About
ZariaGarrison was born and raised in Greenville SC, where she found a love forreading and writing at an early age.In 2005 herfirst novel Baring it All was released by Publish America under her birth nameGena L. Garrison. It received rave reviews and she was awarded the best newauthor award of 2005 by Mahogany Media.
As shecontinued writing she felt she could no longer write stories that involvedexplicit sex and violence. She could only write what God told her to write. Followingher transformation, as he did with Saul, God gave her a new name Zaria, whichmeans new beginnings. As an award-winning author she iscommitted to writing and publishing literature that ministers as well asentertains.
Zaria is also part owner and staffwriter for EKG Literary magazine. An online magazine dedicated to being thepulse of the literary community.
Zaria also offers insight and encouragement toaspiring authors through workshops, and writing classes that allow eachparticipant to discover the craft of writing and how it can be used toeffectively minister to youth, women, and all members of the community.
Prodigal is her first Christian fiction novel.
Description
<p>When Jessica Bryant pesters her wealthy parents to allow her to have a dog as a pet, the answer is a resounding "No"; but they soon come to regret their decision when thier home is broken into one evening whilst they are out and their daughter kidnapped and held for ransom. The kidnappers, in the form of four seedy and incompetent characters wearing Disneyland-type masks, take her hostage and keep her incarcerated in a place from which there appears to be no escape. However, they reckon without the resourcefulness of our heroine, and the courage of a wonderful stray dog who comes to her aid and whom she names 'Murdo'. And so begins an exciting and humurous accounting of the couples' adventures together as they consistently foil and outwit the abductors whilst on the run together.<br /> This is a lovely story of the friendship between a girl and a dog, bringing out themes of responsibility, camaraderie, redemption, salvation and self-sacrifice. It includes some wonderful dialogue sequences as Jessica teaches her new four-legged friend how to communicate with her, with additional delightful conversations between the animals when a rabbit and a sparrow join forces with them in an effort to outwit the kidnappers and restore Jessica safely back to her parents' home. </p>
Story Behind The Book
This story began as a re-telling of the Biblical story of The Prodigal Son, with the main characters being females who also happen to be twins. It explores sibling rivalry, forgiveness, and trusting God.
Reviews
I enjoyed this selection. Just when I thought I had everything figured
it, there was another twist. The author held my attention and this was
a fast read for me. I recommend this selection to anyone who enjoys a
fast-paced storyline that keeps you guessing. Although drama-filled,
the author does a good job with Biblical references, reminding readers
that there is always a source to turn toward for help, God. If you are
interested in topics such as sibling rivalry, jealousy, competition,
family turmoil, forgiveness and redemption, this will be a good read
for you. <br /><br />I would read another selection by Ms. Garrison.
<br /><br />Review by Tavares S. Carney
