I have reviewed books and judged writing contests for years. As I perused through some of the reviews, I was a bit vexed over the comments. I feel that some people review by comparing to past stories of what they WANTED to read, not what was there FOR them to read. In this world today, there are so many tales published but the only "successful" ones must be filled with violence, or sex, or alcohol etc. Yes, a plot must have conflict, but it doesn't necessarily mean it must be so extreme that it's not interesting. My tastes range all over the place:  there are days I seek hearty adventure, others sweet romances and then mysteries or suspenseful tales that leave me on the edge. So, with this introduction, I will tell you about this book.  It is what I term an inspirational romance for young adults and even teens. Yes, there are people in the world who are faith based, believe in manners, chivalry and just an overall belief that mankind can be good.  I should know because I have family and friends that exhibit these qualities.  When I began reading the story of Archie, the protagonist, my life was at a good point where I smiled quite a bit and enjoyed the everyday events in the small beach town of Outlandish. There, the reader meets Archie, a young man with a talent for writing but an eccentric trait:  he wears hats, uses umbrellas, eats under the table...anything that makes him feel safe and secure.  It's a condition that can't quite be cured, but the town has accepted it and have grown to view it as quite normal. One day, a young lady named Tallie, comes to visit. She's an assistant to a rather world renown photographer named Gemma. Gemma is quite intrigued with Archie and at first wants to take photos and published them, but Archie refuses. He doesn't want to see his pictures plastered everywhere for people to gawk. Tallie grows quite smitted with Archie and eventually, the romance blooms.  Now, I refuse to discuss how they deal with his conflict, but I will address that some mild treachery is at bay, love letters, miscommunication, heart break and eventual healing will all resolve itself.  However, ask yourself, How does Tallie deal with Archie's issue? What about Gemma and printing pictures without permission? Or was it Gemma? What about a mysterious lady named Sybil who appears on the scene. What makes Tallie leave for New Zealand...without Archie? How does Archie's friend Luke find love on the first date?  Hmmm.....wrap this all up with a bit of Christianity and you have a sweet story appropriate for all ages, including teens.  It teaches honesty, faith, commitment, determination and acceptance.  These are traits sorely needed in the world today. The illustrations by the author's daughter and also a soundtrack composed to match the story (by the author's son) make this a unique book for your collection. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did. (If you are wondering why it took me so long to finish this book.....my best friend died and I lost a part of myself for awhile.  When I finally began the healing process and the emotion of feeling guilty for experience happiness again...I picked the book back up and finished it. I'm so glad I did!)

If you are interested in reading this book on your Kindle or to purchase, here is the link!

https://www.amazon.com/Archie-Outlandish-Lynnette-Kraft/dp/0991110927/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1506040866&sr=8-1&keywords=archie+outlandish