Reviews
Pacer Coulee Chronicles Book Reviews
Heather
I laughed, I cried...loved it all!
I loved this book so much and would recommend it to anyone. A wonderful story full of interesting characters that highlight what it’s like to live in a small town in MT and the excitement that goes along with the football and girls basketball teams (and much more). Having grown up in rural MT, this book was a fun walk down memory lane and a joy to read.
Satts
Got to love those Bulldogs.
The book was a heart warming and entertaining story. The unique, colorful characters were brought to life by the author's creative writing style. The story line was an interesting web of inter-related subplots that helped illustrate the social networks and relationships that exist in small town America. I highly recommend the book.
Patty
Such an enjoyable read!
Pacer Coulee Chronicles is a wonderful book! I loved the character development and found myself laughing out loud at times and moved to tears at times as well. I hope we won’t have to wait long for Wayne’s next book!
Nathan
I really enjoyed this book. It's a great depiction of small town sports in Montana in the 90's. There were lots of twists and turns that I didn't see coming. I would highly recommend this book.
Vicki A. Gilman
Just loved this book. Fiction with a lot of fact intertwined. Such a great story and so well written. Had a hard time putting it down. Can’t wait for the next one.
Les Cabot
It is a great read!
Buster the Bridger Mountain Bear Reviews
Heidi S.
5.0 out of 5 stars Such a cute book!
My kids love all the characters in this book and ask to read it every night before bed. The artwork is beautiful, and it's a really cute story
A Stone's Throw Reviews
Jeff Bailey
author of the highly acclaimed Sing Family Conspiracies
A Stone’s Throw is a superbly crafted and emotionally told Young Adult, coming-of-age story about a girl named Maggie Stone whose life heaves up and pivots off in an unanticipated direction from San Francisco to Montana’s horse country. On reading, I realized a different theme. When a dark cloud covers your world, look for the silver lining. Maggie is instantly likable and seems to be a bit of every girl. I enjoyed A Stone’s Throw and highly recommend this very satisfying read to not only the YA crowd but to adults of all ages. I can easily visualize a TV series based on this wonderful storyline.
Naomi Roberson, The Word Count
Through skillful storytelling, Wayne Edwards delicately intertwines the innocence of youth with the depth of his protagonist’s intelligence as we watch her navigate distressing life circumstances. A Stone’s Throw tenderly captures the odyssey of growing up, offering a heartwarming narrative that would make an invaluable addition to any educational curriculum.
TowTruck & Wayward Reader
A Stone’s Throw is a heart-achingly beautiful story of a girl’s experiences with loss and love. The protagonist, Maggie, lives with her mother in a small apartment in a working-class neighborhood of San Francisco. Maggie’s mom experiences a severe medical condition that leads to hospitalization. Because of her mother’s condition, Maggie has had to assume certain responsibilities that most twelve-year-old girls don’t even know about. Yet Maggie doesn’t complain about her lot in life and only wants to see her mother healed. With no other parent or guardian around and no idea how long her mother will be hospitalized, Maggie moves in with a family friend. Raising another child in a working-class family is challenging and eventually, the family friend must take Maggie to an orphanage since there is no recovery timeline for Maggie’s mother. Maggie loses the only home she remembers, her way of life, and her mother’s condition isn’t improving.
When Maggie’s grandfather arrives to take Maggie to his home, Maggie doesn’t bemoan her life. She views his arrival as an opportunity to learn about her mother and grandparents. Undoubtedly life on the farm will be vastly different than what she is accustomed to, yet Maggie doesn’t complain, she simply does the work she is asked to do.
A Stone’s Throw highlights the resilience of spirit and the need to feel and give love. Maggie flourishes at her grandfather's farm. A city kid in a country environment could be difficult. Farm kids are used to long days, hard work, and no downtime. Maggie takes the changes in stride. She accepts the opportunity she has been given for a change. She discovers that she loves the farming life. She makes new friends and adapts. It’s not always smooth going for Maggie but she has the positive spirit that everyone needs.
In the character Maggie, Wayne Edwards deftly captures the emotional turmoil and confusion of young adulthood. Maggie is imperfect in all the right ways and her optimism is a positive example for all youth.
On a personal note, I have a niece and two granddaughters who will be receiving this book when it is available. School counselors should find this book helpful when discussing emotions with students. Incorporating it into the curriculum or the YA offerings of the library would be perfect.
Thank you, Wayne Edwards, for allowing me the opportunity to read such a wonderful book in advance of its publication.
