Kathryn's Fountain: A Novel [Paperback]

David J. Claassen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 8, 2008

A miraculous experience at a garden fountain takes the elderly Kathryn on an adventure beyond her wildest dreams. Love and sacrifice take on new meaning as she involves a social worker and a police detective in carrying out what she believes to be her calling - to rescue a street child named Jasmine.

Kathryn's Fountain celebrates the gifts that the generations can bring to each other. The conclusion is a resounding affirmation that it's never too late to make a difference.

Praise for Kathryn s Fountain

A poignant story with surprising twists and turns that will keep you reading and touch your heart. You won t view life in quite the same way after reading Kathryn s Fountain. -Marlene Bagnull, director, Colorado & Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conferences

I loved the world I entered in Kathryn s Fountain, a world where miracles happen and selflessness reigns. I delighted in the fun, laughing out loud while reading, and blinked the tears away as I lived Kathryn s selfless sacrifices. The story was compelling, the characters endearing. I know all good books come to their end, but I wanted it to go on and on. -Charisse Williams, speaker

A story of miracles and self-sacrifice. The characters span the generations, as well as the pages of this touching story, with grace and compassion, and the author has done a commendable job of touching on the seedier elements of life without losing the beauty or possibilities of a garden setting. -Kathi Macias, award-winning author of Beyond Me: Living A You-First Life In A Me-First World (New Hope)

An insightful story that gave me a renewed understanding of the importance of really living more consciously in the moment and season that I am now experiencing. -MaryAnn Morton, author of Seasons of Life s Journey

David J.Claassen s easy writing style and interwoven story lines keeps us interested and involved in Kathryn s life. . . . Kathryn gave herself away that others could enjoy what she had been denied. Isn t that what Christ did for us? -Charli Pickett, author and speaker

Editorial Reviews

Review

"An uplifting and enjoyable story. ... The breezy book is fun to read and also shines a light on the spiritual side of life without getting preachy." --The Toledo Blade, Nov. 15, 2008

About the Author

David J. Claassen writes a weekly newspaper column and an inspirational blog. His other published books include Object Lessons for a Year (Baker) and Silent Words Loudly Spoken (CSS). He serves as senior pastor of the Mayfair-Plymouth Congregational Church in Toledo. He lives in southeast Michigan with his wife, Diann, where he enjoys photography and other outdoor pursuits.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Cladach Publishing (November 8, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0975961993
• ISBN-13: 978-0975961995
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,562,695 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I'm a part-time writer and enjoy putting words together in both fiction and non-fiction expressions. My full-time job is as Sr. Pastor of the Mayfair-Plymouth Congregational Church of Toledo, Ohio. We've been a pastor and people together since 1975. I have been married to Diann since 1972 and we have two grown children.

I enjoy photography and offer some of my work on a web site that sells stock photography. Ventriloquist is another one of my hobbies. I regularly treat the children of my church with a "visit with Ricky" in the worship services. I also enjoy maintaining a decorative pond and an aquarium.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Love, mystery and fantasy = A mystery wrapped in an enigma, November 21, 2008

By 

Gail Welborn "Review Columnist" (Sedro-Woolley, WA, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Kathryn's Fountain: A Novel (Paperback)

Kathryn's Fountain, by David J. Classen, Cladach Publishing, November 2008, 192 Pages,
ISBN-13: 978-0975961995, $12.97

David Classen, pastor and columnist, spins an inspirational tale of wonder when protagonist--wheelchair-bound Kathryn--one of ten senior residents at Victorian Manor, hesitantly asks her visiting pastor if he believes in miracles. Thus Kathryn's mysterious journey begins--a journey that originates at Victorian Manor's three-tiered fountain. The journey brings Kathryn breathtaking challenges and change-- where she meets Jasmine, an unkempt hungry child, and falls in love with an attractive, young police detective named Ben. Sharon, a social worker assigned to Jasmine's care at Kathryn's insistence is with her, when Jasmine's mother is found dead. It's a story of miracles, loss, hope and love, senior isolation, and family distance, but also, a story about perceptions. What some call the generation gap only serves to isolate family groups, instead of recognizing age as another season of life whether you're a child, young adult, or senior. Kathryn's adventure, "a mystery wrapped in an enigma," is a sweet reminder that everyone has hopes, dreams and disappointments, and that we all look for love, irrespective of age, because it's never too late to make a difference in someone's life.


"In this ageless story of miracles, adventure, suspense, and intrigue, Classen keeps the reader guessing until the last page. The excellent plot and realistic characters shows the strength of this author's writing. Everyone will enjoy it, but seniors will love it. I look forward to more books by Classen."
Gail Welborn--Book and Audio Review columnist.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars What Great Mysteries Are In the Garden?, August 4, 2009

By 

Nora A. Stlaurent "TBCN Founder" (Georgia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Kathryn's Fountain: A Novel (Paperback)

You'll wonder about miracles after reading this story!! In the beginning I thought it was going to turn into a scenario you and I are all too familiar with...where someone goes back in time...but alas, this was really different. The author takes the reader down a path I've never been on before - it fascinated me. David Claassen creates loveable, quirky characters you can't help but instantly care about.

The main character, Kathryn and a former preacher, Ed, talk about something I hadn't ever thought of before. He says, "...aging seems unnatural. We never quite get used to the idea of getting old. It's like it's an enemy. We're all at different stages of aging, and that separates us, by what we call generations, from each other. Sometimes I think it separates us as much or more than race, creed, or economic status."

I love how the author weaves these very intriguing, powerful gems that make you go `Hummm,"! in the middle of Kathryn's adventures. These gems turn up throughout the story when you least expect it. I loved that!

Kathryn doesn't know how to take Ed at times but he is a fountain of fun and companionship for her at Victorian Manor. She asks Ed "Do you believe in Miracles?"
He says, "Jesus never did miracles to make someone without faith believe. In fact, he required at least a little faith on the part of someone involved before he did a miracle!" Another gem!

I was taken on a great unexpected journey filled with adventure, wonder, love and self-sacrifice. I found myself rooting for Kathryn's determination to do God's will in her life, when it seemed impossible for her to do it. This is a story that fairy tales are made of--I can't wait for others to share in the great adventure I've just been on reading Kathryn's Fountain. Treat yourself to drink from Kathryn's Fountain - You'll be glad you did.


Finding Hope Through Fiction
Book Club Servant Leader

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Kathryn's Fountain, November 13, 2008

By 

S. Means "Stan Means" (Greenville, SC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Kathryn's Fountain: A Novel (Paperback)

This is a book you will want to keep in your library. Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down.