Have a Good Day & a Better Tomorrow by: Vickie L. Peach Wilkins
There is something fascinating about listening to the “tales of old” from our older relatives and peers. Perhaps it is a yearning for the simplicity of the times before us, or just an infatuation of a time that is so starkly different from what we are used to. In her novel “Have A Good Day & a Better Tomorrow,” Vickie L. Peach Wilkins captures this spirit through stories told by her father, Silas Peach, and other relatives.
Wilkins book is a beautiful tribute to her father and a testimony to this history of his generation and those who came before him. Not only does she provide a background for many of her ancestors, but she provides pictures of her family to help the reader connect even more to the story. While the book is written under Wilkins name, much of it was actually told by her father. She gave Silas a recorder and had him record all his stories of old. The result is a poignant collection of stories from her father, herself, and a few others. It paints a picture of a time long passed, and shows just what a hardworking man her father was.
The deep-rooted history and sense of family will have you wanting to dive into your own family’s roots, revisit the family farm, and shuffle through old pictures, just as Wilkins has.
If Horses Could Talk: A Tail of Two Horses
Have you ever wondered what was happening inside of your pet’s head? Or maybe, you’ve wondered how your pet sees certain events from their point of view. Well, that’s the premise behind Wilkin’s book “If Horses Could Talk: A Tail of Two Horses.” The book is great for young readers ready to start reading chapter books, or for any horse and animal lover.
The story, based on Wilkins own experience with her two horses, is told from the perspective of a mustang named Kia, short for Kiamichi. He tells a simple, yet intriguing story of how he came to live just outside of Bryan with his “Momma” after moving here from Oklahoma. “Momma,” who is Wilkins, trains and raises Kia, eventually getting another horse to keep Kia company. Wilkins brings a lot of humor to the book through the interactions between herself and Kia, but especially in the relationship between Kia and the new horse, Keechi. Most of the book is about the daily adventures of the two horses, and the tragedies and misfortunes they eventually face. The ending is packed with emotion, and serves as a beautiful tribute to Wilkins’ horses. If only all pets could talk…
Are you a local author? Would you like your book to be featured in INSITE Magazine? Email shelbi@insitebrazosvalley.com for more information.
