The Cradle Robbers
Misdemeanor
By Tanya Marie Lewis

     All right, I don't know whether or not I've become sappier in my old age or what, but this book was so romantic, so moving, so inspirational and so hope-filled that I'm sitting here typing this review through tear-filled eyes. I know that it's a work of fiction, but wonderfully told in a short 134 pages that I didn't want to end. The story starts off through the eyes of Malena, age 8, and her perception of the phrase told to her at the time that "Daddy's not coming home." Unacquainted with death and the phrases that adults use, such as "We're going to see Daddy tomorrow" and "Time to say goodbye," Malena and her 10-year-old brother Mitch hadn't a clue that "Daddy had gone to glory". Told in an 8-year-old's voice, the reader is immediately drawn into the story. The story progresses as Malena grows older, the tenure of the story changes, and more of her life is explored. The family moves from Ft. Knoxville, Mississippi to the city of Biloxi, where she continues to grow up. Despite the tragedy of her father's death, the family remains strong, prayerful, God-fearing and committed to life.

     As the story progresses, Mitch goes off to Morehouse, and after graduation he marries a wonderful woman and they have a child and he remains ever committed to his family. Malena, two years later, goes to college in Atlanta as well, where she meets for the first time a best friend and relocates to begin her new life. Their mother continues to be an ever-influential part of their lives, their friend, and example of how to let go and let God control their destiny. Meanwhile, Malena struggles in love and relationships, while all the time knowing there is someone who is a little younger than her who is hopelessly in love with her: Grant Carpenter. He was a childhood friend who was "special," knew the Bible better than the preacher and had an extraordinary relationship with God. As this "cradle- robbing" relationship grew, the story turned tender, loving, and expectant. Oh, to read the words of this story really provides the reader with hope and a belief that all things really do work for good.

     The Cradle Robbers is a series; this is the first installment. I can't wait to read the other works to follow. The authors/publishers have really taken Christian fiction to another level. If Misdemeanor is any indication of the things to come, the next book can't come about soon enough.