Growing up, my cousin was like the sister I never had. We
spent much time together. She’d visit my house and I’d visit hers. Some of our
favorite memories were those spent at my grandparents’ home in Mexico, New York.
After college, I married and moved hundreds of miles away. My
cousin married as well. We both found the demands of family and work kept us
entrenched. Sadly, we drifted apart.
Fortunately, we reconnected nearly twenty years later. We vowed never to
let so much time pass without seeing one another. Once, during a rare visit, we
went to see the old house in Mexico. We walked around the yard and peeked in
the windows. We jumped with joy when we spotted our grandmother’s old wood
stove. And we marveled that the barn across the road still stood.
Whenever we’re together we reminisce about those wonderful
years.
As I thought about how my cousin and I drifted apart, not
because of an argument, but because of the busyness of life, I imagined what
other circumstances might separate two women relatives who loved each other
like sisters. And so, Miracle on Maple
Street began to take shape.
ABOUT MIRACLE ON MAPLE STREET
“Christmas is a time for miracles,” Ryan McDougal tells his
mother, when he is told that a long-lost cousin, Millie, has resurfaced after
nearly forty years … the cousin whose picture his mother clasped the day his
father abandoned him. Though they occurred decades apart, he always believed
the two disappearances were connected like opposite links of a chain. With
Millie’s arrival, perhaps he might finally receive the answers he so
desperately sought. However, Ryan has a third thorn in his side, more
devastating than any mystery. His wife, the love of his life, has left his arms
and his bed. How long before she moves out of the house and takes his beloved
son with her? He prays for his own Christmas miracle. Millie’s anticipated
visit prompts Ryan’s mother to reveal secrets that bring all to light. However,
when past and present collide, the truth is more than Ryan can bear.
Miracle on Maple
Street was a 2017 finalist for Selah Award.
Award winning author, LINDA WOOD RONDEAU writes to
demonstrate our worst past, surrendered to God becomes our best future. A
veteran social worker, Linda now resides in Hagerstown, Maryland. Readers may
visit her web site at www.lindarondeau.com. Contact the author on
Facebook,
Twitter, Pinterest,
Google Plus and Goodreads.
5 comments:
Nice to meet Linda Wood. With her stories germinating from her social work I can think of several great stories of situations and individuals that could turn into a powerful story. Miracle on Maple Street will have to be read. Thank you for the giveaway.
marilynridgway78[at]gmail[dot[com
Thanks for stopping by. Yes ... my social work experience has given me a host of ideas for stories.
Thanks for sharing your story! I find true life stories make the best inspiration and are my favorite to read. You and your cousin’s story is especially heartwarming! So glad you reconnected.
Thank you for the wonderful interview. I also had a cousin who was like a sister to me. I would love to read your book.
marypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com
Maryann
congratulations to Maryann
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