2008 Christy Award Finalist - The Restorer

I just learned that The Restorer, (my fantasy/women's-fiction novel about a middle-American mom pulled through a portal into another world to fill a heroic role for a nation waiting for a promised Restorer), is a finalist for the Christy award!

I'm so in awe of God's kindness and unexpected blessings.

You can read about this award at the Christy Award site.

I'm particularly honored for two reasons. The 2007 year saw a wealth of beautiful Christian fiction in the "Visionary" category -- and I have huge respect for the other authors in the field and their work. On top of that, the two other nominees are amazing. Jeff Overstreet's book, Auralia's Colors, garnered super reviews -- it's on the shelf near my bed waiting to be read. Stephen Lawhead (his novel, Scarlet, is nominated) has been an author I've revered since college (many many years ago). He's truly one of the great Christian fantasy and adventure authors of our time.

Looking over the list of nominees in all the categories filled me with gratitude toward God. I've always believed that He is so awesome and multi-faceted that we need a variety of ways to communicate about Him - every form of art. And within the art form of the novel, we need a variety of genres and voices. I'm thrilled by the skilled authors who are serving Him by writing novels - contemporary, historical, humorous "lits", romance, suspense, visionary, and more.

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck

Sharon's Books

Book Chat and Book Give-away!

April 20-30, the ACFW Online Book Club is chatting about The Restorer's Son. You can join in the yahoo group by clicking "join" at this link.

Everyone who reads the book and participates in the discussion will be entered in a drawing for one of FIVE free copies of the next book in the series, The Restorer's Journey. The winners will be announced at the live on-line chat on May 5th.

So come over today! It's a warm lively group, and I'll be popping in to join the discussion and answer questions.

Blessings!
Sharon

A Visit from Amy Wallace

I had the privilege of reading an early copy of Healing Promises by Amy Wallace. Be sure to read her first book, Ransomed Dreams, for an even better experience of enjoying this new novel.

Healing Promises was one of the most compelling stories I read last year - full of spiritual depth, rich with authentically drawn struggles, yet also packed with hope. Amy Wallace humanizes the typical heroic character in a powerful way. I identified with Clint's battle as his own body betrayed him, and with Sara's journey toward trusting God even when it hurt too much to hope. I couldn't put the book down, and left the story encouraged and inspired.

Here's some more info:

Facing a new threat
When FBI Agent Clint Rollins takes a bullet during a standoff, it might just save his life. But not even the ugly things he's seen during his years working in the Crimes Against Children Unit could prepare him for the overwhelming powerlessness of hospital tests revealing an unexpected diagnosis. If only Sara weren't retreating into doctor mode...he needs his wife now more than ever.

Frozen in fear
Sara Rollins is an oncologist with a mission--beating cancer when she can, easing her patients' suffering at the very least. Now the life of her tall Texan husband is at stake. She never let the odds steal her hope before, but now the question of God's healing promises is personal. Can she hold on to the truth she claimed to believe?

Faith under fire
As Clint continues to track down a serial kidnapper despite his illness, former investigations haunt his nightmares, pushing him beyond solving the case into risking his life and career. Clint struggles to believe God is still the God of miracles. Especially when he needs not one, but two. Everything in his life is reduced to one all-important question: Can God be trusted?


Visit Amy's "Heart Chocolate" website and sign up for her Dark Chocolate Suspense newsletter here.
Ransomed Dreams at Amazon
Healing Promises at Amazon
Ransomed Dreams first chapter
Healing Promises first chapter

Order "Healing Promises"

Multi-author Events

Since being published, I've been blessed with many opportunities to partner with other authors - on book tours, speaking events, book signings, panel discussions. There is a great joy in spending time on an effort that doesn't focus on promoting my own work, but ministering to people and supporting the work of other Christian authors.

I'm part of a fun event coming up on April 26 at the Maple Grove Northwestern Bookstore in Minnesota. Lisa Barry, from KTIS, will facilitate chats on stage with each of the participating authors. I know and admire each of these authors, and can't wait to spend time with them again. We'll also have oodles of prizes for folks who stop in the story, and special goodies for those who purchase books.

The events manager, Bev, even created a seed packet (complete with flower seeds inside!) using the covers of all our books. I posted photos of the packets below. What a fun, creative gift! Bev always makes these in-store events extra special. If you know anyone in the Twin Cities area, be sure to let them know, so they don't miss this fun afternoon!

Blessings!
Sharon

Sharon's Books

Speaking of Gifts

In honor of all the spring events approaching (Mother's Day, Graduations, etc.) I've discounted all my books at the marvelous site called:

Signed By the Author

You can order any of my books and have them autographed and personalized (especially fun if you want to give them as gifts!)

Symphony of Secrets is a PERFECT end-of-the-year gift for music teachers, choir directors, church music ministers, etc.

The Secret Life of Becky Miller and Renovating Becky Miller are great for Mother's Day, for new-baby gifts, or for your MOPS or Moms-in-Touch ministry leader.

The Sword of Lyric Series is a fun graduation gift - fantasy novels about the hero's journey - for young heroes beginning their adventures in life.

Happy Gift Giving!
Sharon

Mother's Day Idea

Check out the first item on this Mother's Day List of Top 5 Great New Books for Women at About.com.

A friend spotted it and sent me the link. How fun!

If you live in Minnesota, I'd love to see you at an upcoming event.

Barnes & Noble, Mankato MN, 7:00pm, Friday, April 25

and

Northwestern Bookstore, Maple Grove, MN, 1:00 pm, Saturday April 26.

Blessings!
Sharon

Being a Fool

The weather sent a little April Fool's joke to Minnesota. This is the view from my window. I appreciate the beauty of snow-flocked trees, but I'm SO ready for Spring!

Today I wrote about the beauty of foolishness over at Faithchicks. Please stop by and leave a comment!

Blessings!

Sharon Hinck

Sharon writes stories for the hero in all of us. Her two latest releases are Symphony of Secrets and The Restorer's Journey. Learn about them here:
Sharon's Books