Book Review & Contests for A Friend in the Storm

Today I'm participating in a blog tour for a new book, A Friend in the Storm, by Cheryl Ricker.

At one time or another, we all experience storms in life. Perhaps you or someone you know is sick, unemployed, or grieving the loss of a loved one. What can you offer when you can't fix what's broken? You offer comfort.

A Friend in the Storm is a simple gift book with a profound message. It meets the reader where they are with a depth and understanding that comes from someone who has been there, too. Whatever the hurt, this book offers strength, comfort, and encouragement through heartfelt quotes, verses, and poetry.

Here are a few insights from author Cheryl Ricker:

Did anything happen in your life that made you more interested in the topic of pain?

A lot of things happened. Many I can’t get into; but I will say that I was sick a lot as a child. I had bad allergies and asthma, but I was also emotionally sick. For years I struggled with fears, phobias, over-sensitivities, rejection and depression.

Pain followed me into marriage. My husband and I had to work out a lot of tough issues for several years. We’ve had a lot of serious issues with our children too. Because of that, though, we love to help others. It’s like Christ says in one of my poems: “My comfort pours new life in you, in perfect time for others too.”

The fact is, I don’t think I could talk about hope and healing without first talking about pain and suffering. It’s universal. It’s the gate to talking about Christ’s healing love and transformative power, which we know is for available everyone.

What’s the big premise behind A Friend in the Storm?

Why would a God who loves so strong,

allow this blow of senseless wrong,

enwrap me in a shock of pain,

that tries to snuff what’s kept me sane.

With failing strength I’m struck down low,

so where’s this peace supposed to flow?

Inside this hole where dreaming dies,

beneath bare groans and screaming cries?

A Friend in the Storm addresses the question in the world: “why would a good and loving God allow this to happen?” The majority of the book is Christ’s response to that question.

What are the main things you hope to accomplish through your book?

I want readers to feel loved by God. I want them to be at peace that He’s still in control; He cares about their concerns. I want them to consider why there’s pain and suffering, to remember what God did about it, and to focus on the Day when pain and death with be no more. I pray they’ll know with certainty that heaven is their eternal home. I’d also like them to be excited that they have a faith-building tool they can easily share with others.

Cheryl is hosting this great contest over at her website during the blog tour...

Since this book covers matters of the heart, Cheryl wants to hear from YOUR heart! Submit an original poem, story or snippet about a time when someone was a friend in your storm… and she's giving you the opportunity to win a KINDLE to do it! Other prizes include signed copies of the book as well as a $50 gift certificate for Amazon.com.

Head on over to her Contest Page on her website to find out how to enter!

You can purchase a copy of A Friend in the Storm from Amazon.com or your local retailer.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”