"the conclusion is highly satisfying and accomplished in its
deference to readers' imaginations."Publishers Weekly

"This touching story is well written and avoids many of the clichs usually found
in fiction dealing with faith.Walker's homespun style fits her quirky, appealing
characters.this gem of a book deserves a wide audience."VOYA

"Walker's quirky characters are imbued with the spiritual resolve they need to
overcome their sorrow and to get on with life. Amelia does not forget her father,
but learns to remember and celebrate their relationship in a new and healthy
way."School Library Journal

"explore(s) the jumbled, quasi-mystical connections between belief and bravery,
laughter and letting go.the book's twangy first person narrative keeps the reader
engaged to the touching, tear-inducing end."Kirkus Review

At twelve years old, Amelia Forrest has a lot to pray for: improving her poor grades,
mending a strained relationship with her mama, and, most importantly, absolving her
guilt over the role she played in her daddy's plane crash. Except that in the year since
he died, Amelia has stopped believing in anything. Not prayer. Not miracles. And
certainly not the crackpot visions of an ex-convict named Brother Mustard Seed who
suddenly appeared at their door claiming to have contact with her daddy.

So when Mama invites him to live with them, it stirs up all sorts of troubleas well as
a deep sorrow that Amelia thought she had put to rest.

By turns sassy, and lyrical, and wise, Pray Hard is exceptional storytelling from
an original new voice.

Pamela Walker was born and raised in Scottsville, Kentucky. She has worked as an elementary school teacher, a school librarian, an editor, and a freelance writer. She currently lives in Scottsville, Kentucky. Pray Hard is her first novel.

Marguerite Gavin grew up on the Chesapeake Bay. She holds an M.F.A. in acting and a B.F.A. in theater. An actress working in theater and audiobook narration, she is also artistic director of a youth theater program. She lives in the Washington, D.C., area with her husband and son.