Mary doesn’t realize at first that she is a rebel looking for a cause. Her teenage daughter and son don’t need as much of her time so she takes on the regular visit to her father-in-law who has advanced cancer and Altzheimer’s.
Mary doesn’t realize at first that she is a rebel looking for a cause. Her teenage daughter and son don’t need as much of her time so she takes on the regular visit to her father-in-law who has advanced cancer and Altzheimer’s. When she realizes that he is going to die with no significant memory of living she decides to research his life in an effort to give it back to him before he passes. In the process Mary discovers something that changes her life.
Professional Reviews
Katherine Stockton
I recently finished reading Stephen Lalonde's compelling novel, "The Phoenix Gift". It was well written with an unexpected plot twist which left this reader unsure how the protagonist would be able to navigate that twist with a satisfactory result. Was she able to do that? Well, you'll just have to read it and decide that for yourself! A good read! I will be watching closely for Stephen Lalonde's next novel and scoop that up as soon as it comes out!
Jan Pierce
Just finished reading book last night. Started and couldn't stop until I was finished. Well done Steve.
Diana J. Legun
I found in Stephen Lalonde’s The Phoenix Gift a distinctly rare storyline that spins Mary Burns’ life out of kilter in the most personal way, revealing from early on a dilemma that would follow her through the journey she takes to discover the roots of her father-in-law’s past and a truth of her own that held her hostage until she made the most difficult choice of her life. Juggling the two mysteries simultaneously, The Phoenix Gift includes vivid family members and their relationships with each other, rich details and delightful dialogue that bring them all to life, wonderful descriptions of eastern Washington state locations, and an acute focus on how immensely powerful love can be. Watching Mary grow throughout the pages made this book satisfying start to finish.
In a post-coup America, an Illinois farm boy is drawn into the resistance by his brother's death. Captured, he is given a choice: betray his friends, or the girl he loves will be lobotomized.
Deputy Dave Jenkins investigates the murder of local high school principal, Jerry Egge, but this is a multi-faceted novel that deals with spiritualism, romance, friendship, and children who fall through the cracks.
"Murder isn't usually this
Imogene, a country-bred girl, longs to make a life for herself in New York City. She joins forces with her former college roommate to start a movie production company in the big city.
