Friday, September 29, 2017

"Hold the Light" by April McGowan (and a GIVEAWAY!)


WhiteFire publishing has graciously offered to give away a copy of this new release (for US residents: choice of hard copy or e-book; for all other residents: an e-book). You can enter by using the Rafflecopter link at the end of the post. (Giveaway ends October 6, 2017. If you are the randomly chosen winner, I'll contact you and pass on your information.) 
A word from April...

I suffer from a debilitating chronic illness called Common Variable Immunodeficiency, wherein I don't make antibodies and can't fight off colds or infections. I've always wanted to write about the grieving process of adapting to that, but in a way that would connect to a wider population. I chose a rare eye disease (my immune disease is rare) that had the possibility to connect with readers on a personal level. I think most people have worried about or wondered about what it might be like to lose their sight. Then I poured out my own steps in the process into Amber's process (although the rest of her story is completely fictionalized). It was very cathartic and personal and still brings me to tears.

My review...

Amber thought her life was on track, until it throws her a curveball. As an artist, the news that she is facing blindness is almost too much for her to even fathom. Amber feels like her world is falling apart: loss of a relationship, career, and her independence. Her best friend tries to show Amber that while things have changed, hope is not lost, despite her ex-boyfriend’s attempts to make her believe she can’t survive without him. Will Amber be able to recognize that the plans God has in store for her may be different but still wonderful and fulfilling? Or will she continue to feel that God has abandoned her?

McGowan does a wonderful job of capturing the feelings Amber is undergoing due to a recent medical diagnosis, since fears of the unknown are certainly relatable, as are the flawed characters. The reader is educated on macular degeneration, a little discussed diagnosis. Scenes are detailed and easy to visualize. There are numerous heartfelt, as well as humorous, scenes as the reader is taken along on an emotional ride with Amber. There is strong character growth, and I particularly enjoyed the development of Amber’s relationship with her mother. This book made me consider what would be on my must-see bucket list. I look forward to reading more books by McGowan.


Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, but I wasn’t required to leave a review. Opinions expressed are my own.


About April...



April McGowan loves to write inspirational fiction. She, her husband, and two teens live in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. April is an award-winning author and member of Oregon Christian Writers and American Christian Fiction Writers. When she's not writing, reading down her book list, homeschooling her son, chasing her kitten, Saoirse, or playing board games, you might find her at her drum kit, imagining she's on a world tour. Hey, it could happen.

Where you can find her online...

a Rafflecopter giveaway

8 comments:

  1. As an occupational therapist, I work with people who have a lot of different disabilities and illnesses including macular degeneration. So I have seen first-hand what it's like to not be able to see or very well at least and I have helped people devise ways to adapt their surroundings to make their homes safer. The most satisfying case that I had was helping a retired English professor who was legally blind get a talking book reader so that he could continue to listen to his favorite authors and poets. Yes, there have been many times where I have wondered how I would deal was not being able to see again and missing things like seeing my husband's or childrens' faces. Just another reminder to be thankful to God for all the blessings that we receive so generously on a daily basis!

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    1. How wonderful! Thank you so much for sharing your story. You're certainly correct about it being a reminder to be thankful for the daily blessings.

      Thanks for visiting my blog, and good luck.

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  2. This looks like a very interesting book! I am a nurse and often work with people who have visual disabilities. What a great way to spread awareness!

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    1. Katharine, thanks for stopping by. I agree that it's a wonderful way to spread awareness. Good luck!

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  3. My contact at Oregon Commission for the Blind (who is blind) and his wife have me their endorsements after reading it asks came to my book launch party - - I was so touched and encouraged by their words. It's a risk when you step into another person's story. Knowing I did so respectfully meant the world to me.

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    1. Oh, that's wonderful! (I'm referring to the endorsement, not the autocorrect, lol!)

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  4. I keep seeing April's name around. :) Looking forward to reading her books.

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