Showing posts with label Words. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Words. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Congrats Christy Winners & Carol Finalists!

I apologize for being late with my posting, but I do have a good reason: I've spent the past two days riding roller coasters with my family. Who has time to be on the web when you're having fun with family? Priorities, right?

But, naturally, in my absence, the Christian literary world hasn't been quiet as the 2012 Christy Award winners and the ACFW Carol finalists have been announced. I'm thrilled that two of my favorite books from last year (Words by Ginny Yttrup and The Queen by Steven James) took home Christy's. And in the Carols, three Minnesotans (Julie Klassen, Erica Vetsch, and Susan May Warren) are represented.

Congratulations to all!



Tuesday, January 10, 2012

The End of the Debut Novels Page

Over this past year I've really enjoyed maintaining the Debut Novels page on Spire Reviews. I met so many wonderful authors, and I loved hearing about each of their journeys, all of which were inspiring.

One thing that truly amazed me was the high number of inspirational authors/novels debuting in a single year. I listed 54 on this page and I know I missed some. I've read several of the books, and many more sit in my to-be-read file on my Kindle. Two of these novels were awarded Favorite status from me (Words by Ginny Yttrup and The Resurrection by Mike Duran)--not an easy achievement for any book, as I'm very picky, let alone a novel written by a debut author.

I wish to thank all the authors who gave time and shared a piece of their heart with Spire Reviews. I loved getting to know you. Your Publication Journeys compel me to persevere. It was a privilege working with you!

That being said, I have decided not to continue the Debut Novel page into 2012. The research, while rewarding, can be very time-consuming and, at times, frustrating, so I've decided my time is better spent writing.

That does not mean the end of Spire Reviews, though. I plan on posting regularly, likely Tuesday of every week, so I'd love it if you would stop by and visit. I love talking books, especially those that stand above the rest.

I'm even open for suggestions if you've read a novel from a Christian worldview that you believe needs to be highlighted. It does not have to be published for the CBA market. City of Tranquil Light by Bo Caldwell, the recent winner of an INSPY, is an excellent example. Send me your suggestions and, if I also find the book to be exceptional, I'll spotlight it.

I look forward to our future conversations.

Brenda

Monday, February 14, 2011

WORDS

debut novel by Ginny L. Yttrup

B&H Publishing Group 2011
352 pages


Haunting. Compelling. Beautiful.

Kaylee Wren is ten. And silent. She hasn't spoken a word since her drug-addicted mother deserted her, leaving Kaylee behind with an abusive man in a run down cabin hidden among redwoods. The only memento her mother left behind is a book filled with the words Kaylee can't say. A dictionary.

Twelve years ago, Sierra Dawn's horrible choices ended up robbing her daughter Annie's life. Living with the guilt steals any joy from Sierra's life.

On the twelfth anniversary of Annie's death, Sierra Dawn flees to the remote redwoods where she discovers the little girl with haunted eyes. Eyes very much like Sierra's.

The two begin a journey searching for truth and find love along the way.

Anything I could write would be inadequate in describing this novel, so I'll just leave you with a few emotions and thoughts I recorded as read this book.

Painful. Compelling. Tear-inducing. Beautiful. Sickening. Powerful. Heart breaking. Uplifting. Maddening. Inspiring. Heart wrenching. Frustrating. Redeeming. Haunting.

Grace. Mercy. Hope. Love. Beauty.

By far, this is the best book I've read in 2011 and I recommend it to anyone looking for books that dare to dig beneath the surface, that dare to get down in the dirt with the hurting and lift them up out of it.

Meet Ginny Yttrup

Ginny Yttrup is an author, freelance writer, and writing coach. She has two grown sons and lives near Sacramento, California. WORDS is her debut novel.

http://www.ginnyyttrup.com/