News Article by Heather Canter, Copy Editor of Jefferson Post

Book shows importance of instilling family values
by Heather Canter Copy Editor of Jefferson Post



People everywhere wish for a safer environment for their children and families, but as time moves on, it seems that we see more and more violence. The violence comes from the most surprising places, including the children and it happens even in the smallest of towns. The recent murders, thefts and other horrifying incidents in Ashe County gives proof of that. A new book by V.A. Mc-Cloud, "Harvest of Souls Crossover" shows that everyone can play a part in changing the world for the better, whether by living his or her life as a good role model or instilling important values in our children.

McCloud begins her book by introducing the reader to the Howdy family, a grandmother and grandfather trying to raise their grandchildren in a good realm of the world. It goes on to show that a world of evil lurks just beyond the borders and has a most evil ruler, Shuby, who wants to make the entire world as evil as him. The book is filled with suspense as you wonder what will be around the next corner for the Howdy family. As they live their lives and try to keep control of the light world, many examples are given of how important it is for our children to live, learn and hold tightly to their good family values.

Differences in people are also addressed in the book and it shows how everyone should be accepted, despite those outward differences. It is hard for many to look beyond one’s skin color, the shape of someone’s body, just the outside of a person altogether. "Harvest of Souls Crossover" shows that no matter what a person looks like on the outside, the inside is where you see their true soul. And, keeping that in mind, the Howdy family must beware of the "Mag-net-tizing" look of Shuby and his followers.

As the Howdy family embarks on a journey to preserve the goodness of the light world, Shuby and his evil followers continue to wreak havoc. It all comes down to a dramatic face off between the two after a church service both groups attend. You find yourself hoping against hope for the Howdy family and the world of light to prevail, but your heart may stop, as mine did, when you find out you’ll have to wait for the next book to see what happens to the Howdy family.

V.A. McCloud has managed a business in Greenville for over 17 years, which provides educational training to youth and adults, as well as business consulting services. She decided to write "Harvest of Souls Crossover" as a type of tool for parents and children to use as they live in a world where violence is the norm and family values seem to be on the decline. She hopes to relay to her readers that it is okay to be different; it is okay to resist peer pressure and more than anything else, it is definitely okay to have respect for your elders and to hold tight to family values. "Harvest of Souls Crossover" is available from Lifevest Publishing for $16.95 by logging on to www.harvestofsoulscrossover.com or www.amazon.com. You may also place an order by calling 1 (866) 355-6272.

McCloud will be in Ashe County in March to do a book signing as well as to meet local readers. She is scheduled to be at Skyland Books in West Jefferson on Saturday, March 13 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. She will also be at the Ashe County Library on March 13 from 2-4 p.m.

On Friday, March 12, Mc-Cloud will be in Boone at The Dancing Moon, Earthway Book Store on King Street from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Also on March 12, she will be at the Watauga County Public Library from 3-5 p.m.