Bandy~Craig R. Hipkins

Isaac’s only friend is a passenger pigeon named Bandy. He deludes himself in believing the bird talks to him. Bullied, he is resigned to a life of being the misunderstood bookworm by neighboring boys until a disastrous fire kills his parents and little sisters, sparing only his younger brother, Thomas. He and Thomas are taken in by their Uncle Raymond, an abolitionist, who plans to send Isaac to Virginia to buy Joy, a young slave with debilitating health, from her slave owner, Wil Jericho. Shortly after arriving in Virginia, Isaac learns the ugly truth. The butler who accompanied him on the journey killed his uncle before leaving and plans to do the same to Isaac to steal Raymond’s estate.

Isaac, with Joy, escape into the backwoods of Virginia. Discovering passages of the Underground Railroad, stowing away in carriages, hiding in churches, and outwitting the mercenaries hired by Jericho, the two teens fight tooth and nail to make it to Boston before they’re caught. Will Joy be taken from this life by sickness before she’s found freedom? On their journey, they learn a lot about each other. Isaac promises to bring Joy to Bandy's pond, a heavenly place where peace and serenity reign.
 

About the author

Craig R. Hipkins grew up in Hubbardston Massachusetts. He is the author of medieval and gothic fiction. His novel Adalbert is the sequel to Astrolabe written by his late twin brother Jay S. Hipkins (1968-2018)

He is an avid long distance runner and enjoys astronomy in his spare time.

 

 

 

Review

Winner of the Readers' Favorite Gold Medal
Craig R Hipkins' Bandy is a breathtaking work that kept me glued from the beginning till the end. The narration is wonderful, and the characters are particularly well-constructed. I was too quick to judge Raymond, but Craig soon made me change my attitude toward him. Old Moses is yet another marvelous character who leaves a lasting impact despite being there for a rather brief time. Joy and Isaac, though young, put up a brilliant fight, and their bravery, resilience, and determination are indeed inspirational. I especially love how Craig shows the power of kindness through the interactions between these two and one of the hunters in the woods. In this, there is a lesson for everyone. I would recommend this book to readers aged twelve and above. -Readers' Favorite 5- Star Review

The Underground Railroad and a Passenger Pigeon - an Editorial Review of "Bandy"

Hipkins' storytelling is nothing short of genius, weaving a narrative that balances sadness with hope, loneliness with companionship, and darkness with newfound light. The descriptions of landscapes, historical details, and emotional nuances evoke a strong sense of time and place. The pacing is excellent, too - each chapter propels the story forward with suspenseful encounters, heartfelt dialogue, and unexpected alliances that keep the narrative engaging.

Young readers will discover meaningful lessons conveyed through truly exceptional storytelling. Hipkins masterfully presents the inequities of slavery through the eyes of children, offering a poignant perspective that resonates deeply. "Bandy" is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of friendship during times of the greatest inequality.

The writing in "Bandy" is both engaging and enlightening, treating its subjects with honesty and respect. This novel champions the underdog in society and those who face challenges or are different in some way. Hipkins infuses the narrative with heart and emotion, leading readers on a poignant journey that culminates in a satisfying conclusion. This is definitely a book that will leave a lasting impact on its audience.

Perhaps Hipkins's greatest accomplishment lies in his ability to craft a story that is simultaneously complex and accessible, appealing to readers of all ages. He delivers a richly textured narrative filled with adventure, emotion, and profound insights - overall, a delightful read that provides a window into history while delivering an entertaining story. It's a recommended choice for anyone interested in historical fiction with depth and excitement.

*********The Historical Fiction Company**********

 

From the Author

Winner of the 2024 Readers' Favorite Gold Medal.
Winner of the 2024 Barrie Gold Medal from the Historical Fiction Company.

 

Content Rating  

 

Violence: There is some violence as Isaac defends Joy from the slavers trying to take her back. Also, Isaac kills a man in self defense.  

 

Adult Content: None 

 

Language: No F bombs. There are a few instances of the word ‘damn’ but that is about it. 

 

Religious or Moral: It is Christian. Isaac and Joy are given temporary sanctuary in a church. Isaac’s creed is honor and courage and doing what is morally right. It is the theme of the book. Drug Content: No drugs but there is one scene where the bad guy literally forces Isaac to drink wine.

 

Links 

 

https://books2read.com/u/mgx78v

 

@CraigHipkins

http://crhipkins.blogspot.com

 

Unknown Angel: Mail-order Bride Western Mystery by Peggy McGee

Colt Taylor, a dedicated U.S. marshal, was in the area visiting his recently widowed Aunt Ellie when he received word of a stagecoach holdup. On the bandit’s trail, he came across a severely injured, unconscious young woman whom he stopped to aid. Taking her to his aunt’s house to recuperate from her injuries and amnesia, he set out to find out the mystery behind her, while pursuing those who did this to her. Naming her ‘Angel’ because of her very blonde hair and light blue eyes, he became captivated with her, despite withholding any emotions due to being spurned in his younger past by another. However, as she gradually regained her memory, she realized that one of the bandits was closer to home than realized, endangering her. Upon confronting her, despite being smitten with her rescuer, Angel knew she had to flee for her own safety. Would she ever resolve who she was and feel safe again to seek out trustworthy reciprocal love? Until then, she knew that she would always be on the run.

 

About the author

Peggy McGee, author of "The Psychic Sara Series", the Orphan Train Adventures, and the Wildflower Series (to name a few) taught school, covering many grade levels and college courses in various states, during the first part of her employment years. She has a MS in Education, to include Social Sciences and a Reading Specialty. Most recently, prior to retirement, she was involved with the elderly, providing for their psycho-social needs. During this time, she published many newsletters; however, her ultimate goal was always to become an author. She has three children, five grandchildren and currently lives with her husband in Michigan.

Amazon Review 

In the heartwarming and suspenseful novel " Unknown Angel," Colt Taylor, a devoted U.S. marshal, finds himself entangled in a web of danger and love.

An intricate mystery unfolds as Angel slowly recovers and regains fragments of her memory. Torn between his blossoming feelings for Angel and the emotional scars of his past, Colt becomes determined to unravel the secrets surrounding her and bring the criminals to justice. However, the situation grows increasingly perilous as they draw closer to the truth. Angel's shocking discovery reveals that one of the bandits is much closer to her than she could have ever imagined, putting her life in grave danger.

Written by an author with a keen eye for detail and a talent for crafting captivating characters, this story takes readers on a thrilling journey through the Wild West.

Content Rating

Drug - none

Language-PG

Violence - Western era stagecoach kidnapping resulting in harm

Adult - pg 13 ....

Moral - In the face of danger and uncertainty, love and determination can lead to unexpected revelations and ultimately triumph over adversity.

Link 

 https://books2read.com/u/baEEwQ

The Mystery of Suffering: When God is Silent~ Rachel Jamerson

 

 Suffering and death among the people of God is a common occurrence throughout the bible. The same is also true throughout history. Many believers struggfear, confusion, and disillusionment. During this time, they questioned their relationship with God, His love for them and even the reason for their existence. Yet God seemed to turn a deaf ear to thele to reconcile this fact with the goodness of God. Are there secrets to our relationship with God that have not been revealed? If God is just, why do his people suffer? Why are their lives touched by so much injustice? Isn’t God supposed to protect His people? Why do the guilty go free while the innocent are punished? Why is God silent when many of His people are fighting to survive? ‘The Mystery of Suffering,’ memorializes the journey of a Christian couple in search of answers. Their story covers a period overshadowed by ir pleas. Their story will allow you to travel with them on their journey. Perhaps it will provide you with some clarity and leave you with a surprising revelation.

 

I have been writing for twenty-five years. My favorite resource is scripture. A hunger for God’s Word took me to the campus of Precepts International in Chattanooga, Tennessee. There I learned the Inductive Bible Study method, which completely changed the way I view scripture.

I served for five plus years in a local chapter of CONTACT USA. While there I served on the board of directors and as a crisis line specialist. In addition I am certified by the American Association of Christian Counselors in Caring for People God’s Way. I remained an active member until 2005. I am currently retired.

After becoming a Christian, my desire to write and quest for answers were dedicated to understanding God’s message to man. What exactly was He saying and why were there so many different interpretations? As a result, I became an avid student of scripture. My book ‘Spiritual Compass’ contains excerpts from various articles written over the years. It also takes the reader on a simple walk through the Word of God and offers insights derived from the personal journey of others.

I am a widowed grandmother of eight, retired and living in Southwestern Virginia.

Amazon Review 

One of my favorite genres is biographies and this book portrays a couple and the hardships they had to endure during their youth and then their marriage. Vicky married James at a young age and despite James having a negative school experience, he managed to support her and their family through trade. Halfway through their marriage, James began to experience one health issue after another, resulting in multiple stressful situations. Yet despite his tenuous health, James continued forth despite mood and personality changes until he finally succumbed into his seventies. This book was written from Vicky's viewpoint on how his continuous suffering affected their relationship and challenged their faith that was recorded in her journal. After his passing, the journal continued in attempts to cope with her ongoing grief. It was at this point that she was able to differentiate between God's will versus suffering and/or hardship, and how it changed one's viewpoint after the fact instead of in the midst of it. In doing so, now experiencing the loneliness of old age, in retrospect she came to realize the importance of the journey and its effect on one's faith and perspective with the ability to heal. Able to relate to this story, I found it fascinating and helpful for those who are suffering and the solace it provides in understanding/restoring one's faith in the aftermath. Highly recommended to those in need of support and consolation during difficult times. 

Content Rating 

Drug – no drugs - only prescribed 

Language – no bad language 

Violence -no violence only medical problems incurred during surgery 

Adult - nothing 

Moral- Faith is often tested in the crucible of suffering, where questions linger and answers seem elusive. Yet, it is in the depths of these trials that the mystery of God’s purpose unfolds, teaching us to trust His goodness even when we cannot understand His ways.

PG-13 Physical and emotional suffering from natural sources - childhood and adult accounts. 

Amazon: https://books2read.com/u/3kVoJN