Fiction Books by Author DJ Renner

 ADVENTURE...

A wild ride through seventeenth century North American colonization...

Young Silas Freethorn realizes from a very early age that he doesn't quite fit into Puritan New England society. Witnessing whippings and hangings, and living by strict rules, lead him to behaviors and thoughts that aren't tolerated in his community. Luckily, he meets and befriends Abigail Reed. Pretty and cunning Abigail, gives Silas the friend he needs to tolerate the society they live in. However, an unfortunate series of events leads to a betrayal that forces Silas to leave home and begin an improbable adventure.

For the next seven years, Silas struggles to stay alive as he grows from a boy to a man. His adventures lead him to a Wyandot Native American Indian village, through the Appalachian Mountains with a pair of French fur trappers, and eventually to a Spanish mission that is being built. Brave Silas is forced to make many difficult decisions along the way while still confronting burning questions about the betrayals in his past.

What destiny does his future hold?

Will he survive to follow his chosen path?
 

 How do you go on without the most important person in your life?

Tragedy strikes in a small Adirondack town in upstate New York. When Jess’s mother dies in a freak accident, she and her brother are devastated. Now, as they struggle to deal with their own grief, their father begins to fall apart.

And there are other problems – the problems that come with navigating everyday middle school drama.

Jess is determined to get Dad back on track. Armed with lessons learned in middle school and from her mother, she  attempts to help everyone – except herself.

Can Jess overcome her own grief to keep up her grades, maintain friendships, and handle the sudden attention of her long-time crush? This emotionally charged tale will have you cheering for the family to get back on track, and wondering if that’s is even possible after losing someone so important in your life.

RAISING DAD, USING MIDDLE SCHOOL RULES

                                    “A+++ story. I cried. When is the second book coming out?”

                                                                            Hollie, Grade 8

   “A beautiful, heartwarming story. Will Jess, Colin, and their father come to terms with the                                 tragedy in their past or hold onto their painful memories?”

                                                                           Camilla, Grade 7 

Hank and Anna Schaeffer have turned their dreams into reality. More than fifteen years after leaving their old lives behind, they now run an upstate New York farm, in Keene Valley near the heart of the Adirondack Mountains. On the beautiful property they call their Little Land of Loose Ends, Anna grows berries, apples, and vegetables, while Hank works hard on a variety of creations and projects. 

Hank and Anna were born to help others, and an endless stream of visitors in need pass through their open door.

Nick Hanson is a down-on-his-luck stranger in need of a helping hand. Despite her sister Claire’s protests, Anna’s new young employee bonds with Anna, Hank, and their sixteen-year-old adopted daughter, Lulu, and is soon treated like part of their family.

But challenges arise to threaten the Schaeffers’ perfect world. Anna’s mother is struggling with Alzheimer’s, and as a consequence Anna moves both parents to the farm. Hank’s company downsizes, resulting in a career change. As the family adapts, they realize young Nick is having the hardest time adjusting to these changes.

The Schaeffers are eventually forced to look for answers. Who exactly is Nick Hanson? And what will happen when they learn the truth about Nick’s past?