Thursday, September 03, 2009

The Familiar Stranger

One of the greatest blessings about our move to the Northwest has been rubbing elbows with new and established authors. The gals in the picture are two new friends and new authors.

Christina Berry (right) has just sold the first copy of her debut novel, Familiar Stranger (Moody Publishers) to fellow author, Camille Eide. I'm planning to take a break from my biblical fiction reading to spend a cozy weekend with Christina's book. Listen to this cover copy:
Craig Littleton has decided to end his marriage with his wife, Denise. But an accident lands him in the ICU with fuzzy memories. As Denise helps him remember who he is, she uncovers some dark secrets. Will this trauma create a fresh start? Or has his deceit destroyed the life they built together?
Yikes! I gotta know about this Craig Littleton guy! The other fun thing about Christina is her transparent, godly heart. I asked if I could share with my blog family a few words from her e-mail about the day she received her first box of Familiar Stranger books on her doorstep. Here's how she described her feelings:
"What a rush of emotions to open that box from Moody! Truthfully, I was in shock for an hour or so. As I called a few family members and friends, the tears came, along with a deep gratitude to God. Whom am I that He would bless me with a book? An urge to offer some type of thanks sacrifice gripped me, but I've yet to decide what that will be. Seeing my parents cry at the dedication was also a high point. It took a decade of writing and 42 rejections to find the right time and place for The Familiar Stranger. [I'm] Praising God from Whom all blessings flow, Christina."
I feel so blessed that the Lord has surrounded me with amazing people like Christina Berry - talented, godly and real. If you have a chance for a little leisurely reading, curl up with The Familiar Stranger.

7 comments:

Christina Tarabochia said...

Mesu, thanks for sharing this! What a special post ...

Denise said...

Sounds like a wonderful book – a must read. Thanks for introducing me to her and to her book. You are blessed, my friend, and I hope all continues to go well with your writing too. We pray to that end.

Mesu Andrews said...

It's my privilege to share with friends about my NW author friends, Christina! And yes, Denise, I am truly blessed - so looking forward to the day when my book arrives in a box on my doorstep!

Christina Tarabochia said...

I entered both of you into the drawing for the ten free books giveaway at the end of the month!

Sherrie Ashcraft said...

Thanks, Mesu, for writing such a nice post about my daughter and her book. It's great to have friends like you to help spread the news!

I hope to get to know you better through the local ACFW chapter.

mariska said...

'A must have' book, should i say? :)
I do enjoy every new things about Christina on this blog. Thank you for sharing them with us.
The very best for you now and always ;D
Mariska

Mesu Andrews said...

Thanks to both Sherrie and Mariska for your comments. Sherrie, how proud you must be of your fantastic daughter. And I know she's thrilled to be in a writing partnership with her sweet mama! I, too, am looking forward to getting to know you both better through ACFW Portland. Mariska, thanks for visiting the blog. I hope you come back often!