I found myself trying to find time to read this book. A page-turner no doubt, with a twist at the end! I am excited about Volume 2 and will continue to follow Jackie's plight as she fights her way out of a spiritual battle with demons! Women who have never loved and/or never been truly loved before can find many things in common with Jackie who is a proactive, intellectual woman who enjoys a night-out-on-the-town! Jackie's character is career-driven, and comes off as a smart-ass/sarcastic. Without giving too much away, Jackie has created an emotional wall towards men and has a hard time letting men in and letting go of the past.
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Mother stormed out of my room, slamming the door behind her. I knew she would get off at the next stop and have a car waiting to take her back to Memphis. This was just another of her manipulative confrontations to try and get me to sell the train line. I wouldn’t do it. This train was my last tie to father and my refuge from her and my husband.
I breathed a sigh of relief, listening to the rumbling of the train as it sped down the track. It was soothing and familiar. I was lonely but safe, surrounded by my things. In the corner was a small record player next to a stack of records. Big Mama Thornton was my favorite with her soulful voice and her deep understanding of what it means to be blue. I grabbed Big Mama and sat her record carefully on the turning mechanism, then placed the needle at the beginning. I curled up next to the window, watching the train angrily rush through the forest without a care who it left behind. A tear rolled slowly down my face as I connected with Big Mama’s pain. Life was so very trying and filled with darkness and confusion. I sat trying to figure out what I really wanted in life. Mother was right about one thing. I couldn’t spend the rest of my life riding this train all over the country. And I feared my sense of security on the train was short lived. Confusion consumed me. How long would it be until the train line was bankrupt? Would Jonathan Adams murder me over a business deal? I slouched down and covered myself with a blanket as darkness grasp it's claws deep into my soul. "This is a compelling story of a woman's horrific upbringing and the significant impact it has on her as an adult. It also depicts the role of the spirit the world in our lives whether we acknowledge it or not. Jackie discovers the benefits of facing her fears and the power in forgiveness. This is a page turner..." Rozzie 01-16-17
I ran to my private room, heaving for air, and slammed the door shut. The train was rolling along at a good pace. At least I made it on the train, even if my shoes had to be sacrificed for it.
I sat down on the couch and shuddered at the thought of blood being shed on my father's train. When the body was found there were very little clues as to who killed the man. The door to my room abruptly opened. "Mother. You startled me," I said. "What are you doing here?" "Scarlet, is this what you plan on doing for the rest of your life?" She glared at me and promptly sat down, not waiting for an invitation or an answer to her question. "You spend months on this bloody train, doing nothing but sulking about your life." "I'm not sulking Mother. Maybe if you would take the time to find out . . ." "Enough!" she growled. I sat silent, knowing she would never listen. "It's 1952 and the passenger train lines are going bankrupt. We've received another offer from Jonathan Adams. It's a fair offer and I think it's time we accepted." "You know I can't do that Mother." "If you don't give this man what he wants, he will come after you. And possibly me as well." She stood up and paced the small room. "Think about it Scarlet. And stop acting like a spoiled child. Your father's gone. Holding onto this company won't bring him back." I quickly looked out the window of my bedroom. No demons in sight. Was my faith having an effect on them? Quote/Wings of Desperation pg 125
Spiraling into the abyss, unable to see past my self loathing, my personal hell pulled me deeper into its bowels of stench.
Chptr 9 Page 101 "If she wanted to part of some corrupt cult, then more power to her. But why in the hell would she involve her child?"
Jackie, Chapter 9 pg 95 Before I knew what was happening Jasper grabbed my arm and was pulling me onto the train. I gasped for air. My feet were dragging behind me, tearing my new shoes to shreds.
"Harder Jasper. Pull harder!" "I'm trying ma'am, I'm trying." My purse fell from my arm. I quickly grabbed onto Jasper's arm pulling myself to the bottom step. He threw his other arm around my waist and pulled me close. We fell backwards into the entry way. "Oh my God, you did it!" I breathed in quickly trying to catch my breath. I looked into his eyes, our faces inches apart. "Are you all right?" he asked. "Yes, Jasper, yes." He wouldn't remove his gaze. I ran fast trying to catch the train. It was pulling out of Memphis at 2:00. I could hear the conductor yelling his last "all aboard" call. My head was swimming with worry.
I had to get on that train. It was my safe haven. A true way to escape the hardships of life, even though a man had been murdered last week on the train. I was afraid I might be the next target, but I was compelled to go. I ran faster, trying not to break a heal on my new shoes. I waved my white gloved hand at the conductor. "Please," I yelled. "Please wait." |