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Writer's pictureSara Jane Jacobs

Trouble Blows West by Monique Bucheger



About the Book


Book: Trouble Blows West


Author: Monique Bucheger


Genre: Mid-grade, blended family, horses


Release Date: April 13, 2012




Putting her body in motion before her brain is in gear creates a mountain of problems for 12 year-old Ginnie West. She is certain that defending her twin brother, Toran, from the biggest bully in sixth grade was the right thing to do. But Ginnie couldn’t be more wrong. She quickly learns that Toran doesn’t appreciate being rescued by a girl any better than Pierce likes being knocked down by one.


When Pierce seeks revenge on Ginnie, Toran sets aside his anger and helps her plot a payback prank at Pierce’s house. Sadly, Ginnie learns that Pierce has a reason for being a bully when she sees his dad drop him to the floor like a ragdoll. Realizing he’s a boy in big trouble, Ginnie decides to be his ally, because he won’t let her be his friend.

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About the Author


When Monique isn’t writing, you can find her playing taxi driver to one or more of her 12 children, plotting her next novel, scrapbooking, or being the “Mamarazzi” at any number of child-oriented events.


Even though she realizes there will never be enough hours in any given day, Monique tries very hard to enjoy the journey that is her life. She shares it with a terrific husband, her dozen children, twelve grand-darlings, too many cats, and many real and imaginary friends. She is the author of several books in three series and hopes to write many more.


More from Monique


Hello Everybody,


I’d like to welcome you to the second book in my Ginnie West Adventure Series: Trouble Blows West. The journey to writing this book started a long time ago as a promise to my high school creative writing teacher, Mrs. Marion Joyce Johnson.


It took me longer than I planned to start the series, but has been a fun adventure.

Because Mrs. Johnson was such an inspiration to me, I made her a character in this book, Trouble Blows West to help my main character, Ginnie, nicknamed, “Trouble”, who gets into quite a pickle and needs a little help turning things around.


On page 2, Ginnie gets on the wrong side of the biggest bully in 6th grade. Pierce Owens goes after Ginnie’s twin brother, Toran. Ginnie knocks Pierce on his rear in front of the entire cafeteria—causing a big problem for Ginnie, Toran, and Pierce.


The bigger problem though, is the reader finds out fairly quickly that Pierce is being abused at home. Ginnie and Toran don’t find out right away—but when they do, they decide to be Pierce’s ally—because Pierce won’t let them be his friend.


My real-life teacher, Mrs. Johnson, used to speak with a cockney accent on occasion. She is American born, but was stationed in the United Kingdom with her husband and two sons, one of which is Astronaut, Col. (Retired USAF) Gregory H. Johnson, who piloted the Space Shuttle Endeavor twice.


I reached out to Greg earlier this year and he graciously met me on a zoom and has called and texted with me as I have revamped Trouble Blows West, into an audiobook with my very talented narrator, Hillary Straga. We decided to have Mrs. Johnson, the character, voiced with a cockney accent to make her “pop.”


Greg, his brother, Gary, and I talked on a number of occasions as I edited this book  to make the character, Mrs. Johnson, an even more authentic representation of their mother. Part of that story is told in my expanded dedication of the book to Mrs. Johnson as well as in Col. Greg Johnson’s Foreword at the beginning of the book.


Trouble Blows West explores the hard reality of child abuse in an age appropriate way. Several teachers have read this book with their classrooms and shared with me that they have had great conversations on all aspects of bullying and being bullied, as well as what to do if you suspect someone is being abused.


As a former foster mom of over 100 kids, part of the reason I write the Ginnie West series is to empower kids being abused as well as encourage kids and adults alike to know they have the power to change their own stars.


My hope is that the story presented in Trouble Blows West will spark the courage some need to let their voice be heard, to make a difference in their own life, or in the life of someone who needs some help.


And believe it or not, kindness and humor are powerful tools that make life worth living. If you have to choose between being kind or being right, choose kindness.


Laugh lots, love much, write on!


Monique Bucheger



Blog Stops



Blogging With Carol, November 20


Texas Book-aholic, November 21



Artistic Nobody, November 23 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)







Sara Jane Jacobs, November 28


deb’s Book Review, November 29



Mary Hake, November 30




Vicky Sluiter, December 3



Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Monique is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Apple, Barnes & Noble, Google Play, or Kobo gift card!!


Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.


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5 Comments


blush
Dec 06, 2020

I like how this book deals with uncomfortable issues but in a way where kids can be empowered to do something about it.

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bealarocks67
Nov 29, 2020

Thank you for sharing this book and author details, this sounds like a wonderful story to share with my grandchildren

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James Robert
James Robert
Nov 29, 2020

I am enjoying these tours and finding all the terrific books my family is enjoying reading. Thanks for bringing them to us and keeping up the good work.

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Caryl Kane
Caryl Kane
Nov 28, 2020

Thank you for sharing. Sounds like a great read.

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Debbie P
Debbie P
Nov 28, 2020

This sounds like a fantastic book.

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