Texas Author Creates Storm with New “Hurricane” Novel

Spring, Texas, May 3, 2005. When Houston area author Janice Thompson set out to write her novel HURRICANE (River Oak/2004), she had no way of knowing it would be released in the middle of one of the deadliest hurricane seasons of the past decade. Her book, which chronicles the events of the Galveston hurricane of 1900, hit bookstore shelves just after last season’s four major storms blew in. And now, with the advent of another hurricane season approaching, predictions are encouraging for this work of inspirational fiction, which is meant to bring hope to those going through the storms of life.
Thompson’s novel carries the endorsement of Dr. Neil Frank, former director of the National Hurricane Center, who writes, “We tend to substitute education for experience, which is why it is so important to review history for accuracy. HURRICANE provides an excellent learning tool. Through the lives of Thompson's characters, readers can respond to a very real past experience and discover the message of hope along the way.”
Early reviews of the book have been favorable, including several in coastal areas. “As a Floridian, I have seen that hurricanes can cause devastating losses to lives, property, and communities,” Louise Gouge, author from Kissimmee, Florida, explains. “I have also seen how these monster storms can reveal heroism hidden in the most fearful hearts. In her new novel, HURRICANE, Janice Thompson tells the realistic, gripping story of the survivors and victims of one of the most destructive hurricanes ever to strike the coastlines of the United States. The courage of ordinary citizens rose higher than the flooding waters, revealing their faith and valor in the midst of the tempest.”
Sharen Watson of The Woodlands, Texas, writes: “The change in the lives of the characters living through this horrific event is reminiscent of 9/11. What is important after all? Survival through circumstances such as these calls us to the realities of life; God, family, friends and humanity as a whole.”
Thompson, who writes primarily for the inspirational market, couldn’t agree more. “When we go through the storms of life,” she says, “we have to stay centered. Grounded. When you look at recent events - the attack on the World Trade Centers and the Pentagon, the catastrophic hurricanes sweeping ashore and killing so many, the devastating effects of the Tsunami – you have to ask yourself, “Where do I find peace in the middle of these storms? How do I survive unexpected tragedies in my life? Can I really begin again?” Her book attempts to answer those questions. HURRICANE leads the reader on a journey through the catastrophic events that took place on Galveston Island in the fall of 1900 - and beyond, into a hopeful future. By incorporating actual elements of the storm into her fictional story, Thompson weaves a tale of tragedy and triumph, fear and faith.
Ultimately, Thompson shares the victories that arose from the devastation. “It is a story of rebirth after crisis,” she explains. “We all go through storms in our lives. Some can be devastating. And many, like last season’s storms that hit Florida and the gulf coast, seem to come from out of the blue. But if we can make it beyond the eye wall – and we can – we will discover the truth. The storm will pass. Our lives will begin again. Truly, we can survive, even thrive, after calamities.”

Author: J. Thompson, Janice Thompson (www.janiceathompson.com) Format: Paperback, 288 pages, softcover
ISBN: 1589190203
Publisher: Chariot Victor Pub/Cook Communications (1-800-323-7543)
Pub. Date: 01 October, 2004
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