way but being a writer and publicist: it’s sometimes hard not to look at a book in its entirety. (That’s been a fairly recent downside to our “reading for pleasure,” enjoyment. Writer’s beware!)

However, reading “Searching for Mom” (the story) did have enough good writing to keep us on track. One area of discussion that did come up was; who’s the target audience? How could I give my opinion and really give an honest review without it. It was an easy enough read , and appropriate for a middle school age… yet also redeemed a message for single parents; raising children on their own. Myself, shoot I don’t fit into either of those but… I love books about kids. (I still remember those old hieroglyphics on my pyramid wall!)

Having done an adequate amount of research, I knew that my own book could fit into a number of categories for readership… I still am not convinced it should be only a ‘women’s book,’ even though I have it listed under romance. Relatively speaking, I wanted to be able to make a reliable point to future readers about his book. I have to admit, and I’m sorry; I’m still a bit stumped. I’ll have to remember to ask the author… for curiosity sake.

Part Three:

Bill listened as I read aloud the last paragraph. I looked up at him and his crooked little smile let me know we were in agreement. “Searching for Mom”, by Timothy Fish, along with beautiful weather on our back porch proved to be a perfect way to spend our afternoon.

So, now that I’m back to reality (my computer desk, cup of cold coffee, and writer’s ‘cap’ back on… I’ll give you the run-down. Bare with me… this is my first review for someone. Hope I’ve given Timothy a fair shake.


Searching For Mom
By Timothy Fish

Sara is in the sixth grade. Her single Dad is doing a good enough job raising her, but does not want to talk about the past. Sara’s only dream is to have a Mom; a real life, Mom. She even prays to God…

Sara wants a Mom, who would live with her and her Dad; and would devote plenty of time to the both of them. A Mother who; would always bake the most delicious cookies and serve them up, still warm from the oven. A Mom that would love her so much, she would even allow Sara to eat them all; even if it was just before dinner time.

She tries to talk to her dad about this… He just doesn’t understand. He doesn’t seem interested. He says he needs more time and his excuses continue. She wonders how long she will have to wait. Why did she have to be the only girl in sixth grade… without a mom?

Frustrated, Sara feels her prayers are not being heard; she ultimately decides she’s going to have to take matters into her own hands if her dreams are to come true.

She makes her mind up to find A Mom, there’s no stopping her; or her imagination. She’s determined. However, her scheming doesn’t work out quite the way she intended; or the way I may have expected.

“Searching for Mom”, is an enjoyable afternoon read. Sara’s wittiness gave me more than a few chuckles; intertwined with tension and inspiration… this little girl held my interest until the final page was read.

Reviewed by: Valerie Anne Faulkner, author
http://www.imustbeinheaven.com/