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Author Renee Vajko Srch

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Books for Adult Readers

MIRACLE MOMENTS; HELPING THE RESCUED BECOME THE RESCUERS


Gail O’Connor
5.0 out of 5 stars A must-read!
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on October 6, 2020
Verified Purchase

Do you need a mood booster? Do you need to be reminded there are good people out there? READ THIS BOOK! This series of true stories about rescued dogs who are then trained as service dogs for individuals with Austim, special needs and veterans suffering from PTSD is hard to put down. You will be introduced to many dogs who have literally changed lives for the better. Along the way, you will come to know Shawn Abell who founded Dog’s Nation. She exemplifies someone who has devoted her life to saving and helping not just four-legged creatures, but has a heart for people in need. Not only has she taken in dogs in need and trained them, she has opened her heart and home to children in need of love and healing. I also loved the quotes at the beginning of each chapter and the warm heart-felt black and white illustrations by Faythe Payol. Some stories are humorous, others bring you to tears, but all will restore your faith in humanity. I highly recommend this book!


Melissa A Festervand
5.0 out of 5 stars Dog lovers’ delight.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on February 12, 2022
Verified Purchase

Miracle Moments is a fun and uplifting collection of true stories that bring hope and a smile. Each story stands alone so you can read one and not worry about forgetting where you were in the story. A real plus for busy folks who want something inspirational, but not time consuming. Read it and be inspired!

When Shawn Abell founded Dog’s Nation, her purpose was to save dogs and train them as service dogs for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder or veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. In pairing these dogs with individuals with special needs, Dog’s Nation ultimately saves two lives instead of just one.

Miracle Moments offers readers the opportunity to meet some of the special animals Dog’s Nation has rescued. There’s Jack who gently coaxed a veteran with PTSD out of the darkness where he’d been living for so long; Max, a scruffy little terrier who brought emotional healing to a girl with autism; Amy, a terrier-mix who averted a near-drowning; Charm, a golden retriever who gave an autism family a new lease on life; and so many more true stories that will inspire and warm your heart.

Royalty proceeds from the sale of this book go to Dog’s Nation. Thank you for your support.

Paperback, Kindle, and audiobook.

HOPE FOR JOSHUA

Gail O’Connor
5.0 out of 5 stars Living with a special needs child
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on June 16, 2020
Verified Purchase

You can tell the author has walked in the shoes of the person in this novel. She deeply understands what it likes to live with a child on the autism spectrum: the emotional roller coaster, the reaction of others, the isolation, the daily struggles of the day to day. But it also sheds light on the joys of both small and big breakthroughs. An easy read, the story is fast paced, the dialogues are like listening in on conversations, and the descriptions draw you in. By the end of the book, you feel like you know Abby and Joshua and would love to pop in for a visit. Great book for anyone wanting an insider’s view of life with a child with autism or any child with special needs. I highly recommend it!


Barbara D. Maxwell
5.0 out of 5 stars Insightful family dynamics
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on March 8, 2020

Thanks Renee for a truly encouraging read. As an RN and former foster mom of a child with similar disabilities I could empathize with the mom in this book. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to understand more the struggles of a family raising a child on the autism spectrum, or for that matter anyone who loves and works with youths in general.

Nothing could prepare Abby and Martin Raynes for the brutal shock of hearing the word ‘autism’ in conjunction with their son. In one fell swoop, their hopes and dreams are shattered into a thousand tiny fragments. What was once just a word in the dictionary becomes a living, breathing part of their lives.

As she desperately seeks help for her son, Abby battles her own fears and dwindling hopes for her child’s future. Then one day, while playing at the park, a black Labrador approaches Joshua and Abby. Joshua and the stray develop an instant connection. Despite her own aversion to dogs, Abby can’t bring herself to leave the emaciated dog behind. Reluctantly, she brings the dog home, hoping to reunite it with its owner or find her a good home. But it soon becomes apparent the dog’s bond with Joshua is anything but ordinary. Is it just wishful thinking, or has the dog succeeded in breaking through the walls of Joshua’s autism?

Hope for Joshua delves into the emotional and physical turmoil of raising a child on the autism spectrum. Although this book is a work of fiction, it is based on countless true stories of non-verbal individuals on the autism spectrum who found their voice through interactions with an animal. It raises awareness to the realities of autism and introduces readers to the benefits often derived from interaction with dogs, especially those trained as autism service dogs.

Paperback.

CARLSON’S CHRISTMAS WISH


Melissa A Festervand
5.0 out of 5 stars Added to our Christmas season reading list.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on February 12, 2022

This was a gift for my son. He devoured it. I just saw it open,again, on his bed. And it’s February, not Christmas. Such a sweet story for everyone.


Thomas J. Fria
5.0 out of 5 stars A truly endearing tale
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on January 14, 2022
Verified Purchase

My every thought delights with this wonderful story. This is an audiobook that should become a tradition at Christmas time!

Fabian Carlson wants nothing to do with Christmas. Having lost his fiancée two Christmases ago, his only wish is to skip the holidays altogether. Until he wakes up to his black Labrador’s loud, persistent barking. When he lets Felix out, he’s astonished to discover a reindeer on his front lawn, eating his neighbor’s prize-winning yews.

Carlson’s Christmas Wish is a lighthearted and entertaining story about a man, a neighborhood, and a town whose lives are touched by the magic of Christmas. A truly heartwarming story about renewal and hope.

Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook. Order at PenItPublications.com or Amazon.com.