Ramblings-n-Writings

Archive for September 4th, 2009

I’ve spent a lot of time recently considering how much of my personal story I wanted to share online. Some of you know the bombshell that dropped in my life two months ago. Others, who aren’t familiar with my story, are probably wondering if I was ever going to write something other than a book review. I believe the time is now.

As I contemplate what to say and how to say it, two things are running through my head. First, I want what I write to be a blessing and encouragement to others in the same situation. Second, over the past year, maybe longer, I spent a lot of time praying and asking God to give me a book to write. I always thought it would be a historical fiction book. I’ve even tried my hand at it. Now I realize I have a much greater story to tell, and it probably won’t be fiction……

Four years and almost 1 month to the day after I stood before God and pledged my life to my husband, I woke up to find him gone. For good. Not coming back. Ever. That happened in early July. Since then I’ve grieved, learned to deal with the pain of rejection, went to my first divorce hearing, found out how amazing and gracious God really is, and discovered I have some of the best friends in the world.

Will you join with me as I tell you my story? For those who have walked this same road, I’d love to hear your personal stories – how God created beauty from the ashes in your life. Leave me a comment or if you don’t want to talk publicly, send me an email.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Grace Winslow, the daughter of a mixed marriage between an English sea captain and an African princess, is swept up in a slave revolt after she escapes the family compound to avoid an odious betrothal.

As the truth about the fortress of Zulina unfolds, Grace begins to grasp the brutality and ferocity of the family─the capture and trade of slaves.

Despite being held for ransom, viciously maimed by a runaway slave, and threatened with death, Grace sympathizes with the plight of the captives. She is especially moved by the African Cabeto’s passion, determination, and willingness to sacrifice anything, including his own life, for his people’s freedom. Leaning on the faith of her nanny Mama Muco, Grace risks everything to follow her heart.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Call Of Zulina, go HERE.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Of Kay Marshall Strom’s 34 published books, four have been book club selections, nine have been translated into foreign languages, and one has been optioned for a movie.

Her writing credits also include numerous magazine articles, short stories, two prize-winning screenplays, books and stories for children, and booklets for writers. Her writing has appeared in several volumes, including More Than Conquerors, Amazing Love, The NIV Couple’s Devotional Bible and The NIV Women’s Devotional Bible, and The Bible for Today’s Christian Woman.

Her work also is included in a number of compilations, including various books from the Stories for the Heart series. Her best-known book is Once Blind: The Life of John Newton, which is packaged with the recently released DVD Amazing Grace. She also has written several books with her husband, Dan Kline. Kay is a partner in Kline, Strom International, Inc., leaders in communication training. She currently lives in Eugene, Oregon.

As an activist against modern slavery, Kay Strom takes an indirect approach to calling attention to that issue with her newest fiction title, the first of three planned in the Grace in Africa series, set in West Africa in 1787.

MY THOUGHTS

I just received my copy of this book yesterday. I have to say that I love the cover and the blurb on the back makes me want to sit down and read the book right now. Nevermind about having to work and all that. I’ll let you know what I think of it when I’m done!