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In the Shadow of the Cedar #1
Thundersnow
Depression Era teen, Sarah Jane, struggles with a controlling mother on a south Alabama farm. Troubles accumulate when a freak thundersnow strikes. Yet, the storm also brings peace and refuge, if Sarah Jane will only seek it . . . in the shadow of the cedar.
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 7, 2011
59 people are currently reading
502 people want to read
About the author
Sheila Hollinghead
34 books43 followersAbagail Eldan is the pen name of Sheila Hollinghead.
Sheila was born into an army family. Her father was stationed at Ansbach, Germany at the time of her birth. The family traveled and lived at many army bases until her father's retirement.
Sheila attended several colleges including Columbus College, Troy University, and Auburn. She received a B.S. degree in biology and became certified in all sciences, math, and English.
She taught for nineteen years before retiring due to health issues. Her life-long desire was to write, and after retirement, she began writing full time and has published several books.
She lives in South Alabama with her husband of forty years and three dogs and two cats. H
Sheila was born into an army family. Her father was stationed at Ansbach, Germany at the time of her birth. The family traveled and lived at many army bases until her father's retirement.
Sheila attended several colleges including Columbus College, Troy University, and Auburn. She received a B.S. degree in biology and became certified in all sciences, math, and English.
She taught for nineteen years before retiring due to health issues. Her life-long desire was to write, and after retirement, she began writing full time and has published several books.
She lives in South Alabama with her husband of forty years and three dogs and two cats. H
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 5, 2016
Thundersnow by Sheila Hollinghead
Sarah Jane aka Jay to her family lived during the depression era in the south. Sarah Jane lived with her father, mother and her brother, Zeke who was 4yrs old on a farm. Life not only was rough on the farm but the day to day struggle and battles that Sarah had with her Mother were endless. Sarah could do nothing right in her mother's eyes. At school, Sarah Jane always seemed to get the blame for pranks when it was someone else.
One day her beloved father had passed away from and erupted appendices. Sarah's mom became despondent at times. Sarah was going through her parents items and noticed that her parents got married in Feb of 1923 a year before she was born. Sarah wanting answers never received them from her mother but did get them from her aunt and uncle. She was told her real mother had passed away. Molley, had lost a husband in a fire and James had come to help her out. They both got married and Molly had adopted James baby girl as her own. Sarah now was on a quest to find out more of her father's family and she did just that by going to live with her Aunt and Uncle who couldn't have children
Sarah Jane aka Jay to her family lived during the depression era in the south. Sarah Jane lived with her father, mother and her brother, Zeke who was 4yrs old on a farm. Life not only was rough on the farm but the day to day struggle and battles that Sarah had with her Mother were endless. Sarah could do nothing right in her mother's eyes. At school, Sarah Jane always seemed to get the blame for pranks when it was someone else.
One day her beloved father had passed away from and erupted appendices. Sarah's mom became despondent at times. Sarah was going through her parents items and noticed that her parents got married in Feb of 1923 a year before she was born. Sarah wanting answers never received them from her mother but did get them from her aunt and uncle. She was told her real mother had passed away. Molley, had lost a husband in a fire and James had come to help her out. They both got married and Molly had adopted James baby girl as her own. Sarah now was on a quest to find out more of her father's family and she did just that by going to live with her Aunt and Uncle who couldn't have children
November 28, 2014
Thundersnow
What happens when the world as you know change in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye? Sarah Jane's world is upset at 14 and she wonders if everything will ever be right again.
I love how Sheila Hollinghead crafted this story, from the first page it will pull you in and won't let you go until the end. There is something truly amazing about a story when it causes you to search the scriptures, pulls on all your emotions and keeps you excited about all the main characters.
What happens when the world as you know change in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye? Sarah Jane's world is upset at 14 and she wonders if everything will ever be right again.
I love how Sheila Hollinghead crafted this story, from the first page it will pull you in and won't let you go until the end. There is something truly amazing about a story when it causes you to search the scriptures, pulls on all your emotions and keeps you excited about all the main characters.
August 16, 2014
4.5/5.0
Hollinghead weaves a beautiful story that takes the reader right into the heart of young Jay.
Read full review in the 2012 Holiday issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Hollinghead weaves a beautiful story that takes the reader right into the heart of young Jay.
Read full review in the 2012 Holiday issue of InD’tale Magazine.
March 20, 2017
Don't read if you need something cheering. I found it quite depressing at times.
May 3, 2013
Thundersnow is set in a small farming community during the Depression. The main character is a 14-year old girl named Sarah Jane, who is a dreamer and wanting more than her narrow life. Her parents barely eke out an existence on their farm. Sarah's father, who calls her his Blue Jay, has a good sense of humor and enjoys storytelling, but his joy and even his faith is often squashed by his bitter, hardened wife. Sarah's mother is very hard on her, clearly favoring Sarah's younger brother, four-year old Zeke.
The story takes a tragic turn and life becomes even more difficult for Sarah and her family. Sarah's mother becomes mentally unstable and treats both children so harshly, she could be called abusive. Sarah finds refuge with loving extended family and in her father's old Bible.
This book was well written, the author, Sheila Hollinghead, like the father in this story, is a talented storyteller. The characters are relate-able and have depth. They struggled with poverty and hardship, but were strong and relied on each other and their faith. I enjoyed the Depression-era setting and reading more about life during that time period.
The only thing I didn't like was that the book didn't have complete closure. It's not an actual cliff hanger but there are still many unresolved issues. I have no problems with series and read them frequently, but I believe that each book should still stand alone.
The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes.
The story takes a tragic turn and life becomes even more difficult for Sarah and her family. Sarah's mother becomes mentally unstable and treats both children so harshly, she could be called abusive. Sarah finds refuge with loving extended family and in her father's old Bible.
This book was well written, the author, Sheila Hollinghead, like the father in this story, is a talented storyteller. The characters are relate-able and have depth. They struggled with poverty and hardship, but were strong and relied on each other and their faith. I enjoyed the Depression-era setting and reading more about life during that time period.
The only thing I didn't like was that the book didn't have complete closure. It's not an actual cliff hanger but there are still many unresolved issues. I have no problems with series and read them frequently, but I believe that each book should still stand alone.
The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes.
February 6, 2017
Slow start, but wow what a finish
The first third of the book was a very slow read. I almost stopped. Halfway through the book became a great book. By the end I was sobbing and had to finish before I could go to bed. Ready for book 2
The first third of the book was a very slow read. I almost stopped. Halfway through the book became a great book. By the end I was sobbing and had to finish before I could go to bed. Ready for book 2
December 10, 2014
Not my average page turner
This book was far from boring with plot twists, real characters and embarrassing moments streaked through the text. My favorite part was budding romance between our main character and Michael. There was great imagery and Indian stories as well as other down-sided problems. With a unimaginable ending,this book calls for you too read the next ones. The only problem I seen was the fact that it was repetitive in parts and didn't use a aptitude of words.
This book was far from boring with plot twists, real characters and embarrassing moments streaked through the text. My favorite part was budding romance between our main character and Michael. There was great imagery and Indian stories as well as other down-sided problems. With a unimaginable ending,this book calls for you too read the next ones. The only problem I seen was the fact that it was repetitive in parts and didn't use a aptitude of words.
August 9, 2015
A good and easy book to read.
A couple of hours of easy reading....good story with strong characters.
The trials and tribulations of living on a farm,
Hard work and God fearing families.
I needed a quick and comforting book to read and this was it although I wished it was longer.
I recommend this book especially for young readers or long time avid readers - who wants a easy and comfortable book.
A couple of hours of easy reading....good story with strong characters.
The trials and tribulations of living on a farm,
Hard work and God fearing families.
I needed a quick and comforting book to read and this was it although I wished it was longer.
I recommend this book especially for young readers or long time avid readers - who wants a easy and comfortable book.
August 11, 2015
A Christian story
This story hit home for me I lived with a mom like this one, it was hard to go on some of the time because of the memories. This historical stuff I enjoyed a lot. There is no detailed sexual stuff in this book, thank you. I recommend this book this author is very good at story telling.
This story hit home for me I lived with a mom like this one, it was hard to go on some of the time because of the memories. This historical stuff I enjoyed a lot. There is no detailed sexual stuff in this book, thank you. I recommend this book this author is very good at story telling.
February 6, 2015
Painful yet poinient
I choose this rating because pain is evident from the start. The redemption is heartfelt. I would recommend this to anyone who has suffered a difficult parent child relationship. Very well written, I could picture it all through my tears.
I choose this rating because pain is evident from the start. The redemption is heartfelt. I would recommend this to anyone who has suffered a difficult parent child relationship. Very well written, I could picture it all through my tears.
September 2, 2015
I enjoyed this book, reading about the hardships of a 14 year old girl whose mother treats her unkindly while spoiling her brother. Found it so good I bought the rest of the series because I want to know what happens in their futures.
February 23, 2016
Good book series
A very good read. I like the characters. The author allows you to get into the book easily. I would recommend it to anyone wanting a clean, wholesome book to curl up to.
A very good read. I like the characters. The author allows you to get into the book easily. I would recommend it to anyone wanting a clean, wholesome book to curl up to.
December 28, 2012
Thundersnow is a bit slow at times, but I enjoyed the old-fashioned, thoughtful story that took me back to a simpler time.
December 31, 2012
Well written but sometimes the protagonist was a little annoying. Fast paced, good plot. Wish they had developed the Mother character more.
January 25, 2014
Sad way for a young girl to grow up in Alabama during depression. Her mother was wacko!
March 10, 2015
Is a great book to read
October 2, 2015
Ebook
Another book I probably wouldn't have read if it wasn't free. Good story about being poor, losing a parent, and finding what life has in store for you with God's help.
Another book I probably wouldn't have read if it wasn't free. Good story about being poor, losing a parent, and finding what life has in store for you with God's help.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews