Shepherd's Bay — Teresa Millias

Cumulatively, with the first six books revolving around the folks from Lone Moon Creek, you've discovered what emanates from the lives of its rural inhabitants. Was there something glimmering underneath and through the 125 stories? Even though each saga was as different as night is from day, there were many ‘cobblestones in the creek's bottom' that resembled the themes of rural influence: kindness, forgiveness, patience, fortitude, perseverance and humbleness.

In contrast, you undoubtedly uncovered how the rustic virtues were attacked and how the endurance of goodness had to fight in order to prevail.

Now, in book seven, “Shepherd's Bay,” the stories still ripple and surge forward gathering more and more strength just as does moving water in search of its resting place.

Will it be possible for “The Accountant,” who has the final say in the lives of the negligent, selfish people, to lead them safely to any kind of a peaceful bay?

Does the young rebel trade the values of his mother and teachers' for the ‘glamour' of going on the road in “The School of Hard Knocks?” Would there be any peaceful waters there?

Could “Judith's Twin,” the black sheep of the family be found to be their father's favorite child?

The sagas twirl and twist and surge over anything in their way, just as does a forceful moving body of water. Agnes and Marjory continue to try and stabilize their environment, but how much can they be of an influence when the stories are on a rampage?

How much longer can Marjory endure the estrangement from her parents? Her entire life has led to barriers across the river of hope. Agnes has tried every angle to puncture the barricades of information with no success in bringing relief to her Marjory.

Will the Lone Moon Creek water which once rippled and reflected, splashed, meandered and glowed mysteriously, flow into the bay to be at peace… before Marjory can find her peace?