Six months ago I blogged on Hope, Redemption, and Second Chances. I wrote about the new Potter’s House multi-author series I was part of and my first book in the series, Restoring Faith.
Two weeks ago I released my second book in this series (which is book 14 in The Potter’s House Books as there are seven authors involved). Recovering Hope was a difficult book to write—the subject matter hit home personally—but oh, all the blood, sweat, and tears (okay, no blood involved) was worth it because readers are loving it.
The Potter’s House books wanted stories in the series with flawed characters in desperate need of hope, redemption, and second chances. A heroine struggling with depression was one of the stories I wanted to write because several women (and some men) in my family suffer from / or have suffered from depression—some closer to home than others. In some ways, Recovering Hope is their story.
I constantly saw God’s hand guiding me in the shaping and writing of Hope and Tyler’s story. For example, I’d envisaged some of the epilogue quite differently. I had planned to finish writing the book one Friday night, but the final chapter’s last scene took much longer to write. As such, I had to put off writing the epilogue to the Saturday. That night as I tried to fall asleep, the idea I used for the epilogue which gave Tyler the platform he had to bring glory to God through their situation, drifted into my mind, and I knew why writing that epilogue had been delayed. There were other God-instances in my writing process.
One of my beta readers had this to say about Recovering Hope: “This author takes a highly sensitive subject and bares the recovery process for all to see. She did not shy away from the tough moments, and I truly believe that this book will help women in their healing process.”
I hope you’ll grab a cup of coffee, a box of tissues, and snuggle up on your couch (or bed) to read Recovering Hope. I’ll be giving away an ecopy of Recovering Hope to three readers who comment on this blog.
In a single moment, a dream dies, and hope is lost.
Lovers of the ocean, Hope and Tyler Peterson long for the day they can dip their little one’s feet into its clear blue waters and pass on their passion for the sea.
Despite dedicating her life to the rescue and rehabilitation of God’s sea creatures, when their dream dies, Hope can’t muster the strength to do the same for herself. Give her a dark hole to hide away from the world and she’d be happy…if happiness were ever again within her reach.
While Tyler is able to design technology that probes the mysteries of the deep, he’s at a loss to find a way to help Hope surface from the darkness that has dragged her into its abyss. He struggles to plan for their future when his wife can barely cope with the here and now.
If they can’t recover hope, their marriage won’t survive.
This is an amazing story, and I cried too…. because it is so worth reading for anyone! I was so taken by just how much truth you gave these characters, they truly came alive for me!
Thank you, Paula. It’s easy to make characters come alive, when you’ve real life situations to draw from.
New author for me. Sounds good.
Thank you, Kim. I hope you get to try my books.
You bring hope through your writing. You reveal God’s redeeming love as the stories unfold. Praying for you.
Virginia, your prayers are so greatly appreciated. Thank you for your kind words.
Marion,
I loved this book so much. It touched deep in my heart!
Thanks for sharing it with us and being willing to write what God lays on your heart.
Take care dear friend!
Thank you, sweet Marylin. I’m so glad that you loved Recovering Hope.
Sounds like a wonderful, heartfelt story. ❤
Thank you, Mandy. I hope you get to read Recovering Hope.
Wow! This sounds amazing. Depression is tough. It’s in my family, too, and I’ve experienced some of it. I haven’t tried to write about it. I don’t think I’m quite ready for that, yet. Thanks for touching on a subject that presses down on SO MANY, Christians included.
Thank you, Regina. I’m humbled tgat God has turned the ashes of real life into something beautiful in Hope and Tyler’s story. I hope you get to read it soon.
I truly can’t wait to read this amazing sounding story! It has to wait until our move this coming weekend! I just love your books n you!?
Aw, thank you, Chris. I hope your move goes well and that soon you’ll be able to relax with Hope and Tyler’s story ?
One of my favorite authors!
Ah…thanks, Kat ?
This sounds like a very interesting storyline! I look forward to reading it!
Thank you, Tami. I hope you get to read Recovering Hope soon ?
I don’t know that I would be able to read this story…perhaps when I’m at a different season in my life…
I pray that season will come for you, Barb ❤
This sounds like a wonderful book. I would love to read it. All three of my adult children suffer from depression, but I do not, and it makes it very hard to relate to what they are going through. It is very hard to cope with their behaviors at times. Thank you for writing about a difficult topic.
I’m so sorry that you have this cross to bear, Linda. It is very hard to see your loved ones suffering with this disease that’s so difficult to understand for the non-sufferer. It certainly helped me to remember not to take it personally, that it was the illness. And that I wasn’t alone in the battle.
I hope you get to read Recovering Hope soon.
I love a book that hits your emotional side. I can’t wait to read this.
And I love a reader who doesn’t mind reaching for the tissues, Audrey ?. Hooe you get to read Hope and Tyler’s story soon.
I like stories that are based on something personal to you and based on your hearts love.
Thank you, Patricia.
This sounds like such a heartfelt book!
It is, Beth. I hope you get to read it?
It sounds like a true life story that I can’t wait to read. I love Lee Tobin McClain’s books and I am always impressed with her true to life people and circumstances.
Thank you, Cynthia. I hope you’re able to read Recovering Hope soon.
sounds like a great book!
Thanks, Shelia ?
Thank you for sharing! The excerpt sounds intriguing.
Thank you, Linda. Hope you get to read my book.
Depression runs in my family. I really want to read this book. Thank you for writing about this subject.
That’s tough, Jan. I know. I hope that Recovering Hope will be a blessing to you.
I’m thankful for authors who listen to God!
Thank you, Joan :)
It sounds like a wonderful book. I am a depression sufferer and as of right now, I’m not taking medication but that is due to the good Lord. He has pulled me through so much and I’m so grateful. You are in my prayers.
Thank you, Debbie. And that is wonderful that you’ve come so far. May you continue to go from strength to strength.
Deeply emotional subjects are hard. Depression is a tough subject.
I have training in clinical psychology and have soon realized it wasn’t for me to do the therapy side of it, so I just hide myself in a lab doing research about mental health and similar issues. Otherwise I’d just cry with (and for) them.
A very tough subject and disease indeed, Priscila. Thank you for what you do in your research.
Sounds like an awesome book!!
Thank you, Jerilynn. I hope you get to read it.
I can’t wait to read this book!!! My mom, my oldest son (21 yrs old), and myself all suffer from depression.
Three years ago, my husband/my boys dad, died very unexpected (he had just turned 53).. Never sick but died of an aortic dissection. We lost 3 babies before our oldest son was born and then lost our daughter after I had our youngest son. On top of that, I’ve been battling MS for the past 19 years (don’t worry, I’m kicking it’s butt)
I try to keep a good attitude and a good sense of humor.
Thank you, Suzie. I’m so sorry about the sudden loss of your husband, and of your babies. I pray that Recovering Hope will be a blessing to you.
And yes, I can see you have a good attitude and sense of humor–don’t ever lose that :) Stay strong, Suzie Q :)
This sounds like an interesting book. I struggle with depression, too.
I’m so sorry that you’re a sufferer too. I pray that you’ll be able to read Recovering Hope and that it will bless your soul.
This one is on my TBR Marion, just because it sounds like a wonderful journey! Congratulations on the new release!
Trdivincenzo (at) gmail (dot) com
Yay! I hope you get to read Recovering Hope soon, Teri.
Congratulations Marion on your new release!!! I’m sure it’s awesome!
Thank you, Natalya. Hope you get to read it :)
Even the blurb had me reaching for my tissue box.
Aw … ?❤
Congratulations to our three winners, Teri, Beth, and Kim. Ladies, I’ve emailed you each with the Bookfunnel link to download your copy of Recovering Hope. Happy reading all! And a very merry Christmas to all our Inspy Romance readers.