Late Friday afternoon I was readying for a local parade, and planning to go bowling and karaoking after. It’s been so busy with The Familiar Stranger‘s release around the corner, a UPS guy dropping off copies, the cat–Wait?!? Dropping off copies!!
Yes! I have now held my first book in my hands!!! 🙂 At 4:30, the beloved Brown chugged up our driveway and left a little present on the doorstep.
For almost an hour, I was in shock. It felt like a real book … like any book you might pluck from the shelves in a library, like one that might be perched on my nightstand BUT it had my name on it. Surreal!
Mom read the dedication and cried. Dad read the dedication … and cried. This is highly unusual, folks. My dad doesn’t cry out of joy often. Not sure I’ve EVER witnessed it before. What a loving, supportive family I have!
Mom asked, “If you could do anything right now, what would it be?”
“Go to Israel!” I don’t know where that came from, other than a desire to be physically closer to Jesus and since He walked there …
“What, within reason?”
“I don’t know!” And really, I didn’t. I had the overwhelming urge to offer a sacrifice, a thanks offering, to God.
So instead I called a few loved ones to share the news, stuck the pictures up on facebook, had a much-put-off conversation with the loved one who has been in huge legal trouble, and went bowling and karaoking. 🙂
As I talked with my friends and family, the reality began to sink in and I cried too. A whole bunch of happy tears. Who am I to deserve this blessing? Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!
Despite my recent family difficulties resulting in less blogging, there are so many of you who faithfully come by to check for an update. Thank you! If you have your own blog and want to help promote The Familiar Stranger, I would love to plug you in to the blog tour scheduled from Sept-Oct. If you’d like a FREE review copy, let me know ASAP. I do have a few copies left for that purpose and would love to put them in the hands of someone who has followed my writing journey!
(Margaret Daley posed an intro on her blog. She’s running an interview with me in just a few days.)
congrats on getting your copy! That must be such a wonderful feeling. 🙂
That has to feel SO GOOD!
Congratulations! I love the pictures.
~ Wendy
Congratulations! I’m so excited for you!
OK. I actually feel like crying for you! XOXOX I’m so very happy for you big Congrats!!!!!!!!
Congratulations!!!
I am so proud of you! I can’t wait to read it in a few days/weeks. WOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.
You’re excitement jumps right off the page, Christina! I’m so happy for you.
Blessings,
Susan 🙂
And you got two!!! Icing on the cake. : )
So how was bowling?
Woo Hoo!!! Can you see me cheering and shouting from the rooftop?
Congratulations, Christina! I’ve known this day would come ever since you and your mom sat next to me at your first OCW Conference.
Enjoy every moment!
Congrats, Christina! I look forward to reading it.
So exciting. Can’t tell how happy you all are from those big smiles or anything! :O)
Hi Christina! I just found out about your book on Lena Nelson Dooley’s blog! Do you still have any review copies left? I’d love to participate in the tour!! I read and review Christian fiction, romance, and YA books there! If you’d like to stop by and check it out here’s the address
http://steelergirl83.blogspot.com
Email:
steelergirl83(at)gmail(dot)com
Congratulations on the book! I can’t wait to read it!
Sincerely,
Renee
Waaaaahoooooeeeeyyyyy!!!!!! Can you hear me scream & squeal & giggle from there????? LOL! SO over the moon thrilled for you! Still grinning….enjoy!!! (and get the next one ready would you???)
Congratulations, Christina!!! You must be bouncing off the walls! Have been able to sleep??? LOL
~ Lori
http://sugarandgrits.blogspot.com
This just does my heart so much good…to see your joy and excitement. It is much deserved! I’m so happy for you. I can’t wait to hold my own SIGNED copy in my hands!
Hey all, you are so fabulous that I decided to enter you each in the ten-book giveaway that will take place on Sept. 30–my birthday!–for your comments here. I feel so loved and blessed!
Donna, bowling was great once they fogged the lanes up, turned on the black light, and cranked the tunes. I relaxed a little bit .. got one strike … another … and a … spare! Almost a turkey. 🙂
Judy, that seems like so long ago.
Renee, I’ll email you!
Lori, sleep? What’s that???
Love you all!!
Congratulations, Christina! I look forward to the day I hold my books in my hands.
You are a blessed lady. May your words touch many lives for Jesus.