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New Editorial Review!
Echoes from a Missing Generation received a five-star review from Readers’ Favorites!
Full Review:
Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers’ Favorite
Echoes From a Missing Generation by Christina Suzann Nelson is a “whodunit” with a difference. At the height of the Vietnam War, as America’s youth were being called up to serve their country, many questioned what America was doing, sacrificing their young men in a foreign war far across the world. For newlyweds Bristol and Clara Danes living in small-town Oregon, the draft was a horrifying reality. Bristol’s draft number was up, and he was off to take his army medical before induction. As he left their house that morning, nobody, least of all his pregnant wife, realized they would never see Bristol again – he simply disappeared that day. Fifty years later, court reporter Kenzie Danes, Bristol’s granddaughter, is intrigued by the mystery of her grandfather, a story that her grandmother has kept close to her chest all these years. Clara truly believed that the love of her life would return. Kenzie is determined to finally uncover the truth of her grandfather’s disappearance, and with the help of Frank, an experienced investigator, she slowly begins to unravel a litany of lies, secrets, and half-truths in both her family and in the small town of Oscar’s Creek.
Echoes From a Missing Generation is a fascinating read. This is the first time I have read a split-time, cold case mystery, and it was intriguing. Told from multiple perspectives across a fifty-year time difference, we see Clara and Bristol as a young couple, very much in love, with their life being disrupted by an inconvenient and difficult-to-comprehend foreign war. At the same time, we see Kenzie’s perspective, looking at her grandmother today and marveling at how she had coped with the gossip, innuendo, and finger-pointing of the town after Bristol’s disappearance and yet remained loyal and true to his memory. Christina Suzann Nelson has created a well-written, cleverly plotted, multi-layered mystery that will appeal to a wide variety of readers. I appreciated the tight-lipped manner and loyalty to her husband that Clara displayed over the years, despite the overwhelming evidence to the contrary. Her belief in Bristol’s innocence was paramount, and it would take all Kenzie’s considerable efforts to unravel the truth behind his disappearance. By spreading the story across two distinct time periods, the author has produced more than just a cold case mystery. Her recounting of the family and small-town dynamics of Vietnam-era America reveals a complex social commentary on the viewpoints and discussions that were taking place around the dining tables of most households of the period. This is a heartwarming, yet tragic love story that transcends time and place and reminds us that everything is not always as it seems. An easy and enjoyable read that I highly recommend.
Christina Suzann Nelson
“To everyone who’s read Echoes from a Missing Generation—thank you. Stories live because readers like you show up.”
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Uncovering the Past: Echoes from a Missing Generation by Christina Suzann Nelson
Echoes from a Missing Generation
Some stories simmer below the surface for years before they find the courage—or the space—to be told.
Echoes from a Missing Generation is one of those stories.
This book was born from a quiet ache, the kind that hums in the background of generations. It’s about the unspoken things—the secrets families carry, the pain they bury, and the way those buried things shape the people we become, whether we realize it or not.
This is a journey through time, trauma, and healing as she begins to uncover the legacy of a grandfather who disappeared during a time when the United States was in a struggle with itself over our involvement in Vietnam.
It’s a novel about the long shadows of war, the resilience of women, and the hope that can rise even from the most broken places.
You won’t find perfect characters here. Just real people doing their best in a messy world—some making hard choices, others living in the wake of them. But I believe you’ll find yourself in these pages, too. Maybe in the questions. Maybe in the grief. Maybe in the unexpected grace that shows up when we least deserve it.
Writing this book stretched me. It required a deep dive into history, and an open heart. But it also reminded me that we’re never too far gone for redemption, never too broken for beauty to bloom.
Echoes from a Missing Generation releases August 8, 2025. Preorders are available now—and yes, they truly make a difference. If this story sounds like one that might speak to you or someone you love, I hope you’ll consider reserving a copy.
Some stories aren’t easy to tell.
But I believe this one matters.
Thanks for walking with me.
With gratitude,
Christina Suzann Nelson -
Clean Reads To Give Your Middle School Girls This Summer
*Affiliate links included, because writers gotta pay for plot twists somehow! Keep reading for recommendations on clean reads suitable for Middle School Girls.
I love watching my kids stretch out on a sun-warmed blanket, a book in hand, their imaginations off on an adventure. Summer holds that kind of space—the kind where a girl can slip into a story and come out a little braver, a little more sure of who she is.
And if you have daughters (or granddaughters), you know this: not all books are created equal. Some uplift. Some unravel. And in this world of noise and pressure, our girls need stories that give them truth without preaching, hope without fluff, and characters they can root for.
So I’ve gathered a list—books that are clean, meaningful, and full of heart. Some are recent releases, some are well-loved classics, but each offers something lasting.
Books to Fill Her Summer with Courage, Wonder, and Truth
This Dreamer by Sara Watterson
A beautifully written YA fantasy that dives into themes of calling, courage, and identity. Clean and deeply engaging, this story invites young readers to think beyond what they see and consider what they’re meant for. Perfect middle school girls who love imagination and meaning woven together. This was an enormous hit with my 8th grader this year.
The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan Glaser
The five lively Vanderbeeker siblings love their old brownstone in Harlem, but just before Christmas, their grumpy landlord decides not to renew their lease. Determined to save their home, the kids launch a series of heartfelt (and often hilarious) plans to win him over.Full of warmth, mischief, and charm, The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street is a clean, family-centered story celebrating community, creativity, and the power of working together.
The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau
In a city built deep underground to preserve humanity after a catastrophe, the lights are beginning to flicker and supplies are running dangerously low. Twelve-year-olds Lina and Doon suspect their home is on the brink of collapse. When they discover a mysterious message, they must work together to decipher it and find a way to save the people of Ember before it’s too late.A suspenseful and imaginative dystopian adventure, The City of Ember is clean, fast-paced, and full of courage, problem-solving, and hope.
The Penderwicks A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy by Jeanne Birdsall
The four spirited Penderwick sisters—Rosalind, Skye, Jane, and Batty—spend their summer vacation at a charming cottage on the grounds of a grand estate. There, they meet a lonely boy named Jeffrey and embark on a season full of outdoor adventures, mischief, heartfelt conversations, and lasting friendship.
Wholesome, witty, and warm, The Penderwicks is a clean, modern classic with the feel of old-fashioned family storytelling—perfect for middle-grade girls who love books filled with heart and humor.
Pax by Sara Pennypacker
Peter and his pet fox, Pax, have been inseparable since Peter rescued him as a kit. But when Peter’s father goes off to war, Peter is forced to release Pax into the wild and move in with his grandfather. Haunted by the separation, Peter sets out on a journey to find his fox, while Pax faces challenges of his own in a world he’s never truly known.Told in alternating perspectives, Pax is a tender, beautifully written story about loyalty, love, and the pain of growing up—all wrapped in clean, poignant prose that lingers long after the final page.
Cloak of the Light (Wars of the Realm, Book 1) by Chuck Black
After a tragic accident leaves him with unusual vision, high school student Drew Carter begins to see powerful beings invisible to everyone else—warriors of light and shadow locked in battle. As he tries to make sense of what he’s witnessing, Drew is drawn into a supernatural conflict far greater than he imagined.Action-packed and thought-provoking, Cloak of the Light combines suspense, faith, and spiritual warfare in a clean, high-stakes adventure for teen readers. This is another favorite from one of my middle school girls!
Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
Jesse Aarons is a quiet, artistic boy who feels out of place—until he meets Leslie Burke, a spirited new girl at school. Together, they create an imaginary kingdom called Terabithia in the woods, where they rule as king and queen and escape the pressures of real life. But when tragedy strikes, Jesse must face grief and discover the lasting power of friendship and imagination.Poignant and beautifully written, Bridge to Terabithia is a clean, heartfelt story that gently explores loss, courage, and the strength we find in those we love.
Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan
Esperanza Ortega lives a privileged life on her family’s ranch in Mexico, surrounded by love, wealth, and tradition. But when tragedy strikes, she and her mother are forced to flee to California during the Great Depression, becoming farm laborers. As Esperanza struggles with poverty, prejudice, and hard work, she must learn to rise above her circumstances, redefine her identity, and find hope in unexpected places.This beautifully written novel weaves history, culture, and resilience into a powerful coming-of-age story that’s both clean and deeply moving. I personally love this story! It’s also a great read aloud.
Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
This beloved fantasy novel is a fresh and empowering retelling of Cinderella. Ella of Frell is cursed with the “gift” of obedience—she must follow any direct order, no matter how dangerous or unfair. Determined to break the curse, Ella sets out on a brave journey full of ogres, fairies, and unexpected friendships. Along the way, she discovers her own strength and voice, proving that real courage means standing up for what’s right—even when it’s hardest.A wonderful and enchanting clean summer read.
More Than Just Books
If you’re feeling a little behind this summer (I usually am), let this be simple: pick a few titles, leave them on her nightstand, maybe read the first chapter together. Not every book has to be a deep dive. Sometimes one sentence, one character, one moment is enough to plant a seed.
Let’s give our girls stories that don’t just entertain, but gently shape who they’re becoming.
Your Turn:
I’d love to know what clean books your daughter has loved. Let’s build a resource for other moms and grandmas who want to fill this season with good stories.Christina
Now that you’ve found books for your kiddo, how about one just for you? Check out my novels here.
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The Writer’s Wishlist: Creative and Practical Gifts
Let’s face it. Writers are unusual folks. We geek out about pens with a super-smooth flow and keyboards with just the right amount of key bounce. So, if you’re a normal, and you’re still looking for the perfect gift for your writerly loved one, here are a few items to consider.
Some of the best ideas happen in the shower. Unfortunately, some swirl down the drain when you shut off the water. No more losing those brilliant thoughts with a waterproof notepad hanging on the shower wall.
These are on my wish list! What a great way to break up the block. Dice include setting, point-of-view, time, theme, conflict, and four character dimensions.
This is a must for novelists. Just look up the emotion your character feels, and you find a list of ways that might be portrayed.
Troubleshooting Your Novel by Steven James
I should get a dollar for each one I sell because this is what I recommend to every novelist looking to better their skills. In my opinion, this book is a must-have.
This is a must-have for parent-writers who shuttle kiddos from one activity to another. Why not get a few more words in while you wait for soccer practice to end?
Add a little encouragement to a writer’s day with inspirational stickers. Here’s a link to one, but you can find a million others on Etsy.
And, here’s a big one, consider contributing to the cost of a writers conference. These are held all over the world, and there’s no better place for a budding writer to find their next steps on the journey.
I hope these suggestions help.
Christina
*Affiliate links are used on some of these products.
