Genre: Christian Fiction
Book Description
Jonica is infertile. Stacie chooses an abortion. One is prolife the other prochoice. Both are suddenly alone in misunderstanding, facing hypocrisies in their belief systems, and grieving – one the death of a dream and the other the death of her child. As their hearts break where in the world will they find healing and grace? Can shattered dreams be part of the plan?
My Thoughts
Before I even start, please note that this book is Christian Fiction, thus it is very heavily laced with discussions and conversations with God and does document Scripture. My review also discusses God and my own personal situation.
I am going to write this review a bit differently than I normally do. I am going to speak from my heart and discuss my personal life. I do apologize in advance if anyone is offended, but this book touched me in a way that no other book has! This book affected me deeply and profoundly and has truly changed my outlook on life. Pretty crazy for a book, huh?
When I was 24, I was diagnosed with Premature Ovarian Failure. Basically, I was told that I have less than a 10 percent chance of ever having a child of my own. It was utterly devastating to hear news like that at such a young age. Over the last 8 years, I have been battling my infertility, upset at God, and blaming myself. Also during that time, I seemed to have strayed from my Catholic roots.
What are my choices? Egg donation or adoption. Lately, I have been in a funk even more so than normal, trying to figure out what is best for me and my husband. I’m not getting any younger (as my doctor pointed out at my last visit), so if I want to try egg donation, I better hurry up and start! Talk about pressure! After many discussions, DH and I decided not to go that route, although it hasn’t stopped me from constantly wondering if that’s the right choice.
When I saw that this book would be a Virtual Book Tour, I was intrigued and signed up. Immediately upon reading the last page, I closed the cover and promptly started sobbing uncontrollably. Ms. DeKok’s book has finally allowed me to accept that God isn’t punishing me. God does have a plan for me and I must trust in Him. I truly believe that God brought this book to me during one of my darker times as a sign that He loves me and is not punishing me. It feels amazing to let that burden go.
Jonica and Stacie are two strong female characters who form a strong friendship and grow together in God’s love. Jonica is a devout Christian who is unable to have children; Stacie is an atheist who used her legal right to have an abortion, but immediately regrets that choice. This book follows Jonica and Stacie through their ups and downs, told in their alternating voices. Some parts do get a bit repetitive as the POV will change from Jonica to Stacie and events will be restated from the other’s POV. It’s a minor annoyance and did not detract from my enjoyment of the story. I also really liked the side plot with Stacie’s parents, especially her mother, Eve, who battles her own demons.
This is a powerful story and I encourage any woman battling infertility or Post Abortion Syndrome to read this book. I hope it changes your outlook on life as it has done to mine. I encourage you to email me if you would like to have a private discussion.
Intrigued? Want a copy of the book for yourself? See below for the awesome giveaway!
Book Trailer
Check out the book trailer for Rain Dance!
About the Author
Joy DeKok and her husband, Jon, live in Minnesota on thirty-five acres of woods and fields. Joy has been writing most of her life and as a popular speaker shares her heart and passion for God with women. In addition to writing novels, she has also published a devotional and several children’s books.
Visit Joy online at: http://www.joydekok.com/, http://www.raindancebook.com/, http://www.believe4kids.com/ and http://www.gettingitwrite.net/.
Giveaway
Would you like to win a copy of this amazing, inspirational book? You MUST be a follower of this blog to enter! You can subscribe through Google Friend Connect or my email updates! Once you do that, please fill out the following form, powered by Contestmachine.com.
I have one copy to giveaway to USA or Canada residents only! The contest will run from 12/16/09 through 1/6/10.
Thank you for allowing me to share my personal struggle with all of you!
If you are reading this anywhere other than a feed reader, then this is not original content and was taken without permission from Crazy-for-Books.
Hi Jennifer,I am so happy that Joy's book has been helpful to you. When you emailed me last night I wasn't sure what impact the book had, but after reading your story I am glad to know that you have found some peace in this situation. I can only imagine how hard this must be for you to deal with.I will pray that God guides your decisions regarding your future and that no matter what happens you can continue to see God's work in your life.Merry Christmas to you and your readers.All my best,Cheryl
Thanks for the honest and personal thoughts. I almost cried just reading your review. I'm very interested in reading this! It sounds like it was very therapeutic. I'm also dealing with infertility but mine is still unexplained and we didn't find out until we started trying about 3 1/2 years ago.
Thank you for your review! There are a lot of people in my friends/family struggling with issues like this, and I am going to recommend this book and this entry to all of them, if you don't mind!
would enjoy reading this book…thanks for the opportunity…i'm a subscriber
karenkkmkuka(at)yahoo(dot)Com
I had the honor of reading Joy's first release of Rain Dance years ago and have frequently recommended this book over the years. Please do NOT enter me in the drawing (if I win, please pick a different name) as I want this book to go to someone who hasn't had the chance to read it yet. Just had to drop by and agree that it's a wonderful read! I also love the new cover design.
Jenni Saakeauthor, http://www.HannahsHopeBook.com
I had the honor of reading Joy's first release of Rain Dance years ago and have frequently recommended this book over the years. Please do NOT enter me in the drawing (if I win, please pick a different name) as I want this book to go to someone who hasn't had the chance to read it yet. Just had to drop by and agree that it's a wonderful read! I also love the new cover design.
Jenni Saake
author, http://www.HannahsHopeBook.com
Jenni – thank you for your post! I'm so glad it has touched others, like it did for me. It's truly an incredible story.
You are very strong for sharing your story. I wish you the best of luck.
I so happy this book was a comfort to you. I love when I can relate to what the author is trying to convey. Great post
Great Post…..I found your site on stumbleupon and read a few of your other posts. Keep up the good work. I just added your RSS feed to my Google News Reader. Looking forward to reading more from you down the road!Thanks for sharing….