Hope Can Be Your Name

The author Shannon Dingle and I have never met - but I was drawn to her story because of my own vacation story on the same island. Two years ago Shannon's husband Lee died unexpectedly after being hit by a strong wave at Oak Island, NC. While my story in 2014 didn't end in physical death at the moment, it was the beginning of a process that would. Our large family was also vacationing on Oak Island when my 80 year old father, already undergoing chemo treatments in Pennsylvania, fell extremely sick and was transported to the local hospital - our stay suddenly became an extended stay in Wilmington, NC while he slowly recovered to be well enough to go back home two weeks later. There were times we thought he wouldn't make it. The cancer and related conditions ultimately took his life 3 years later. We are indeed grateful for the extra time with him we didn't expect when it happened. We have not returned yet to what was our favorite vacation spot. When I heard of the incident with Shannon's husband in the news, there was an immediate connection because I had been to the same place. That connection led to me follow Shannon on social media and I was excited to finally be able to read her completed book - though she will be the first to tell you it changed greatly from when she first started writing it. Shannon writes brave (not brave-ly ... you'll need to read her work for that story). As a woman of faith, she shares very openly about those moments where she is still mad at God, but yet has days filled with hope, and others not so much. Shannon shares openly about the sexual assault at the hands of her family as a young girl and the pain it still causes and her struggles as a single widowed mother raising six children with different ethnicities and medical conditions. Hoping that Shannon will continue to write as she continues to heal - she has much insight to offer our troubled world. Even when she doubts it or doesn't feel it, it is clear that Shannon does have hope and that's what counts. We are all broken and yet beautiful and hope can become your name (again you'll have to read the book for that to make sense). Shannon's work is touching because her life story is touching and you'll find yourself with teary eyes by the time you finish. Shannon has found so much support in her community and from her "framily" though that this is one time the acknowledgements are as readable as the book. Shannon -- keep hoping, keep writing. This book was advanced to me through NetGalley with no obligation for a positive review. It is scheduled for a July 2021 release.

Like a Phoenix Rising from the Ashes...

From American Phoenix: “That day, I saw humanity at its best and worst. Humanity doesn’t have race, creed, or color―not when you look into the very souls of people.” ―Christopher Braman, Army Sgt. 1st Class (ret.) -- just one of so many inspiring quotes in this new book about what happened when the Pentagon was struck on 9/11. After so many books about the Twin Towers and the heroes of Flight 93, it is refreshing to finally read a work focused on the impact left on our world when Flight 77 flew into this American stronghold. All of the events of 9/11 need to be remembered as we all proudly say when each anniversary rolls around, but until now not that much has been published about the Pentagon attack that day. This work is filled with personal stories and tons of pain. So many people started that day going to their office, serving our country in the military, unaware it would be their last moments on earth. Others were unaware of what would be required of them as they became the heroes that saved the lives of those around them. Some risked going back into the extreme heat of fire to pull others to safety. Our president visited the wounded as they were treated in hospitals. Not all made it. The book concludes with every name listed. Read this, remember them, remember the cost for our freedom so we don't repeat this part of our history. I was able to preview this thanks to NetGalley without any commitment or obligation on my part for the type of review provided.