I always struggle
reviewing books by Mia Sheridan. Not because of the book itself but because I
can never really seem to find the words to express how I really feel about her
beautiful stories. And here I am struggling again. Like all of Mia’s books before, Kyland is
deeply profound and meaningful. I don’t
know where she finds her golden thread, but Mia somehow uses it to spin a tale
nothing short of breathtaking every time!
Kyland Barrett and
Tenleigh Falyn come from poverty the likes of which I have never seen or
imagined. Yet, as I read about the living conditions, the town, the Appalachian
Mountains, and its mountain folk I honestly could picture every bit of it in my
head. That too, being Mia’s gift. Being
able to step into a place I have never visited and see it clearly and feel it
in my bones.
The first time I saw Kyland barrett, he was
swiping someone’s discarded breakfast off a cafeteria table
- Tenleigh
Despite the desperation
and devastation these two have experienced, this book to me is about hope, well
that and love of course. Being dirt poor, hungry and with no easy way out of Dennville
Kentucky, Kyland and Ten are in competition for a way out, a future; The Tyton Coal Scholarship. Kylad has focused
solely on winning this scholarship and getting as far away from Kentucky as he
could. Tenleigh, too has worked
tirelessly for the past 4 years to win and find a way to get her mother the
help she needs along with a better life for her sister. But only one of them can
win it and at what cost to the other?
“I’m going to leave here Tenleigh. Nothing
is going to stop me. Not you, not anything. Not anyone. Do you hear me?” -
Kyland
I find myself thinking
about the fact that these two are just young kids, yet they are as mature as
any adult I know. Being forced to fend
for themselves made them grow up fast.
Instead of worrying about cell phones, dates and social media, they
focus on putting food in their bellies and staying warm. It amazed me through the entire book, how
Kyland and Tenleigh found pleasure and joy in life’s most simple basic things
like sleigh riding, lavender fields, and books.
Sometimes my life felt so small. And I had
to wonder why those of us who were given small lives, still had to feel pain so
big. It hardly seemed fair - Tenleigh
The sacrifices they are each willing to make
for others, including each other, are astounding. Never being selfish, but always being
selfless. Each willing to give up on their own dreams for the sake of helping
others. Falling in love when the outcome
was going to be heartbreak, Kyland and Tenleigh were so brave.
“I realized I would happily suffer
for you, because that’s what loving someone is. Willing to do anything for
them, willing to make any sacrifice, suffer so they don’t have to. I loved you
then, and I still love you now” – Kyland
Kyland is another must
read from Mia Sheridan. It will leave
you feeling hopeful, happy and full of faith.
Kyland and Tenleigh were the perfect example of how good in this world
does exist. I can’t imagine what she
will come up with next, but I will tell you this much, I’m reading it!!! Thank you Mia Sheridan! 5 big giant lip
smacks for Kyland.
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