Mud Road: Gift of the Stolen Child

Book Synopsis: There certainly is an innocence to the backwoods and swamps, but secrets are a part of life in the small town rural south. Some of the realities that the people living in the swamp exist and thrive in are deadly, and a misery to most outsiders. This created a group of tough resilient people that love life and appreciate the little things. Some came into this place by choice while others had no choice. The Cajuns!Through the generations of the Mudeaux family we learn about the great history of Louisiana and how it's connected to Nova Scotia, to Central America, and South America. The Mudeaux family's contributions, sacrifices and chosen paths were never easy. One could say it was a muddy road. The impact that Coach Mudeaux(Coach Mud) made on Southwest Louisiana reaches far beyond. But not all folks contributed in positive ways.This depiction and explanation of Cajun life, culture, and lineage carries the reader from the great expulsion of Acadians, to Jean Lafitte and the War of 1812, to WWI, through WWII and the Vietnam war's affect on the fishing and shrimping communities with the arrival of Vietnamese refugees joining, unwelcomed, into competition with generations long fishing families of LOUISIANA and TEXAS. The inspiring characters give us insight into the realities of Louisiana and its important part in the oil industry, maritime history, and we see the affects of the collapsed logging industry.All these changes and extremes play a crucial role in the re-introduction of a modern version of pirates with drug smuggling.A young couple growing up in Southwest Louisiana during the 1960s and 70s are positively impacted by Coach Mud but are also impacted and drawn by the need to seek adventure and life beyond rural Louisiana. For a time, a fun and carefree life of party and travel carry them through exciting foreign experiences. The serious dangers and reality soon catch up. They become involved in smuggling and end up dealing with addiction while strung out on drugs and alcohol. In Central America, at 7 months pregnant, the couple are on a smuggling run in Belize when they crash their truck on an old Mud Road. Strangers deliver and steal the new born baby. Efforts are made to find the child but the strung out couple spiral further into a void. After 7 years they return to Belize with the help of a missionary and find a gift beyond what they sought.A tale of redemption that makes full circle and fills voids. So much history. So much emotion. The adventure and twists never end. From Nova Scotia, to Rhode Island, to Louisiana, Galveston Texas, Colombia, and British Honduras(now Belize). The importance of sports like soccer, community, food, forgiveness, and family are truly exposed as they all play into this twisting tale of the redemption that only God could provide. Like the prodigal child coming home; only it is the prodigal parents coming home. Extra content includes family recipes, funny Cajun humor and dialogue, interesting quotes, a sneak peek (short story about Cameron, LA), and great illustrations.