Broken Family Ties is an introduction in to the lives of The Brooks- Grover Family; the setting is the rural land of beautiful Bedford, Ohio.  The acres of land dividing the properties do not separate this God fearing community from knowing one another’s business.

Parents Kevin and Ann Grover were in the midst of raising their three children. They were successfully running their own business. Kevin and Ann planned a trip to New York where Kevin had a huge surprise in the works. The Grover's never returned.

Excerpt:

“Normally they would stay a weekend.  Kevin had convinced Ann to stay an entire week.  They can’t remember the last time it was just the two of them for a whole week.  

Ann arranged for her parents to baby sit.  She didn’t mention to Kevin or her dad, she had to pay Alicia and promised that she could stay at their house.”

Henry and Alicia Brooks, Ann’s parents moved in to her home to care for she and Kevin’s children, Carl, Caroline and Charles.

Excerpt:

“Grandma Alicia continued on with the rules.  She lowered her head, raised her joined hands inches from her face and closed her eyes.  Lord we come to thank you for this nourishment.  We ask that it does what you intend.  That it keeps us healthy provides us with strength.  Thank you for blessing us with these children.  Help us guide them in the path of righteousness.  As we embark on this journey of raising them, we ask for strength and courage to go forward.”

Grandma Alicia is anything but loving and doting toward her grandchildren; she is harboring secrets and resentments.

Excerpt:

“Grandma’s fury was unmatched. She stood in Caroline’s face.  “I didn’t ask for this.  Damned devils reeking havoc in my life.  If it were up to me, your asses would be in foster care.  I told ya momma not to be naming me as a damned guardian to the spawn of Satan!”

Grandma Alicia is a woman consumed with her God and living in her daughter's beautiful home. She has no use for anyone else and is honest about it.

Excerpt:

“Grandma Alicia returned the phone receiver to its cradle.  She went into the kitchen.  Looking around, she started rearranging.  Talking to herself she said, “The spices belong over the stove, not in some rotating shelf beside the sink.  I think the lids should be in this area and the pots and pans over there.”

Grandpa Henry is a passive God fearing man trying to do right by his grandchildren while struggling to remain in his forty one years of marriage.

Excerpt:

“Grandpa continued to speak.  “For the love of Christ, every child at this table, get up.  Get your behinds one clean outfit and get in the car.  If you stay here you will be destroyed,” he screamed.

Carl the oldest and the “wannabe protector/leader of the siblings” is the target of Grandma Alicia's resentment.

Excerpt:

“Carl’s nostrils flared as he spoke.  His hands were flailing about.  “We have a little less than three years to get the hell out of here. I ain’t taking any extra baggage!” 

Caroline the only girl is a beautiful, precocious handful at times. She is labeled by an old folk’s tale (or superstition) as having a troubled soul.

Excerpt:

I don’t want to alarm you about your daughter’s medical health.   At this time I am talking to you as a minister.  That baby’s soul is in trouble,” he says pointing at Caroline.”

Charles the baby is a quiet child, lurking in the shadows of an uprooted life he didn’t have a chance to become accustomed to. He's lost in the madness of his siblings' battling to become his substitute parents and his Grandfather's doting.

Excerpt:

“You weren’t listening man.” Charles spoke loud and clear. “Grandpa Henry hates Caroline.  I think he is asking God to change her.  We all know Caroline is mean.  She is my mother, I mean sister and I don’t want her to change.  Grandpa Henry wants her to be like every one else.  We got to love her for whom she is,” he said.”

Broken Family Ties is available on line at http://www.lulu.com/content/583716

Part 2- Severed Family Ties is scheduled for release late 2008.

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