Simon Barrett of Blogger News Network wrote a terrific review of the book, and positive feedback is always nice. Mr. Barrett really understood the crux of the story noting, ” . . . it explores an all too common theme - marriage, family, divorce, and the fallout that results”.

That fallout is certainly a key element of the story, especially where the custody battle over Paul and Pamela’s daughter is concerned. In writing this book, I’ve been amazed and touched by the number of people who have related similar, but no less heartbreaking stories of what happens to families when one of the parties in a divorce views children as bargaining chips.

Too often children are the greatest victims of divorce, but there are services and resources that can help. One such site with a strong emphasis towards the needs of children is Children of Divorce, a resource site for kids, parents, and professionals that are dealing with divorce-related issues.

There’s an old baby rhyme, “First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes (baby’s name) in a baby carriage.” Things aren’t that simple, of course, and as Mr. Barrett notes, when things go sour in marriage, there is often a great deal of fallout for all involved.

The promotional tour for Shades of Darkness, Shades of Grace is gearing up, and with it come more exposure, certainly a good thing. To read Norm Goldman’s piece, visit the American Chronicle site. What I’m finding as reviews and interview requests come in is that family (fun or not) is the universal theme that we can all relate to.

Although the community of Red Wing, Minnesota itself does not appear in Shades of Darkness, Shades of Grace, the city has been designated as a Distinctive Destination in 2008. Currently, 108 cities across the U.S. reside on the list.

Each year, the National Trust for Historic Preservation chooses 12 Distinctive Destinations - cities that offer cultural and recreational experiences different from typical vacation spots. Nestled among spectacular bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River, the city of 16,000 offers 25 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, shopping, fine dining, and outdoor activities.

The Red Wing Pottery featured in the novel was manufactured in the city until the plant closed in 1967. The former plant now houses Pottery Place Mall, where visitors can shop at several antique stores specializing in the pottery and view stunning displays of this important aspect of Americana at the Red Wing Collectors Society Foundation Museum. For more information on the distinctive city of Red Wing, MN visit the Visitors and Convention Bureau’s site.

Family dynamics are tough. We argue with one another; suffer addictions and compulsions that leave no member unscathed; lie to the ones we love the most; take sides that sometimes splinter us apart. Not a whole lot of fun. Like the Pierson’s every family has some level of dysfunction.

Families are tough to put up with at times, but are even more difficult to separate ourselves from. There is that bond of family, the deep ties of generations that bind, the shared blood that’s worth putting everything on the line for. Like most any family, the Pierson’s don’t always agree or even get along, but when threatened they come together as one unified entity, willing to wage the fight to protect their own.

The idea of free will assumes that human beings have the capacity to make the choice between what is good and what is bad; what is right and what is wrong. I would argue, however; there are people who cannot, for whatever reason, do what is considered “good” or “right”. Instead, such individuals taint every life they touch, leaving obliteration in their wake.

People, of course, aren’t one-dimensional; they’re complicated beings with desires and contrasts. But, the most malicious of beings are capable of burying any redeeming qualities through their own destructive choices that generally put them first, and to hell with anyone they might cause injury to.

Two of the characters at the center of Shades of Darkness, Shades of Grace are just such people. Inspired by a true story these individuals do indeed exist, the worst of human nature festering within them. In real life the truth is even darker - adept at shattering lives and inflicting harm, they no longer have the capacity to do anything else.