For those of you interested in reading my book, The Destiny of Sunshine Ranch, but lacking in funds, you have an opportunity to win a copy. Catherine at Our Village is a Little Different has selected my book as the next sweepstakes giveaway.
This giveaway is open to US residents, ages 18 and older. It will close at 12:01AM EST on may 14th.
Visit the site to enter. Good luck and God bless you!
Before ever publishing a novel, I’d already decided to associate each story to a specific cause.
Ideally, I wanted the cause to reflect the story that’s told. This may or may not be possible for my future novels, but for The Destiny of Sunshine Ranch, it is.
This novel tells the story of a Christian couple who foster children. It covers the many ups and downs that come with past adversity. Because of this premise, I’ve been contemplating various foster care and adoption services.
After much deliberation, I’ve decided that the perfect charity for this novel is Catholic Charities Adoption. Therefore, 10% of all net proceeds from The Destiny of Sunshine Ranch will be donated to Catholic Charities Adoption.
Across the country, Catholic Charities agencies provide pregnancy counseling and adoption services for individuals and families regardless of their religious, social, or economic backgrounds. (Catholic Charities Adoption)
Catholic Charities does so much amazing work. Their adoption services are a God-send to women who can’t take care of a baby; babies who need a good home; and couples who are desperate to have a baby.
I hope you enjoy The Destiny of Sunshine Ranch, and I thank you in advance for supporting Catholic Charities Adoption with your purchase.
Best and Blessings,
T.M. Gaouette
Image Credit: Catholic Charities Adoption
My first Interview for The Destiny of Sunshine Ranch is posted on Project Inspired.
I’m a contributing Culture Shock and Style blogger for the website, which focuses on providing advice and news to Christian teen girls. It’s a great forum and I’m excited to be featured on it.
Here’s a snippet:
Girls, you’ve been enjoying T.M.’s Culture Shock and style articles at PI—we’re thrilled to announce that she’s just released a novel! It’s called The Destiny of Sunshine Ranch.
TDSR is about the hardships experienced by a distrustful 10-year-old boy named Benny, a foster child, who is bound and determined to avoid faith and keep his distance from everyone. (We bet you’ve met a few people like that, huh?) David and Martha Credence (his new foster parents) have their work cut out for them to help open Benny’s heart and show him to his path with God—they also have a whole foster family to look after!
You can read the first chapter of TDSR here.
We asked T.M. all about the book and why girls should read it. Check out our Q&A!
PI: T.M., we’re so excited about your new book! First of all, what inspired you to write The Destiny of Sunshine Ranch?
T.M.: My novels are usually inspired by a different number of things. It could be a thought, a news story, an issue I’m passionate about, a biblical verse, or even a random person I see on the street. With Sunshine Ranch, it was a mix of some of these prompts. I imagined my main character, Benedict, a 10-year old foster child, struggling with the fear of his past and being cynical about his future. I pictured him as this grumpy kid who was afraid to be happy. The elevation of children, especially those who come from bad or poor upbringings, is always inspiring to me. I wanted to tell a story about children and teens, scarred by adversity, but strengthened by God. I was inspired by the desire to inspire, and ultimately, I think that’s why I write all of my stories.
PI: What do you hope young Christians will take away from this novel?
T.M.: That past adversity should never dictate or assume an adverse future. No matter where you come from, you have the ability to succeed. Trust that God has a plan for you, and that in difficult times, He will carry you through. This book epitomizes the scripture Philippians 4:12-13. Basically it translates into:
“I know what it’s like to be in need and to have plenty; I’ve learned how to be content in any situation, because God gives me strength to deal with anything that comes my way.”
I pray this truth reveals itself to my readers, because nothing is impossible with God.
Read the whole interview at Project Inspired.
I just received my first review for The Destiny of Sunshine Ranch. Here’s a snippet:
In addition to a delightful read, there are a few uplifting messages revealed in these pages. For me, the most important was that faith is the only sure anecdote for anxiety. Coming in a closely behind were the ideas that God waits – and that where there is life, there is hope.
I can’t imagine what it must be like to be a foster child, especially one who is moved from place to place. That is who this story is about. A lovable and diverse bunch of foster children and the couple who take them into their home.
I loved how Ms. Gaouette presented each child as unique, with his or her own defenses and coping mechanisms. David and Martha Credence, (the foster parents) have a wonderful ability to understand these kids and assist them as they heal from their painful pasts. They carefully guide the group of young people towards faith, and help them to cope with new situations and emotions. Their capacity to love is amazing, and they have plenty for each of their charges. Sunshine Ranch is a refuge.
Benedict is the main character, and he is introduced immediately. He’s only ten but he has had quite a rough life. When he arrives at the ranch he isn’t exactly sure what to make of it – or the oddly happy people living there. While the stories of the other children all intertwine through Benny’s, the focus always returns to him. He is a stubborn young man – bound and determined to avoid faith, refuse to trust, and to keep everyone at an arm’s length. He is determined not to become attached to this new home or it’s inhabitants, even though Sunshine Ranch is everything he has ever wanted or hoped for. MORE
Image credit: ourvillageisalittledifferent.com
t.m. gaouette 