Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Healing Stones by Nancy Rue and Stephen Arterburn (AND A GIVEAWAY)

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I'm not a huge fan of the trend of blending fiction and counseling that I'm noticing. First, it was Gary Smalley teaming up with Karen Kingsbury (fans of Karen: put down those tomatoes:-). Then, it was Gary Chapman and Catherine Palmer. Something I've tagged, "life lesson lit".

So, when I saw this new series by Nancy Rue and Stephen Arterburn, I was skeptical and almost said, "Pass."

What a HUGE mistake that would have been!

Fortunately for me, and for you, I've been a huge fan of Nancy Rue's writing for some time (if you haven't read "Pascal's Wager" or "Tristan's Gap", get thee to a Christian bookstore NOW!). And I've loved Steve Arterburn ever since hearing him speak at a Women of Faith event I attended with my mom and my sister years ago (I think my mom fell in love with him---I mean, his wise counsel!).

So, I grabbed up a copy of "Healing Stones" and settled in for a life lesson couched in fiction. Instead, I met a family in pain that melded to my heart and had me in tears and in prayer, thinking of people I know whose lives are torn apart by sin and how I can offer them Jesus' gift of forgiveness instead of the enemy's condemnation.

In one instant, Demitria Costanas has everything in her life ripped from her: her job, her marriage, her family and her self-respect--leaving her torn, ravaged and bleeding. A supposed seed of momentary pleasure and worth has left her reaping a crop of destruction that seems neverending

She becomes a modern day Hester Prynne, wearing the scarlet letter "A" for all to see (read "The Scarlet Letter"--or ask a friend). But unorthodox psychologist Sullivan Crisp begins the healing process in her life...and ultimately finds his own much needed healing in the process.

Still, questions remain. Who was behind Demi's secret coming to light? Will her husband ever forgive, or never forget? What is Christopher's problem (oh, how I wanted to smack him!), and how has this affected her precious baby girl, Jayne? Can ANYONE in this novel learn to put down their stones and forgive?

With unforgettable characters and true to life situations, this powerful novel grips you from the first page and doesn't release it's hold until the final climatic scene. And do NOT make the assumption you have all the pieces in place...this duo knows how to write, and they aren't afraid to toss a curve ball in now and then--and they all are very nicely done, I might add!

Ultimately, Nancy and Stephen perfectly blend story and counsel to remind us what it is to truly be forgiven, and what it is to truly forgive. The story is so engaging and page-turning you simply forget you're getting counseling as an added bonus:-)

Even more exciting...this is going to be a series with Dr. Sullivan Crisp, and I just love that guy! His unique brand of counseling adds humor and wit--I only wish we had more psychologists like Sully around.

So, I'm giving "Healing Stones" six out of five bookmarks, with a firefighter's helmet as a charm...in honor of those who sacrificed on 9/11 and those who continue on in the face of great loss. In fact, I'm voting "Healing Stones" the "Best Life Lesson Lit of 2008"!!

Oh, I almost forgot....want to win a copy? Leave me a comment and I just might draw your name...I'll pick a winner next Tuesday (hopefully, I'll remember:-)

Happy Reading!

Deena

15 comments:

Amy said...

Please enter me, the book sounds fantastic. :)

Brittanie said...

I finished this book yesterday. It was great! I loved it. I searched online but I can't find a hint of when the next one is going to come out.

Anonymous said...

Please enter me! It sounds like a great new book!

L said...

Forgiveness is a wonderful thing; this book looks great! Please enter me too.

windycindy said...

Where would we be without forgiveness? I have read and heard many great things about this book. Your review complimented this fact! Please enter me in your drawing.
Thanks,Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

Jeff Watson said...

Sign me up. I just listened to Steve Arterburn and company at www.newlife.com on their radio broadcast. He's been mentioning in the book and I googled and your review came up. Thanks for the good review.

Kim said...

This book is AWESOME!!! Prepared to be changed! This is one of the best books I've ever read!!

Great review Deena!

Kim

Unknown said...

Sounds excellent. Please enter me.

sarah.nasal at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

Hello Deena -

Sounds like a good read. Please enter me.

Melissa
forest_rose[at]yahoo[dot]com

tetewa said...

I'd like to be included!

robynl said...

Forgiveness is the true way to go so you can 'live' again. I'd love to win a copy so please enter me. Thanks.

Unknown said...

I'd love to be included in the contest! :) I just now stumbled across your blog and I LOVE it! Thanks!

Rebecca
tiggerdaisy@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

The next book is Healing Waters, which should be out December '08.

Judy Webster said...

Spoiler Alert ... do not read if you haven't read the book...

I'm a big fan of Steve's and I enjoyed reading this book but 3 things disappointed me. 1. It seemed too easy to make the man she had an affair with a villian. How much harder it is to get over an affair if the other party if another sinner saved by God's grace who made a bad choice too. 2. The fire at the end was also too easy. Bad guy buys it permanently and husband ends up almost dying. 3. The son could easily have been that much of a pill without having made someone pregnant. It just seemed like everything tied up too neatly. All these things would have been much harder to deal with without psycho lover, burned husband and teenage father.
Judy Webster

Anonymous said...

I just started this book last night.... thanks for a great review!