Children's Book Review

Sara's Moon
By Kent Holsather
ISBN: 978-09729101-3-2
Review by Heather Froeschl

What do you do when all seems lost? Do you give up or reach a hand out to a friend? In Kent Holsather’s latest book, “Sara’s Moon,” Sara and Henry reach out for dear life, and hold fast to hope. It’s 1909; Sara’s father is a participant in the great New York to Seattle Road Race, when his automobile is thrust off a cliff called Trick Notch. Sara refuses to believe that he is dead, but how will she find him in the wilderness? Alone? This isn’t Sara and Henry’s first adventure, but the dangers involved threaten any sort of a future.

While waiting for the race to end, after 23 days of anticipating the triumphant return of her father, Jacob Flint, Sara and Henry take in the sights at the Alaska Yukon Pacific Exposition. Seeing the “last mountain man” makes Sara somewhat sad and thoughtful. Appalled at the fake Eskimos and the treatment of people who are in the exhibits, Sara convinces Henry to get his palm read instead of seeing more trickery. What is foretold is daunting, but Henry brushes it off as more fair lore. Maybe he should have paid closer attention. The next morning the news makes its way to Sara’s mother, that Jacob Flint has been lost to the treacherous journey. Sara refuses to believe it.

Taking a walk to gain her composure, in the company of dear Henry, Sara finds herself face to face with the mountain man from the fair. Having faith that there was some truth to his tale, she determinedly asks for his help in finding her father whom she is convinced is out there, somewhere, waiting to be rescued. He agrees, seeing a spark in her eyes that he cannot say no to. Henry, of course, cannot let her go with this stranger alone, so at 4 a.m. the next morning, the group sets out to Trick Notch. What they discover along the way, is the amazing and sad history of their companion and guide. Getting through the harrowing journey, facing death and a mad mother bear, the trio finds that reaching out is all that they can do, what they need to do most of all. Will Jacob Flint be found? Will nature have her way, throwing such as cougars, lightning, and fire at her challengers?

“Sara’s Moon” is a touching tale of bravery, moral values, adventure, family and friendship. Well written and full of historical feel, it makes for a memorable read. For ages 10 and up, reading about Sara and Henry’s escapades is sure to be exciting. I recommend Kent Holsather’s work, every time. A perfect follow up story to the first Sara and Henry tale, “Henry of York,” “Sara’s Moon” can also stand alone. Well done!

Children's Book Review

Henry of York and The Secret of Juan De Vega
by Kent Holsather
ISBN-10: 0972910115
Review by Heather Froeschl

13-year-old Henry Collin watches intently as two men argue with the old man who lives across the street. A short time later he finds himself helping the men to load a very heavy steamer trunk into their wagon. Seemingly the key witness to an undiscovered crime, Henry begins his investigation following the lead of his favorite crime solver, the hero in the detective books he reads.

Bringing on an unlikely partner, the privileged Sara Flint, Henry breaks into the old man’s house to search for clues to his disappearance. What they find is the mummified remains of a 300-year-old man, Juan De Vega. What could this man tell them if he could speak? And why did old man Bill have him stashed in his home?

Sara and Henry come to be close friends and soon find that they compliment each other’s qualities. While Sara is born to class and money she yearns for adventure and excitement. Henry has some fears to overcome and with Sara standing by him he finds the strength to face them. The partners in investigations quickly learn to trust each other. It is this trust that will ultimately save their lives as they learn of Juan De Vega’s secrets.

A treasure in itself, this book is highly recommended. The writing is well done, with dialogue naturally presented. With a bit heroism, childhood fantasy and a few lessons thrown in for good measure, the plot flows easily. An exciting and enthralling adventure story, Henry of York will please readers ages 10 and up, boys and girls alike.


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Gushing praise from this author:
A writer's ego can be like an egg in the hands of a running two year old; one minute you're feeling pretty good about your literary effort and in the next moment you're splattered on the floor of self doubt.

Writers reveal their souls to total stangers on a massive scale. They expose their bellies to friend and foe alike in the hope that they can survive whatever fate that might befall them.

Heather Froeschl has walked the writer's walk and knows the commitment that each person must make when they start a journey that 99% of the population might talk about but never complete. Her enthusiasm and expertise has sustained me through my first novel and into my second; I cannot thank her enough.

Kent Holsather
Bellingham, Washington
(Kent also writes for http://thecolumnists.com/)