Carmen’s Journey of Courage by author Susan K. Beatty is a Christian contemporary tale that takes readers to Mexico City. This poignant tale is part mystery, intrigue, and family drama. Heavy on family drama, it is ripe with unforgiveness, bitterness, anger, and loss. The spiritual lessons teach that we are to forgive others as Christ has forgiven us. Even more, we are to forgive ourselves.
The author has written a captivating story filled with twists and turns. Carmen is a delightful, spirited character that goes to Mexico on a mission to visit her great aunt. Something is not quite right with the elderly woman, and Carmen’s family decided at a family meeting that Carmen should be the one to make the trek. The history and tension between Carmen and her tia (aunt) run deep.
I enjoyed author Beatty’s style of writing. Her descriptive wording took me to Mexico City. The conversations sounded authentic and flowed smoothly. I do not know any Spanish, but the author made it easy to pick up the meaning of the few words she had mixed in. That was a nice treat. I could picture the beautiful landscaped homes, decor, and vibrant flowers. The food sounded scrumptious.
Characters were believable and easy to imagine. I enjoyed Carmen and her great-aunt. Tia was quite the Mexican lady and still spunky. Most of the people were very nice, and the villain was despicable. The characters were done wonderfully.
This was an entertaining book that kept me turning pages. I couldn’t wait to know the answer to the secret. There were situations that I wanted resolved. Yes, I would recommend this book. It is a quick, satisfying read with life and spiritual messages. It gets a 4 star rating from me. A copy was provided from Celebrate Lit, but these are my honest thoughts.
Majoring in English and Journalism, I attended Indiana University Southeast.I worked on the school newspaper.Reading is my favorite pastime. I am a word person. From an early age I was known to tell younger children and babies that “Books are our friends.Don’t hurt them.”Yes, I love books.Gardening is another love.Flowers, herbs, and vegetables all being me joy when I watch them grow.
My husband and I are empty nesters.Our two children each have two children of their own, giving us twin granddaughters and two grandsons.They are amazing kids!We have a teenage Pekeapoo and younger Siamese at home that we spoil now.Northside Christian Church in Southern Indiana is where we worship.The most important thing I want you to know about me is that I am a woman of faith, child of the King, and Prayer Warrior.I love God.
