Praise for Shameful Innocence
"I usually read 2-3 novels per week. (love to read). There are books that you force yourself to finish and books that you never want to end. “Shameful Innocence” is a book that I could not put down! It tunes in to all emotions; love, sadness, hate, disgust.....I can’t wait for the sequel! I’m going to do my best to let everyone I know that they must read it!"
Helga Murphy"I wanted to tell you that I absolutely loved your book! I don't read too often but when it came to reading your book I couldn't put it down! You draw in the reader and make them feel like they are there. I really felt like I knew the characters and just wanted more. I loaned it to my daughter in law, who is an avid reader, and she said she loved it! You have an amazing talent. Please keep writing because I know we'll all keep reading! Thank you for educating us as well. Reading your book certainly taught me a lot about what it was like to live then... to endure what they had to... my goodness... I couldn't believe it! So tragic yet so triumphant at times. Although I come from a German/Ukranian descent I don't know much at all about our family history. It's a great deal of work to do all the research and a dedication to put it in writing. Can't wait for the next one."
Penny Miskosky Swanson"I started reading ‘Shameful Innocence’ the day I got it, and finished it in about 3 days. It was hard to put down! I just had to find out what happened next to Sarah and her family. It was really interesting to learn more about the Mennonite history. I knew a little before, but your book made it real. Even after I finished the book, I keep thinking about the characters - a sign of some great character development! I'm waiting for the sequel."
Maureen Small, Alberta"I quickly was drawn into this engaging and realistic historical fiction. I enjoyed every page and was amazed at the perseverance and ability of human kind to survive such extreme oppression and starvation. I learned about an interesting part of history and was captured by the true to life characters of Sarah and her son Nicholas. The struggle of relationship between daughter and father and the loving spirit of a young mother to survive for her son evoked strong emotions while I was reading - it is a very intriguing story and I look forward to the sequel! Theresa is a talented writer who captures the heart of what is important! Thank you again Theresa! I loved it!"
Darlene MacDonald, Abbotsford, BC
"I finished reading your book. You really did a very good job. Your literary ability is truly amazing! I want to congratulate you! You seem to have discovered a very special gift. Just keep it alive!"
Margarita Barron, Germany"I enjoyed meeting you yesterday at Mill Lake. I was especially intrigued by the powerful way you illustrated your title with the stunning photograph of your relative. The bold hammer & sickle did draw my attention away from the pathos I was feeling combining the innocence of a beautiful girl and the atrocities of Russian rebels. I wish you much success with your book."
Helmut Fandrich"I have read your novel, twice now, and I have been enthralled with your masterpiece. You have made an impression of joy, sadness, history, integrity, honor, family values, and most of all, LOVE. You have given me a gift of many emotions from your novel. As I read, my visualizations were real. I believe your book would make for a great movie. I look forward to reading more of your writings."
Sandra Diane Babich"I loaned the book to a friend of mine and he is very connected in the community. Anyways, he said it is absolutely addictive and cannot put it down, he even brought it into Vancouver to read between meetings. I told him it only gets better until the end – that is the bad part when it’s over. So he is also connected in the film industry and said the book would make an amazing movie! Guess we will have to work on that. My friend also said his father was born in that same area and during those years. It is still my favorite book of all time!"
Sherry"I read your book that Uncle Jim sent to me a few months ago and have since loaned it out several times. It was never here when I wanted it so I bought another one from him while he was here. I must say, I was so enthralled with the story that I hated to put it down to go to sleep! I found it fascinating but oh, how it pulled on my heart strings for I know you were writing out of real experiences through which people lived. What strength and fortitude. I ask myself, 'Would I be able to stand as steady and as steadfast as your hero?' Thanks so much for taking up this huge challenge of putting pen to paper to tell their story. I am sure this book will be a huge success. All the best to you as you face the days ahead. I do hope there might be another book in the future."
Sharon Lott Harmonize Your Eating and Feel Fit as a Fiddle Cookbook"Shameful Innocence is a novel I will never forget! I can say this with confidence, because as I write this at least two years have passed since I read this book. I can still remember vividly the story and scenes portrayed in this novel. Reading Shameful Innocence gave me a knowledge of the history of the Mennonite people that I did not have before, and brought forth a range of strong emotions for me as I read through the trials, tribulations, and triumphs that these people faced. I loved this book, and I cannot wait to read more from this author!"
Marcela Unruh, Abbotsford, BC"From the moment I picked up this book I had to struggle to put it down. The title itself is intriguing. After reading the first few sentences the author had already captured my interest. This isn’t the type of book where the reader has to be patient and get through the first few chapters in order to get pulled into the story; but, instead, one is instantly mesmerized. This story will leave a lasting impression on those who read it. This book is exceptional as it takes the reader on a very unpredictable journey. I felt great admiration for the main character and for all the women she represents. Being an avid reader, I can unquestionably state that Shameful Innocence is without a doubt one of my all-time favourites and highly recommend this book."
Loni Tone, Abbotsford, BC"I have really enjoyed reading Shameful Innocence. It is well written and very realistic! I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to reading more of this writer’s stories."
Henny Rintjema, Abbotsford, BC"Since reading ‘Shameful Innocence’ I’ve read about 7 other novels and not a single one of those has made a comparable impression! ‘Shameful Innocence’ stirred my innermost emotions at times bringing me to tears. I felt as though I was right in the book, all the characters were so real to me. I, personally, will implore all to read this novel! It will make a huge impact on your life!"
Liese Unruh, Abbotsford, BC"I am a 43 years old woman that doesn’t generally spend a lot of time reading, but when I started to read this book, I could not put it down. I was anxious to keep reading and to see where the story would lead. I have never been so involved with feeling and seeing the characters and the world they experienced. I cried and laughed and wished the story to never end. It was an absolute joy to read and would recommend it for anyone. I guarantee you won’t be able to put it down and it is a story that will remain with you for a very long time."
April Kennedy, Chilliwack, BC"I am a 67 year old gentleman and sitting down to read a novel was a very new concept to me until I picked up Shameful Innocence. I could hardly put it down. I had no idea that this is what people experience when enjoying a book. Thank you, Ms. Chevalier! I would highly recommend this book to all!"
Werner Unruh, Abbotsford, BC"This novel, Shameful Innocence, was so intriguing. From the very first chapter I was trapped and pulled in, compelled to read on. The characters were described in such an astonishing way that I felt I was looking through their eyes, thinking their thoughts and feeling their pleasures and pain. This Novel is a powerful and gripping story that will pull your emotions through a roller coaster ride, and keep you on the edge of your seat wanting to discover more as the story unfolds across the page."
Lindsay McCausland, Teenager