Both Sides of the Border by Terry Overton Blog Tour and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Both Sides of the Border

Author: Terry Overton

Genre: Christian Fiction

Release date: March 30, 2021

Inspired by True Current Events.

Dolores, Ernesto, and Emilio Sanchez are on a quest to America to find work and to save their family, who has been devastated by their father’s accident and the drought in their home country of Honduras. But making their way to America would be too expensive for a family stricken by poverty. With only their faith in God to see them through, the teenaged siblings set off for their new home, despite the threat from the cartel, corrupt police officers, starvation, and death.

Meanwhile, Eva Jordan is determined to start a new life on the American side of the Mexican border, hoping to shake off the scars from a horrible marriage. Despite her mother’s concern for her daughter living so close to the border, Eva decides to take a vacation to the other side to sharpen up her Spanish and relax before her new job begins. She is struck by the beautiful towns of Mexico, but slowly, her eyes are opened to the dangers that are knocking at her front door.

When a hurricane washes away the border walls, will the two sides collide in hatred or unite in perfect harmony?

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

This novel is an interesting contrast of people enjoying a tourist adventure in Mexico and young siblings escaping Honduras for a better life in the United States. The narrative alternates between Eva, the tourist and soon to be professor in a Texas college, and Dolores, escaping to the US with her two brothers. Eva, with her advanced degree, comes across as immature and naïve when it comes to romance and life in general. Dolores, in contrast, shows maturity and courage well beyond her years.

The novel portrays well the dangers facing those traveling through Mexico to seek a better life in the US. The actions of the cartels figures large with kidnapping a constant threat. Transportation is often deadly and there is always the threat of corrupt government officials.

Overton's writing style is not sophisticated so this novel would be good for young adult readers. The tourist activities provided much information about historic places in Mexico and almost read like a travelogue. The end of the novel seemed more wishful thinking than reality with respect to government action. While I found Dolores' journey much more engaging than Eva's immature adventures, I did find the novel informative and entertaining.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

About the Author

Terry Overton is a retired university professor of educational and school psychology. She has an Ed.D. in Special Education and a Ph.D. in Psychology. Her professional experience includes teaching public school, teaching at the university level, and being a college dean. She has two children and six grandchildren. Her writing and publication experiences include textbook and journal articles in the fields of special education and school psychology. She seeks to answer God’s call to share the good news and grow the church by writing Christian books and devotionals. She recently penned her first poetry book in honor of servicemen and women. Her book “Both Sides of the Border” is a Firebird Book Award winner in the categories of Cross-Genre, Socio-Political Fiction, and Women’s Fiction. She and her husband live in the southern tip of Texas where they enjoy semi-tropical weather and spending time with their friends and family.

More from Terry

As a Christian author, my goals in writing “Both Sides of the Border,” were to have the reader question their own understanding of the people and events of U.S.-Mexico border, analyze these world events through a Christian worldview, and enjoy the plot’s twists and turns. During their travels, the main characters of the story display different levels of their own faith. In the end, both women have increased their faith and understanding of God.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, January 14

Debbie's Dusty Deliberations, January 15

Texas Book-aholic, January 16

For Him and My Family, January 17

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 18

Inklings and notions, January 19

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 20

deb's Book Review, January 21

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, January 22 (Spotlight)

Through the Fire Blogs, January 22 (Author Interview)

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, January 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 24

Because I said so -- and other adventures in Parenting, January 25

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 26

Blossoms and Blessings, January 27 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, January 27

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Terry is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card & copy of the book!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/17c59/both-sides-of-the-border-celebration-tour-giveaway

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review. The rest of the copy of this post was provided by Celebrate Lit.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)