ShortHand Publishing - Review of Gina Agnes

Review of “Gina Agnes”

Tina McAllister

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This is a wonderful story about families. Mind you it’s not your typical family. Baby Gina was left in the third row pew of Saint Agnes Catholic Church wrapped in an old blanket. Gina S. was written on a white business envelope, which also held several hundred-dollar bills.

Who could’ve left a baby there? Why would any one leave a baby in Church? What would become of this little bundle? Thanks to the efforts of Father Gerard baby Gina remained at the church to be raised by himself and the nuns. She was given the name Gina Agnes Smith, which didn’t thrill Gina whatsoever.

Over the years Sister Helen, Sister Grace and Sister Catherine took on the responsibilities of raising little Gina. These are three very different nuns but Gina loves them all. Sister Helen is in charge, or so it appears to Gina. Sister Grace always complains, and Sister Catherine is Gina’s favorite, even though she knows it’s wrong to have a favorite.

Father Gerard is the closest thing Gina has to real Father.

Gina attends Saint Agnes School with other children, all of who have fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters. Gina’s greatest desire is to have a family of her own. She begins to pray for a sister, and, she gets one!

One day while Gina was eavesdropping, which she also knows is wrong; she heard Father Gerard and a woman talking about having Ronnie attend the church’s school. Gina thought this was funny because boys weren’t allowed at Saint Agnes. Then Gina realizes, Ronnie is a girl.

When Ronnie ends up in Gina class she sets out to become her friend. Eventually Ronnie (Veronica) comes to live at Saint Agnes and shares Gina’s room. Over time the two become sisters. Maybe not real sisters, but it’s close enough for Gina.

The author has a great handle on these two wonderful characters. Some of the things they come out with are laugh out loud funny! Especially when Gina’s teacher, Mrs. Watson steps over the line. It’s a serious matter, but the nun’s response will have you sitting on the edge of your seat cheering them on.

There are many secrets within the walls of Saint Agnes throughout the story, and when some of these secrets are revealed Gina’s world is turned upside down. What’ll be the repercussions of these secrets? Some people are going to be hurt. Will Gina have to leave Saint Agnes or will someone else have to leave?

It wouldn’t be fair for me to answer these questions and spoil this wonderful story. You won’t be disappointed with the events which follow after Father Giovanni’s arrival at Saint Agnes. Gina’s world will never be the same … will it?

The ending will leave you crying out, “Oh no!”

I for one can hardly wait for the next book in this series. Well-done Tina!

(More information available at www.GinaAgnes.com )

ISBN 1-58961-223-X