Carmen’s Journey of Courage takes you into the heart of Mexico City and mysterious family secrets. Carmen is a character who stays with you, long after the last page.

Susan K. Beatty is the mastermind behind the story, and the author of more in the Faces of Courage Series. “Susan is proof you can begin a writing career after age seventy,” and what a legacy that is proving to be. Susan’s books include House of Courage: A Faces of Courage Novelette, Isobel’s Mission of Courage: A Faces of Courage Novelette, Courage for Your Everyday Life: A Faces of Courage Flash Fiction Devotional, and Faces of Courage (Book One).

I like the way Susan uses conflict to bring out character flaws. It makes them more relatable in the issues they try to resolve. Carmen’s last interaction with her aunt took place when she was a teenager and left a bitter taste in her mouth. Yet, Carmen finds new layers to the person she thought she knew.

Carmen also struggles with being compared to her successful sisters, choosing to follow her own path in the military. We feel the anguish of never measuring up to her family’s expectations.

Carmen realizes through Mateo, her aunt’s maintenance man, gardener, and driver, that bitterness takes root like the weeds in a garden. It’s hard to get out and harder to forgive.

I enjoyed the story and the lessons intertwined within. Carmen’s Journey of Courage is a great read and keeps you riveted until the end. Susan Beatty is a master storyteller!

Sally

Disclaimer:  I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.