Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Pieces of Granite

GIVEAWAY

ANDERSON, BRENDA S.
PIECES OF GRANITE

A distressing diagnosis, a retreating husband, a prodigal brother

Debbie Verhoeven is not your typical woman.
*She sacrificed a counseling career to be a full-time mother.
*She’d rather pound a nail than round steak.
*Oprah? No way! Give her ESPN any day.
*Nothing could be more stressful than scrapbooking.

 Nothing, except … A distressing diagnosis, a husband who is pulling away, and two older brothers who refuse to get along. When the counselor is caught in the middle, when she needs to be strong for those around her, who is left to be strong for her?

My Review:

Anderson thrusts her readers into the gritty underbelly of family life and she doesn't mince words or shy away from the difficulties that complicate relationships. No worries though, because she gives equal time to the joys of those emotional connections as well. In fact, this book is a celebration of the highs and lows of ordinary living.

I love the depth in this author's writing style. The way her words compile to create compelling images that will stay with me for a long time to come. I discovered some profound gems in unexpected places. Like when Debbie takes her young daughter to a play group and Kaitlynn suffers an asthma attack. After the crisis has passed she urges her daughter to go back to her friends but the little girl stays close, clinging to her mother's hand. Anderson writes: "If only adults would remember to cling to God's hand when life threw its own coughing fit. Why did adults insist on going through hardships on their own?"

My reading stuttered to a stop as my mind pondered that question. It's one that Anderson poses over and over again as various characters are faced with difficult circumstances. Impossible choices. Conflicting opinions. More often then not they take control and forge ahead, hoping God will have their back. How very true to life. Pieces of Granite explores the consequences and ultimate freedom that comes from giving the control back to God.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:


PLEASE NOTE THAT PAPERBACK COPY AVAILABLE ONLY TO U.S. RESIDENTS. EBOOK VERSION AVAILABLE INTERNATIONALLY

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Pieces of Granite please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday February 15 2015. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

18 comments:

  1. Thank you, Kav, for your very gracious review! You've made my day. :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're welcome, Brenda. Thank you for sharing your writing talent -- and your heart in every word.

      Delete
  2. I love these type of stories, something beyond the romance and roses. Something about real life after the honeymoon. She's also a new author ... rrwalter34ATgmailDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Exactly, Becky. And yes, this is Brenda's second book, so she's new on the scene. Good luck.

      Delete
  3. I'd not heard of this book before (nor read anything by the author), but it sounds like something I'd really enjoy. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I am intrigued by this one, Kav! Great title and cover!

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. And the title tie-in to the story...don't get me started. Awesome! Good luck, Melanie.

      Delete
  5. sounds like a great read, kav

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  6. I had to laugh at the ESPN comment. That's me! In fact SportsCenter is on in the background as I type this. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're kindred spirits with the heroine, Tracy. Good luck.

      Delete
  7. Ah, raw and real. My kind of book! I love depth and when the authore is not trying to sugar coat, but shows the difficulties of everyday life and brings hope into these situations. I can connect then. I would LOVE to read that. Count me in, plase.

    janka(dot)halcinova(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Then you will definitely love this book, Janka. Good luck.

      Delete
  8. Love your review Kav. You are good at that. I wish I was. I love the cover. I always like the little ones shown on books. It does really sound like normal lives. Please put my name in.
    Maxie > mac262(at)me(dot)com <

    ReplyDelete
  9. Pieces of Granite sounds interesting and uplifting, please include me in the drawing.
    worthy2bpraised at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete