You are so very welcome! I'm honored that you read it, Kathleen...especially because you're in the middle of the mess. One of my favorite quotes is from Zora Neale Hurston:

"There are years that ask questions,
and years that answer."

I absolutely despise being in a question-asking year. They're always an absolute bitch to get through.

That is fascinating, Jeanne! It's really interesting to see your feelings and "mess" come through to your characters so clearly. I think you will have a lot of readers who are drawn to that. Personally, I love a good "in disguise" story. (Mulan comes to mind.)

p.s. I am sorry the comfort level isn't there yet with your family. I hope it will get there.

Yup. We moved to San Diego for the Naval hospital there. I think we were there for about 4 years. It's beautiful. I still have cousins there too. 🙂

Thank you, Sandy. I agree. And voice was really really hard for me to understand when I began writing.

You are the only other person I know who writes to theme. I do it for the same reason - so I don't get lost in that big ol' novel. 🙂

LOL. There you go. We always find our way into those characters. It's disconcerting sometimes.

I think that's a beautiful theme. Really, you're talking about keeping children safe. Safe from violence and safe from violent parents. I respect that.