I am a schoolteacher by profession and have taught school for
(thir—ahem!) years. I grew up in Raymond, Alberta, and attended the
University of Lethbridge after graduating from high school and serving a
two-year mission to Japan. During university, I met and married Marsha
Smith, and we are the parents of four children, which has grown to
include their spouses and our ten grandchildren.
I have always loved to write. I started writing stories before I was old enough to realize I was writing stories. It seemed a natural thing to pick up a pencil and paper and create a world simply by using words—worlds of adventure in steaming jungles (Tarzan was an early influence on me) or realms of adventure in outer space (Buck Rogers). But as I have grown older, I have discovered that the real inspiration for me is exploring the theme of love and how it can make such a difference in the world.
I’ve had an article published in Lethbridge Magazine and have written several dramatic plays, two of which won provincial recognition and were showcased at a drama festival. I won the CJOC radio songwriting contest two years running, and have had one of my songs receive international airplay. I have written four novels intended for the juvenile market. They are unpublished as yet, but I read them annually to my fourth grade students and my students tell me they love them, the darlings.
I have always loved to write. I started writing stories before I was old enough to realize I was writing stories. It seemed a natural thing to pick up a pencil and paper and create a world simply by using words—worlds of adventure in steaming jungles (Tarzan was an early influence on me) or realms of adventure in outer space (Buck Rogers). But as I have grown older, I have discovered that the real inspiration for me is exploring the theme of love and how it can make such a difference in the world.
I’ve had an article published in Lethbridge Magazine and have written several dramatic plays, two of which won provincial recognition and were showcased at a drama festival. I won the CJOC radio songwriting contest two years running, and have had one of my songs receive international airplay. I have written four novels intended for the juvenile market. They are unpublished as yet, but I read them annually to my fourth grade students and my students tell me they love them, the darlings.
Darrel can be reached through the Contact link on his Website.
When the girl he hated in high school suddenly reenters his life,
little son in tow, and asks for his help, Turner must put the past
behind him if they are to survive.
Turner Caldwell works at a local motel as a handyman while attending college full-time. On his way to class one day, he passes the bus depot just as Cassandra Todd and her young son arrive. He is shocked to see her, remembering how cruel she was to him in high school. She was the popular head cheerleader and he the target of her mean-spirited pranks. Turner could never have imagined that the outdoor training and survival skills he learned at Camp Kopawanee, a summer youth camp where he worked three years as a leader, would one day become so crucial. But when Cassandra and her son check into the motel where he works and she asks for his help in eluding her abusive husband, Turner finds himself entangled in a situation that will require every skill he has in order to survive.
If you'd like to read the first chapter of The Return of Cassandra Todd, go HERE.
Turner Caldwell works at a local motel as a handyman while attending college full-time. On his way to class one day, he passes the bus depot just as Cassandra Todd and her young son arrive. He is shocked to see her, remembering how cruel she was to him in high school. She was the popular head cheerleader and he the target of her mean-spirited pranks. Turner could never have imagined that the outdoor training and survival skills he learned at Camp Kopawanee, a summer youth camp where he worked three years as a leader, would one day become so crucial. But when Cassandra and her son check into the motel where he works and she asks for his help in eluding her abusive husband, Turner finds himself entangled in a situation that will require every skill he has in order to survive.
If you'd like to read the first chapter of The Return of Cassandra Todd, go HERE.
My Thoughts:
Mr. Nelson weaves a story with which to many women would be familiar; young women like Cassandra Todd. The story carries current themes making the book identifiable and contemporary. I liked the overall story; however, there were many parts of the book that seemed a bit unrealistic and unbelievable. Mr. Nelson's humor fell flat for me in many places and was awkward in the theme of the book. Some of the "excitement" and "drama" in the book felt a little forced. With all of this said, I'd be interested in reading more of Mr. Nelson's writing. I would give this book 3 stars out of 5.
Happy Reading,
Jennifer
1 comments:
Jennifer, even though my novel didn't really resonate with you, I want to thank you for taking the time to read and review it. I'm still working hard to improve my writing, and I appreciate your comments. Perhaps my future novel, Following Rain, will do better.
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