Romancing The Rock

From the Back Cover:

Can one little note, read at midnight, really trigger a chain of events that could shake the very foundation of Zara Heymer’s life? Can she even grasp the horror
of what has happened within her family? The shock of discovering that evil, cleverly disguised, has penetrated her home and her church has left Zara reeling. Feeling a total failure, she looks for a way to resign as a mother; a way to stop this nightmare.

But her daughter, Issy, desperately needs a good mother as she attempts to face life after abuse. Can Zara put aside her grief, her own need for acceptance, her narrow thinking, and deeply ingrained religiosity in time to help Issy? Will Issy even survive? How could God allow this to happen? Is God even there? Is her faith relevant or is it just a false crutch she has lent upon all these years? Is there any possible way that God can use this nightmare for good?

Amanda’s Review:

From reading other reviews, I knew I was in for a powerful read with Though the Bud be Bruised. I didn’t know that it would become one of my top reads so far this year. The fact that this story was based on true events had me gasping many times. I’m sure I groaned ‘oh my goodness’ on several occasions, and I know my hubby heard me sniffing from another room and said, ‘don’t cry, baby.’

Though the content is confronting, dealing with issues that most people like to keep hidden, it is actually filled with hope. While it could seem to be quite a horror story when you look at the events, it is in fact, a powerful testament to the profound love and grace of God. Jo Wanmer did an exceptional job of dealing with this issue, without leaving me feeling weighed down with grief. I was enthralled with the journey the Lord took Zara on as she dealt with her daughter’s abuse, and I identified with some of the lessons she learned, even though my own circumstances are quite different.

There is something in this novel for everyone — from becoming aware of the evils of sexual abuse, to a new understanding of God’s love and grace. But, be prepared to have your ideals challenged and your thought processes provoked!

About the Author:

Jo Wanmer loves being a Queenslander.

She really enjoyed writing ‘Though the Bud be Bruised’ and is working on another novel. Her passion is to bring the love, healing and hope of Jesus to men and women who have walked through life’s valleys. There is always light at the end of the tunnel.

As an associate pastor, Jo is an accomplished speaker and preacher. She would be happy to visit your group and speak on any of the topics raised in this book.

You can contact her on jowanmer@gmail.com

Or follow her blog at www.jo-wanmer.blogspot.com