Holding onto Courage

By: Kelly Flanagan

Narrated by: Kathy Handrock

Buried secrets have a way of being discovered, even if it’s years later.

In post-war Vietnam, Mai hopes to run the family’s pharmacy. Her sister, Lang, dreams of playing professional soccer someday. When neighbors and soldiers turn against their family, the sisters flee on an old fishing boat. Facing gunshots, a pirate attack and a storm that almost capsizes their boat, they fight to survive. After arriving in the United States, Mai and Lang want to forget their terrifying journey and vow to keep their broken dreams a secret.

Forty-six years later, Mai’s granddaughter, Kim, dreams of winning her soccer championship. The only thing standing in the way is a bully who turns the team against her.

Now, Aunt Lang must share her secrets to convince Kim not to quit soccer. But sharing painful secrets is never easy, even when it could help someone.

Three characters. Two time periods. Holding Onto Courage tells the story of Mai, Lang, and Kim and how their stories are connected.

©2024 Kelly Flanagan, All Things That Matter Press (P)2025 All Things That Matter Press