"Tackling the Fields"
By Janet W. Ferguson
Synopsis: Cole Sanders is a changed man. The university quarterback questions his direction in life after serving on a mission trip in Honduras. Things that used to fill Cole’s ego seem empty after witnessing the developing country’s extreme poverty and the death of a precious child. The one glimmer of hope through his confusion is the fresh perspective he now has about his tutor, Audrey. She possesses something beautiful inside and out—something that might help him become the person he wants to be.
By Janet W. Ferguson
Synopsis: Cole Sanders is a changed man. The university quarterback questions his direction in life after serving on a mission trip in Honduras. Things that used to fill Cole’s ego seem empty after witnessing the developing country’s extreme poverty and the death of a precious child. The one glimmer of hope through his confusion is the fresh perspective he now has about his tutor, Audrey. She possesses something beautiful inside and out—something that might help him become the person he wants to be.
University senior Audrey Vaughn tutored Cole Sanders for an entire year and never imagined the popular quarterback would see her as anything more than a friend. After partnering with him on the mission trip, they are drawn together. And he appears to have changed for the better. To let Cole into her life, Audrey will have to overcome not only her brother’s distrust, but also the paralyzing fear still lingering from a past she’s tried to leave behind.
Cole can’t walk away from Audrey now that they’re back in Oxford. He’ll have to figure out how to keep her giant of a brother, a lineman on his football team, from killing him when the coach has his back turned. But can Audrey trust her heart to a player so similar to the one who stole so much from her in the past?
My Thoughts: This book is one that had me engaged from the first page. It addresses a topic that is so often ignored, as it is one that is hard for many of us to discuss. The author does an excellent job of addressing it in a realistic , sensitive manner .
The characters are extremely well developed in such a way that you are immediately drawn into their lives and feel their every challenge and hurt. I easily identified with Audrey, a darling young lady who has experienced unthinkable events in her past that are a great stumbling block to her attaining happiness. Cole was clearly a charmer who was used to getting what he wanted. His life changing experience was one that encourages us all that there is always hope and forgiveness. God is loving and will always give us second chances. Cole was wise enough to grab onto that chance and make a better life for himself.
The plot moved at a steady pace, keeping the reader engaged throughout the book. There were just enough twists and turns to keep me on the edge of my seat as I read about the bumps in the road , as these young people journey through life. Lives can change !! God makes it possible!! But do we always take time to listen to that quiet voice that gives us choices that we must make.??
As I read, I thought of how many people there are that have been affected by similar circumstances. Janet Ferguson has written a truly insightful book that would be an excellent read for all young people. A great discussion builder!! Not to say, that we older folks won't enjoy it!!
Definitely a worthwhile read!!! Don't miss this book!!
This book was provided by the author and CelebrateLit in exchange for a fair and honest review.
About the Author: Janet W. Ferguson grew up in Mississippi and received a degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Mississippi. She has served her church as a children’s minister and a youth volunteer. An avid reader, she worked as a librarian at a large public high school. Janet and her husband have two grown children, one really smart dog, and a few cats that allow them to share the space.
Guest Post from Janet Ferguson
Hi, I’m Janet W. Ferguson, and I’m so excited to be back again and meet more readers through Celebrate Lit!
This is a story I didn’t want to write, but felt called to tackle. The loss of the dream, the loss of innocence, and life’s other unfair struggles can challenge our faith—can make us captive to fear and disappointment.
In the South, we love football. In writing this book, I’m not trying to make a statement for or against the sport. My husband and son loved playing the game. After my son suffered a torn ACL, torn shoulder labrum, and four surgeries, he could no longer participate in the game he loved. He mourned the loss of the brotherhood of his team. I saw the popular pastime differently from his eyes. For young men, I believe it is a bond between friends for a common goal. Though the character in this book is totally fictional, I’m dedicating this book to my son, Luke.
The other sensitive topics in this story seemed particularly sad, but relevant in our society. Trust me, I didn’t prefer to research acquaintance/date rape or human trafficking, but both are going on all too often in communities both small and large. There are a number of organizations set up to help victims of these crimes if you feel a calling to help.
Someone reading this may have had something terrible that happened in their past or may know someone who has. God is able to set free the captives, set you free from the bonds that hold you. My prayer is that you find comfort in that truth.
To read other reviews of this wonderful, new book, visit other stops on the tour!
Blog Stops
August 15: Quiet Quilter
August 16: A Baker’s Perspective
August 17: Blogging With Carol
August 18: The Power of Words (Spotlight)
August 19: inklings and notions
August 20: Christian Chick’s Thoughts
August 21: Karen’s Krayons
August 22: Bigreadersite
August 23: A Greater Yes
August 24: Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner
August 25: A Reader’s Brain
August 26: Mary Hake
August 27: His Grace is Sufficient
August 28: Cassandra M’s Place
August 29: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
Be sure to enter the giveaway!!
To celebrate her tour, Janet is giving away a $50 Amazon gift card Click here to enter:https://promosimple.com/ps/a1c6
Thank you for the kind review! Blessings, Janet
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your blog!
ReplyDeleteCarol :)
Thanks for stopping by and saying hello :) This is a nice blog she has here!
DeleteBlessings,
Janet W. Ferguson
I'm a mystery reader and this sounds like a romance.'
ReplyDeleteHi Janice (people get my name mixed up with the name Janice a lot!) This is pretty much a romance that deals with some deep issues. There is one small section of mystery in it, but otherwise, no. Thanks for commenting, though! If you know anyone who likes realistic contemporary stories of romance set in the South, let them know :)
DeleteBlessings,
Janet W. Ferguson
TY for the chance to win a new author to me.
ReplyDeleteHi Lucy! I hope you enjoy Tackling the Fields if you read it.
Delete