Just Commonly welcome authors to drop by and share with us their take on a book that embodies a predetermined Word of the Month! For the last month, let's spread the joy of reading to all!
“May you find joy in the Lord this Christmas.”
– Gina Holder
– Gina Holder
"“…weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” Psalm 30:5 (KJV)
As soon as I saw Joy as the Word of the Month, I knew exactly what book I wanted to recommend. When Joy Came to Stay by Karen Kingsbury embodies everything I want to share with you about joy today. It’s the Christmas season. Everyone is happy, merry, and bright… right? Not everyone. More people struggle with depression during the holidays than any other time of year.
When Joy Came to Stay tells the story of Maggie Stovall, a young foster mother who on the outside seems to have the perfect life, but on the inside—she’s crumbling in despair. Amanda Joy is a foster child, who’s innocent faith in God could make all the difference. When God brings the two of them together, can each bring the healing the other desperately needs?
Are you struggling with discouragement and depression this holiday season? Remember the words of the psalmist- “…weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” May you find joy in the Lord this Christmas.
“Weeping may remain for the night, but joy will come in the morning… She caught her breath. What was that last part? Joy? In the surprisingly comfortable silence Maggie pondered the thought and realized something she hadn’t before. That’s what had been missing: joy.”
“Suddenly it dawned on her. All she ever wanted from God was deep, genuine joy. The kind that would remind her in the darkest days how close and real God was, and that somehow hope was at hand.”
“Maggie smoothed a hand over Amanda’s hair. “What’s your middle name, Amanda?” “Joy. Amanda Joy Brownell…unless I get adopted.” She grinned at Ben again, and Maggie wondered what they’d been talking about the past few days. She had so much to catch up on; she could barely wait to hear the weeks of details she’d missed out on. Then in hit her. “Joy? Your middle name is Joy, honey?”"
As soon as I saw Joy as the Word of the Month, I knew exactly what book I wanted to recommend. When Joy Came to Stay by Karen Kingsbury embodies everything I want to share with you about joy today. It’s the Christmas season. Everyone is happy, merry, and bright… right? Not everyone. More people struggle with depression during the holidays than any other time of year.
When Joy Came to Stay tells the story of Maggie Stovall, a young foster mother who on the outside seems to have the perfect life, but on the inside—she’s crumbling in despair. Amanda Joy is a foster child, who’s innocent faith in God could make all the difference. When God brings the two of them together, can each bring the healing the other desperately needs?
Are you struggling with discouragement and depression this holiday season? Remember the words of the psalmist- “…weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” May you find joy in the Lord this Christmas.
“Weeping may remain for the night, but joy will come in the morning… She caught her breath. What was that last part? Joy? In the surprisingly comfortable silence Maggie pondered the thought and realized something she hadn’t before. That’s what had been missing: joy.”
“Suddenly it dawned on her. All she ever wanted from God was deep, genuine joy. The kind that would remind her in the darkest days how close and real God was, and that somehow hope was at hand.”
“Maggie smoothed a hand over Amanda’s hair. “What’s your middle name, Amanda?” “Joy. Amanda Joy Brownell…unless I get adopted.” She grinned at Ben again, and Maggie wondered what they’d been talking about the past few days. She had so much to catch up on; she could barely wait to hear the weeks of details she’d missed out on. Then in hit her. “Joy? Your middle name is Joy, honey?”"
ABOUT WHEN JOY CAME TO STAY by KAREN KINGSBURY
Maggie Stovall is trapped inside a person she’s spent years carefully crafting. Now the truth about who she is—and what she’s done—is bursting to the surface and sending Maggie into a spiral of despair. Will she walk away from everything, or can Maggie allow God to take her to a place of ultimate honesty—before it’s too late?
Maggie Stovall.
One of the golden people. She has it all together. At least on the surface…
Ben Stovall.
Godly husband. Successful attorney. Has no idea of the darkness about to overtake his life…
Amanda Joy.
Child of society. Abused, broken, thrown away. But her trust in God is still alive…
When Joy Came to Stay is the heart-wrenching story of one woman’s descent into the shadows of depression, her husband’s search for understanding, and a precious child’s unwavering faith.
Maggie Stovall.
One of the golden people. She has it all together. At least on the surface…
Ben Stovall.
Godly husband. Successful attorney. Has no idea of the darkness about to overtake his life…
Amanda Joy.
Child of society. Abused, broken, thrown away. But her trust in God is still alive…
When Joy Came to Stay is the heart-wrenching story of one woman’s descent into the shadows of depression, her husband’s search for understanding, and a precious child’s unwavering faith.
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Thank you, GINA!!
ABOUT WHITHER SHALL I GO? by GINA
Title: Whiter Shall I Go?Author: Gina Holder
Publisher: Gina Holder
Release Date: August 1, 2017
Genre: Inspirational Historical Fiction
Genre: Inspirational Historical Fiction
Whither Shall I Go? combines compelling characters, sweet romance, vivid setting, and historical details in this emotionally-charged story of one woman’s struggle to surrender to God’s plan and allow His grace to work in her life. Can life take her anywhere that his hand does not lead and his presence cannot be found?
“I miss him too, Bitty, but God knows best. Someday you’ll see.” If only I could believe that…
In 1911, Ellie Williams struggles to see God’s hand in her life when she loses both parents and is sent to live with her wealthy, estranged aunt, who transforms her from awkward country bumpkin to socialite heiress. Six years later, she meets a young preacher and finds hope as they serve the Lord together.
Robert Hampton is deeply devoted to God and desires to take the gospel to the unreached natives of Brazil. He didn’t expect to fall in love. When he is drafted, Robert is torn between his duty as a soldier and his budding affections for Ellie. Will Robert survive the trenches? Will he lose the only woman he’s ever loved?
Ellie’s journey takes her from her home in Cades Cove, Tennessee, to the concrete jungle of New York City, and finally to the harsh unforgiving world of the Amazon River Basin, where she meets Paul, a doctor who’s lost his way, and Jack, a soldier with amnesia. Encountering anacondas, jaguars, and an antagonistic shaman, will Ellie give in to the fears that threaten to overwhelm her?
Or can she depend on God’s grace to bring about His will for her life?
“I miss him too, Bitty, but God knows best. Someday you’ll see.” If only I could believe that…
In 1911, Ellie Williams struggles to see God’s hand in her life when she loses both parents and is sent to live with her wealthy, estranged aunt, who transforms her from awkward country bumpkin to socialite heiress. Six years later, she meets a young preacher and finds hope as they serve the Lord together.
Robert Hampton is deeply devoted to God and desires to take the gospel to the unreached natives of Brazil. He didn’t expect to fall in love. When he is drafted, Robert is torn between his duty as a soldier and his budding affections for Ellie. Will Robert survive the trenches? Will he lose the only woman he’s ever loved?
Ellie’s journey takes her from her home in Cades Cove, Tennessee, to the concrete jungle of New York City, and finally to the harsh unforgiving world of the Amazon River Basin, where she meets Paul, a doctor who’s lost his way, and Jack, a soldier with amnesia. Encountering anacondas, jaguars, and an antagonistic shaman, will Ellie give in to the fears that threaten to overwhelm her?
Or can she depend on God’s grace to bring about His will for her life?
TO PURCHASE A COPY OR ADD IT ON GOODREADS
Don't miss the rest of the Word of the Month series, on Mondays in 2017. Click on the image below to take you to posts already published.
Sounds good. I enjoy your reviews. Merry Christmas 🎁🎄
ReplyDeleteThank you!
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