Treasures & Found Family

Takoda Outreach Center #1

by Sammi Cee

Welcome to Takoda Outreach Center. Prepare yourself for open hearts, a full belly, and all the love you can handle. 

Opening a soup kitchen in my mom’s honor is a dream come true. Doing it with my two best friends only makes it  better. 

Zachery, with his haunted eyes and air of unhappiness, is convinced to help out, and I want nothing more than to make him smile. When he needs a fake date for a family party, I happily return the favor.

Now we’re getting to know each other better, and I know he’s all that’s been missing from my life. Can I convince the stubborn man to open his heart and start living again, or will he drown in his sorrow?

In this story, you’ll find quirky old people, brilliant uses for superglue, and chalkboard confessions of love. In Sammi’s low-angst, super-sweet world, hugs are freely given and happily-ever-afters are guaranteed.

Previously titled Heavenly Melody: No changes have to original manuscript have been made.

Genres: M M Romance, Holiday, Romance, Contemporary, Christmas, LGBT, Novella

138 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 27, 2019

About the author

Sammi Cee was raised in a family of readers. Summer vacations consisted of a good book while sitting lakeside from as far back as she could remember. After growing up and having her own children, her appreciation of how the written word could transport you on an adventure, bring you to tears, or give you hope, took on a whole new meaning.

These days Sammi is watching her children develop into fine young ladies while doing the things she enjoys most: drinking coffee, eating chocolate, and writing her own stories.

Reviews

[Ed Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m so excited that I’m just starting this series and there are 5 more books. Sammi Cee has quickly joined the list of my favorite authors. I love these sweet low angst stories. They just make me feel happy.

[⚣Michaelle⚣ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

I wonder if there is a plan in the works to have stories for the other guys at the soup kitchen? I'd like to know how Jonathan reacts to Anson's blatant flirting...and maybe find out Jasper's story?

[Kristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very hallmark. Extremely sweet with a bite of spice where everyone, including the homeless, are the best versions of themselves.
The sweetness would almost make me gag, except the story is so wholesomely good and pure, I’d be a jerk for thinking it.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoooo. This one about killed me. I can’t give it away but you will need tissues with this one for sure. There’s a lot involving the pasts of these young men’s lives and they are still learning to cope and what it means to really have friends and families, even if some are gone. They are each other’s support systems and they learn it’s ok to let go and trust that some things are going to be ok in the end. It’s a wonderful book.
Avi knows what it’s like to be poor. He remembers what it was like for him and his mom. And when things got better for them, she made sure to donate back to those who helped along the way. And Avi is following in her footsteps. He’s determined to show people, even if it’s only for one meal or a little something extra, that there are people who care and want to help. So he and his two best friends opened a center to feed the homeless and the poor. But in the midst of this, he meets Zach, an employee of a friend, and is smitten. But with all the hours he works, he doesn’t really have time for a relationship. And with Zach’s own issues, things are a bit hard for him to open up. But a relationship starts as a friendship and they are both navigating waters they’ve never done before. But they both have to learn it’s ok to let go and let someone in and Zach is learning it’s ok to trust again. Avi is showing Zach new things in his life that are eye opening and he will be forever grateful. But can they let their guards down enough to trust and love each other?
Without giving stuff away, let’s just say these two have had a hell of an upbringing. They are navigating through life one day at a time, trying to cherish moments they can. But because of things that have happened, some things are harder than others. But I love these two. Even though Zach was quiet and shy at first and kind of folded in on himself, he learned to see things through Avi and other people. And he became someone that others looked forward to seeing and could depend on. Not only that, but he became a rock for Avi. And Avi for him. Their friendship may have started on mutual backgrounds, but it developed into something they both could cherish for a long time coming. And it made me so happy to see them.
All the characters in this book are just special. They have a way about them that just seems to make everything so much better. Even when it looks the worst. They open their hearts to anyone they can and they are truly people who care. It’s not a show for them. It’s not something just for the holidays. It’s for everyday all year long. And I fell in love with each and every one of them. And there’s a special young man I definitely want to see get his happy ending. He needs it.

http://lovebytesreviews.com/

[Kendra T · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so sweet. Avi and Zach meet when their friend Ben convinces Zach to volunteer for Thanksgiving dinner at the outreach center owned by Avi and his friends. The two are attracted to each other and have a lot in common with each other. They were good for each other and it was a super sweet story. There was no angst, but I did feel many emotions when Zach talked about his mom. That was beautifully written. Excellent story.

I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by LesCourt Author Services

[Natalie H · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this one and it’s another series I’d be interested in reading. There are so many loveable characters, it’s easy to get into, heart warming and has a couple of tear jerker moments. Avi and Zach are both sweet and grieving. I liked how smooth their relationship was. Looking forward to Jasper’s story. The character that I found most interesting was Judson. Definitely an author to explore more.

[Jamie Lee Zonneveld · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heavenly Melody was my first book by Sammi Cee and I really liked it. The writing was good and the story was great. I loved Avi and Zachary. Love to read more by this author.

[Julie Kristine · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading so many of the other books set in Takoda, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this first book about the soup kitchen and how the Takoda Outreach Center, which is at the core of so many of the stories, got started. Avi and Zachary were both lovely characters, and I enjoyed seeing so many of the others, some of whom will have their own books in this series, and most of whom have appeared as side characters in other books. I just really enjoy this community, the love and care they have for each other, and the found family is wonderful.

This book is MM with gay and bi rep in the MCs, other LGBTQ+ rep in side characters, grief from off-page, pre-story loss of parents, grief and healing, and strangers to friends to lovers with a fake dating trope and instant attraction.

[Lena Grey · Rating 5 out of 5]

“There's a melody in everything. And once you find the melody, then you connect immediately with the heart.” ~ Carlos Santana

Avi Layton, of ‘Heavenly Melody’ by Sammi Cee, is the heart and soul of the Takoda Outreach Center. With an inheritance from his mother, Avi opened the center along with his two best friends, Fisher and Jonathon. All three men are completely committed to the cause, but Avi, with his gift of forming instant connections with their guests, is responsible for a considerable amount of the trust they have garnered.

One of their frequent guests, Ben, owns a pawn shop nearby. Unfortunately, Ben had a massive stroke that is going to force him to close his business. His employee, Zachary, has been running the place since Ben has been recovering. Although he won’t admit it, Ben is much more than a boss to him, but after Zach’s mom died five years ago, it was so painful to lose her, he swore to never get that close to anyone again. When Ben finds that Jack has nowhere to go on Thanksgiving, he asks Zach to give him a ride to the soup kitchen and to help out with the special Thanksgiving feast they are providing. Zach can’t turn him down.

As always, Avi is happy to see Ben and curious about the handsome young man who is accompanying him. Avi can’t stop gawking at him and his friends tease him about it. Ben introduces Zach and Avi and he soon connects Zach with the young man that Ben is always talking about and clearly adores. Avi is thrilled to have another set of hands, especially ones that belong to such an attractive man. Avi shows Zach around and introduces him to everyone. Zach is shy at first, but begins to feel more comfortable as time goes on.

Zach is impressed by the center. It’s obvious that they have done a lot to help their guests feel at home. He is also impressed with Avi, not just because he is adorable and handsome, but by his obvious sincerity that shows in the way he treats the people there. He is genuinely concerned with each and every one of them and it’s obvious that they all love him. After that night, Zach begins to frequently volunteer at the center. He and Avi dance around each other; Avi is not sure how close he is allowed to get and Zach, with his commitment-to-not-commit vow, is afraid to get close to Avi. When Zach is invited to a Christmas party at his estranged father’s house, he hesitates until it is suggested that taking Avi would be a good way to break the ice and let them know that he is gay – and Avi agrees. It’s a situation that could change both of their lives.

This is an endearing holiday story and a great start to a new series. Avi is an amazing, empathetic man whom I fell instantly in love with. Zach took a little more time, but in the end, I liked him too. Thanks, Sammi. I can hardly wait to read the next book in the series.

[MariF · Rating 2 out of 5]

A dissenting opinion here...
This book had everything I love in a hurt/comfort story but nothing worked for me. Somehow everything felt blended, nothing held my attention or engaged my emotions. I could not care less about Avi or Zack. I was bored with the monotone writing and gave up at 48%

[Coco.V]

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[Damian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I simply LOVED this book!!! Avi and Zach, I connected right off the bat. Both lost their moms and struggled through the loss. Avi turned his feelings of loss into a positive thing; Zach just turned his loss into remorse or depression. They both have a connection with people and are willing to help where they can.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas connections

This was a sweet and lovely low angst book about finding the joy and love in life again.

Zachary hasn't really been living since his mother passed away. He resists connections for fear of hurt when they get lost and so has kept himself to his work, a workplace that is shutting down. When he goes to help out At the local kitchen he meets Avi, bright and happy and open. The two start to connect despite the misgivings that Zach has. Abu seems to have everything together but the kitchen is his entire life and he hasn't made the time to have any other people in his life than the friends he works with. As the two men start to connect and make space for each h other in their lives they learn to let love in and to make a life that is balanced with joy and work.

[E.Muddle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Avi and Zachary are a great Christmas romance story. When Zachary's boss gets him to tag along to the soup kitchen where Avi lives and breathes, there is an instant attraction between the two. It's a little bit of a slow burn after this though; Zachary doesn't do relationships and they both hesitate as they start to work together. When Zachary needs a fake date to brave his father's family Christmas dinner, Avi finds himself locked into the role. Of course what follows is them failing to deny their feelings any longer... Also just have to add that Avi, with his optimism, selflessness, and ever-present Christmas cheer, is just too precious for this world. I'm so glad he got all the happiness he deserved in the end!

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first time reading a Sammy Cee work and I must say that I enjoyed this heart felt work of one lonely lost soul, Zachary, longing for family connections after the passing of his mom. His future looks bleak since the store he works at will close at the holiday's end. The owner, Ben, takes him to the local food bank and he sees his world open up. The dedication, hard work, generosity, and open friendship of the owner/employees conquer Zachary emptiness. Of course energetic, effervescent Avi does so much more. These two find common ground in their attraction. Subterfuge from friends also helps and so does an errant forgotten snow globe add to the Christmas sweetness of this story. For this honest review I was given an ARC.

[Jozey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it! Love it! It was Amazing!!!
First book from this author for me and I was not deceived.
This book is full of humanity, hope from a difficult past, support group, values .
Both caracter have suffered grief when both mothers (monoparental) died 5 years ago. But they react very differently from each other.
When some friend make them met, sparks flies, sadness went away, joy appear... BUT
AS a reader : my heart went fluffy, my eyes sparkling, and I actually have a real smile on my face
This story was simple, sweet, lovable and hopefull
So intrigate, I download book 2 right away. I want to know what happen to our lovely Jasper.

[Penumbra · Rating 2 out of 5]

Treasures & Found Family is the first book in the ‘Takoda Outreach Center’. It stars Avi, the founder of the center, and Zachery, a new volunteer at the TOC. This is told in first person from both Avi and Zach’s pov.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and I didn’t like the writing style. I’ll explain more later. The blurb gives a brief run-down of the plot, although it’s from Avi’s pov, it never mentions his name, so you don’t know who’s talking.

This sounded like an interesting story when I read the blurb. The plot revolved around a soup kitchen, with the action taking place mostly there or at a resale shop. However, most of the time the action was briefly described and the big Christmas Day event and meal was totally skipped. They prepared for it and next thing; it was over. What bothered me the most about the writing, was the tremendous amount of monologue and information dumping. Pages and pages of it. I’d say the book was seventy percent monologue, twenty percent dialogue, and ten percent action. It made for a boring book that I put down often. I almost DNF. Looking at the ratings from other readers, they must be more tolerant of being told a story. I’m not. The monologue was full of descriptions of clothing, physical features, and what Avi and Zach are thinking. The writing didn’t draw me in, I didn’t care about the characters because I was being told what was happening instead of the writing making me feel. The writing was also stilted and felt planned, it didn’t flow, it felt forced. I could almost imagine a board where the author plotted out all the steps of what was going to happen. I do understand that some writers are plotters, however this book made it obvious that something like that was happening.

Both Avi and Zach’s voices were the same. The only way to tell them apart, was when the other character described the other’s actions. Avi was active and optimistic. Zach was the opposite. He had a deep dislike of his father and his family since Zach and his mother were abandoned by Zach’s father when he was young. Unrealistically, the author had Zach forgiving his father and his family during a Christmas party Avi and Zach attended. Suddenly, everything was forgiven after a decade of anger. I didn’t care for either of the characters, probably because they didn’t draw me in enough and the way all the problems were miraculously and easily solved. There were also some unusual physical descriptions like Zachary calling Avi’s eyes, ‘opaque orbs’.

The secondary characters were interesting with a good variety of friends and helpers. I’m guessing that Jasper might be the next character written in the second book. I don’t know how people feel about outing or being outed by people they barely know, but the author wrote the characters as outing Zach multiple times in the story. I found that offensive, especially since Zach never told Avi he could do it. I don’t know why the author wrote this as if it’s acceptable behavior.

Overall, I didn’t care for the writing style of this author. I don’t know if this is the only book they’ve written with loads of monologue, but I’m hoping they’ve improved since this was written in 2019, which is four years ago. As it is, I probably won’t read another book by this author. I prefer feeling a story, not being told a story with an overabundance of monologue. The decades of anger on Zach’s part healed in one day, was unrealistic, the outing of a character without their permission was troubling. The idea of a soup kitchen was a good idea, but the writing wasn’t well executed along with some of the ideas. I give Treasures & Found Family, 2 Stars.

[Xanthe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a favourite for me from this series! It's seriously heartwarming with wonderful, selfless people doing all that they can to provide for those less fortunate, making sure they feel welcome and included at the soup kitchen.
Avi and Zachary are very different people but from the moment they meet, they click and have an easy connection and hot attraction. They have a common history with losing their mother but with it happening in very different ways, they've mourned and moved on differently. A fake relationship may help Zachary attend his father's Christmas party, a man that he hasn't felt close to for many years.
Though the premise of a fake date is set out it's obvious, even days before that, how much they are coming to care about each other. Avi is such a giving man, wanting everything to be the best it can be for the people who come into his soup kitchen and especially goes the extra mile this festive season. He's full of energy, enthusiasm and care for all he does. Zachary is waiting on the last few days of his job that he loves, coming up on the most dreaded time of year and you can still feel the loss he hasn't gotten over of his mother. Avi has an almost instant affect on Zachary and he blossoms beside him. Their relationship is something that grows gradually but can sense the spark right from the moment they first meet.
There's a whole cast of interesting and fun characters. They've built a real community and I can easily imagine a series being born from this with several men already in mind that need their own HEA's.
Definitely a must read for me, full of Christmas feels and goodwill.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was caught by both men right from the start. There was a bit of hesitation on Zach's part for me, but only because he held himself back whereas Avi was all out there 100% of the time. He wore his heart on his sleeve and couldn't keep a secret from his face if his life depended on it. I actually like that quality because it's incredibly honest.

The connection between both men was instantaneous and they slowly explored what that meant for them. It began with concern, attraction, and friendship. A crazy idea gave them a bit more of a romantic push and it was just what they needed to find the partner of their hearts.

There were moments of grief that were simply and well written that captured exactly what Zach needed to experience and with Avi's history, he was the perfect person to give comfort and empathy when it was needed.

Even with the cute and very obvious meddling of friends, they were drawn together all on their own and I really enjoyed their pacing despite the short story length. The familial reunion/reconciliation felt a little rushed, but in no way forced. I liked that Zach's support group and idea of family was opened and broadened with Avi's subtle influence. It was clear that they really were perfect for one another and all of it worked together to bring a whole lot of warmth to the story and to me while I read.

[Devoted❤️Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where there’s love, there’s hope

Gasp, an Avana Springs adjacent holiday romance, and I love the many connections that weave throughout this book. I love hopeful dreamers and Avis is the best of them. Zachary is lost and his pain breaks my heart, but he’s also so sweet and caring. He needs all the hugs.

I’m so glad that he met Avi and has people who pushed him out of his comfort zone. For Avi, I’m Ed static’s he found someone who truly understands what’s important in his life. BTW, I’d color on either of their walls. I wonder if Jonathan tastes good; I bet he does. Wow, when Avi does something he goes all in and it makes my heart so happy. “It’s you Avi. It’s all you.” Oh, Zach’s gift for Avi and when he lets Avi comfort him made me cry happy and sad tears.

There are so many happy feels and wonderful people in this story (Jasper and Meg, in particular), and it is like Cheers, minus the booze. I really hope there are more books planned for Avi’s friends. Sammi Cee, you break my heart but in the best way. This book was so full of love it fills you up inside and shines through. A beautiful holiday story of growth and opening yourself to possibilities.

[Ailidh Kloosterhuis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Dakota Outreach Center, a soup kitchen founded by 3 friends. Avi, Jonothan and Fisher. They all have been hurt in the past and in honor of Avi's mum they founded the soup kitchen, which becomes their home and family. They do everything to help those who have to live on the street or have fallen on hard times, and in doing so, they often forget themselves. Zacchary has lost his mother and found a job with Ben. But the elderly man suffered a big heart attack and has decided to sell his shop. In trying to keep Zacchary close because he is like a son to him, he takes him to meet the guys from the soup kitchen and soon Zacchary becomes part of this family to when he finds himself a lover in Avi. With so many new volunteers and more hands on they can extend their soup kitchen with a store where people can be given food and other essentials and Zacchary is more than happy to take that job. The books that follow in this series will see the other two boys find their true love as well. They are stories with hurt and love, but above all their self made family. The books are an easy read with a HEA.

[L.D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet and Lovely

I read this book immediately after A Very Terry Christmas by Jacki James. Both books are part of the Snow Globe Christmas series and can be read as standalones, however, Avi, one of the main characters from Heavenly Melody, was mentioned in A Very Terry Christmas, and it was nice to learn more about Avi and what he does with all knitting products Mikah made for the soup kitchen.

This book had all the sweetness you would expect from a Christmas romance series, but it also dealt with the grief of losing a loved one. There was a point near the end of the book where I teared up. It was a beautiful moment between Zach, Avi, and a video message from Zach’s mother.

I became invested in each character that I met. Although the book was short, the characters were well written and I look forward to learning their stories in the upcoming (I hope) books.

Overall Rating: 4 Stars. The writing, characters, and storyline were good and left me with fluffy warm feelings.

[Danielle Norris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by Sammi Cee, it will not be the last. Her character development is on point! You know you have good character development when you want to read stories about ALL the secondary characters.
I am one of many who struggles with depression around the holiday season due to the loss of my mother who, as one of the main characters, Avi put it "meant more than air to me" It was a book I needed. I am much like Zachary in this book, I have quit living and just existed. This book made me cry so much, it also gave me hope. I began dealing with my grief as Zachary dealt with his.
Books are so much more than just words on paper. They are more than stories. Books can heal and soothe the soul. That is what this book did for me.
I reached out to the author to thank her. I let her know that her words gave healing. Don't let someone tell you that romances are frivolous and unworthy! You never know where you will find the words that will let you begin to heal!

[Tam · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a super sweet Christmas story. Avi and his two friends run a soup kitchen in honour of Avi's dead monther. Zach works in a pawn shop whose owner is going out of business and he gets pulled in to helping out at the kitchen and he and Avi instantly hit it off. But Zach's mother died of cancer 5 years ago and he's never forgiven his father for "abandoning" them and coming back with a new wife and kid. However helping out and being around Avi starts to break down his walls and he agrees to go to his father's Christmas party with Avi as his "fake boyfriend" to see if his father will be homophobic.

Of course it all works out, Zach's brother is hella gay, his stepmom and dad are nice people, they come up with ways to improve the kitchen. It was all a bit too perfect but they do both admit that their romance is a like a cheesy Christmas movie so at least they admit it. So it's sweet and I did feel for Zach whose mother left him videos as she got more and more ill, but everyone was just a bit too damn perfect and amazing.

[Mandy (MP Book Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ari had opened a soup kitchen with his two best friends in his late Mum's honour and that had become the Takoda Outreach Center with the aim to give everyone food. Zachery has hunted eyes and an air of unhappiness but is a great help there and when he needs a fake date for a family party Ari agrees as all he wants is to make him smile. Ari hopes to convince the stubborn Zachary to open his heart and start living again before he drowns in his sorrow.

I loved this story with a fake date to friends to lovers story all immersed into the story of the outreach centre, the people who are there as both staff, volunteers and guests. I loved the quirky old folks who were just so feisty and caring all at the time which meant it was really hard to say no to them. The passion and love between Ari and Zachary were powerful and it was wonderful to see how it enabled him to be so supportive of him. There are some very emotional sections to this story and you will cry. Easy to read, feel, empathise with and understand. Contains mature MM content.

[Anna Torres · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kindred Souls!

Avi, together with his friends, Fisher and Jonathon, run a non-profit organization. They serve a meal everyday to those who are in need. Right now, they can only serve one meal everyday, but they are hoping they can add to that as they continue to source for funding. They are three young men who are determined to help whichever way they can!

Zachary has been working in Ben Reese’s pawn shop for a few years now. He is caring and very loyal to Ben. When Ben had a medical emergency and had to slow down, Zach took care of the store. He lost his mother to cancer a few years back. He resented his father for a long time!

Both Avi and Zach lost the most important person in their lives but had totally different reactions to that loss. This is a sweet love story between two beautiful young men who learned to heal, to forgive and entrust their hearts to another person again.

[Trish Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely, character-driven m/m romance with all the feels

Avi and Zachary both lost their moms a few years back, and each is dealing in his own way. Avi pours himself, perhaps too much, into his work at the local soup kitchen, while Zach avoids further emotional connections to try and evade ever feeling as much pain again. Of course, life and friends do not let any of that continue.

With the backdrop of Thanksgiving and then Christmas, ‘Heavenly Melody’ is a feel-good story. A great start for anyone looking to get into m/m romances but don’t want anything too angst-ridden or kinky.

Of course, there are sexy scenes, but what appeals to me more, as a reader, is characters with depth of feeling and some reality. The fact that this cover does not have a headless torso with a rippling six-pack says a lot about the story and the men in it. They are real.

Highly recommend you give Sammi Cee a try. I’ll be picking up another I’m sure.

[Fay MMBookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars A good start and I love reading this series so far. Easily to jump in with the characters and feel their emotions and struggles in life.
The story centres around The Kitchen and the people who work there.
Thanksgiving celebrations draw closer and just maybe all that grows closer. Avi and Zach meet for the first time at the party and I loved Avi reaction seeing him. The story progresses from a freinds to fake boyfriends to lovers theme. Told in both pov's for a great story. The soup kitchen and their family of sorts just may have another member to help. Yah I'm grabbing the next book for Jasper's story.
Avi worked at the Takoda Soup Kitchen, helping those who needed help. It didnt help when his cat Lady Di made him late some mornings for her affections.
Zachary 25 yrs worked at a pawn shop although it was closing its doors soon.

[ANNBOOKSHELF · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is Epic - A truly must read! From loved& lost to the path you follow after a moving story!

Zachary has 1person in his life from him becoming a hermit. The loss of his mother has him paralyzed. Avi has friends that have become his family and supported him after the loss of his mom. The two worlds come together with one night of volunteering. This love story is so moving and a good book for anyone on your gift list. Tragedy is part of life but how we move on from them leaves a path difficult to altered without thought or tough choices. It is amazing to see a tragedy which helps shape you and see the path that you travel the alternatives. No one path is better or worse its an adventure but the journey and two become "the person" that was tears sad n happiness! Breast book more MM Romance you are welcome to join us @my2centsbooklover!

[Laura DeSimone · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful Christmas story this was. I really felt for the characters in the story. Avi along with his two friends run the local soup kitchen, and everyone who enters their doors are treated like family. Avi opened the soup kitchen as a memory to his mother who was killed in a car accident.
Zachary works at the local pawn shop, and has taken on more responsibility since the owner Ben became ill. Zachary has the same heartbreak of loosing his mother as well. I lost my mother over twenty years ago, so reading this story brings back a lot of memories for me. Thank you Sammi Cee for a wonderful story