A religious cult, militia conspirators, and an FBI standoff. Can a nine-year-old girl survive them all?
Sophia’s mom has Zion after meeting and marrying a fanatic religious cult member. to protect her younger sister while facing severe punishments, strange rules, and meetings meant to indoctrinate them. Will Sophia have the strength to break free from this nightmare, or will within the cult?
Salutations on this Sunny Saturday my Fellow Book Dragons, it has been a lovely, crisp Autumn day here. I hope you have had a good day and if you spent it with you Nestlings or Grandnestlings, then I know it was. Our Gem today is a cold stone, black and just holding it gives one a feeling of abject anxiety and misery, this stone should only be held by an adult, no child should draw nigh. So why is it today of all days that this stone is held up to be observed? Because this stone is all too often thrust at a child or children far too long before they are capable of wielding it. And adults must beware and be vigilant at all times to protect these tiny lambs from being hurt. This is a true story, not a Fairy Tale, though there are monsters, evil and heroes and heroines.
This is the story of Sophia and her family. It is laid wide open before us by Gem Cutters Courtnie J. Christensen and Angela E. Powell. Gem Cutters, not Makers, for this Gem had to be cut from The Mountain of Sorrow and Confusion. Sophia is only nine years old when her mother marries a member of a religious militia cult. The family, Sophia, her Mother, her four year old sister, Eva and her 14 year old sister, Sapphira leave their home, their dog and their security behind to follow this man into the dark unknown.
The children are taken on a 10 month quest to find “God’s Kingdom here on this Earth” by the leader of the group. They are subject to neglect, starvation, physical abuse and other tortures that most people would not allow a dog to go through and yet, despite their mother’s protests that she will keep them safe, when push comes to shove, rarely does she come through. But there are moments of respite. There are kind people along the way. People who give them food, succor, a kind word or deed or pat on the back.
I liked this book, it’s raw honesty, the down to earth writing style and Sophia’s spunk make this an endurable read, but be forewarned, you will need a tissue or two at a time and you will probably need a breather now and again. Once upon a time, I worked with abused Nestlings and I must say this book rings true, all too true. This is not a book for children. Older adolescents may get much out of it.. especially those fifteen and up who may be vulnerable to the message around them as an eye opening experience. Parents, Counselors,Teachers, Medical Staff, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Prosecuting Attorneys and Social Workers should definitely read this book. It should be a must for anyone working with children in those capacities.
It goes on sale in three days on Amazon and Apple, remember to get yours and maybe an extra copy or two for your school, church or office.
I received this book from the authors in exchange for an honest review.
This is an amazing story, more so because it is based on a true story. I hate when people trade in their spouse for another spouse (even if the divorce is not your choice) and the kids get screwed over. I cannot imagine doing this to my kids (who are grown now) or my spouse for that matter, but I do know that it happens all too often. This is a very compelling read and I am very pleased with how it ends as well.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.