A Perfectly Magnificent Cane
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Twelve-year-old Gracie and her twin brother, Gene, have been adopted by the coolest couple ever! Their new parents, Winny and Vince MacPherson, have told them amazing stories about a mysterious family heritage, a three-realm universe called Tresia, and a mystical family heirloom kept especially for them...an old dancing cane.
Their adventures with the cane lead the siblings to a Christmas village, the Tresia Highlands, and through a dangerous passage. An annoying classmate somehow follows them, but is Cally is an enemy or a friend? And what about the giant eagle with the strange eyes and his rider, who show up everywhere they go? Gracie and Gene must cross the river into the Kingdom Beyond Time to discover where the Scepter of Tresia is hidden. But can they escape Calypso, an evil green spirit who stalks them, especially when she is joined by their parents' old enemies, the Great Dragon Rasha, and Agent Khadol? How can Gracie and Gene claim the victory, master the secret of the cane, and see the mysteries of Tresia revealed before it's too late? Time is running out! However, none of it matters because in the Dalen family, before the journey can begin, each daughter must discover the gift for herself. And Winny still hasn't found it. |
Illustration by Traci Osborn
First Tale: Timely Gifts
1. Early Christmas 2. Snowy Ocean Portal 3. ChristmaSea City 4. Angel Gifts 5. Back to the Beach |
Illustration by Traci Osborn
Second Tale: Highlands Forever
6. Spring Field Trip 7. Behind the Plaid Curtain 8. Mysterious Passage 9. Standing Stones 10. Chanter Kist |
Illustration by Traci Osborn
Third Tale: Time's Grand Design
11. Circus Escapades 12. Calypso's Clowns 13. Rampart of the Watcher 14. Cally's Choice 15. The Scepter Revealed |
Reviews
A Perfectly Magnificent Cane is both a fitting resolution to the Trinity Tales of Tresia series and a compelling coming of age story on its own. Author J.A. McPhail deftly weaves Christian teachings and beliefs into the action as twins Gracie and Gene go on the adventure of a lifetime that takes them plummeting down to a city under the ocean and trekking across the picturesque Tresia Highlands. Children of all ages will identify with Gracie as she struggles to discover her destiny, buoyed by the love of her new adoptive parents, and will come away, as the heroine does, grounded in the ways of the “Kingdom Beyond Time.” — Tammie Gercken, staff writer, The News Herald, Morganton, North Carolina
Book III in the Trinity Tales of Tresia series is as remarkable as the other journeys J. A. McPhail has taken us on. Vince and Winny return in an unexpected way, as parents of adopted twins, Gracie and Gene. They watch and guide as their children seek God’s plan for their lives while traveling through the Realms of Tresia. Not defined by space or time, these tales weave ordinary life with extraordinary experiences, taking the reader to the supernatural realm. Through these magnificent adventures, adults and children alike will find that sometimes our job is to have faith and believe that our actions are having a spiritual impact on others, leaving the ultimate choice to them. Other times, we are expected to stand our ground and fight in the forefront of the battle. We follow the guidance of the Three in One and journey forth to discover which paths to follow through life. And for those of us who are grown, to fulfill our goal to “assist Young Ones on their journey.”
Charity Jamison, Vanguard & Teacher, Smokey Mountain Elementary, Whittier, NC
What a journey it has been through the Trinity Tales of Tresia series. I have thoroughly enjoyed stepping into this world of fantasy mixed with spiritual truths. For readers of all ages, this third book, “A Perfectly Magnificent Cane” brings mystery, anticipation, wonder, blessing and hope through the lives of Winny and Vince and their children – Gene and Gracie, bringing to life profound biblical truths. And of course, we can’t forget Zion, the not so ordinary dog. J. A. McPhail has done an excellent job of transporting the reader to different realms through the use of words and word pictures. Readers will see the struggle between the earthly realm and the spiritual realm, and find that everyone has a choice to make in life, right or wrong. Like the characters in the book, we have all been given gifts and tools. Through the gift of the magnificent cane and the mysterious Lydian Stone necklace, Gene and Gracie see mighty works happen right before their eyes. With whimsical flair we are reminded that “seeds” of love, kindness, and truth we scatter around us, multiply and grow for His kingdom. Faith, trust, friendship and love follow this story from beginning to end.
Kerri Sasnett, Missionary with Wycliffe Bible Translators/Seed Company, Waxhaw, NC www.wycliffe.org
This book is fascinating! To read this series and follow the characters’ journeys, is mystery and more. Written so children can enjoy the book, it also helps them understand the parallel of the Bible. What a gifted writer! This book held my attention, I couldn’t put it down because I wanted to see what happened next. Loved it!
Janet Houk, Missionary with ABWE, Durbin, South Africa and Morganton, NC
I have been waiting for this third book to come out, and I am very glad that it is here. This book is great for middle-grade readers who are looking for an inspirational and heartfelt story with fun and relatable characters.
Emalee N., age 12
Love this series from beginning to end! As this story is brought to a close, I’ve loved joining these characters on their journeys. The Realms of Tresia will stay with the reader long after the cover is closed.
Caitlyn N., age 16
Enjoy new adventures in Tresia. Meet new characters and catch up with previous characters! This book is full of excitement that I’m sure you won’t want to miss!
Lilly H., age 13
Book III in the Trinity Tales of Tresia series is as remarkable as the other journeys J. A. McPhail has taken us on. Vince and Winny return in an unexpected way, as parents of adopted twins, Gracie and Gene. They watch and guide as their children seek God’s plan for their lives while traveling through the Realms of Tresia. Not defined by space or time, these tales weave ordinary life with extraordinary experiences, taking the reader to the supernatural realm. Through these magnificent adventures, adults and children alike will find that sometimes our job is to have faith and believe that our actions are having a spiritual impact on others, leaving the ultimate choice to them. Other times, we are expected to stand our ground and fight in the forefront of the battle. We follow the guidance of the Three in One and journey forth to discover which paths to follow through life. And for those of us who are grown, to fulfill our goal to “assist Young Ones on their journey.”
Charity Jamison, Vanguard & Teacher, Smokey Mountain Elementary, Whittier, NC
What a journey it has been through the Trinity Tales of Tresia series. I have thoroughly enjoyed stepping into this world of fantasy mixed with spiritual truths. For readers of all ages, this third book, “A Perfectly Magnificent Cane” brings mystery, anticipation, wonder, blessing and hope through the lives of Winny and Vince and their children – Gene and Gracie, bringing to life profound biblical truths. And of course, we can’t forget Zion, the not so ordinary dog. J. A. McPhail has done an excellent job of transporting the reader to different realms through the use of words and word pictures. Readers will see the struggle between the earthly realm and the spiritual realm, and find that everyone has a choice to make in life, right or wrong. Like the characters in the book, we have all been given gifts and tools. Through the gift of the magnificent cane and the mysterious Lydian Stone necklace, Gene and Gracie see mighty works happen right before their eyes. With whimsical flair we are reminded that “seeds” of love, kindness, and truth we scatter around us, multiply and grow for His kingdom. Faith, trust, friendship and love follow this story from beginning to end.
Kerri Sasnett, Missionary with Wycliffe Bible Translators/Seed Company, Waxhaw, NC www.wycliffe.org
This book is fascinating! To read this series and follow the characters’ journeys, is mystery and more. Written so children can enjoy the book, it also helps them understand the parallel of the Bible. What a gifted writer! This book held my attention, I couldn’t put it down because I wanted to see what happened next. Loved it!
Janet Houk, Missionary with ABWE, Durbin, South Africa and Morganton, NC
I have been waiting for this third book to come out, and I am very glad that it is here. This book is great for middle-grade readers who are looking for an inspirational and heartfelt story with fun and relatable characters.
Emalee N., age 12
Love this series from beginning to end! As this story is brought to a close, I’ve loved joining these characters on their journeys. The Realms of Tresia will stay with the reader long after the cover is closed.
Caitlyn N., age 16
Enjoy new adventures in Tresia. Meet new characters and catch up with previous characters! This book is full of excitement that I’m sure you won’t want to miss!
Lilly H., age 13
