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“He’s too smart for his own good!”

Usually, that is an exaggerated hyperbole, meant as a criticism, but not always.  It sometimes comes from the heart of a loving parent who realize that they have a child who is a genius.  As he is growing up, he discovers that peers seem to live in a different world than he does.

Jimmy Genius is a story of such a boy, who was raised so that his intelligence did not distance him from regular kids.  This was made possible by sensitive parenting and responsive teachers.

Even though the problems that Jim faces are serious, they get colored with humor.  Besides brains, he has been blessed with good looks and is often the prize that his female contemporaries want to win.

Also, prominant in his story, is his best friend, a bond what only grows as they do.

The arrival of grief strikes at the very foundation of our lives. Every family has their unique way to react to it. This novel tells how death came to two generations of the Vogel family; first to the father, and then to his son. Both had lost their love, leaving each to raise a little boy.

The story centers around an attractive and restored Victorian home, located just outside the city of Corvallis, Oregon. It is resting at the top of a small rise. On both sides of its long lane are two pastures of grass and clover, charmingly framed in with a three-board white fence.

This is a farm that strangers are unable to just drive by, especially when one of the pastures is full of lambs and their mothers. Often, families pull over onto the shoulder and line the fence, hoping a lamb can be coaxed near so they can pet him.

And so, allow me to take you on their journey. You will see how they conquered their grief and were able to soar to new heights of joy and love.

The story begins in San Francisco on Fisherman’s Wharf. A young, well-dressed tourist was robbed, bludgeoned, and taken to emergency. His life was spared but he remained in a coma, and without any ID.

His case was assigned to the best detective they had. He was a crusty, hard-nosed veteran who had just been assigned a new assistant to break in. She was a young, sweet thing and all feared for her well-being with the ill-tempered Inspector Grump.

What follows is an exciting adventure with good natured laughs along the way. Woven into the story is an improbable romance which will delight you.

This is an easy reading story which will make you feel good.

This is a story full of tender affection.  It begins in the Netherlands where a battered, middle-aged man now finds himself alone and his life’s work taken from him.  His only remaining family has moved to America and he feels that he no longer has a reason to live.  Then, he is asked to come to California, and help raise his grandson.   Once there, his life is again full of purpose and he has wonderful places to give his appreciable love.  But there is more for him there.  His artistic talents are given a venue, and as a result, he becomes recognized and appreciated in his community.  But from his past, an intriguing mystery begins to chase him.  And yet, with its ill intent, brave love and pride is uncovered.