I’m getting increasingly excited as I inch closer to launching the first novel of my “Matthew in the Middle” juvenile fiction series: Matthew Muddles Through. 

It’s especially exciting to share this first glimpse of the cover with you. Thanks to Ken Raney, of Clash Creative, for his excellent artwork and his patience with me during the process.

Here’s the book’s description:

As the middle child in his family, Matthew Vos struggles in the middle of trouble on all sides. He shares a room with an annoying younger brother and dodges the harassment of an obnoxious older brother. A big-as-a-bear neighborhood dog targets him like a heat-seeking missile. His Cadet Club crams into the church’s too-small basement, and his catechism class meets in his living room. He longs to attend the Cadet International Camporee, but will he even get the chance? How can he rescue his mom’s book from the principal’s “Black Hole”? And why does Mom feel so sick all the time?

Join Matthew, with his active imagination and growing faith, as he muddles through all this and more.

I’m thankful for these terrific endorsements that capture the essence of this novel:

The real texture of life is found in ordinary, everyday occurrences, but it takes a special gift to make these seem extraordinary. Matthew is a very young Christian whose faith stretches in believable ways as he tackles the challenges of growing up. I look forward to joining him for further stages of his journey.

—Janie B. Cheaney, Senior Writer, WORLD magazine, and author of Somebody on This Bus Is Going to Be Famous

True-to-life characters portrayed with droll humor—a fun story with firm substance—plausibly seen from a kid’s viewpoint. What a gem! Mathes is a master of making me want to read more.

—Yvonne Anderson, author of The Story in the Stars, 2012 ACFW Carol Award Finalist

My hope is for Matthew Muddles Through to be available by mid-November.

Stay tuned!