"Touched" is an enthralling novel created by the fertile imagination of debut author Linda Armstrong-Miller. Offering a chilling look at child abuse, domestic violence, and racial prejudice, it relates the story of an emotionally scarred man who is compelled to confront his traumatic past. The protagonist's willingness to forgive releases painful memories, healing all areas of his life.

Dr. Matthew Green has just started his four-year medical internship, but his heart is not in the medical profession. Because he lacks the desire to be a good doctor, he displays a dearth of sensitivity and compassion for his patients as well as a general distrust toward his co-workers. On his first night on call, when a ninety-eight old African-American woman suffering from congestive heart failure is unexpectedly transferred to his care, Matthew feels that the intensive care unit's resources are wasted on her, since she does not have long to live. However, when he meets Ruthie Mae Morris or Grandma, as she likes to be called, he is in for several surprises.

The mysterious Grandma not only reads Matthew's mind but also seems to know everything about him and his disturbing past. Explaining that he needs to eliminate his excess baggage and face his painful memories ("As a doctor, you know that sometimes a wound must be opened in order for it to heal"), she offers to 'touch' his heart and help him move on with life. Using the "tools of her trade," Grandma guides him through a journey back in time to deal with his childhood issues. Later, she takes him on a trip to the town of "The Walking Wounded." Here, Matthew witnesses two hateful, racist, white youths gruesomely murder a young African-American woman named Bonnie. Matthew shares the anguish of the town's people at the loss of a fellow being and learns about love and caring. Finally, just as he makes peace with his past and after much introspection, he discovers the answer to Grandma's intriguing question "Do two wrongs make a right?", his guide seeks her own peace.

Without descending to preaching, this talented new writer has penned a spell-binding page turner that explores troubling issues like abuse and racial bias. The twist towards the end is sure to surprise many. Though it contains some gruesome incidents, its core message is the healing power of forgiveness. This inspirational story will touch the hearts of adult readers and young-adults alike.

Matthew Allen had a seemingly perfect childhood, that is until the death of his father. Struggling economically, his family was forced to move out of their comfortable suburban home, sell most of their valuable belongings and move into a tiny apartment. Many of the things children tend to take for granted slowly slipped out of Matthew Allen's reach. Things only became worse after his mother remarried and eventually Matthew became the victim of a major tragedy. As a result of these things, Matthew decided that the best way to cope in a cruel world was to cut himself off emotionally, not caring about anyone he encountered.

As the story begins, Matthew is beginning his medical internship at a hospital he is less than thrilled about working at. His ability to get along with both colleagues and patients is severely limited due to his emotional distancing so he keeps to himself as much as possible. That is until a 98-year-old, seemingly homeless, African American patient, who prefers to be called "Grandma" is placed under his care and he is forced to once again feel.

Together, Matthew and "Grandma" go on a supernatural journey that allows them to travel time and space in order to find healing. "Grandma" poses a difficult question to Matthew, "Do two wrongs make a right?" and he must struggle to arrive at the answer. In doing so, he must journey as a spectator through his own childhood and some of the lives of people in "Grandma's" past.

In this book, Armstrong creates a tale in which gender, age, class, and racial barriers are transcended through the special bond that Matthew Allen and "Grandma" develop. The unlikely duo work together to heal the emotional wounds of the past and build new hope for the future. Though at times the language in the dialogue was a little bothersome, the story will draw you in making you feel anger, sorrow, frustration and joy right along with the characters.

I really enjoyed this book. Because of my christianity, this book reminded me of true spirituality. Also,it says never give up and hold on to your faith. The part that really touched me was: When I saw how determined she was,I went to her little boy and knelt beside him. I was determined she would have a prize at the end of her labored journey. While Goatee held his watch, Blondie looked on. I looked to see how close she was. To my shock and surprise her eyes locked with mine. When she finally arrived, she smiled at me. I couldn't believe it. "Thank you Jesus." She said."Jesus? No, not me." I whispered. "Angel?" She asked. "I've never been called that either." "You were sent to help me?" She asked. She was out of breath when she finished. "Yes." I answered. "Angel." She said then smiled. So did I. Her smile was wondrous. I remembered how my mother had looked when she smiled at Chris. It has been just as wonderful and she had been dying too. After thanking me, Bonnie laid beside her son. She attempted to pull her son to her. By now, she was far too weak. If the baby had been another step farther, I'm not sure she would have...yes she would have. She would have reached him no matter how far away he was. That I was sure of. Bonnie slid her hands under him trying again to lift him. I placed my hands under hers. Together we lifted him. She then pulled her arms back and nestled the baby against her chest. With the gaping wound that was now her abdomen, this nestling actually made it look as though she was trying to put him back inside her. "Thank you so much." She whispered barely audible even to me. She found the strength to kiss her son once more. Then she died. Less than a minute later, her son took his last breath.

The saying you can't judge a book by its cover is so true. When I received the copy of Touched by Linda Armstrong-Miller, I have to admit it took me two days to actually start reading. But once I started I didn't want to put it down.

The author did a wonderful job painting a picture of her characters. It was as if I lived through them. I think the thing that "Touched" (pun intended) me the most was the conversation throughout the book between Grandma, and Mathew. Their dialogue was crisp and believable. It was as if I were in a room observing them from afar. We cannot predict what challenges we face in life; however, through our faith and the support of loving, caring people we can overcome.

I like the story more so because it showed a continued hope for Matthew to change, and that the change was going to have to be as a result of him finally letting someone into his life. I wholeheartedly recommend this book as one to add to your bookshelf. I plan to read it again, just in case I missed something the first time-Kudos to Ms. Armstrong-Miller.