In the midst of the fervor over e-books, there is something ultimately satisfying about having a book in my hand and turning the pages. Even more satisfying is that the author placed said book into my very own hands as a gift to this, the Haltom City Public Library. Marvelle Zollars, a local author from Roanoke, Texas, has written a very touching novel, The Refuge about a home for unwed mothers and other “social strays.”

She looks at this subject from the young mother-to-be’s point of view as well as from that of the girl’s parents and other people who become involved. And she offers the possible options for young women in this situation, with abortion being the least desirable, and including adoption and keeping the child to raise by herself, with the help of family, or ideally marrying the father. Many times her words brought me to tears, as I pondered the fictional situations and compared them to real-life situations I have encountered, fortunately mostly vicariously.

While she has created a work of inspirational fiction, Ms. Zollars does not back away from the negative elements in society – crime, drug abuse, rape, physical and emotional abuse, greed, selfishness and false pride. She also deals sympathetically with homelessness, lack of self-esteem, loneliness, and physical disabilities. Her beautiful imagery and the Christ-centered philosophies made this a most enjoyable read. I look forward to more stories from her in the same vein.

This post was brought to us by our very own Ann Gray Rethard, MLS.

Thank you, Ann, so much for your contribution!!

Until Next Time,

Your Library Blog Maven,