Yesterday was one of those days when I was buried beneath writing "stuff" without ever getting a word written.
One publisher needed a summary and the first three chapters to begin work on the cover. Another needed me to write a letter to retailers that will go out with copies of the book prior to the release date. I also finished a major overhaul to my web site, reverting to an earlier style with much more content (excerpts, reviews, and more) than I’ve had since trying something new over a year ago. Toss in a family (sort of) crisis that included driving back and forth across town twice and taking and making some long distance phone calls, and the day was shot.
However, not all was lost. The mail brought the June issue of Romantic Times Bookreviews. June is the month when Return to Me is released, so I flipped the magazine open to the Inspirational review page (with the usual angsty-paranoid-dread that assails most writers with the release of every book). And so imagine my joy when I read this:
RETURN TO ME
Robin Lee Hatcher
4 1/2 stars (Fantastic — A Keeper)
Mainstream Fiction“Hatcher never disappoints, and this book is no exception. Her unique twist on the prodigal son story (changed to prodigal daughter) focuses primarily on the ‘good’ daughter, Elena, who stayed home while her sister left. Readers will identify with Elena and her frustrations, and the book’s faith-building resolution will have them examining their own lives. Rarely do we see such a clear picture of God’s grace as in this novel.” (Zondervan, June)
That last line was particularly gratifying to me because when composing the letter for retailers a few hours earlier, I had written these two paragraphs:
I was completely taken with Roxy Burke from that moment on. In fact, I was taken with the entire Burke family and with Wyatt, the young man who has loved both sisters but must choose only one. Return to Me is the story of God’s amazing grace toward His children, no matter how far away we have run from Him.Grace is a thread that runs through all of my novels, I suppose because God has showered it so generously upon me, despite my sins, my flaws, and my stumbles along this walk of faith. It truly is an amazing grace, isn’t it?
It is always a blessing for a writer to know that what she wanted to convey was understood. I couldn’t be happier that this reviewer reacted to my story as she did.
BTW, I still have a few influencer copies remaining. For info about the offer, read this entry. Let me know if you’re interest.
Finally, in an abrupt change of subject, allow me to leave you with a chuckle.
Attention Men: Wanna know what to wear when your wife wants you to do something?
Here’s a photo illustration to help you out:
I almost missed it. Then I was ROFLOL!!
Have a great Tuesday!
-rlh-
Technorati Tags: Zondervan, Return to Me, Robin Lee Hatcher
