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Lucas
Lucas follows on from the story of Whisper, focusing more fully on the orphan’s life before he came to be a middle-aged man rescuing Britney from her world of abuse. In this book, we discover just how Lucas found himself growing up and then taking in the stray waif.
When the boy’s parents die unexpectedly from sickness, the family’s neighbours end up taking him in. Lucas likes the Copperley children, but is afraid of not being welcome in the household when he accidentally overhears their parents talking about him. Quickly, Lucas decides that village isn’t for him anymore and chooses to spend a life on the road, constantly drifting from town to town, searching eagerly for his place and somewhere he could belong.
During this course of aimless wandering, the boy finally stumbles across Seth and Ruby Rodgers and begins working for the friendly, easy-going couple, eventually being adopted by them. Lucas enjoys running the carpentry business when he’s older, but wonders if there is anything else for him, and the sudden arrival of the mistreated, terrified little girl brings even more responsibility upon Lucas’ shoulders than he ever thought possible.
Lucas loves the child deeply, but his strength of character is severely tested – will Britney ever learn to trust him? Or has the memory of her drunken father been ingrained so intensely within her heart that she will never welcome another man’s presence ever again?
When the boy’s parents die unexpectedly from sickness, the family’s neighbours end up taking him in. Lucas likes the Copperley children, but is afraid of not being welcome in the household when he accidentally overhears their parents talking about him. Quickly, Lucas decides that village isn’t for him anymore and chooses to spend a life on the road, constantly drifting from town to town, searching eagerly for his place and somewhere he could belong.
During this course of aimless wandering, the boy finally stumbles across Seth and Ruby Rodgers and begins working for the friendly, easy-going couple, eventually being adopted by them. Lucas enjoys running the carpentry business when he’s older, but wonders if there is anything else for him, and the sudden arrival of the mistreated, terrified little girl brings even more responsibility upon Lucas’ shoulders than he ever thought possible.
Lucas loves the child deeply, but his strength of character is severely tested – will Britney ever learn to trust him? Or has the memory of her drunken father been ingrained so intensely within her heart that she will never welcome another man’s presence ever again?
70 pages, Paperback
Published November 8, 2024
About the author
Alison Bellringer
11 books2 followersI have been writing short stories to share with friends and family for many years and always enjoy exploring my creativity when putting pen to paper, so I am excited to have the opportunity to share my love of writing with others. I grew up around dogs, first Mila and then Smoky, who each went on many wonderful adventures and lived to a good old age, and I especially love including 'man's best friend' or some other favorite animal throughout most of my stories.
I have been playing trombone since about 2010, euphonium from mid-2019, and always like getting together with a few friends to ‘make a joyful noise’ sharing music. I also enjoy a bit of freelance photography when I get the chance, especially if it involves taking pictures of sunsets.
Both The Bronson Escapades and The Wolf Cub are Silver Recipients of the Mom’s Choice Awards® honorary seal of excellence, with the latter being a 2nd place winner in the 2024 Royal Dragonfly Book Awards in both the ‘Education’ and ‘Coffee Table & Gift Books’ categories, in addition to obtaining an Honorable Mention in several others: Best Cover Design, Children’s Chapter Books, Middle-Grade Fiction, and Animals/Pets. More recently, The Wolf Cub received a Bronze Medal in the 'EBook Pre-Teen Fiction' category in the 2025 Moonbeam Book Awards and Footprints in the Snow was named a finalist in the 2025 N. N. Light Book Awards in the ‘Children’s Books’ category. Additionally, The Bronson Escapades achieved 3rd place in the 2025 Bestsellers World Book Awards in both the ‘Children’s Books’ and ‘Humor/Satire’ categories. Whisper (Book One) achieved an Honorable Mention in the 2025 Royal Dragonfly Book Awards in an outstanding total of six different categories and The Bronson Escapades received the same placing in one other. In 2026, The Horses of Saddlers Ranch: Cloud was named a Distinguished Favorite in the Independent Press Awards in the ‘Middle-Grade’ category. My trilogy, Whisper, Lucas, and Escape, was presented with the NAPPA Award winning seal, with the first book having also received a 2026 Family Choice Award.
I have been playing trombone since about 2010, euphonium from mid-2019, and always like getting together with a few friends to ‘make a joyful noise’ sharing music. I also enjoy a bit of freelance photography when I get the chance, especially if it involves taking pictures of sunsets.
Both The Bronson Escapades and The Wolf Cub are Silver Recipients of the Mom’s Choice Awards® honorary seal of excellence, with the latter being a 2nd place winner in the 2024 Royal Dragonfly Book Awards in both the ‘Education’ and ‘Coffee Table & Gift Books’ categories, in addition to obtaining an Honorable Mention in several others: Best Cover Design, Children’s Chapter Books, Middle-Grade Fiction, and Animals/Pets. More recently, The Wolf Cub received a Bronze Medal in the 'EBook Pre-Teen Fiction' category in the 2025 Moonbeam Book Awards and Footprints in the Snow was named a finalist in the 2025 N. N. Light Book Awards in the ‘Children’s Books’ category. Additionally, The Bronson Escapades achieved 3rd place in the 2025 Bestsellers World Book Awards in both the ‘Children’s Books’ and ‘Humor/Satire’ categories. Whisper (Book One) achieved an Honorable Mention in the 2025 Royal Dragonfly Book Awards in an outstanding total of six different categories and The Bronson Escapades received the same placing in one other. In 2026, The Horses of Saddlers Ranch: Cloud was named a Distinguished Favorite in the Independent Press Awards in the ‘Middle-Grade’ category. My trilogy, Whisper, Lucas, and Escape, was presented with the NAPPA Award winning seal, with the first book having also received a 2026 Family Choice Award.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
February 4, 2025
Alison Bellringer’s trilogy continues with “Lucas: Book Two” delving deeper into the world of its predecessor “Whisper: Book One.” This time though, the story focuses on the character Lucas who starts off much like Britney, a runaway seeking shelter. Along with him for the first leg of his journey is the dog of the family that took him in (and he then left behind): Bandit. However, Bandit tragically dies while defending Lucas, leaving him even more alone in the world. He is then lucky enough to cross paths with the kindly Ruby and her ill husband, Seth, whose daughter just ran away.
Ruby and Seth take Lucas in and, as he grows, the three become a family. Later, Britney and Whisper enter Lucas’ life and make it all the better, despite the initial confusion Britney’s presence brings. For readers of “Whisper: Book One,” nearly all of the characters will be familiar, but will now be with some added depth.
Lucas was a standup fellow in “Whisper.” Readers of the first book will know him as the loyal son to Ruby, devoted protector of Britney, Whisper, and Britney’s Ma, and kindly supporter who ultimately helps Britney’s Pa transform into a decent parent and partner. However, this book introduces additional depth to the title character, filling out his backstory. It was also great to see another canine protector, Bandit, appear and I believe this will be a theme throughout the whole trilogy. Although, it should be noted for sensitive readers that Bandit dies due to an animal attack.
“Lucas: Book Two” is best read in conjunction with “Whisper: Book One” and, I suspect, the third in the trilogy as they are all pieces of the same puzzle. Reading the entire trilogy will give readers the best perspective on everyone—including every dog—involved in this family tale.
Author Alison Bellringer has done a good job of fitting together this second piece of the family puzzle. “Lucas: Book Two” rounds out the comforting character of Lucas and gives some additional purpose to him. I look forward to reading the final installment of Bellringer’s trilogy.
Ruby and Seth take Lucas in and, as he grows, the three become a family. Later, Britney and Whisper enter Lucas’ life and make it all the better, despite the initial confusion Britney’s presence brings. For readers of “Whisper: Book One,” nearly all of the characters will be familiar, but will now be with some added depth.
Lucas was a standup fellow in “Whisper.” Readers of the first book will know him as the loyal son to Ruby, devoted protector of Britney, Whisper, and Britney’s Ma, and kindly supporter who ultimately helps Britney’s Pa transform into a decent parent and partner. However, this book introduces additional depth to the title character, filling out his backstory. It was also great to see another canine protector, Bandit, appear and I believe this will be a theme throughout the whole trilogy. Although, it should be noted for sensitive readers that Bandit dies due to an animal attack.
“Lucas: Book Two” is best read in conjunction with “Whisper: Book One” and, I suspect, the third in the trilogy as they are all pieces of the same puzzle. Reading the entire trilogy will give readers the best perspective on everyone—including every dog—involved in this family tale.
Author Alison Bellringer has done a good job of fitting together this second piece of the family puzzle. “Lucas: Book Two” rounds out the comforting character of Lucas and gives some additional purpose to him. I look forward to reading the final installment of Bellringer’s trilogy.
December 19, 2025
In Lucas by Alison Bellringer, we are introduced to Lucas, a young boy who has lost both of his parents and is now an orphan. This is the story of his search for family, security, and a place to call home. His neighbors originally take him in after the death of his parents, but he doesn't want to burden them since they already have a full house. Lucas leaves the town he grew up in and wanders from place to place, doing small jobs for food and shelter. He struggles to find a place where he belongs. Will he find the home and security he is looking for, and can he find his way?
Opinion:
The major theme in the story was belonging. This is Lucas’s central struggle as he tries to figure out how he fits into the world. He feels he does not belong with his neighbor’s family, and he leaves because he feels he is a burden to them. His sense of belonging comes in stages, from kindness from strangers to generosity from families. Each encounter allows Lucas to learn what it feels like to belong. I liked how strangers were willing to help him along the way until he eventually became the missing piece to a broken family.
The tone of the book was warm and caring. Although Lucas has a difficult start, there are compassionate people and acts of kindness that guide him on his way. There is a gentle and reflective tone that allows the story to gradually progress without moving too fast. This pacing allows for more character development and insight into the characters' emotions and feelings. I liked the hopefulness of the story, which made the reader want to root for and encourage Lucas to succeed.
Lucas is told from the first-person point of view, with the main focus on Lucas himself. While the story centers on his perspective, the author also provides insight into the people and events occurring around him. As a reader, I felt this point of view creates a strong personal connection to Lucas. The limited information presented reflects what Lucas is able to understand about the world around him. For young readers, this makes him more relatable, as they can connect to his struggles and growth.
I would recommend this story to those who have read the first book, Whisper. However, the first one is not necessary to enjoy this story. Young readers and preteens would especially enjoy the character development within this narrative.
Opinion:
The major theme in the story was belonging. This is Lucas’s central struggle as he tries to figure out how he fits into the world. He feels he does not belong with his neighbor’s family, and he leaves because he feels he is a burden to them. His sense of belonging comes in stages, from kindness from strangers to generosity from families. Each encounter allows Lucas to learn what it feels like to belong. I liked how strangers were willing to help him along the way until he eventually became the missing piece to a broken family.
The tone of the book was warm and caring. Although Lucas has a difficult start, there are compassionate people and acts of kindness that guide him on his way. There is a gentle and reflective tone that allows the story to gradually progress without moving too fast. This pacing allows for more character development and insight into the characters' emotions and feelings. I liked the hopefulness of the story, which made the reader want to root for and encourage Lucas to succeed.
Lucas is told from the first-person point of view, with the main focus on Lucas himself. While the story centers on his perspective, the author also provides insight into the people and events occurring around him. As a reader, I felt this point of view creates a strong personal connection to Lucas. The limited information presented reflects what Lucas is able to understand about the world around him. For young readers, this makes him more relatable, as they can connect to his struggles and growth.
I would recommend this story to those who have read the first book, Whisper. However, the first one is not necessary to enjoy this story. Young readers and preteens would especially enjoy the character development within this narrative.
December 16, 2025
*I read an ecopy from the author. This does not affect my review. This review is voluntary.*
This was another of those that I stumbled upon unexpectedly. I ended up really enjoying this story, but it wasn't what I had expected. For some reason, I originally thought this was a story about a boy and his dog, but it's not. Not really, at least. There is a boy and a dog, but the main message of the story isn't about that. Instead, we find a coming-of-age story about a troubled orphan who grows up into a kind and caring man. It's about the people he meets, the lives they live, and the burdens they carry. It's a tale about learning to heal, finding a place to call home, and discovering that family isn't always defined by blood, but by those who stick with you and who love you, even when you least deserve it.
This was another of those that I stumbled upon unexpectedly. I ended up really enjoying this story, but it wasn't what I had expected. For some reason, I originally thought this was a story about a boy and his dog, but it's not. Not really, at least. There is a boy and a dog, but the main message of the story isn't about that. Instead, we find a coming-of-age story about a troubled orphan who grows up into a kind and caring man. It's about the people he meets, the lives they live, and the burdens they carry. It's a tale about learning to heal, finding a place to call home, and discovering that family isn't always defined by blood, but by those who stick with you and who love you, even when you least deserve it.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews