Thursday, June 10, 2010

A MAZE OF GRACE: PREVIEW AND GIVEAWAY

GIVEAWAY ENDED
A MAZE OF GRACE

BY TRISH RYAN

ABOUT THE BOOK:

In her first book, Trish Ryan chronicled the ways in which finding faith lead her to the happily-ever-after ending that had eluded her for so long. Only it wasn't an ending. It was a beginning. In A MAZE OF GRACE, Ryan picks up where she left off, sharing the early years of her marriage, and the challenges that both shaped and startled her: temptations regarding fidelity, the anxiety of shifting body image, the awkward nature of following Jesus in a decidedly secular family and city, and struggles (depression, trying to conceive) that made her wonder if God had lost her file. With appealing candor, Ryan sweeps the reader into her life and ponders questions and issues that we all face, dropping nuggets of wisdom along the way that are sure to inspire, encourage and help readers from all walks of life.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:



Trish Ryan lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Visit her online at trishryanonline.blogspot.com and trishryanonline.com.



READING GROUP GUIDE:


1.) In A Maze of Grace, Trish discusses how her “Happily Ever After” played out differently than she expected, sometimes in good, bad, or surprising ways. Are you living your "Happily Ever After"? What does it look like for you?

2.) In the introduction, Trish says that one of the best parts of her faith is that it allows do-overs. What is your experience with second chances?


3.) Trish was excited to share the mundane aspects of marriage with her new husband: clogged sinks & burnt meatloaf. What do (or did) you envision marriage to be like?


4.) "GIRL—you’ve got to give that man some SEX!" was the best advice Trish and Steve received in their newlywed year. What’s your reaction to this advice?


5.) A situation with an attractive female coworker at Steve's work caused Trish concern. Do you agree with her caution?


6.) Trish describes a point in her marriage where it felt as if she and Steve had become “more like casual roommates than lovers.” Have you felt this way in a relationship? Is it inevitable, or something to push back against?


7.) Trish's friends Helena and Jasper shared how their marriage was damaged by an affair. After months of prayer and healing, they made it through to a wonderful restoration of their family. Have you ever been betrayed? Do you believe restoration is possible?


8.) Trish’s inability to get pregnant raised questions about whether God really listened or cared about her. Have you had a situation where you felt hopeless and abandoned by God? How did you handle it? What gave you hope?


9.) In moments of frustration and doubt in life, do you look for answers in a specific place, as Trish looked for them in books? What do you find?


10.) Trish describes 'Acedia' as the evil spirit akin to depression that assaulted her during dark times in her life. Have you experienced similar dark times? How did you handle them?


11.) Trish is surprised to find herself agreeing with Lori Gottlieb’s rally cry that women stop being so picky and “Marry That Man”…But with a caveat. What are your criteria for choosing a mate? How realistic are they? Does faith play a role?


12.) As Trish faced hard realities amidst her 'Happily Ever After', she saw 'glimpses of

grace'. Do you get glimpses of grace in your life? She says that even in hard times, God's voice can be heard, and hope can be found. Do you agree? Why or why not?

13.) In the beginning of her book Trish asks to be encouraged by her story. What were your thoughts as you finished the book?


14.) At the end of her book, Trish shares four words she heard at a friend’s wedding: Prayer Works. Love wins. What strikes you about this perspective?


GIVEAWAY


THANKS TO VALERIE AND MY FRIENDS
AT THE HACHETTE BOOK GROUP,
I HAVE THREE COPIES OF THIS
WONDERFUL BOOK TO GIVEAWAY!


THE RULES:

--U.S. AND CANADIAN RESIDENTS ONLY
--NO P. O. BOXES, PLEASE
--INCLUDE EMAIL ADDRESS IN COMMENT
--ALL ENTRIES/COMMENTS MUST BE
SEPARATE IN ORDER TO COUNT
AS MORE THAN ONE ENTRY



HOW TO ENTER

+1 ENTRY: COMMENT ON WHY YOU WOULD LIKE TO WIN THIS BOOK

+1 MORE ENTRY: BLOG OR TWEET ABOUT THIS GIVEAWAY AND COME BACK AND LEAVE A LINK

+1 MORE ENTRY: COMMENT ON ONE WAY YOU FOLLOW MY BLOG. IF YOU FOLLOW IN MORE THAN ONE, YOU CAN COMMENT SEPARATELY ON EACH FOR MORE ENTRIES

GIVEAWAY ENDS AT
6 PM, EST, JUNE 29

GOOD LUCK!

88 comments:

Cindy W. said...

I am an email subscriber & a GFC follower of your blog.

Smiles & Blessings,
Cindy W.

countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

Cindy W. said...

First off, I love the titel A Maze of Grace. The reason I would love to win this book is I love 'first' novels. There is always something so special about them. Please enter me into your giveaway.

Smiles & Blessings,
Cindy W.

countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

traveler said...

Thanks for featuring this lovely book which resounds with me. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

Rebecca Orr said...

Plain and simple...I love memoirs. They are real and honest {I hope!! LOL}. This books sounds like a good inspirational story, something that might lift others. Thanks for the chance. bekki1820cb at gmail

Rebecca Orr said...

Google Reader follower. bekki1820cb at gmail

Rebecca Orr said...

Tweeted: http://twitter.com/bekki1820cb/status/15856041619
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PoCoKat said...

Sounds like a good read and would love to win a copy.
Blog Follower
littleone AT shaw DOT ca

gcpeach17 said...

I am a follower on Google Reader

gcpeach17 at aol dot com

holdenj said...

I follow via google friend connect.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

holdenj said...

It sounds like a good memoir and I really like the title too.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

Charleydog said...

I would like to win this book because I am interested in reading works by an author I have never heard about.

Please enter my name in the giveaway for the book. Thanks!

pboylecharley AT hotmail DOT com

Linda Kish said...

GFC follower

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Linda Kish said...

I would like to read about the changes and growth in her life.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Alexandra said...

I'm a GFC follower.

d.alexandra2@yahoo.com

Alexandra said...

Thanks for this amazing giveaway!! I would love to read this book.It looks interesting!

d.alexandra2@yahoo.com

Debbie F said...

I follow on google reader

dcf_beth at verizon dot net

Debbie F said...

Im a follower GFC

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Debbie F said...

I would to win this book. I have been growing in my relationship with the Lord and I would love to read about other peoples journey. thanks

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Debbie F said...

I follow on networked blogs.

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Debbie said...

Follow on GFC.
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Debbie said...

I have read one other review on this and really thought the story line would appeal to me.
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409cope said...

I would like to read this book as it sounds like an honest and enjoyable read! cardshark42(at)hotmail(dot)com

409cope said...

I follow on facebook.Shari D cardshark42(at)hotmail(dot)com

Unknown said...

I'd lopve to win this book! I'd love to hear her journey & faith in God.

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Unknown said...

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chirth7@yahoo.com

Shirley said...

I think it would be good for me to read this book having just lost my Mom but even more my life changed forever 20 years ago when I lost my husband at such a young age to to a very rare form of brain cancer. I believe in God and always will but my faith was tested 20 yrs ago. I have not been to church since then either. I think this book could be good for me.
shundelt@yahoo.com

Shirley said...

tweet:
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shundelt@yahoo.com

Shirley said...

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Shirley said...

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Jeff H said...

I'd love to win this book for myu wife and my Mom. My wife will probably read it then give it to my Mom. jeff72768@yahoo.com

Jeff H said...

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Jeff H said...

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Jeff H said...

I'm an email subscriber now
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Jeff H said...

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Jeff H said...

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Jeff H said...

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Jeff H said...

I follow you on Twitter
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Unknown said...

This book sounds like the beginning of my marriage, I'd like to read it, I hope it inspires me to do the right things for me and my son. christina101092@yahoo.com

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rubynreba said...

Sounds like a good inspirational book!
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

rubynreba said...

Facebook friend.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

rubynreba said...

I follow.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

rubynreba said...

I am an email subscriber.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

Debbie F said...

I follow thru google reader

dcf_beth at verizon dot net

Debbie F said...

I love memoirs. this one sounds great! Thanks

dcf_beth at verizon dot net

Benita said...

Follower via GFC.

bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

Benita said...

Email subscriber.

bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

Benita said...

This is a memoir that promises to be fabulous. I'd love to follow the character's life and feelings about faith and grace.

bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

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cherdon said...

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cherdon@sympatico.ca

cherdon said...

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cherdon said...

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(cherdon)

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cherdon said...

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cherdon said...

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cherdon said...

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Nancye said...

I would like to read this book because the author and I have a lot in common. I have experienced infertility and depression. I am interested in learning how Trish dealt with these issues.

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

Nancye said...

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ossmcalc said...

I would like to read this book as I am interested in the "nuggets" of wisdom that she offers while facing the everyday trials and tribulations that we all face. Please enter me into your giveaway.

Thank you,

Christine
womackcm@sbcglobal.net

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