WHEN LIGHTNING STRIKES: A NOVEL OF TWO SISTERS, AN OLD RED TRUCK, AND REDEMPTION.

by MaryAnn Boyle

Eleven-year-old Ruth Ann Walker is in a race against time to save her little sister, Annie, from evil. When lightning strikes, an unseen force is unleashed that threatens to break Annie’s spirit. Into the fray drives Dr. Molly Hobart in an old red pickup truck. Rumors swirl like dust with Dr. Molly's arrival. Her "type" are not welcome in the small Iowa farming town in 1967. But Dr. Molly proves herself to be exactly what the young sisters and the Walker family need. While set in the 1960's, When Lightning Strikes is, sadly, a timeless tale. The guilty nearly get away with unspeakable crimes, while suspicion falls on the innocent who dare to be different. But goodness prevails as we follow the Walker sisters and Dr. Molly to a new definition of family and a renewed belief that sometimes, goodness and truth prevail.

306 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 30, 2025

About the author

Mary Ann Boyle lives with her wife in a small community on the edge of the Salish Sea. In her 30-year career as a licensed mental health counselor, she was privileged to join clients in the unfolding of their individual stories, and gather groups together to explore life through literature. When not hunkered down writing, she enjoys reading great stories, riding her bike, going for walks, hiking in the Pacific Northwest, and traveling the world. But most of all, she loves spending time with friends and family. She is a ridiculously obsessed mom and grandma.

Literature can be both guide and mirror.
It provides perspective and permission.
And I know that it can be an escape, a balm.
But is that so bad?
It is not a numbing agent.
Instead, it is a room into which
one might wander seeking
shelter from the storm.

Reviews

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Ruth Ann’s story about her family with her parents and her sister. The focus is the year 1967 when she was 11 and her sister Annie was 8. And, as readers, we will wonder if evil could possibly have walked through the door of the home that year to try and taint the innocence.

So, what does evil look like? And, how could it possibly be dressed in the likes of family, too?

Especially when children are supposed to trust their grandfather, right?

As readers, we wonder, how Ruth Ann will be able to protect her younger sister, Annie from their cruel and prejudice grandpa and his blue truck.

What? How can we as readers possibly look at the blue truck as anything else other than transportation? Well, when it is in the hands of evil…

Enter Dr. Molly, a compassionate veterinarian, whose love and guidance provides a lot of what the girls come to want at a time of need.

They are also surrounded by the love and companionship of their dog, named Buddy, and cat, named Beets, and some other kittens, and puppies who happen to be under the care of Dr. Molly.

But when the hatred, vile, prejudice and unkindness of Ruth Ann and Annie’s grandpa threatens their stability, and loving home, will they all be able to eventually find their voice, redefine family and feel a true sense of community?

The author shares a compelling, character-centered story about a complicated family, that also focuses on the struggles, sexism, and difficulties within, including LGBTQ+ issues for the times.

I want to thank the author for this complimentary book for our Little Free Library Shed. I am providing an honest review.

[Laurie Bertsche · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you need a book that captures your interest from page one, read 'When Lightning Strikes'! The story builds interest layer after layer with the protagonist Ruthie narrating the story of her family and what family truly means. Lives are turned upside down but brought back together through the power of kindness and love.