Monday, March 16, 2009

What people are saying about Talking to the Dead

Picture if you will a writer - let's say that writer is me. Fresh from writing her debut novel, she, with trembling hand, asks her peers (oh, let's face it, not peers - but superiors!) to read the thing in hopes they will like it enough to endorse it.

Let me say this about the CBA writing community - I've never met a group of more open, giving, generous, caring people in my life. Each writer listed below not only read and endorsed Talking to the Dead, but took the time to write me a personal note of encouragement and blessing. They have each added, not just to the book, but to my life because of their kindness and generosity.

I have spent the past month bawling my eyes out - in a good way - as I have read the endorsements for Talking to the Dead. I am profoundly grateful, and humbled by this bounty and by the grace found in these words.

There are more to come in and I will post them as they come - but I wanted to share with you what we have so far.

“It isn’t often that I get so hooked on the characters and story that I forget time and purpose. Talking to the Dead caught hold of my heart from page one. It takes a gifted and intuitive writer like Bonnie to bring humor into the middle of such a serious story. Call her the Jodi Piccoult of Christian fiction! Beautifully done! I can’t wait to read the next story she writes.”
Francine Rivers, bestselling author of Redeeming Love

“Rarely have I read a book that so completely captivated me. After reading the opening line on page one, I stayed up half the night to finish it. Bonnie Grove earns the title of master storyteller in Talking to the Dead. The tale of one woman’s journey through grief, mental illness, and betrayal is uplifting and filled with hope. The description that fits best is hauntingly beautiful.”
Ane Mulligan, editor, Novel Journey, and Afictionado columnist

“In Talking to the Dead, Bonnie Grove takes readers on a vivid journey through the memories of a woman grieving for her late husband. We’re drawn into Kate’s life, gripped by the slowly unfolding drama that unravels her sometimes painful past and, more importantly, reveals the key to her future. A captivating, powerful story. I highly recommend it.
Virginia Smith, author of Age before Beauty and the Sister-to-Sister Series

“Talking to the Dead will break your heart and put it back together, better than new. God bless Bonnie Grove for this riveting, insightful, unforgettable story! I couldn’t put it down.”
Kathleen Popa, author of To Dance in the Desert and The Feast of Saint Bertie

“Bonnie Grove’s amazing novel takes the reader on a unique and compelling journey into loss and restoration; a blend of The Pilot’s Wife and Girl, Interrupted. Well done.”
Sharon K. Souza, author of Lying on Sunday

“Talking to the Dead is a deeply moving narrative about grief, sanity, love, betrayal, and hard-won redemption. Bonnie Grove entices, tortures, then salves her readers through gritty characters and pitch-perfect writing. I thought about this book long after I put it down, and it stays with me today. Highly recommended.”
Mary E. DeMuth, author of Watching the Tree Limbs and Daisy Chain

“Talking to the Dead is a shirk-your-duties kind of book. You’ll read it to the neglect of laundry and cooking and bring it with you to read in the car at stoplights. With a story that unfolds in the most surprising ways and a protagonist so true-to-life you feel like you should be praying for her, Talking to the Dead delves deep into the recesses of grief, anger, and most importantly, redemption. Bonnie Grove has set the bar high with this one. I can’t wait to read her next book.” Alison Strobel, author of Violette Between and Worlds Collide

“With tightly-woven prose that is achingly real and skillfully rendered, Bonnie Grove has crafted a deeply-moving story of grief, betrayal and redemption. Grove’s engaging, authentic style is resonant and her words linger long after you’ve set the book down.”
Susan Meissner, author of The Shape of Mercy

"Bonnie Grove has a remarkable gift not only for can't-put-the-book-down storytelling, but she also takes on big, weighty issues -- betrayal, grief, wrenching regrets -- and handles them with compassion, humor, and ultimately, hope."
Joy Jordan-Lake, author Blue Hole Back Home, a novel; Why Jesus Makes Me Nervous, a nonfiction collection

"Masterfully written, Talking to the Dead thrusts you into the murky world of grief. Despite the deep subject, Bonnie Grove handles the topic with a light hand as we sojourn with a woman who questions her sanity while viewing life with a quirky sense of awareness. With a bittersweet blending of grief and grace, Talking to the Dead leaves you feeling fully satisfied."
Megan DiMaria Author of Out of Her Hands and Searching for Spice

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

WOW, I'm soooo happy for you.

Nicci said...

Once the media get their hands on it, the influx will be doubly overwhelming, if my "Future telling" radar is on track... ;)

You have written a gorgeous book, my friend.

Janet said...

If I hug you, will the awesomeness rub off on me?

LOL

Seriously, congratulations. Sounds totally wonderful.

Janet said...

OK, this is just too cool. The word verification for this comment is "amens". How appropriate is that?

Bonnie Grove said...

Lynn: Thank you so much.

Nicci: Couple in there you hadn't seen yet, eh? Yay! I'm a little bit in love with your "Future telling" radar.

Janet: Thanks! "amens" is the PERFECT word varification - these endoresments are an answer to prayer for sure!

Story and Logic Media Group said...

Nice. I am happy for you.

Nichole Osborn said...

Bonnie,
I'm so happy for yoy! Can't wait to read it!

vjc said...

Bonnie, This book is going to do such great things. I'm so excited for you and the endorsements are such a wonderful blessing! (I just met Kathleen Popa the other day - what a wonderful lady.)You have obviously written something exceptional and I'm looking forward to reading it too.

WTG, girl!