Review Detail

Wendy Laharnar’s Review of Laurels Miracle by Nancy M. Bell.

A Fantasy to Restore Faith in Reality.

Laurel’s Miracle is the type of story to hold a child spellbound; the type I loved to read.

Finding a miracle cure for her mother who is battling cancer is an impossible task for thirteen-year old Laurel from Alberta, Canada. This seems even more remote when her parents send her to stay with a family friend in Cornwall, UK. Laurel feels lonely and rejected. Time is running out, and without a miracle, Laurel is worried her mother might die before she gets to see her again.

Set in the rugged beauty of the Cornish countryside, rich in myth and legend, Laurel’s Miracle takes us on a magical journey. The scenery is so vivid, and the new relationships so fascinating, it is easy to imagine oneself walking with Laurel as part of her group and becoming immersed in her adventure.

Laurel has a plucky, endearing nature and the other characters, both young and old, are well rounded. All are caught in their own controversies which make them unique and interesting. With three young friends, who selflessly put their own problems aside for her sake, Laurel endeavours to solve the riddles she receives from the fairy-folk who guide her in her mission to find her miracle.

The relationship of this group of four children is Blytonesque, but Nancy Bell adds richness beyond Enid Blyton with the deeper layers of supernatural and magical themes. Laurel’s Miracle glows with the power of the Earth’s energy, or lay lines, Laurel follows in her quest, with an ease children can relate to.

Laurel’s Miracle is full of beautiful images: of the strange fairy folk, the Lady of the Lake, crystal horses and the labyrinth inside the Tor of Avalon. The touching sentiment of faith, hope, kindness and secrets revealed, reinforces the truth: there is magic in friendship.

January 3rd 2012