Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Review of 'Fractured, Not Broken (A Memoir)' by Kelly Schaefer with Michelle Weidenbenner

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Fractured-KINDLEA Real Life Story of Heroic Virtue

Parts of this memoir appeared on ESPN and in Rosie

Warsaw, Indiana
July 08, 2015

Award-winning and best-selling author, Michelle Weidenbenner, announces the release of Kelly Schaefer’s memoir, Fractured Not Broken.

Years ago, parts of Kelly’s story appeared on ESPN and in Rosie, but now Kelly reveals the rest of the story in her new book, Fractured Not Broken.

Nineteen-year-old Kelly had it all—a healthy and athletic body, a star basketball-player boyfriend, and a fun college life with close friends.

But everything changed when a drunk driver rendered her a quadriplegic.

Kelly was left with arms and legs that couldn’t move. She couldn’t walk, write, feed herself or comb her hair. When she thought she couldn’t lose anything more—her boyfriend left her, unwilling to endure a life with a quad.

Through her darkest days of loss and pain, her family and community gathered together to push her forward, to help her persevere. With their help, Kelly moved closer to God and toward a faith she’d never had.

“Miracles come in many obscure moments,” Kelly said. “I spent most of my life awaiting my big break. I expected my miracle to be in the form of a pill, injection, or surgery that would enable my spine to heal and give me the mobile freedom I prayed for, but that didn’t happen.

Kristen Jongen’s quote says it all:
“‘My miracle came unannounced, and in an odd package. It looked different from what I imagined--untimely, unexpected, unpretentious--yet it fit perfectly. Divinely constructed solely for me.’"

Fractured Not Broken is a memoir of loss and faith, but it’s also a love story that sounds like fiction.

“Life has its tragic moments of defeat, setbacks, and fracturing for everyone. Kelly's story proves, however, that individual momentum, personal progress, and genuine achievement can still be attained. Her courage and optimism are uplifting. Open these pages and experience the joy of ultimate victory.” —Dr. Dennis E. Hensley, Author of Jesus in All Four Seasons

“This book has been a true encouragement to me. Thank you Kelly for sharing your story— the loss and the unexpected joy— so that each reader can be uplifted knowing there is a full, rich life available to those who lean in to our Lord Jesus.” —Renee Bondi, Award-Winning Singer and Songwriter

“This is a real life story of heroic virtue—especially of courage, humility, and generosity—a triumph of faith, hope and love. This story involves the very essence of the human spirit, family, and community. To know Kelly and her journey of miracles is to know that with God all things are possible.” —Most Reverend Charles C. Thompson Bishop of Evansville

This book will fracture the paradigms of the goals and expectations we set for ourselves and others. Kelly’s words will change how readers think of people with disabilities and bring hope to readers who have lost faith in finding true love. Weidenbenner’s other novels include Cache a Predator, Scattered Links, and an early chapter book series for girls called Éclair.

Kelly is a teacher, speaker, Young Life mentor and a Skittles lover. She brings fun to her classroom and inspires others every day with her faith and positive attitude.
 
Michelle, her aunt, feels blessed to be the one to write and share Kelly’s story. Although this is Michelle’s first nonfiction project, it was heart-felt inspired like her novels.

Goodreads page| Kobo | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | iBooks
**My thoughts**

You never know what you are going to get with a memoir. Some are well-written; others, not so much. I have read most of Michelle Weidenbenner's fiction, though, so I was willing to give this one a shot. It was well worth every moment.

Most of the story is told from Kelly's point of view. She feels free to let all of her emotions and thoughts pour out: the good, the bad, and the ugly. You get a very good sense of how she was feeling with every triumph and every pitfall along the way. Her story is so heartbreaking. I cannot even begin to fathom being out with friends one minute, and being a quadriplegic the next. To have all of those dreams shattered. And it isn't just her life that is affected. Her whole family. Her boyfriend. Her friends. The driver. The other passengers. That man's one bad decision cost so many people so much.

It's no wonder that her faith was so strongly tested. If I had faith like that, mine would also be tested. She comes back to it, slowly but surely, as she struggles to reclaim her life. Her stubbornness and determination to do something with her life in spite of all of her challenges is incredible. Where most people would shut down, she somehow found the strength to open herself back up. 

I'm not saying that the whole back is happy go-lucky and that Kelly is riding around on magical rainbows. It's actually quite sad. There's a true roller coaster ride along her journey. Not all of it is pleasant. You're going to get choked up, if not completely crying, through many parts of the story, both happy and sad. You're going to feel frustrated and inspired. It could also force you to take a good look at yourself in the mirror. If a quadriplegic can do all of this, why can't you?

I also loved how Kelly challenges you to look differently at people with disabilities. I have friends in wheelchairs. I have friends with other special needs, or perhaps their children have special needs. I teach young children, many of whom have special needs. But every time you hear about life from the point-of-view of a disabled person, it challenges your thoughts and actions. You think you are starting to understand, but really you can't. She provides another voice that needs to be heard.

A good share of the book focuses on Kelly's relationship with God. Some people may be turned off by some of this, but it is an essential part of her story. It also isn't preachy. She isn't telling you that you need to join this church NOW to get yourself healed. She is simply sharing how her relationship impacted her journey. Whether or not you have a strong relationship with God, I think you can get a lot out of Kelly's story. It's well-written. It's interesting. It's emotional. It's just good.


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'The Touch of Betrayal (Sin & Honey #2)' by Taryn Scarlett

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ToughofBetrayal

The Touch of Betrayal

For fans of Anita Diamant's The Red Tent comes the second novella in the scintillating SIN & HONEY series featuring the Bible's most powerful and seductive women...

So Delilah said to Samson, “Tell me the secret of your great strength.”—Judges 16:6 Delilah would do anything to escape her past.

Falling for Samson only got in the way.

Taryn Scarlett’s lush reimagining of Samson and Delilah uncovers the hidden truth behind the girl who became the most infamous seductress in history.

Delilah has come to the quiet valley of Sorek to start a new life, but when a man blackmails her with a devastating secret, she learns that not all sins can be buried in the past. In a dangerous bargain for her freedom, she agrees to seduce Samson, a notorious killer threatening the region—and if she can’t uncover the secret to his strength, she’ll forfeit her life.

But Samson is different than any man she has ever met before: godlike in his strength but guarding a passionate vulnerability that draws Delilah to him. Will she betray the man she has begun to fall for—or will she betray her own heart for freedom?
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Taryn ScarlettAbout the author:

Taryn Scarlett holds a B.A. in Theater and English with a concentration in Creative Writing. Her weaknesses are chocolate, floral sundresses, soapy TV dramas, and anything purple. SIN AND HONEY is her first series. You can visit Taryn at www.TarynScarlett.com.

Find the author on:
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Enter to win 1 of 5 copies of The Touch Of Betrayal. Giveaway ends August 14th, 11:59 pm EST.

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Monday, July 13, 2015

Book Blast & Giveaway 'Fractured, Not Broken' by M. Weidenbenner

Fractured Tour Banner

Fractured-KINDLEA Real Life Story of Heroic Virtue

Parts of this memoir appeared on ESPN and in Rosie

Warsaw, Indiana
July 08, 2015

Award-winning and best-selling author, Michelle Weidenbenner, announces the release of Kelly Schaefer’s memoir, Fractured Not Broken.

Years ago, parts of Kelly’s story appeared on ESPN and in Rosie, but now Kelly reveals the rest of the story in her new book, Fractured Not Broken.

Nineteen-year-old Kelly had it all—a healthy and athletic body, a star basketball-player boyfriend, and a fun college life with close friends.

But everything changed when a drunk driver rendered her a quadriplegic.

Kelly was left with arms and legs that couldn’t move. She couldn’t walk, write, feed herself or comb her hair. When she thought she couldn’t lose anything more—her boyfriend left her, unwilling to endure a life with a quad.

Through her darkest days of loss and pain, her family and community gathered together to push her forward, to help her persevere. With their help, Kelly moved closer to God and toward a faith she’d never had.

“Miracles come in many obscure moments,” Kelly said. “I spent most of my life awaiting my big break. I expected my miracle to be in the form of a pill, injection, or surgery that would enable my spine to heal and give me the mobile freedom I prayed for, but that didn’t happen.

“Kristen Jongen’s quote says it all:
“‘My miracle came unannounced, and in an odd package. It looked different from what I imagined--untimely, unexpected, unpretentious--yet it fit perfectly. Divinely constructed solely for me.’"

Fractured Not Broken is a memoir of loss and faith, but it’s also a love story that sounds like fiction.

“Life has its tragic moments of defeat, setbacks, and fracturing for everyone. Kelly's story proves, however, that individual momentum, personal progress, and genuine achievement can still be attained. Her courage and optimism are uplifting. Open these pages and experience the joy of ultimate victory.” —Dr. Dennis E. Hensley, Author of Jesus in All Four Seasons

“This book has been a true encouragement to me. Thank you Kelly for sharing your story— the loss and the unexpected joy— so that each reader can be uplifted knowing there is a full, rich life available to those who lean in to our Lord Jesus.” —Renee Bondi, Award-Winning Singer and Songwriter

“This is a real life story of heroic virtue—especially of courage, humility, and generosity—a triumph of faith, hope and love. This story involves the very essence of the human spirit, family, and community. To know Kelly and her journey of miracles is to know that with God all things are possible.” —Most Reverend Charles C. Thompson Bishop of Evansville

This book will fracture the paradigms of the goals and expectations we set for ourselves and others. Kelly’s words will change how readers think of people with disabilities and bring hope to readers who have lost faith in finding true love. Weidenbenner’s other novels include Cache a Predator, Scattered Links, and an early chapter book series for girls called Éclair.

Kelly is a teacher, speaker, Young Life mentor and a Skittles lover. She brings fun to her classroom and inspires others every day with her faith and positive attitude.
 
Michelle, her aunt, feels blessed to be the one to write and share Kelly’s story. Although this is Michelle’s first nonfiction project, it was heart-felt inspired like her novels.

Goodreads page| Kobo | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | iBooks


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Sunday, July 12, 2015

#KindleCountdown Sale! 'Her Time For Love' by Roxanne Amour


Blurb:

Looking for a Christian mystery and suspense story for romance lovers? Enjoy a sweet romantic tale suitable for all readers. They say time waits for now one except for the one person who can control it! Her Time for Love is an exciting historical romance classic unraveling in a beautiful European setting filled with mystery, madness and mayhem. If you like being part of the story you're reading then you'll enjoy sharing in Abigail's passions and fears as she searches for true love in this clean romance novella for all ages.


About the author:

With a name like Amour it seemed only natural to pursue a literary career and follow in the footsteps of all those talented romance writers of bygone days. Once introduced to historical romance novels Roxanne's course was set, her fate sealed she set out to delight readers of all ages who like sweet love stories in the romantic settings of yesteryear.

Monday, July 6, 2015

'Sanctuary (#Amish Romance)' by Sandy Goodridge


Blurb: 

When her two best friends are falling for Luke, the same man who stole her heart, can Olivia somehow manage to find happiness without losing her friends?

Olivia, Suzie and Sarah were the best of friends since they were
babies. They not only shared their most intimate thoughts and
feelings, they literally shared their dreams.

It seemed liked nothing could keep them apart from each other, until one day, a new Amish family moved into their community. And then they met Luke.

Will Luke choose Olivia and will they manage to get create a happy
life together?

Or will Luke break her heart and tear the best friends apart?

As tensions are rising between Olivia and her friends, the looming
specter of Death and the Englischer world threatens a swift and
unfortunate conclusion. Can Olivia find enough light within her heart to cast away this darkness?

Come spend some time with the Amish in this story of friendship, love, loss and redemption.

http://amzn.to/1dFZAJI