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Missing Peace
2021 WINNER National Indie Excellence Award-Religious Fiction2021 Catholic Media Awards Book Awards Honorable Mention2021 Selah Award Finalist2020 American Book Fest-Best Book Award FinalistWar. Heartbreak. How much can one family lose?The McKay family's idyllic life in Iowa is about to implode. A mysterious rosary found by soldier John McKay in war-torn Iraq foreshadows an obscure prophecy. As the rosary’s mystique grows globally, his sister, Janey McKay, is threatened when a radical extremist group escalates the stakes by expanding their fight to the U.S. heartland. But can terror destroy a faith that launches miracles?Everyone fights a battle…A soldier.A sister.A priest.A best friend.No one is safe…A fierce war.A family shattered.A love unrequited.A terrorist bent on revenge.How much can one woman lose?Her home.Her faith.Her family.The man she loves.
444 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 13, 2020
3 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
About the author
N.K. Holt
1 book22 followersN. K. Holt has traditionally published multiple books, under different names. This is her first independently published novel in the family saga/literary suspense genres. A former accountant, she traded numbers for words and never looked back. She's also a Life Strategies Coach and enjoys hiking and being outdoors. She reads a wide variety of books and doesn't have a favorite. Born in Fort Madison, Iowa, she's been making up stories all her life and is busy working on her next novel. For more information, visit her website, https://www.nkholt.com. Sign up for her email list to learn about new releases.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
July 31, 2021
Wow. I could not put this one down. This story about a young soldier and his family is full of heartache, tragedy, miracles, hope, mystery, danger, love, acceptance, and finding peace. As you can tell, there is a lot going on in this book which is definitely one of my favorite books of the year.
When John McKay heads off to war, a series of miraculous circumstances leads this young soldier on a trajectory to fulfill an ancient prophecy, completely changing the lives of his friends and family forever. I haven’t read many books about contemporary soldiers and the conflicts in the Middle East. I wish I could share more about this story, but I don’t want to give anything away, so I’ll just cryptically tell you that the ancient aspects of the saga were fascinating, the speculative moments were beautifully heart-breaking, the political issues painfully highlighted the complications of modern-warfare, and the present-day miraculous events offered inspiration and renewed faith. Missing Peace is a fantastic story for older teens.
When John McKay heads off to war, a series of miraculous circumstances leads this young soldier on a trajectory to fulfill an ancient prophecy, completely changing the lives of his friends and family forever. I haven’t read many books about contemporary soldiers and the conflicts in the Middle East. I wish I could share more about this story, but I don’t want to give anything away, so I’ll just cryptically tell you that the ancient aspects of the saga were fascinating, the speculative moments were beautifully heart-breaking, the political issues painfully highlighted the complications of modern-warfare, and the present-day miraculous events offered inspiration and renewed faith. Missing Peace is a fantastic story for older teens.
September 23, 2020
MISSING PEACE by N. K. Holt is a compelling and emotional story of love, war, grief, faith and family. Everything changes for the tight-knit McKay family when son and brother, John McKay enlists in the Army and is deployed to Iraq along with his best friend, Layton. John’s younger sister, Janey is secretly in love with Layton, but for John, no one is good enough for his sister. John and Layton leave for Iraq amidst heartbreaking misunderstandings with Janey. As tension escalates in the Iraq, John and Layton’s team comes under a series of brutal attacks. During one of these conflicts, a mysterious beggar man gives John an unusual old rosary which John sends to Janey for safe-keeping. When Janey later brings media attention to the unique rosary, it sets off a series of catastrophic events that reaches from their home in a farming community in Iowa to radical terror groups in the Middle East. As the family searches for the origin and meaning of the rosary, they find their own faith tested in many ways. The vivid descriptions of small town Iowa and the streets of Iraq where the war is playing out made me feel like I was there. The characters were wonderfully-portrayed and believable. I found myself completely engrossed in this heart-wrenching and inspirational story. MISSING PEACE is a thought-provoking and powerful read and I highly recommend it. Thank you to the author for providing me a copy of her book to read and review.
July 3, 2020
The McKay family's idyllic life in Iowa is about to implode.This book is essentially an inspirational story wrapped in the tale of searching for a mysterious and miraculous rosary's origins. The main characters are a brother and sister from a solid, Catholic midwestern farming family, a Texas soldier without any family, and a priest struggling with thriving in a new assignment.
A mysterious rosary found by soldier John McKay in war-torn Iraq foreshadows an obscure prophecy. As the rosary’s mystique grows globally, his sister, Janey McKay, is threatened when a radical extremist group escalates the stakes by expanding their fight to the U.S. heartland.
But can terror destroy a faith that launches miracles?
It is told in a basic, straight-forward style that I associate with Louis L'Amour westerns (which I like) or adventures from the early 1900s (which I love). You're not coming to this for high literary style. You're coming to it to follow the threads of the old beggar, his mysterious rosary, and the flash of green light that occasionally accompanies miracles. At least that's what held my interest. There is also a family saga of sorts and a love story, both of which I was much less interested in but which were good in their own ways. I enjoyed it and recommend it.
Full disclosure - this was a review copy.
September 12, 2020
Loved it! Fast-paced, super-engaging story with lots of wonderful elements and themes. A historical artifact with extraordinary powers. Friendship, family, and relationships. A touch of magical realism. Lots of love and life. Highly recommended!
June 26, 2020
This novel is set at the height of America's division of whether the war with Iraq was needed or a vast waste. But new soldiers are headed there in 2006.
How and why did a beggar in Iraq have rosary beads. And how did they radiate heat and color in the war torn desert. Specialist John McCay was given the beads by the old man who seemed to disappear quickly on his one foot. Theren are no atheists in foxholes. And the soldiers gather meet for Church in a ratty tent. In the Army and "In the face of war, he craved the rituals and everyday reassurances of life." During his time int he service John thinks daily of his family back home, especially Baby sister Janey. John's friend Layton is also in the service with him and sister Janey not only worries about her brother but is carrying a torch for Layton after a kiss before their deployment.
There are a few violent war scenes but there is no gore, the author is superior at writing the chaos and fear of a battle scene that is needed to carry the novel forward.
The character at the center of the story will fade from one character to the next but over all this is Janey's story. How she is raised in the farming communities of Iowa, working along her brothers, worrying about her aging father, going away to college, missing her brother and Layton. All while enlisting her Uncle, Priest, Nick to help figure out the origin of these mysterious rosary beads.
Amazing novel on how we need family, lean on our faith, have enemies at home and overseas, and that human curiosity never ceases.
How and why did a beggar in Iraq have rosary beads. And how did they radiate heat and color in the war torn desert. Specialist John McCay was given the beads by the old man who seemed to disappear quickly on his one foot. Theren are no atheists in foxholes. And the soldiers gather meet for Church in a ratty tent. In the Army and "In the face of war, he craved the rituals and everyday reassurances of life." During his time int he service John thinks daily of his family back home, especially Baby sister Janey. John's friend Layton is also in the service with him and sister Janey not only worries about her brother but is carrying a torch for Layton after a kiss before their deployment.
There are a few violent war scenes but there is no gore, the author is superior at writing the chaos and fear of a battle scene that is needed to carry the novel forward.
The character at the center of the story will fade from one character to the next but over all this is Janey's story. How she is raised in the farming communities of Iowa, working along her brothers, worrying about her aging father, going away to college, missing her brother and Layton. All while enlisting her Uncle, Priest, Nick to help figure out the origin of these mysterious rosary beads.
Amazing novel on how we need family, lean on our faith, have enemies at home and overseas, and that human curiosity never ceases.
September 10, 2020
I was not sure what to expect with this book. But the Iraq connection put it on my radar. Now that I have finished it, I am speechless over its powerfully emotional message.
This is a book about war, about redemption, about peace, about love, about heartbreak, about faith, about family. Above all, about family. This was an emotional journey for me - I cried, I cheered, I loved.
US Army Specialist John McKay is given an unusual rosary by a mysterious beggar man in Iraq. He sends it to his sister Janey back home in Iowa. Neither of them is aware of the role this rosary plays in a prophecy. I don’t want to give anything away, but I can say that a radical extremist is obsessed with the rosary and will stop at nothing – NOTHING – to get the rosary back.
If you enjoy the complexity of Kate Morton’s novels, this is a book for you. At 432 pages, it held my attention from start to finish. Holt’s timing throughout the book was superb, allowing me to breathe a bit before once again having me on the edge of my seat, holding my breath in suspense.
There is a delightful romance between John’s baby sister Janey and his best friend and fellow soldier Layton. I delighted in their tenderness and his gentlemanly treatment of her. All the characters are memorable, and through the descriptions of their raw emotions, I felt a true connection to them.
Beautifully written. I highly, highly recommend this book for a thought-provoking, inspirational read.
A beautiful quote near the end: “We find each other in the missing pieces of ourselves. God is in those pieces.”
This is a book about war, about redemption, about peace, about love, about heartbreak, about faith, about family. Above all, about family. This was an emotional journey for me - I cried, I cheered, I loved.
US Army Specialist John McKay is given an unusual rosary by a mysterious beggar man in Iraq. He sends it to his sister Janey back home in Iowa. Neither of them is aware of the role this rosary plays in a prophecy. I don’t want to give anything away, but I can say that a radical extremist is obsessed with the rosary and will stop at nothing – NOTHING – to get the rosary back.
If you enjoy the complexity of Kate Morton’s novels, this is a book for you. At 432 pages, it held my attention from start to finish. Holt’s timing throughout the book was superb, allowing me to breathe a bit before once again having me on the edge of my seat, holding my breath in suspense.
There is a delightful romance between John’s baby sister Janey and his best friend and fellow soldier Layton. I delighted in their tenderness and his gentlemanly treatment of her. All the characters are memorable, and through the descriptions of their raw emotions, I felt a true connection to them.
Beautifully written. I highly, highly recommend this book for a thought-provoking, inspirational read.
A beautiful quote near the end: “We find each other in the missing pieces of ourselves. God is in those pieces.”
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July 21, 2020Sensational
Missing Peace is the moving story of a tight-knit mid-western family, grappling to hold onto their faith even when confronted with devastating loss.
When soldier John McKay ships out to Iraq, he knows the risks. That he may never see his family again. Yet, with only weeks left on his tour and with his team pinned down in a brutal gun battle, it is McKay who runs into gunfire to save a beggar. Though he speaks no English , the beggar convinces McKay to accept a string of beads for saving his life. The beads turn out to be a rosary. Recognizing that there is something very special about the rosary, McKay ships it home to his younger sister Janey with a note asking her to discover what she can about the unique piece. But by the time she receives the rosary, John McKay is dead and in his last letter he has asked Janey to pray for peace.
As the story of the Peace Rosary spreads, the miracles connected to it multiply. As do those who would see it destroyed.
This is a beautifully written, action-packed novel with memorable characters. My only wish is that I could have spent more time with the McKays.
Missing Peace is the moving story of a tight-knit mid-western family, grappling to hold onto their faith even when confronted with devastating loss.
When soldier John McKay ships out to Iraq, he knows the risks. That he may never see his family again. Yet, with only weeks left on his tour and with his team pinned down in a brutal gun battle, it is McKay who runs into gunfire to save a beggar. Though he speaks no English , the beggar convinces McKay to accept a string of beads for saving his life. The beads turn out to be a rosary. Recognizing that there is something very special about the rosary, McKay ships it home to his younger sister Janey with a note asking her to discover what she can about the unique piece. But by the time she receives the rosary, John McKay is dead and in his last letter he has asked Janey to pray for peace.
As the story of the Peace Rosary spreads, the miracles connected to it multiply. As do those who would see it destroyed.
This is a beautifully written, action-packed novel with memorable characters. My only wish is that I could have spent more time with the McKays.
June 26, 2020
This was a new to me author but wow what a book. This book puts faith, hope, family and peace. The book centers around a mysterious rosary that was given to a soldier in Iraq who was later killed. The soldier had sent the rosary to his sister to find out more about the rosary. After her brother's death she creates a traveling rosary as her mission to seek peace among everyone. The rosary brought hope but it also brought death as well. The soldiers had killed the son of a prominent leader who was fighting them and he cursed the soldiers as well as their families. Terrorists are now on US soil. What will happen with the rosary? Will Janey find peace? What will happen? This is a refreshing book with all that is going on in the nation today. I am anxiously awaitimg future books by this author. Rates up there with the left behind series, Breakthrough, and I Can Only Imagine. Faith, belief, and hope will guide you.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 24, 2020
Missing Peace is a heartbreaking and emotional read.
This is a beautiful story of growth, love, loss, war, tragedy, faith, friendship, and family. The story captured my interest from the first and kept it until the very last page. This book is easy to read and is very realistic. The characters are well developed, lovable, and relatable. A mysterious rosary found in a war-torn country, extremists, danger, intrigue, and vengeance are brought together in this wonderfully descriptive story.
I would love to read more books by this author.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
This is a beautiful story of growth, love, loss, war, tragedy, faith, friendship, and family. The story captured my interest from the first and kept it until the very last page. This book is easy to read and is very realistic. The characters are well developed, lovable, and relatable. A mysterious rosary found in a war-torn country, extremists, danger, intrigue, and vengeance are brought together in this wonderfully descriptive story.
I would love to read more books by this author.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
July 30, 2020
I received a copy of Missing Peace as a gift, and all opinions expressed here are my own. This was one of the most powerful books that I have read this year as far as making me stop and reassess life in general. Such a beautifully written story, it was full of love and loss of love ones and the aftermath of the emotions that follow. Once I started reading this book it was hard to put down. This is a new author to me, but I certainly am interested in reading more books from her. I would definitely recommend this heartbreaking story to others.
August 12, 2022
This story was heart touching and full of emotions. Inspirational read and thought provoking. Full of questions and answers. God is in the answers. Beautifully written.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 13, 2020
For some reason the title attracted me to this book and I am so glad I read this.It is about war but the message is so much more.I laughed ,ugly cryed and thought about how important it is to have faith.This is about love,loss,faith and forgiveness and having the strength to move forwardDefinitely worth one clicking
July 9, 2020
This was a strongly powerful book that gave the perspective of many different characters. It was long, but I am not sure what could have been left out. There was just so much.
The main plot centers around a Catholic Family in Iowa with a strong story about a rosary attached to prophecy. The imagery regarding religion and relationships was strong.
The story deals with grief, death, terrorism, as well as healing and love. It also addresses the idea of God's plan for individuals. Mysteries unfolded at the same time as answers were given.
I was on an emotional journey as I read this story. This is not usually the kind of stories I read, but was compelled to read it and I am glad that I did. While I am not Catholic and don't understand much of the way Catholic's worship, the themes of prayer, family, and peace were familiar and loved.
I would recommend this to anyone looking for a little different, a little more, or a powerfully emotional story.
It had the tendency to bounce from perspective to perspective, but each perspective adds a peace to the story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The main plot centers around a Catholic Family in Iowa with a strong story about a rosary attached to prophecy. The imagery regarding religion and relationships was strong.
The story deals with grief, death, terrorism, as well as healing and love. It also addresses the idea of God's plan for individuals. Mysteries unfolded at the same time as answers were given.
I was on an emotional journey as I read this story. This is not usually the kind of stories I read, but was compelled to read it and I am glad that I did. While I am not Catholic and don't understand much of the way Catholic's worship, the themes of prayer, family, and peace were familiar and loved.
I would recommend this to anyone looking for a little different, a little more, or a powerfully emotional story.
It had the tendency to bounce from perspective to perspective, but each perspective adds a peace to the story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 4, 2022
Missing Peace has it all, love, peace, war, hope, family, death, life, etc. It grabbed me right from the beginning & when I didn't have time to read I was thinking about it. I am in Minnesota so Iowa is my neighbor...it felt so real. I am passing this one on to my Mom! We can all use a story about peace during these trying times. N.K. Holt, thank you for the peace found in your story!
July 22, 2020
Kathy J Grupy
Enjoyed the book! Couldn't put it down! I got it in paperback also so I could share with friends. Fort Madison is my hometown !!
Enjoyed the book! Couldn't put it down! I got it in paperback also so I could share with friends. Fort Madison is my hometown !!
March 18, 2021
A complex, compelling, fast-paced story, this novel is full of the pathos of war and terrorism, loss and grief, but also full of the healing power of love. MISSING PEACE has multiple themes: love, war, suspense, miracles, the paranormal, spiritual messages, and of course, peace. The land, midst Iowa farms, is a character, and there are multiple points of view. Yet this is the female protagonist's book.
Janey's older brother (and protector) John is given beads during a skirmish, when he saves an old man's life. John believes them to be Muslim prayer beads but discovers they are the beads of an ancient rosary. The beads set both a prophecy into motion, and a plot to stop it from happening at all costs.
Yet it's not the missing pieces of the rosary that pack the punch of this novel. Nor is it the missing pieces in the mystery, which do keep the reader on the edge of his or her seat. It's all about what the missing piece stands for. It's there in the title, but you won't get all the pieces yourself if you don't read the book.
The author deftly handles the lines drawn during war--and the peace that we can achieve if we work together. Her characters are full...and they are full of internal conflict. They have to make choices that no one should have to. You grow to love them and relate to a tiny degree even to the antagonists.
Though much of the book takes place in wartime Iraq (and its aftermath Stateside), the author shows that both countries, all countries, have good guys and bad guys. I love that it is a Muslim whose family member was saved by a Christian who leaves the rosary's legacy intact, at least for now.
There were some shocking scenes in this realistic, well-researched novel. After the first death, I was always ready for any of the book's characters to meet a fateful end. I loved not knowing what was going to happen next (that's rare for me), especially after the first third of the book when I realized anyone could be "sacrificed."
Here's my favorite line in the novel: "Dramatic events force us to pause and reflect. If John had been given the rosary under different circumstances, there wouldn't have been a story to catch everyone's attention." That's a beautiful statement about life, story, and the power of timing and soul purpose. It wrapped up the book for me.
Read this beautiful book. It'll do your heart good. I was left with hope that we humans can find our own missing peace and share it with the world some day.
Please Note: I won this novel while attending an online book club, and I am so glad I did. I am honored to leave this honest review and plan to order a few copies as gifts for other humanitarians like me who've lived and worked in the Middle East. And if you're a writer, which I also am, you'll enjoy how NK Holt handles this intricately woven story.
Janey's older brother (and protector) John is given beads during a skirmish, when he saves an old man's life. John believes them to be Muslim prayer beads but discovers they are the beads of an ancient rosary. The beads set both a prophecy into motion, and a plot to stop it from happening at all costs.
Yet it's not the missing pieces of the rosary that pack the punch of this novel. Nor is it the missing pieces in the mystery, which do keep the reader on the edge of his or her seat. It's all about what the missing piece stands for. It's there in the title, but you won't get all the pieces yourself if you don't read the book.
The author deftly handles the lines drawn during war--and the peace that we can achieve if we work together. Her characters are full...and they are full of internal conflict. They have to make choices that no one should have to. You grow to love them and relate to a tiny degree even to the antagonists.
Though much of the book takes place in wartime Iraq (and its aftermath Stateside), the author shows that both countries, all countries, have good guys and bad guys. I love that it is a Muslim whose family member was saved by a Christian who leaves the rosary's legacy intact, at least for now.
There were some shocking scenes in this realistic, well-researched novel. After the first death, I was always ready for any of the book's characters to meet a fateful end. I loved not knowing what was going to happen next (that's rare for me), especially after the first third of the book when I realized anyone could be "sacrificed."
Here's my favorite line in the novel: "Dramatic events force us to pause and reflect. If John had been given the rosary under different circumstances, there wouldn't have been a story to catch everyone's attention." That's a beautiful statement about life, story, and the power of timing and soul purpose. It wrapped up the book for me.
Read this beautiful book. It'll do your heart good. I was left with hope that we humans can find our own missing peace and share it with the world some day.
Please Note: I won this novel while attending an online book club, and I am so glad I did. I am honored to leave this honest review and plan to order a few copies as gifts for other humanitarians like me who've lived and worked in the Middle East. And if you're a writer, which I also am, you'll enjoy how NK Holt handles this intricately woven story.
July 14, 2020
John and Janey grew up in Iowa. They are siblings and have been very close their entire lives. Janey is devastated to learn that John has joined the Army and she is even more devastated when John intercepts a letter she has written to his good friend Layton laying bare her feelings for him. Things are a bit awkward between Janey and her brother when he leaves for Iraq.
While in Iraq, John saves an old beggar’s life and is given an old set of beads. John tries to refuse them, but is unsuccessful. Upon closer examination, he discovers the set of beads is actually a rosary, and no ordinary rosary at that. John sends the Rosary to Janey to investigate and keep safe for him until his return. Now the adventure really begins!
You will want to ensure you have a large box of tissues at hand when you read this book. It will definitely pull at your heartstrings and bring tears to your eyes. I found the story enjoyable, but not very believable. It is heavily steeped in Catholicism, but the author does a good job making it understandable for the reader who is not very versed in the Catholic religion. Given this book has scenes from the war in Iraq, there is a fair amount of violence and some is graphic. There are a couple of curse words in the book and there is underage drinking portrayed. There are no graphic sex scenes but there is some discussion of adult content. I recommend this book to the mature reader who likes mystery and the Supernatural.
While in Iraq, John saves an old beggar’s life and is given an old set of beads. John tries to refuse them, but is unsuccessful. Upon closer examination, he discovers the set of beads is actually a rosary, and no ordinary rosary at that. John sends the Rosary to Janey to investigate and keep safe for him until his return. Now the adventure really begins!
You will want to ensure you have a large box of tissues at hand when you read this book. It will definitely pull at your heartstrings and bring tears to your eyes. I found the story enjoyable, but not very believable. It is heavily steeped in Catholicism, but the author does a good job making it understandable for the reader who is not very versed in the Catholic religion. Given this book has scenes from the war in Iraq, there is a fair amount of violence and some is graphic. There are a couple of curse words in the book and there is underage drinking portrayed. There are no graphic sex scenes but there is some discussion of adult content. I recommend this book to the mature reader who likes mystery and the Supernatural.
December 22, 2020
Captivating! Missing Peace by M.K Holt was one of those books that latched onto me from page one. If, I wasn't reading the book, I was thinking of it and looking forward to being able to sit down and read some more. It was one of the best books I've read this year. Yes, it really was!
The picture on the front cover kind of threw me off. I had read the synopsis but, the picture made me think the story was mainly in the battlefield. I can honestly say I was a little hesitant. The minute I opened the book I fell in love with an Iowa farming family. It was a hard fall! I cried my eyes out so many times during this book. I sniffed, wiped my eyes and kept on reading. This book compelled me to read it's story!
This is M.K.Holt's first self published book. I can say without a doubt, I will be on the lookout for more by her. Her writing flows with such ease that you forget you're reading and not watching a movie. I could see it all in my head and she is not overly descriptive. I don't know how she did it.
If you love family sagas, inspirational suspense, you will most likely love this book. I suggest you buy yourself a copy to enjoy!
The picture on the front cover kind of threw me off. I had read the synopsis but, the picture made me think the story was mainly in the battlefield. I can honestly say I was a little hesitant. The minute I opened the book I fell in love with an Iowa farming family. It was a hard fall! I cried my eyes out so many times during this book. I sniffed, wiped my eyes and kept on reading. This book compelled me to read it's story!
This is M.K.Holt's first self published book. I can say without a doubt, I will be on the lookout for more by her. Her writing flows with such ease that you forget you're reading and not watching a movie. I could see it all in my head and she is not overly descriptive. I don't know how she did it.
If you love family sagas, inspirational suspense, you will most likely love this book. I suggest you buy yourself a copy to enjoy!
July 15, 2020
I received a free copy to review: This book, which had numerous sub-plots at play, was thought-provoking on many levels and themes: love, war, peace, family, life, death, faith, and eternity. As a Believer that the Bible is the infallible Word of God, I felt the theology was off-kilter in a few places, but I concede that all are in different places on their faith-journey. I am not sure the relevance of "the prophesy" was made clear in the end, but perhaps I missed it. For a book based to a large extent on faith, Catholicism and religion, I did find the use of blasphemy on a few occasions rather odd. I thoroughly enjoyed the McKay family dynamics and loved the unfolding of romance in the story; it kept me riveted to see how things would turn out!
Profanity: none
Blasphemy: yes
Sex: allusions to but no detail; sweet affection and kissing
Triggers: death, violence, war
Profanity: none
Blasphemy: yes
Sex: allusions to but no detail; sweet affection and kissing
Triggers: death, violence, war
September 28, 2020
Such a great read full of love determination, endurance. A close knit family , the son rescues a man from the war and he gives him a rosary, they research , to find is it the miracle rosary? Who will want it, will it fall into the wrong hands, If you have to pick one book. This would be it with a twist of a thriller and bring Kleenex enjoy
July 4, 2020
Couldn't put the book down. Great story, good
transition from one.story location and back, realistic characters and emotions. Looking forward to a sequel. Great description of the story'locales. Religious scenes well done
transition from one.story location and back, realistic characters and emotions. Looking forward to a sequel. Great description of the story'locales. Religious scenes well done
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September 19, 2020Red 9/20
September 4, 2024
I will freely admit that I picked up this book because it is set in Iowa and written by an author from Iowa. It was well worth picking up as a touching look at grief, war, love, and hope affect us and those around us.
The McKay family has endured a lot, and they face even more in this book. Janey, especially, is the heart of the book. I sympathize with her frustrations as everything she tries to do is complicated or ended. I liked how the small-town people were shown with selfless acts to help those in need or watch out for each other, even if you have to dance around a local feud that no one remembers the beginning of.
This book looks at various situations and shows how people are drawn to different ideologies or used for something other than they thought. It also shows how easily a goal can be hijacked and altered from the original purpose.
This book's themes are inspirational, with a search for peace at heart. Whether on Baghdad's streets, in the cornfields of Iowa, or tucked into a hidden parish in Chicago, we're all human. While heavily steeped in Catholicism, it should be noted that this is not a Christian Fiction book. Religiously, it falls closer to universalism.
While I enjoyed the characters and the different look at groups than we usually see, some things continuously jolted me out of the story. Events that happened around the rosary often seemed to occur out of nowhere and were odd enough to make me lose focus on reading. There is also a relationship subplot that annoyed me with its roller-coaster antics.
When the rosary pushed me out of the story, the characters and their struggles pulled me back in. They make this story worth reading.
The McKay family has endured a lot, and they face even more in this book. Janey, especially, is the heart of the book. I sympathize with her frustrations as everything she tries to do is complicated or ended. I liked how the small-town people were shown with selfless acts to help those in need or watch out for each other, even if you have to dance around a local feud that no one remembers the beginning of.
This book looks at various situations and shows how people are drawn to different ideologies or used for something other than they thought. It also shows how easily a goal can be hijacked and altered from the original purpose.
This book's themes are inspirational, with a search for peace at heart. Whether on Baghdad's streets, in the cornfields of Iowa, or tucked into a hidden parish in Chicago, we're all human. While heavily steeped in Catholicism, it should be noted that this is not a Christian Fiction book. Religiously, it falls closer to universalism.
While I enjoyed the characters and the different look at groups than we usually see, some things continuously jolted me out of the story. Events that happened around the rosary often seemed to occur out of nowhere and were odd enough to make me lose focus on reading. There is also a relationship subplot that annoyed me with its roller-coaster antics.
When the rosary pushed me out of the story, the characters and their struggles pulled me back in. They make this story worth reading.
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