Determination: A Mother of Five Conquers College
When a high school counselor tells her learning-disabled, first-born child, Marie, she’s not smart enough for college, Victoria is thrown back in time to when her father said the same thing—to her. Determined to prove them both wrong, Victoria begins college to help her five children.
With raw honesty and humor, Determination: A Mother of Five Conquers College chronicles Victoria’s relentless pursuit of education, from community college to an Ivy League scholarship. As she juggles coursework, parenting, and self-doubt, she fights not only for her own success but also for Marie’s future.
But does she have what it takes to graduate at this level-and can she help Marie defy the odds as well?
A story of resilience, grit, and the power of belief, Determination proves that perseverance matters and can make success happen, even for those who learn differently.
Coming Soon
Danger on the Trail
A middle grade, adventure, short story collection including:
“Natural Instincts”
Sean meets a new step-mom and step-sister when he comes for a summer visit with his father. Instead of backpacking into Kings Canyon National Park with Dad, the new family camps in the park. But when Dad asks Sean to take his new little sister to find some sequoia trees, what he really finds is the courage to protect his sister and become a big brother.
“Brotherly Love”
Steve tries to keep up with his older brother on a cross-country ski trail in the Colorado Rockies, trying to convince his older brother he’s just as capable. It’s only after a near-tragic incident that Steve decides to take charge to save both himself and his older brother.
Danger in the Water
Additional middle grade adventures on the water.
“Rite of Passage”
Ben knew he was good at canoeing, knew he and his cousin should work as a team on the Delaware River. But it’s not until a near-tragic incident in the swift moving current of the Delaware that Ben finally finds his voice, takes charge, and saves both himself and his cousin.
“The Tides of Change”
When Marie learns Mom, an army reservist, has been called to active duty, it’s up to her to make sense of Mom’s impending mobilization while helping her little sister understand as well. It’s not until a near-tragic incident in a rip current that Marie finally comes to realize the importance of helping others.
Dealing with Death
A collection of middle grade stories that explore coming to terms with the permanence of death.
“My Father is Grand”
Amanda pines for her parents while being raised by her grandparents. A Father Daughter Dance at church intensifies her loss. It’s not until she’s the only one home to save Grandpa from danger that she realizes how important her grandparents really are.
“Emerging from Darkness”
Michelle watches her little brother now that Mom died while Dad oversees archaeological digs in the desert. She gets talked into exploring a cave with her brother, and soon they are lost. Michelle learns that Dad doesn’t know where they are. As danger surrounds them, it’s up to her to get them out of the cave.
Other Publications
Learning From My Journey
I went to college at 40 while raising my 5 children. I had to make some parenting sacrifices. Business Insider Parenting.
I’ve camped across the US with my 5 kids. Here’s how to make your kids love camping. Business Insider Parenting.
I lost my daughter at Disney World and was terrified. A simple tip helped me find her quickly, and I recommend it to all parents. Business Insider Parenting.
I travel often with my 5 kids, and it’s rarely easy. A scheduling mistake on a trip to Canada almost broke us. Business Insider Travel.
I hiked the Appalachian Trail with my family of 4. We ran out of water on the second day and faced a dire situation. Business Insider Travel.
I went back to college in my 40s as a mother of 5. I was so stressed that I lashed out at my husband and kids. Business Insider Health.
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