-{ The Books }-
The Cry and the Witnesses
Book 1 |
Living with her alcoholic father who's hardly ever home, ten-year-old Jenny McCreedy has mastered the art of making friends. With her kind smile and well-chosen words, Jenny sets out to win the hearts of everyone she meets, everyone that is except for the Aaronson's Lake Policemen.
But when it turns out that Jenny's new best friend's dad is a police officer, Jenny finds herself on the other side of the friendship game; except Mr. Laramie's not seeking to win her friendship, but something far more important, her trust. Yet six years later, will those faded memories of love make any difference as she holds the choice of life or death in her sixteen-year-old hands. Faced with an unplanned pregnancy, Jenny must decide whether or not to have the abortion everyone says she should. Alone with her choice, will Jenny follow her fear or face it? Page count:282 Recommended for ages 12 and up |
For Parents:
Here's a little deeper review for those concerned about what kind of scenes this book may contain:
Overview: The focus of this book is really on Jenny, and the people that shaped her early life. Most of the story is spent in a flashback to when she was 10 years old. The latter half of the book focuses on Jenny's choice to have an abortion or not and the ultimate outcome of that decision.
Violence/Abuse: None.
We hear about an intoxicated neighbor who thinks he's a cowboy and tries to shoot bottles off the railroad tracks. He's arrested and no one gets hurt.
One of Jenny's other neighbors has two mysterious men visit him that make her nervous, but nothing happens.
Alcohol/drugs: Minimal and all accounts convey to the reader the negative effects these things have.
Jenny's father is an alcoholic, but we never actually see him drinking.
We see Jenny's father smoking cigarettes a few times.
Later in the book, there's talk about Jenny's roommates smoking Marijuana.
Romantic/Sexual content: None. I wanted to keep the focus on Jenny and her choice.
We never see Jenny and her boyfriend together.
Other: SPOILER!
Jenny runs away from her foster family and it's assumed that she and her friends have done quite a bit of creative lying to keep her hidden from those looking for her.
But, in the end Jenny realizes the error of her ways and we see her beginning to reach out to those she hurt in apology.
In this book I wanted to share a real, true to life story and in real life there are good guys and bad guys. In real life people are not perfect, they make mistakes, and I wanted to show that. Still I'm not looking to promote these more negative elements, just to present them. Ultimately as a writer, I want to teach my reader. I want them to walk away from this book, more aware of this situation, more prepared to love those in this position, and more conscious about the impact their own life is having on those around them.
If you have more questions please contact us, we'd be happy to tell you more!
Overview: The focus of this book is really on Jenny, and the people that shaped her early life. Most of the story is spent in a flashback to when she was 10 years old. The latter half of the book focuses on Jenny's choice to have an abortion or not and the ultimate outcome of that decision.
Violence/Abuse: None.
We hear about an intoxicated neighbor who thinks he's a cowboy and tries to shoot bottles off the railroad tracks. He's arrested and no one gets hurt.
One of Jenny's other neighbors has two mysterious men visit him that make her nervous, but nothing happens.
Alcohol/drugs: Minimal and all accounts convey to the reader the negative effects these things have.
Jenny's father is an alcoholic, but we never actually see him drinking.
We see Jenny's father smoking cigarettes a few times.
Later in the book, there's talk about Jenny's roommates smoking Marijuana.
Romantic/Sexual content: None. I wanted to keep the focus on Jenny and her choice.
We never see Jenny and her boyfriend together.
Other: SPOILER!
Jenny runs away from her foster family and it's assumed that she and her friends have done quite a bit of creative lying to keep her hidden from those looking for her.
But, in the end Jenny realizes the error of her ways and we see her beginning to reach out to those she hurt in apology.
In this book I wanted to share a real, true to life story and in real life there are good guys and bad guys. In real life people are not perfect, they make mistakes, and I wanted to show that. Still I'm not looking to promote these more negative elements, just to present them. Ultimately as a writer, I want to teach my reader. I want them to walk away from this book, more aware of this situation, more prepared to love those in this position, and more conscious about the impact their own life is having on those around them.
If you have more questions please contact us, we'd be happy to tell you more!
The Silencer's Weakness
Book 2 |
Silence, Kim’s only defense against the secret she carries, is shattered when she moves in with Jenny, a single mom and her twelve-year-old son Laramie, for the summer.
While Kim stands at a crossroad of choices, Laramie is content to spend his days playing basketball. But when a crime related accident, tragically takes the life of his childhood friend, Laramie is faced with the reality of death. And just like Kim, must answer the haunting question… can my life be more than this? Page count: 338 Recommended for ages 13 and up. |
For Parents:
Here's a little deeper review for those concerned about what kind of scenes this book may contain:
Overview: The focus of this book is on Laramie and the events that cause him to see the power in the choices we make. Laramie is also touched by the many injustices in the world as he watches Kim walk through the painful aftermath of sexual assault. Though the crime is not seen or even named in the story, the plight of these victims resonates in the background of this book.
Violence/Abuse: Minimal.
Laramie’s neighbor friend, Nipsey, comes from a troubled home and in one scene we see his mother shout and aggressively grab him by the arm.
Laramie thinks Nipsey’s older brother Perry has “evil” eyes and he spots the man carrying a gun under his coat.
Later we hear that Perry got in a “shoot-out” with the police, but we don’t actually see the event and no one is hurt.
A police officer friend shows Laramie the scars from wounds he got when he stepped in to protect a girl from her gang member boyfriend. (The story is not graphic and we’re not told what the weapon was nor the circumstances of the incident)
Laramie’s friend tells him the story of how he got hit by a car when he was a police officer working a traffic accident. (It’s not a dramatic or a graphic retelling)
Laramie imagines he’s a soldier in a war and he gets shot. (for pretend)
Laramie rescues a girl who fell and there’s mention of him getting blood on his arm and shirt.
Laramie gets pulled from his seat on the school bus by a bigger boy, and thrown on the floor where the other children proceed to kick him.
As an adult Laramie stops to help a woman who ran her car off the road. She bit her tongue in the accident and there’s mention of blood.
Alcohol/Drugs: Minimal and most accounts convey to the reader the negative effects these things have.
Laramie sees a can of cigarette butts on Nipsey’s front porch.
Laramie’s friend’s grandpa gets two cans of beer at a picnic and Laramie can tell he’s an alcoholic.
Laramie’s friend is suspected of drug dealing.
We see Curtis’ girlfriend smoking once.
Laramie remembers catching Curtis smoking as a kid.
Romantic/sexual content: None.
Hodge likes Jenny, but she doesn’t notice him.
Once he casually asks her to marry him and later asks if there’s any chance they could ever date each other.
Kim is pregnant after being sexually assaulted by her boyfriend. (We don’t see or hear the specific details about the crime. And the term sexual assault is only found in the closing resources chapter. My desire was to not glorify the crime, but keep the focus on Kim and how the situation has affected her life.)
Language: None.
There are mentions of people “swearing” but their words are not actually written in the book.
One woman says shut-up.
Positive Elements:
Laramie is very respectful of his mother and throughout the book we see his inward desire to honor her.
Laramie has several male role models who encourage him to make good choices, respect others, and to communicate his problems with his mom.
Though Kim receives some negative responses to her situation, the people closest to her continue to encourage her with the truth.
If you have more questions please contact us, we'd be happy to tell you more!
Overview: The focus of this book is on Laramie and the events that cause him to see the power in the choices we make. Laramie is also touched by the many injustices in the world as he watches Kim walk through the painful aftermath of sexual assault. Though the crime is not seen or even named in the story, the plight of these victims resonates in the background of this book.
Violence/Abuse: Minimal.
Laramie’s neighbor friend, Nipsey, comes from a troubled home and in one scene we see his mother shout and aggressively grab him by the arm.
Laramie thinks Nipsey’s older brother Perry has “evil” eyes and he spots the man carrying a gun under his coat.
Later we hear that Perry got in a “shoot-out” with the police, but we don’t actually see the event and no one is hurt.
A police officer friend shows Laramie the scars from wounds he got when he stepped in to protect a girl from her gang member boyfriend. (The story is not graphic and we’re not told what the weapon was nor the circumstances of the incident)
Laramie’s friend tells him the story of how he got hit by a car when he was a police officer working a traffic accident. (It’s not a dramatic or a graphic retelling)
Laramie imagines he’s a soldier in a war and he gets shot. (for pretend)
Laramie rescues a girl who fell and there’s mention of him getting blood on his arm and shirt.
Laramie gets pulled from his seat on the school bus by a bigger boy, and thrown on the floor where the other children proceed to kick him.
As an adult Laramie stops to help a woman who ran her car off the road. She bit her tongue in the accident and there’s mention of blood.
Alcohol/Drugs: Minimal and most accounts convey to the reader the negative effects these things have.
Laramie sees a can of cigarette butts on Nipsey’s front porch.
Laramie’s friend’s grandpa gets two cans of beer at a picnic and Laramie can tell he’s an alcoholic.
Laramie’s friend is suspected of drug dealing.
We see Curtis’ girlfriend smoking once.
Laramie remembers catching Curtis smoking as a kid.
Romantic/sexual content: None.
Hodge likes Jenny, but she doesn’t notice him.
Once he casually asks her to marry him and later asks if there’s any chance they could ever date each other.
Kim is pregnant after being sexually assaulted by her boyfriend. (We don’t see or hear the specific details about the crime. And the term sexual assault is only found in the closing resources chapter. My desire was to not glorify the crime, but keep the focus on Kim and how the situation has affected her life.)
Language: None.
There are mentions of people “swearing” but their words are not actually written in the book.
One woman says shut-up.
Positive Elements:
Laramie is very respectful of his mother and throughout the book we see his inward desire to honor her.
Laramie has several male role models who encourage him to make good choices, respect others, and to communicate his problems with his mom.
Though Kim receives some negative responses to her situation, the people closest to her continue to encourage her with the truth.
If you have more questions please contact us, we'd be happy to tell you more!
Another Way Out
If they knew there was another way?
Police Officer Laramie McCreedy is no stranger to the darker realities of life. Yet his involvement in a shooting brings those realities home to his family in a deeper way than he ever could have imagined. While sorting out typical 13-year-old girl challenges, Rosemary McCreedy finds herself on the inside of what could turn out to be a deadly secret. And when her father can’t save the day for her, Rosemary discovers that to save a life is an ability we all have. A tender behind-the-scenes look into the life of a law enforcement family, you’ll find yourself wrapped up in the McCreedy chaos as they see their own family struggles as a way to bring hope to those around them. Because there’s always… Another Way Out. Page Count: 386 Recommended for ages 13 and up. |
Book 3 |
For Parents:
Here's a little deeper review for those concerned about what kind of scenes this book may contain:
Overview: The focus of this book is on the McCreedy family, and how the challenges they faced in their earlier life have become an integral part of how they're able to offer hope to those around them. This book conveys the value each person's life holds, and how no matter who we are, we can have a life-changing impact on the people around us.
Violence/Abuse: Moderate
We hear a 911 call from a woman whose husband is out trying to protect his truck from a man beating up parked cars in an apartment parking lot. The man is not harmed.
Laramie and two other officers are involved in a shooting that we do not see. None of the officers are harmed.
Laramie recounts to his older children the circumstances of the shooting but the story is not graphic. The suicidal suspect died.
At a Bible study a woman shares in a prayer request how her nephew’s mom had an abusive boyfriend and how the boy was there when his mom died. (no further details are given)
Laramie goes on a call where a child is kidnapped. The child is found unharmed.
We see a suicidal man go get a handgun out of his closet. His wife questions him and they get into an argument. She blocks him from going out the front door. The man does not harm or threaten her in anyway.
A woman tells the police how her husband had been a deputy sheriff and had gone on a call where a man took his own life and the life of his family. There is no further discussion of the incident.
A suicidal man throws the phone while talking to police negotiators and there’s tension he may kill himself. He does not.
A barricaded suspect, with a handgun, discovers his three-year-old son is in the apartment with him. He does not harm the boy.
Alcohol/Drugs: Minimal
Several characters remember how a young man took his own life by overdosing on drugs. (the incident is not shown nor recounted in much detail.)
There’s mention of a man who struggles with alcoholism.
Romantic/Sexual content: Minimal
We see Laramie and his wife kiss casually a couple of times.
Before Laramie leaves for work, it says he and his wife kiss like a newlywed couple. (though it is not described any further than that.)
On two occasions Rosemary and her dad briefly discuss the topic of sex and he encourages her to wait until after marriage. (Their conversations are extremely mild)
The McCreedy’s receive a book written for victims of sexual assault.
A girl confesses how she was raped when she was six by the dad of family friends. (it is not discussed in any detail)
Language: Mild
There is mention of people “Swearing” or “cussing someone out” but the words are not actually written in the book.
After an unpleasant encounter with a suspect an officer tells Laramie he was thinking of another word to describe the incident, but the word he was thinking is never revealed.
Crap/crappy: is used 11 times.
Shut up: is used once in teasing.
Sucks: is used 3 times.
Other Dramatic Moments:
Mrs. McCreedy is called the night of the shooting and both she and Rosemary are awakened in alarm.
Rosemary is worried a friend may be having thoughts of suicide.
Laramie responds to a prowler call that turns out to be nothing serious.
Laramie responds to a Welfare check on an elderly man who hasn’t been seen out of his apartment for several days. The elderly man does not die.
Positive Elements:
Law enforcement is represented in a realistic way in this book in hopes of giving the reader a better understanding of what these amazing individuals and their families give every day to our communities.
This book shows strong families and how together they can walk through even the most difficult of situations.
The McCreedy children are very respectful of their parents and each other.
There's a continuous theme of hope and healing for the hurting.
And amidst the serious topics in this story there's also a lot of humor.
If you have more questions please contact us, we'd be happy to tell you more!
Overview: The focus of this book is on the McCreedy family, and how the challenges they faced in their earlier life have become an integral part of how they're able to offer hope to those around them. This book conveys the value each person's life holds, and how no matter who we are, we can have a life-changing impact on the people around us.
Violence/Abuse: Moderate
We hear a 911 call from a woman whose husband is out trying to protect his truck from a man beating up parked cars in an apartment parking lot. The man is not harmed.
Laramie and two other officers are involved in a shooting that we do not see. None of the officers are harmed.
Laramie recounts to his older children the circumstances of the shooting but the story is not graphic. The suicidal suspect died.
At a Bible study a woman shares in a prayer request how her nephew’s mom had an abusive boyfriend and how the boy was there when his mom died. (no further details are given)
Laramie goes on a call where a child is kidnapped. The child is found unharmed.
We see a suicidal man go get a handgun out of his closet. His wife questions him and they get into an argument. She blocks him from going out the front door. The man does not harm or threaten her in anyway.
A woman tells the police how her husband had been a deputy sheriff and had gone on a call where a man took his own life and the life of his family. There is no further discussion of the incident.
A suicidal man throws the phone while talking to police negotiators and there’s tension he may kill himself. He does not.
A barricaded suspect, with a handgun, discovers his three-year-old son is in the apartment with him. He does not harm the boy.
Alcohol/Drugs: Minimal
Several characters remember how a young man took his own life by overdosing on drugs. (the incident is not shown nor recounted in much detail.)
There’s mention of a man who struggles with alcoholism.
Romantic/Sexual content: Minimal
We see Laramie and his wife kiss casually a couple of times.
Before Laramie leaves for work, it says he and his wife kiss like a newlywed couple. (though it is not described any further than that.)
On two occasions Rosemary and her dad briefly discuss the topic of sex and he encourages her to wait until after marriage. (Their conversations are extremely mild)
The McCreedy’s receive a book written for victims of sexual assault.
A girl confesses how she was raped when she was six by the dad of family friends. (it is not discussed in any detail)
Language: Mild
There is mention of people “Swearing” or “cussing someone out” but the words are not actually written in the book.
After an unpleasant encounter with a suspect an officer tells Laramie he was thinking of another word to describe the incident, but the word he was thinking is never revealed.
Crap/crappy: is used 11 times.
Shut up: is used once in teasing.
Sucks: is used 3 times.
Other Dramatic Moments:
Mrs. McCreedy is called the night of the shooting and both she and Rosemary are awakened in alarm.
Rosemary is worried a friend may be having thoughts of suicide.
Laramie responds to a prowler call that turns out to be nothing serious.
Laramie responds to a Welfare check on an elderly man who hasn’t been seen out of his apartment for several days. The elderly man does not die.
Positive Elements:
Law enforcement is represented in a realistic way in this book in hopes of giving the reader a better understanding of what these amazing individuals and their families give every day to our communities.
This book shows strong families and how together they can walk through even the most difficult of situations.
The McCreedy children are very respectful of their parents and each other.
There's a continuous theme of hope and healing for the hurting.
And amidst the serious topics in this story there's also a lot of humor.
If you have more questions please contact us, we'd be happy to tell you more!