Rescuing Hope: A Story of Sex Trafficking in America

As I sit here quiet and alone in my hotel room on yet another work trip, I am reminded of what is happening all across America (and the world, for that matter) in hotel rooms of people on business trips, sporting event trips, or just pleasure trips.

I was forced to face the reality of what is happening literally under our noses here in our very own homeland of America to our sweet, innocent, young girls when I read Rescuing Hope by Susan Norris.

Though this is a fiction story, it is woven from true details of America's sex trafficking underworld. Norris did not set out to write a novel. She merely began to discover unexpectedly how prevalent the modern-day slave industry of sex trafficking has become in our very own hometowns.Upon the shocking, sickening realization that girls as young as nine years old are being tricked into this prison of life, Norris felt the earnest need to learn and share as much as she could about this secretive world that thrives all around us. In doing this, she ultimately wove a compelling fiction novel from multiple threads of truth including survivors of human sex trafficking, detectives who have worked countless cases in order to rescue and bring justice, as well as even the input of a former pimp.

Thankfully this horrific hell on earth is more and more in the spotlight these days than it once was, however, so much still remains to be done in this battle. This industry MUST be shut down! If you don't understand why I feel so strongly about this, read Rescuing Hope and then you will.

I would like to close my review of this excellent work with a portion of Norris's Acknowledgement / Introduction section in her own words:

To my readers, thank you for taking the time to read about a difficult subject, when it would be easy to turn away. I pray Rescuing Hope stirs something inside you to propel you into action. Find your place in the fight against the commercial sexual exploitation of children. There's room for everyone in this battle. We need your voice, your gifts, your talents. What part will you play in becoming a voice for hope?

You may choose to look the other way,

but you can never say again that you did not know.

~ William Wilberforce ~

(as quoted in Rescuing Hope by Susan Norris) 

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from Glass Road PR. No other compensation was received. The fact that I received a complimentary product does not guarantee a favorable review.

A Scrapbook of Motherhood Firsts ~ Stories to Celebrate & Wisdom to Bless Moms

Have you been thinking ahead to Mother's Day?

What can you...what SHOULD you give the special mother(s) in your life?

I have a wonderful suggestion!

A dear author friend of mine, Cathy Messecar, along with four other precious author ladies got together and wrote a "scrapbook" collection of special highlights about mothers.

In their book A Scrapbook of Motherhood Firsts, these special ladies share everything from their own memories of raising children to delicious, family-friendly recipes.

Not only does this book have many special, inspirational motherhood vignettes, but it also has some very practical, easy-to-follow advice. Additionally, it is a beautiful book to look at and thumb through, making it an excellent gift item for any time of year, but especially for Mother's Day.

Here are some examples of some of my favorite pieces of this literary patchwork quilt:

• You might be a mommy if...weary is written on your face, but happy is written on your heart.
• I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all of my life. ~ Abraham Lincoln
• As children trained in prayer grow up, the world encroaches, and their knowledge of good and evil develops. As concerns deepen, we witness them pray for victims of tragedies. Adults have told me that they've come full circle in their prayer lives because of hearing children's prayers. Our eyes, open to the rips and tears in the world's character, get back in tune with God who also cares about salt, pepper, rice, and dinner plates. (referring to the sweet, simple prayers of children) ~ Cathy Messecar
• Many recipes such as: Chocolate Chip Marshmallow Bananas (for camping or on the grill), Baked Potato Haystacks, Breakfast Tacos, Baked French Toast, and Cookie Cutter Cookies.

Please consider this beautiful, precious book as a gift for the special mother(s) in your life (or even a special gift to yourself...you know who you are!).

What are some special memories you have of your mother, grandmother, or of raising your own children?

Please share!

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from Leafwood Publishers. No other compensation was received. The fact that I received a complimentary product does not guarantee a favorable review.