Synopsis:
This ninety-six page gift-book combines heartfelt poetry with powerful quotes and Scripture verses to speak to the heart and soul of anyone going through difficult times. The beautiful fabric binding with foil stamping makes this the perfect gift for anyone seeking comfort.
Author Cheryl Ricker reaches into the depths of human suffering from the perspective of Christ speaking to the reader in soothing poetic words.
This elegant gift book will reach the heart and soul of anyone facing difficult circumstances, leading them through their suffering into the arms of a faithful loving God.
Each two-page spread includes a poem, as well as reflections written by Christian leaders, along with healing Scripture verses.
Author Bio:
Cheryl Ricker has a degree in creative writing and has written columns and articles for various magazines and newspapers. She's been writing poetry all her life and her poems have won awards in fine arts and literary magazines. Cheryl lives with her husband and two sons in Rochester, Minnesota
Please check out Cheryl's amazing website for more information. www.cherylricker.com
Where to Buy
CONTEST INFORMATION, (NOT FOR THIS BLOG)
Cheryl is running a fun KINDLE giveaway during the blog tour.
Please tweet about it and share it on Facebook beginning September 20th and you could win a $50 gift certificate to Amazon.com! Let me know if you have any questions!
Tell your friends and followers about Cheryl's KINDLE contest! Share this as many times as you like - just email Amy (amy@litfusegroup.com) This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it by October 4th and let her know how many times you tweeted/shared on Facebook, twitter or blogged about the contest. Each ‘sharing’ represents one entry into the contest.
Here is a sample tweet you could use:
Share on Facebook: Know someone in pain? "A Friend in the Storm," Zondervan's latest gift book of quotes, Scriptures and poetry, is helping thousands find lasting Hope. Go here http://ow.ly/2BYiNto enter to win a KINDLE!
Tweet this: A Friend in the Storm by @cherylricker heals hearts in tough times. Enter 2 win a KINDLE http://ow.ly/2BYiN here! #litfuse (must use hashtag #litfuse to be entered)
OR CLICK THE BANNER AT THE TOP OF BLOG PAGE
©2010
Author Interview:
1. How did you come to be a writer and when did you start writing poetry?
I wanted to be two things when I was little: a writer and a missionary. On my swing-set, I’d sing poetic songs to the neighborhood, always eager to let them hear about Jesus. (
In high school, my English teacher asked me to enter my bag lady poem in a contest for a literary magazine. When I won first place I became even more serious about poetry and writing, so I decided to make it my college major. After graduated I went on to study theology, so I think it’s interesting how God directed both my dreams and fulfilled them together.
2. What do you enjoy most about writing poetry?
I love communing with God while I write. Nothing beats those ah-ha moments when He gives me a fresh insight. As a poet, I love when truth collides with metaphor and rhyme. I get excited when I can draw a word picture with soothing sounds that makes truth memorable.
3. Who is your favorite author?
Karen Kingsbury
4. What prompted you to write A Friend in the Storm?
It all started in 2005 when I went to a Mothers of Preschoolers group. As we were going around the circle introducing ourselves, I learned that one of the ladies, Chantale, had stage four lung cancer.
After a few weeks of getting to know her, she invited me to meet with her in her home for a time of regular prayer and Bible reading. I was honored but nervous because I didn’t know what I’d say. When God reminded me I could write her comfort poetry, it made sense. When I was growing up I used to write poetry to help me deal with my difficult emotions. Besides, people had been turning to the Psalms for comfort for ages.
Some people bring casseroles to hurting friends. I could bring poetry. (Trust me ~ Chantale wouldn’t have wanted my casseroles).
When it turned out she received a lot of comfort in my poetry, I kept writing ~ right until the day she asked if I’d read some of my poems at her funeral.
The month after she died, I attended a writer’s conference because I was interested in publishing a children’s book about a skunk. I quickly came to the conclusion that it stunk, but several people encouraged me to turn my poetry into a comfort gift book. That’s how A Friend in the Storm began. Five years and a thousand revisions ago.
5. What is the basic message of your book and what do you want readers to grasp?
I want readers to know that God hasn’t forgotten them. He feels what they feel. He’s holding them. He’s not going to waste their pain. He’s crazy about them.
It’s illustrated in the poem, “You”.
You’re forever on My mind
And in your presence I rejoice;
Singing out your name with angels,
All your sweetness fills My voice.
Keeping loved ones in My keeping,
I embrace a constant calm.
Whole and holy, I will hold you,
ever-after in My palm
Other Tour Stops Today:
Suzanne at Faith and Works
Amy at The 160 Acrewoods
Quilly at Quintessentially Quilly
My Opinion:
What a lovely little book!
It has a cute cover and that always pulls me in. Then you open the book to these beautiful illustrations, poems and quotes. All part of my favorite things collection.
I have a special place for poetry, since I write it, and also for quotes, (do check out my Saturday meme Quote It.)
I believe a lot of people would enjoy this as a table top book, or conversation piece.
Favorite Poem: Heaven Inside, Page 87.
4/5
~I received a copy from LitFuse. I was not compensated for my opinion.~
Thanks! I think Heaven Inside is one of my favorite's too. :)
ReplyDeleteI really must try this. I bet I would love this gem.
ReplyDelete