Teen Book Review - The Destiny of Sunshine Ranch

Book Review of The Destiny of Sunshine Ranch by T.M. Gaouette

10 year old Benedict has been moved from one foster home to another, and he's hated every one. When he arrives at Sunshine Ranch, he doesn't bother unpacking. What's the point? But his new foster parents and siblings are very different from what he's become used to. David and Martha Credence strive to instill love and Christian values in their family and it inspires hope in each child. Benedict is not into "religion," but Sunshine Ranch is the home he's secretly been yearning for. Still, he fears it's all just a little too good to be true, and his sentiments are validated when he learns that they may lose Sunshine Ranch. Can the Credence children help save the Ranch? Will faith keep them together? Or will Benedict's dream be shattered?The Destiny of Sunshine Ranch is a story about a family devoted to God. It relays the personal journeys of all the Credence foster children and their struggles to overcome past and present pain and adversity.In this novel, the confidence of the devoted is challenged, but an even deeper understanding of God and His love are revealed.

Review: The Destiny of Sunshine Ranch by T.M. Gaouette is a lovely, heart-warming middle-grade story. I was extremely moved by this touching novel about foster families. This is a story that stays with you long after it’s over. 

The author creates an array of interesting characters that are flawed yet understandable and memorable. I think this book would be great for all kids to read, showcasing the power of love and family – no matter what that family might look like. As a mother, it was heartbreaking to hear the stories of these fictional children and how they ended up in the foster system. These characters were fortunate though and were placed with a family that loved and encouraged them.

I thought the author did a wonderful job of showing the trust and abandonment issues these children carried with them. This novel is full of heart-wrenching realities, faith-filled moments, and a powerful hopeful message. I think it would be a fantastic book to read with your children. This is a story they can learn a lot from and help them understand there are many children out there that might not be as fortunate as they are.

Amazon link

A note from Reviewer:

As a writer and a mother, I’m always searching for wonderful Christian books for teens of all ages. I truly believe one way we can encourage teens in their faith is through fiction with positive messages, embedded in great stories. There are many fantastic Christian and Catholic teen novels out today but they can be hard to find. I’m excited to share some of these books with you.

Leslea Wahl

www.LesleaWahl.com