A Quite Extraordinary Umbrella
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Brie has waited and hoped for a remarkable twelfth birthday gift from her neighbors. What they give her isn't even close. It's a horrible ugly black second-hand umbrella Now she may never go on three magical journeys and discover the secrets of Tresia.
Then Dave shows up. He's too polite and way over-dressed. After her party, Brie's expected to entertain "Goody-Two-Shoes' Dave all by herself. When she drops her ordinary gift down a dark shaft, her beloved Samoyed dog, Tara, leads Brie and Dave into a hidden cavern where everything changes, including her umbrella. This is her chance. They discover three powerful gems, two princesses, and a mystical swinging bridge. But Brie and her companions risk losing everything when they face the Great Dragon Rasha, evil Agent Khadol, and the dangerous Shadowshifter. Brie must learn to trust her friends, her gifts, and the Three in One. But will she make everyone so mad they give up on her? Will she be forgiven, allowed to enter the Kingdom Beyond Time, and have her gifts restored? Or will someone else end up with everything that was supposed to be hers? |
Illustration by Traci Osborn
Tale #1 - Forward to the Past
1. Worst Birthday Party Ever 2. Lost Underneath 3. Hidden Keys and Mystic Gems 4. Shades of Blue |
Illustration by Traci Osborn
Tale #2 - Castle of Clocks
5. Purple Pieces 6. The Timekeeper's Daughters 7. Shadowshifter 8. Scepter, Scepter, on the Wall |
Illustration by Traci Osborn
Tale #3 - The Lodestar Timepiece
9. Kai-ohr Creek Camp for Artistic Athletes 10. Unexpected Company 11. Protect the Scepter 12. Bridge of Decision 13. View from the Mountaintop 14. Crossfire Encounter |
Reviews
J. A. McPhail weaves an intricate allegorical story in her latest book, Trinity Tales of Tresia, Book II: A Quite Extraordinary Umbrella. Where most authors choose to inform, McPhail entertains and educates the reader. She captures the essence of excitement and intrigue on each page, and skillfully crafts a work that readers of any age would enjoy. Buckle your seat belt and enjoy the read of your life!
Barri Cae Seif, Ph.D., Author, The Name Hashem and Intimate Moments with the Hebrew Names of God; Theologian; President, Massay Yahdav, The Works of His Hands, Inc. www.massayyahdav.org
The extraordinary adventure continues as J.A. McPhail brings the world of Tresia to life once again with her vivid descriptions and flowing literary style. Young Brie and her new friend Dave take us along as they trek into a fantastic land where the ordinary becomes extraordinary and battles are fought and won by acting in faith, trust and love. Tales of magical stones, plain ole umbrellas, talking winged beasts, transforming scepters and powerful new friends imaginatively teach readers of all ages scriptural principles to live by. I can't wait to find what tales await us next in the land of Tresia.
Rev. Randall Miller, Pastor Cherokee Bible Church, NC West District Director, Rhema Ministerial Association International
After finishing Book II of Trinity Tales of Tresia: A Quite Extraordinary Umbrella, I am struck by the power of the interweaving of fantasy and real life situations in the minds of the students who read this book! J. A. McPhail uses her words and ideas to inspire both practical life lessons, like experiencing consequences for poor choices, and everlasting spiritual lessons, such as the benefits of having a personal Kingdom Corner, or place to worship, study and pray. The human and animal characters, some with familiar names to me, and others with names from another world, represent good and evil, and the eternal impact we can have on the lives of each other. I loved the new names characters were given, and the roles of the Messengers and Vanguards. All of these brought reflection on my own life, what my new name might be, what mark I may leave on the lives of others. My favorite quote from the book brings encouragement and challenge, The Three in One gives gifts for a reason; my Messenger told me; Our willingness to use them should never be a hard thing. Trust and perspective is the key to obedience. Thank you, J. A. McPhail for sharing your gift with us through this book! As a former elementary school teacher, and homeschool mom, I can imagine my students reading this book and being swept away in the action and dialogue as they become part of the story, while at the same time gaining Godly insights. Happy reading!"
Jill Harrison, Director of Operations, TY Ink Promotions, La Grange, KY
J.A. McPhail has once again fired a line drive fastball out of the park with Book II of her Trinity Tales of Tresia series. As a reader of fantasy and high fantasy for most of my life, the author has again shown her talent in weaving a fantastical story based on divine themes. Both of her works should be on the nighttime story top five list for all ages, especially for the preteen generation. Be prepared to block a weekend to read this new book as once it is started it cannot be put down until completion. I highly recommend to all ages McPhail's latest work, A Quite Extraordinary Umbrella.
Timothy Baskin, Founder and President, Baskin Capital Wealth Advisors, Allen, Texas
A Quite Extraordinary Umbrella, is a magnificent story. I had the privilege of watching this masterpiece of work develop from its inception, and I recognize good writing when I see it! When I finished reading the last chapter, I had goose bumps. The ending is perfect. Young people and adults alike will love Book II in J.A. McPhail's Trinity Tales of Tresia series.
Delight Van Horn, Picture Book Author, Henry the Huge Red-Tailed Hawk; newspaper columnist, freelance writer, Morganton, NC
J.A. McPhail’s Trinity Tales of Tresia, Book II: A Quite Extraordinary Umbrella, will take readers on a magical and spiritual “coming of age” adventure. No matter your how old you are, it will leave you wondering about your own gifts and use of them. Through the main character, the reader learns that spiritual growth happens over time. Mistakes will be made, but we can learn from them, accept the consequences, and continue on to become the best person we can be by using our gifts for the good of all involved. =
Barbara Jolly-Deakle, Business Owner, newspaper columnist, and freelance writer, Morganton, NC
Barri Cae Seif, Ph.D., Author, The Name Hashem and Intimate Moments with the Hebrew Names of God; Theologian; President, Massay Yahdav, The Works of His Hands, Inc. www.massayyahdav.org
The extraordinary adventure continues as J.A. McPhail brings the world of Tresia to life once again with her vivid descriptions and flowing literary style. Young Brie and her new friend Dave take us along as they trek into a fantastic land where the ordinary becomes extraordinary and battles are fought and won by acting in faith, trust and love. Tales of magical stones, plain ole umbrellas, talking winged beasts, transforming scepters and powerful new friends imaginatively teach readers of all ages scriptural principles to live by. I can't wait to find what tales await us next in the land of Tresia.
Rev. Randall Miller, Pastor Cherokee Bible Church, NC West District Director, Rhema Ministerial Association International
After finishing Book II of Trinity Tales of Tresia: A Quite Extraordinary Umbrella, I am struck by the power of the interweaving of fantasy and real life situations in the minds of the students who read this book! J. A. McPhail uses her words and ideas to inspire both practical life lessons, like experiencing consequences for poor choices, and everlasting spiritual lessons, such as the benefits of having a personal Kingdom Corner, or place to worship, study and pray. The human and animal characters, some with familiar names to me, and others with names from another world, represent good and evil, and the eternal impact we can have on the lives of each other. I loved the new names characters were given, and the roles of the Messengers and Vanguards. All of these brought reflection on my own life, what my new name might be, what mark I may leave on the lives of others. My favorite quote from the book brings encouragement and challenge, The Three in One gives gifts for a reason; my Messenger told me; Our willingness to use them should never be a hard thing. Trust and perspective is the key to obedience. Thank you, J. A. McPhail for sharing your gift with us through this book! As a former elementary school teacher, and homeschool mom, I can imagine my students reading this book and being swept away in the action and dialogue as they become part of the story, while at the same time gaining Godly insights. Happy reading!"
Jill Harrison, Director of Operations, TY Ink Promotions, La Grange, KY
J.A. McPhail has once again fired a line drive fastball out of the park with Book II of her Trinity Tales of Tresia series. As a reader of fantasy and high fantasy for most of my life, the author has again shown her talent in weaving a fantastical story based on divine themes. Both of her works should be on the nighttime story top five list for all ages, especially for the preteen generation. Be prepared to block a weekend to read this new book as once it is started it cannot be put down until completion. I highly recommend to all ages McPhail's latest work, A Quite Extraordinary Umbrella.
Timothy Baskin, Founder and President, Baskin Capital Wealth Advisors, Allen, Texas
A Quite Extraordinary Umbrella, is a magnificent story. I had the privilege of watching this masterpiece of work develop from its inception, and I recognize good writing when I see it! When I finished reading the last chapter, I had goose bumps. The ending is perfect. Young people and adults alike will love Book II in J.A. McPhail's Trinity Tales of Tresia series.
Delight Van Horn, Picture Book Author, Henry the Huge Red-Tailed Hawk; newspaper columnist, freelance writer, Morganton, NC
J.A. McPhail’s Trinity Tales of Tresia, Book II: A Quite Extraordinary Umbrella, will take readers on a magical and spiritual “coming of age” adventure. No matter your how old you are, it will leave you wondering about your own gifts and use of them. Through the main character, the reader learns that spiritual growth happens over time. Mistakes will be made, but we can learn from them, accept the consequences, and continue on to become the best person we can be by using our gifts for the good of all involved. =
Barbara Jolly-Deakle, Business Owner, newspaper columnist, and freelance writer, Morganton, NC
