A book review by author Francis Etheredge

“Blue Sky” by Ed and Janice Hird is an unexpectedly good read. On beginning the book, it very quickly brings in the practice of prayer and, I have to say, almost produced a groan. However, the story itself rapidly captivated me to the point where, completing it in a day, it is a read that I am happy to recommend to all: the person who prays frequently or the person who has never prayed – but perhaps especially to parents and their children!

Instead, then, of the story unfolding in predictable ways, it twists and turns and, as it were, drills deep into the question of suffering, particularly the suffering of those who serve the suffering servant, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ; but not as if their suffering is in isolation to that of others and, therefore, this story place a pastor and his wife and family in the midst of many lives. As regards the habit of prayer, I realized very quickly that the pattern of almost praying constantly in front of all the daily and extraordinary difficulties of life is, actually, very true to life; and, I am glad to say, the authors brought me to tears at times, making me think that this book is based on more than an imaginative scenario but has some real experience of life behind it. Indeed, there are enough “stories” still to be told to encourage the authors to write a sequel!

For those of us who are Catholic, which the book mentions importantly, but peripherally, or those who are more obviously of an evangelical background, there is a real sense of the married couple at the heart of the book really being discovered more and more deeply in the mystery of God’s reconciling love in their marriage; and, therefore, I recommend this book to all who need, like me, encouragement to persevere in prayer through all the ordinary and extraordinary difficulties of life. In the widest and best sense, then, this book draws on the development of a relationship to Jesus Christ and His Church which, without being in any way stereotypical, shows the ever rippling benefit of a love that expresses the unique love of the enemy. Read it!

Francis Etheredge of Gloucester, England, is married with 11 children, 3 of whom are in heaven; he is the author of numerous book including The Prayerful Kiss, The Family on Pilgrimage: God Leads Through Dead Ends and the forthcoming, also from En Route Books and Media, Mary and Bioethics: An Exploration.

He has earned a BA Div (Hons), MA in Catholic Theology, PGC in Biblical Studies, PGC in Higher Education, and an MA in Marriage and Family (Distinction). He is a co-founder of the Donum Vitae Institute.

P. S. Click this Amazon link to view for free the first two chapters of our new novel Blue Sky.

“I’m afraid there’s been an accident…”

Sandy Brown and her family have just moved to Spokane, Washington where her husband, Scott, is pastoring a new church. With a fresh start, Sandy is determined to devote more time to her four children. But, within weeks of settling in their new life, the Brown family is plunged into turmoil.

Sandy receives shocking news that her children aren’t safe, which brings back haunting memories of the trauma she experienced as a girl. Then, the unthinkable happens…

A brutal attack puts Sandy on the brink of losing everything she’s loved. Her faith in God and the family she cherishes are pushed to the ultimate limit.

Is healing possible when so many loved ones are hurt? Are miracles really possible through the power of prayer? Can life return to the way it was before?

Blue Sky reveals how a mother’s most basic instinct isn’t for survival… but for family.

If you’re a fan of Karen Kingsbury, then you’ll love Blue Sky. Get your copy today on paperback or  kindle.

-Click to check out our marriage book For Better For Worse: discovering the keys to a lasting relationship on Amazon. You can even read the first two chapters for free to see if the book speaks to you.

-The sequel book Restoring Health: body, mind and spirit is available online with Amazon.com in both paperback and ebook form.  Dr. JI Packer wrote the foreword, saying “I heartily commend what he has written.” The book focuses on strengthening a new generation of healthy leaders. Drawing on examples from Titus’ healthy leadership in the pirate island of Crete, it shows how we can embrace a holistically healthy life.

In Canada, Amazon.ca has the book available in paperback and ebook. It is also posted on Amazon UK (paperback and ebook), Amazon France (paperback and ebook), and Amazon Germany (paperback and ebook).

Restoring Health is also available online on Barnes and Noble in both paperback and Nook/ebook form.  Nook gives a sample of the book to read online.

Indigo also offers the paperback and the Kobo ebook version.  You can also obtain it through ITunes as an IBook.

To receive a signed copy within North America, just send a $20 cheque (USD/CAN) to ED HIRD, 102 – 15168 19th Avenue, Surrey, BC, V4A 0A5, Canada.

-Click to purchase the Companion Bible Study by Jan Cox (for the Battle of the Soul of Canada) in both paperback and Kindle on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca 

Indigo also offers the paperback and the Kobo ebook version.  You can also obtain it through ITunes as an IBook.

To receive a signed copy within North America, just send a $20 cheque (USD/CAN) to ED HIRD, 102 – 15168 19th Avenue, Surrey, BC, V4A 0A5, Canada.

– In order to obtain a signed copy of the prequel book Battle for the Soul of Canada, please send a $18.50 cheque to ED HIRD, 102 – 15168 19th Avenue, Surrey, BC, V4A 0A5. For mailing the book to the USA, please send $20.00 USD.  This can also be done by PAYPAL using the e-mail ed_hird@telus.net . Be sure to list your mailing address. The Battle for the Soul of Canada e-book can be obtained for $4.99 CDN/USD.

-Click to purchase the Companion Bible Study by Jan Cox (for the Battle of the Soul of Canada) in both paperback and Kindle on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca