Stormy Fall: A Novel Book

In this sequel to Gypsy Summer, Katie Barnes is still stuck in Washington State. Still poor. And still struggling to be accepted by the Mapleton kids. But Katie's everyday problems are the last thing on her mind when her friend is accused of stealing money from the church's Harvest Dinner fund-raiser. Is Edie guilty? Or did someone else much more dangerous take the money?

Anne Tormohlen - KLIATT

This novel is the sequel to Gypsy Summer, which began the saga of the Barnes family when they were homeless. Katie Barnes and her family are finally in their own home. The members of Katie's church are split on whether or not to fund a homeless shelter adjacent to the church because some members are concerned about safety issues. Katie reminds her friends that she once had been homeless. Homeless also are the two church custodians, elderly sisters who have befriended many of the church members and who hope to be the first residents of the new homeless shelter. When the funds raised for the shelter are stolen and the two church janitors seem to be involved, the mystery plot kicks in. One janitor disappears, and the other lies in a hospital bed with a head wound, unable to speak. It seems that this incident may be the end of any talk of a homeless shelter. Katie and her friends are determined to find out what really happened, and continue to search for the missing janitor. The novel is intended mostly for those wishing to read Christian literature. Many of the references to God and Christianity seem somewhat contrived. The pious language of the novel may put off readers not accustomed to so much inclusion of Christianity in their daily lives. KLIATT Codes: JS—Recommended for junior and senior high school students. 2004, Kregel, 169p., Ages 12 to 18.