Saturday, December 29, 2007

4th MOST ENTERTAINING BOOK of 2007 is...

"THE RESTORER" by SHARON HINCK!

Wow! What a book! Ironically, "The Restorer" had a lot of people a little standoffish at the beginning because this book is not your typical woman's romance book. I was not one of those people, I devoured this book as soon as I got a copy in my hands. My sister however was one of those people - why be standoffish you ask? Well, not everyone is enraptured by the thought of reading a sci-fi/fantasy/fiction book. The incredible thing is that I think "The Restorer" has actually made a lot of converts! I have heard some readers say that while they didn't think they would ever read a fantasy book, now they can't wait to read the next books in this series. Now I hope that settles in some of your minds that weren't sure this book would be something that you would enjoy - that it might be worth your time to check it out and see! Now on to why I liked it so much...
The heroine is a regular wife and mother who when wanting to spend some devotional alone time with God goes into the attic. While there she gets sucked into a portal that zaps her into some alternate world where good and bad abound. She discovers that here she is no regular person, but she has an incredible call on her life to save people (she is The Restorer) but she doesn't exactly know what that is or how to go about fulfilling that call. Now I feel I can tell you all that without ruining anything for a new reader... what I can't tell you is about the twist that comes in the middle that will make you gasp and love the book even more or about how she comes to start fulfilling her role as The Restorer. I can tell you that this book is full of amazing spiritual truths and nuggets and that it will make you think, really think, about many things in your life. I can honestly say that if you read this book based on my recommendation, I think you will thank me when you are done! I have to say too that I believe I have found a kindred spirit in Sharon Hinck - in the process of doing this interview with her I discovered that she was involved in Christian dance for years (as am I) she has connections to not just Nebraska, but Seward, NE (I lived there for years when I was younger and you have to understand that Seward is quite small and not many people have connections there)! Now let's meet Sharon Hinck...

1) Sometimes people think of authors as being bigger than life and not "real", so I thought we would start off with a very important question, one that will show people just how real you are! "What dessert can you not resist when it is time to indulge?"

E
mbarrassing confession here. If I were at an all-you-can eat buffet with tons of choices, the one thing I’d go back for, for desert, would be mashed potatoes and gravy. But if I have to stick with the desert category, I’d go with angel food cake. My mom used to make it for my birthday.

2) The buzz on "The Restorer" has been amazing and well deserved. I actually could've put "The Restorer" on both the Most Entertaining and the Most Life Changing lists because of how much people are enjoying it and how much it is changing the way people think. Did you have any idea your book would have this kind of impact or be so well received?

I’ll let you in on a secret. God nudged me to pray about this series in a targeted and specific way for years. After I wrote it and put out my first feelers about publication, and heard that it would be a tough sell in the CBA, I explained that news to God and planned to tuck it in a filing cabinet and move on to writing other kinds of books. He simply didn’t let me do that. He stirred me to keep sharing the manuscript with friends, praying for people to be touched by the story, and praying for an open door so it could reach a wider audience. Then He orchestrated an amazing chain of events to answer those prayers. When I pray for the readers of these stories (and I still do that regularly) I continue to feel a sort of “holy yearning” that is hard to explain – and not at all a normal experience for me. Because of God’s persistence with me in asking me to pray, I suspected He was up to something...but it still amazes me when I get reader mail that shares how specifically He used these stories to impact someone’s faith-walk.

3) Some people are leery of "sci-fi" or "fantasy" writing. What made you decide to write in that style?

I love hero-journey stories, and fish-out-of-water stories, so as the elements of the story began to unfold, that’s what the genre ended up being. I have shelves full of sci-fi and fantasy books, (along with many other genres! My bookshelves suffer from multiple personality disorder) and have always loved the genre, but actually wasn’t sure what genre I WAS writing, because The Restorer was a blend of elements. Ultimately, setting the story in an alternate world gave me a chance to look at familiar concepts in new ways, and freed me to explore the passionate relationship between God and the individual in a unique way.

4) The enemy in "The Restorer", the people called The Rhusicans, were an interesting plot in the story because their weapon of choice is to poison people's minds. As humans we allow all kinds of mind poisons into our lives (tv, radio, books, bad associations, etc...), The Rhusicans were an interesting way to bring that up. How did you come to develop The Rhusicans?

I love that you mention the sources of mind poison. While writing The Sword of Lyric series, I actually kept in mind the whole mass-media marketing industry – the “create a need” mentality. “Your laundry isn’t white enough, your hair isn’t shiny enough, you won’t be loved unless you drive this kind of car” sort of messages. Rhus is the botanical name of poison (as in poison ivy or poison oak) and the Rhusicans became an embodiment of the whispers we hear from “the devil, the world, and our sinful nature.” Plus, as a neurotic aspiring writer, I am often pummeled by negative voices, so the concept hit close to home. :-)

5) The sequel "The Restorer's Son" has come out and I've even heard some comments from people that they like the sequel even better than the original. Now we are all waiting for the third book in the series... will this be the end or is there more to come in this series?
You never know. The characters and storyworld continue to live in my mind. I’ve been delighted by the response to The Restorer’s Son. It was definitely one of my favorite writing experiences; and if you’ve ever wrestled with God, you’ll enjoy watching God’s love unfold to one character in particular.

6) What projects can we be looking from you after this?
The Restorer’s Journey releases in February, as does Symphony of Secrets (a contemporary fiction set in the professional music world about a professional flutist and her teen daughter – with some light mystery and a hint of romance – published by Bethany House). Then in September of 2008, Stepping Into Sunlight releases from BHP, about a Navy chaplain’s wife who is recovering from a violent crime and struggling to heal from post traumatic stress while her husband is on his first deployment.

Thank you so much, Sharon - not only for being with us today, but for writing such a great book! How can readers get in touch with you if they would like to?

I love hearing from readers. You can contact me through my website. I also have fun extras to explore at my website, so please visit me!
www.sharonhinck.com.
I send out a regular ezine to my Book Buddies, and you can subscribe for free, and I also post musings at my blog on a semi-regular basis.
My books are available at
http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/search?action=Search&author=Sharon%20Hinck&detailed_search=1&event=AFF&p=1023817

Sharon has agreed to give away a copy of THE RESTORER so if you haven't had the pleasure of reading it yet, then remember to leave a comment and let me know you would like to be entered and how to get in touch with you if you win. If you are one of the many who have been fortunate enough to have read it already, then please leave a comment telling us what you thought about it! And to win a copy of The Restorer's Son, leave a comment at my sister's blog.

The winner has now been chosen and this book goes to - BonnieConnerSilver - Congratulations!!!

100 comments:

Cara Putman said...

I so loved this book and the sequel, Restorer's Son, and I am so NOT a fantasy reader. Sharon has quickly become one of my favorite authors. Sign up, folks, it's great!

Pamela J said...

I have looked forward to some day owning this book since the first time I read about it. Each time I read again, I again am convinced that I indeed still wish to own and read it. My husband and I read together and this sounds like one for sure we would be both interested in. Please enter me.
Thank you. Pam
cepjwms at yahoo dot com

Susan Stitch said...

I have also heard the buzz on this book. I have it on my reading list, but some how I seem to be adding ten books for every one I read! I would like to be entered in the drawing for this one, please...having it in hand always moves a book to the top of the list!
Susan
likes_to_stamp@sbcglobal.net

Ausjenny said...

please enter me I haven't read a lot of fantasy but i am a sci fi fan cant get enough of Stargate.
I have only recently heard of this series.
ausjenny at gmail.com

Hannah said...

i'd love to win a copy of this book! hsmuda[at]gmail[dot]com thanks!

hippmom said...

I think the books in your list seem to get better and better - are you sure the order is flipped? Definetly enter my name in the drawing for this book. THanks!

angelahipp (at) charter (dot) net

Glynis said...

I only got a taste of your books when one was featured one week at DearReader.com's online book club. And I haven't been able to find any of them at my regular haunts (the second-hand book store or paperbackswap.com). I can't wait to read one all the way through! --Glynis autumnslight@yahoo.com

Lora Lease said...

I love almost all types of Christian writing, and sci fi/fantasy is at the top of my list (Kaitlyn would definitely LOVE this one too!). Please enter me in the contest.
Lora

Anonymous said...

I love Restorer and Restorers son, I've been getting all my friends hooked on Sharons books! Love em!

Stacey said...

I am one of the stand-offish ones, but I've heard great things about this book. Please put my name in the drawing.

stacey_dale[at]yahoo[dot]com

Vicki said...

sounds like a book I need to read!

Anonymous said...

Awesome!
I'd like to be entered.
kalelightwizard[at]aol[dot]com

Anonymous said...

I'd like to be entered too please
biggestxmenfan[at]aol[dot]com

Anonymous said...

cool.
I'd like to be entered to win The Restorer please

my email is
bellasdaughter[at]aol[dot]com

Anonymous said...

Such a cool offer!
please enter me!
roguelebeau6[at]aol[dot]com

Anonymous said...

AWESOMEFUL!!
I so love the idea of these contests.
please enter me

lilbrownkitsune[at]aol[dot]com

when are these contests gonna be done, btw? I didn't notice a cutoff date

Anonymous said...

I have to admit that I'm a reader who normally shies away from fantasy and sci-fi, but the excitement in your review has me adding this to my wish list.
Please enter me into the drawing.
ravensfree@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

SOOOOO SWEET!!!
please enter me
sesshokagome[at]aol[dot]com

Anonymous said...

coolio!
I wanna enter too please!
Dragonkeeperfan[at]aol[dot]com

Anonymous said...

could you enter me too?
thanks for doing these nice contests
ashleystalworthfoley[at]gmail[dot]com

Anonymous said...

nnnnnnnnnnniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiicccccccccccccccceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
please enter me
doorwithinfreak[at]gmail[dot]com

Anonymous said...

this contest rocks!!!
sign me up please!
maximumriderocks[at]gmail[dot]com

Anonymous said...

so cool!
I'd like to enter too please.
karenbannisterstalworth[at]gmail[dot]com

Anonymous said...

greatings earthlings.
I would like to sign up for this out of this realm book.

thank you earthlings.
here is my email

aliendoomduck[at]gmail[dot]com

you may go in peace....XP

Anonymous said...

ohhhh.....cooooolllllll!!!!!!!
please enter me.
bindingofthebladebiggestfanat]gmail[dot]com

Anonymous said...

oooopppsssiiieeeessss.....
it's
bindingofthebladebiggestfan[at]gmail[dot]com .....
sorry

Anonymous said...

awesome!
I would like to participate in this contest too please.
shamersdaughter[at]gmail[dot]com

Anonymous said...

this is so nice of you guys to do this contest.
I really hope I win....I really want this series and my library is mean and won't buy it cause they didn't like the 1 or 2 reviews they read about it.....<.<

sushiforonechick[at]gmail[dot]com

Anonymous said...

these sound like really awesome books and one way or another I will get my claws on a copy of them all.

I hope I win...;)

bonnieconnersilver[at]gmail[dot]com

Anonymous said...

this is really sweet of you guys to do.
I would like to enter please.

diblandfiliasdaughter[at]gmail[dot]com

Anonymous said...

I'd like to enter
neveraloneforever[at]gmail[dot]com

thankies

Anonymous said...

sweet!
princeaidanthomas[at]gmail[dot]com
thank you!

Anonymous said...

tis a very generous offer....thanks. :D
remylebeaufan[at]gmail[dot]com

Anonymous said...

so nice of you.
landofamara[at]gmail[dot]com

thank you

Anonymous said...

this is such a cool contest.
pyroquirrel[at]gmail[dot]com

Anonymous said...

awesome contest.

littlebambinobreadstickfan[at]gmail[dot]com

Anonymous said...

yey! this is SO COOL!
I wanna join in the contest!

lovethefluffymikopairing[at]gmail[dot]com

thank you!

Anonymous said...

really interesting looking contest.
please sign me up.

moonpiefan[at]gmail[dot]com

Anonymous said...

this is very nice of you guys to do.
thanks.
vanillapepsilover[at]gmail[dot]com

Anonymous said...

cool!
sign me up too please!

aidenxlexarecute[at]gmail[dot]com

Anonymous said...

cool!
sign me up too please!

aidenxlexarecute[at]gmail[dot]com

Audra E. said...

I'd like to be entered too... :]

thepeachykeenwriter@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Please enter me in the drawing

Jolene

Anonymous said...

so nice of you guys.
please sign me up.
auraliascolorsfan[at]gmail[dot]com

when are these contests ending???

Anonymous said...

sweet!
please sign me up!
plotbunniesofdoom[at]gmail[dot]com

Anonymous said...

COOL!
I wanna enter too please!
xmewolfsbane[at]gmail[dot]com

Anonymous said...

I would LOVE to enter these cool contests.
thanks for doing these.
LHLClark[at]hotmail[dot]com

Anonymous said...

ohhhh I wanna enter please!
chibikawaiishippo[at]yahoo[dot]com

thank you ;)

Anonymous said...

could you please enter me too?
everevereverafter[at]yahoo[dot]com

btw, when are these contests going to end?

Anonymous said...

this is such an awesome looking contest(s)
sign me up!
lilkawaiitenshi[at]yahoo[dot]com

ty!

Anonymous said...

COOL!
I so wanna enter this contest!
allpowerfulbugsquisher(at)yahoo(dot)com

Anonymous said...

Can I enter still?

fluffyinupuppy[at]yahoo[dot]com
thank you for this great looking contest

Anonymous said...

I would like to enter too please.

servantofkingeliam{at}yahoo{dot}com

how long will this contest run for anyway???

Anonymous said...

since I can comment I'm betting the contest is still up and running.

I would like to be entered too.

christianromancefanaticfan{at}yahoo{dot}com

thankyou!;)

Anonymous said...

when exactly are these contests supposed to end?
it's getting to be a pretty full house in the comment department...*whistles*

floatinglava(at)yahoo(dot)com

ty!

Anonymous said...

AWESOME!
count me in please!
icanhardlywaitforallmyholymt(at)yahoo(dot)com

Anonymous said...

NICE!
enter me too!

blacknekoyoukai[at]yahoo[dot]com

thankies!

Anonymous said...

please enter me!
jonasbronasfan[at]yahoo[dot]com

Anonymous said...

can I enter?

twilightfanaticfanbasemember{at}yahoo{dot}com

thank you

Anonymous said...

kick'in!

so cool....I've wanted to read these books for ALONG time.

dragonsinourmidstfreak(at)yahoo(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I wanna join the contest too!
diblisfunny[at]yahoo[dot]com

thank you SO MUCH!

Anonymous said...

This is like, sooooo cool!
kittyshadowcatpryde[at]yahoo[dot]com

like, thanks! >^.^<

Anonymous said...

I want to be in the fun too!
christmasshoesmakesmecry[at]yahoo[dot]com

Anonymous said...

I would also like to toss my hat in the contest.

iloveedwardcullenfanclubmember[at]yahoo[dot]com
;) thank you

Janna said...

You can register for this contest through Sunday (6th) the drawing will be that evening :-)

Janna

Anonymous said...

nice! count me in then!
fireworksgoboom[at]yahoo[dot]com

Anonymous said...

me too!
orangejuicesherbert[at]yahoo[dot]com

and thanks. :o)

Anonymous said...

wow....this is really cool of you and your sis to do....thank you!

vampiredangermagnet[at]yahoo[dot]com

Anonymous said...

ohhhh.....rats....I put @yahoo.com didn't I?

oopsies....

my email is actually...
fireworksgoboom[at]gmail[dot]com

too many yahoo.coms to think straight....>.<

sorry about writing a non-working email.

Anonymous said...

YEY! I would like to enter!
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Anonymous said...

Sign me up!
pausedhourglass[at]gmail[dot]com
thanks!

Anonymous said...

this is so kewl!
seeramongblind{at}gmail{dot}com

Anonymous said...

awesome!
count me in!
drowninmytears[at]gmail[dot]com

Anonymous said...

nice!
flameinthetwilight(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

sweet!
airlightwater[at]gmail[dot]com

Anonymous said...

such a wonderful contest!
ladytrentmysteryfan{at}gmail{dot}com

Anonymous said...

YEY! one of the book series on my list!
sign me up!
onemagicalbookworm(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I so hope I win....if not...there's always the Easter Bunny.....I think he'd pay that for the hostage negotiation fee....*plots*

jesustakethewheeltakeitfromme(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

hmmmm......I loved Arena by Karen Hancock so I think scifi/fantasy/christian stuff I will love....
count me in!
deadasascone{at}gmail{dot}com

Anonymous said...

please sign me up!
innerchildisacaligirl[at]gmail[dot]com

Anonymous said...

woah....I wanna join the party too!
bubbliesoap(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

count me in!
oraclesoffirefreak{at}gmail{dot}com

Anonymous said...

me too!
beautifulsingingriver(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I would like to join in the contest please.
wovenhearts[at]gmail[dot]com

Anonymous said...

I would love to win this book!
please enter me!!!
walterfoleyfanclubmember(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

definately a great sounding book!
firelizardlover[at]gmail[dot]com

Anonymous said...

count me in! please.
queenofanthrozils{at}gmail{dot}com

Anonymous said...

AWESOMEFUL! I so have to enter!
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Anonymous said...

Sign me up please!
iwuvartie{at}gmail{dot}com

Anonymous said...

COOL! I'm sooooo entering!
youarecrunchyandgoodwfrosting{at}gmail{dot}com

Anonymous said...

SO GREAT! count me in too please!
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Anonymous said...

sweet! sign me up!
ninjapirateygirl{at}gmail{dot}com
ty!

Anonymous said...

wooooaaaahhhh......nice!
prettyprettyhime(at)gmail(dot)com
thankies!

Anonymous said...

count me in!
iamhismidnightsun{at}gmail{dot}com

tahnky!

Anonymous said...

sign me up please!
tookaloueyvilleslugger(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

*jawdrops*wow......I so gotta enter!
proudmemofdeviantart[at]gmail[dot]com

please and thank you!

Anonymous said...

awesome!
count me in 2!
lovemymeezbuddy(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

such a great looking contest!
iminsanebutillusecatch224ever[at]gmail[dot]com

thankyou!

Anonymous said...

I would definately not mind entering this contest.
arenaismyfavscifibook{at}gmail{dot}com

thanks a bunch!

Janna said...

AND THE WINNER IS -

BONNIECONNERSILVER!!!

CONGRATULATIONS - THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR ENTERING!

If you didn't win you can still get Sharon's books at amazon.com, cbd.com, or barnes and noble online!