Miracle on Maple Street

Miracle on Maple Street #1

by Linda Wood Rondeau

“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.

Genres: Fiction

192 pages, Paperback

Published November 3, 2016

About the author

Also writing as L.W. Rondeau

Does life imitate art? I believe it does or perhaps art reflects life. Either way, life and art are intertwined. In that truth, my books bear witness to the convoluted world in which we are all a part. After nearly thirty years in human services, I retired so that I could work more hours a week than I had ever done before to pursue my writing dream. My first book published in 2011 and was soon followed by others. As evident in A Father's Prayer/Lighthouse of the Carolinas, my books, whether suspense, romance, or futuristic, are themed from my experiences as a social worker. These stories involve the human struggle to overcome indignities that otherwise could defeat us. A graduate of North Syracuse High School, I went on to Houghton College, majoring in English and education. As my heroine in A Wonderful Love, I met my wonderful husband doing Community Theater. Three children and nine grandchildren later, we moved from Northern New York to enjoy the benefits of the sunshine state, mainly golf and daily walks. Now we have moved to Hagerstown, MD to be nearer our grandchildren. An award winning novelist, my mission is to entertain as well as encourage through the written word. Visit me at http://www.lindarondeau.com, or on facebook, twitter, Pinterest, GooglePlus. Friend me and I'll friend you back! Reviews are always appreciated. Coming soon: The Fifteenth Article, a futuristic political thriller.

Reviews

[Cass · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miracles Still Happen

Although a fictional story, "Miracle on Maple Street" deals with life's gritty side. Because of the topics, this reviewer found it to be a difficult book to read, but one that kept me flipping pages way past my bedtime. A very well written novel, the plots and subplots reveal a side to life many of us would rather ignore, but nevertheless, is quite common if truth were told. Each chapter delves deeply into the psyches of the main characters and gives a different perspective of the events leading to a very satisfactory conclusion. I heartily recommend "Miracle on Maple Street" for readers beyond the early teenage years. A word of caution, some may find the topics in this novel too grim for the sensitive or tender reader, nevertheless, it's a very good book.

[Sherry Ledet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miracle on Maple Street is a Christmas story of loves lost and found. I enjoyed the story very much.

[Marguerite Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not just one miracle. Rondeau pieces together many broken lives and draws on the past and present to establish a way to move forward into the future. Beautiful story of forgiveness and love.

[Pam McCallister]

Great book

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy this author's books, and I was not disappointed in this one. It is a well told story combining compelling characters, family secrets and strained relationships that pulled me in from the first pages and that I couldn't put down. Ray, one of the main characters, tells his mother that "Christmas is a time for miracles" and this story certainly conveys those miracles as God love, forgiveness and healing touches each character in the story and the result is a story that I loved.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book shows how secrets tear us apart as well as those around us. I loved how the story went from the present, visited the past and then came back to the present to give you a moment to digest how that part of the past affected the present. It shows how what we perceive may not be the actual truth. This is a compelling read for all of us that hurt and need to forgive others. Highly recommended for all! I was given a copy of this book for my honest opinion.

[Mrs. Gayla D. Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three Stories in One

Miracle on Maple Street was a good read. I appreciated the format of the stories, because they gave foundation to the story's plot and impending conclusion. Even though the story has a Christmas setting, it is not the conventional Christmas story. It is an anytime read.

[JoAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miracle on Maple Street is a well written book with a complex plot. The characters are well developed and believable. The book is a story of family conflict and splits, the family reconciliation as well as reconciliation with God. I highly recommend this book

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas story

This is so different from the stories I normally read. I am a true crime story reader but this book was a nice feel good Christmas story with enough twists and turns to keep it interesting.

[Lillie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is intense and complex. There are so many family secrets and betrayals and estrangements and confusion that it seems things will never be made right. But the title lets us know the story is about a miracle, and a miracle of confession and restoration takes place.

[Clare Revell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely Christmas miracle read. A divided family seek answers and peace on Christmas Eve. Told by three different people, each from their own point of view, this story is hard to put down.