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Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Spotlight on Kimberley Woodhouse and Welcome Home

NOTE: Kim's book has already gone into its second printing...and it hasn't even been released yet. :) Congratulations, Kim! Readers, you will be touched beyond imagination by this poignant, entertaining and heartwarming story. I'm many times blessed to count Kim as one of my dear friends, and once you finish this book, you'll feel like you know her too.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

KIMBERLEY WOODHOUSE is a wife, mother, author, and musician with a quick wit and positive outlook despite difficult circumstances. A popular speaker, she’s shared at more than 600 venues across the country. Kimberley and her family's story have garnered national media attention for many years, but most recently her family was chosen for ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, The Montel Williams Show, and Discovery Health channel’s Mystery ER. Welcome Home: Our Family’s Journey to Extreme Joy, releases from Tyndale House Publishers September first. In addition to her non-fiction, she also writes romantic suspense and children’s books. Kimberley lives, writes, and homeschools in Colorado with her husband and two children in their truly “extreme” home. www.kimberleywoodhouse.com

WELCOME HOME: OUR FAMILY'S JOURNEY TO EXTREME JOY
by Kimberley Woodhouse
Published by Tyndale House

ABOUT THE BOOK

Overwhelming trials . . . met with overcoming joy.

Kayla Woodhouse is not your typical twelve-year-old. Due to a rare medical disorder, she feels no pain, doesn’t sweat, and needs protective cooling gear just to go outside. With her restrictive lifestyle; countless hospitalizations, including brain surgery; and the resulting mountain of hospital bills, what’s a family to do?

How the Woodhouse family has faced seemingly impossible challenges is a story that has captured the hearts of America. Millions of people have experienced glimpses of their lives on Discovery’s Mystery ER, The Montel Williams Show, and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (recently voted one of the show’s all-time best episodes!).

Now Kayla’s mom, Kimberley, takes readers behind the cameras to reveal their family’s journey as never before told. From medical sleuthing to cross-country moves, from freak fires to battles with insurance companies, Welcome Home proves that truth really is stranger than fiction. This candid life story reveals both success and failure and demonstrates how, even during tough circumstances, to shift your life from heartbreak to extreme joy.

Peak inside the Woodhouse family’s life (and their famous house) with a 16-page photo insert.

Readers, buy your copy of Welcome Home today!

MY REVIEW

I'm not one who is prone to tears, but I shed some while reading this book. I also laughed, smiled and was touched to the core by Kim's wit, wisdom, and poignant honesty as she shared her family's amazing journey that had led them to where they are today. Kim is straightforward, honest and sometimes blunt about their struggles and the truths surrounding the rising medical bills, as well as the fears of having a daughter with a rare life-threatening medical disorder. But through it all, the warmth, genuine love and Kim's characteristic sense of humor shine clear and bright. You'll go down in the depths of seeming despair and rise to the heights of triumph with Kim and her family as you read this heart-gripping story. I dare you to not be affected by the story.

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. This is your first book. Congratulations! You've told your story so many times in so many different venues. What inspired you to write about it in this way?

The publisher asked me to write it. Originally, I had planned the book to be something else, but God’s plans are always better than our own. And we’d had thousands of people writing in through my website needing encouragement, I knew the Lord was leading in this direction.

2. What has been the most memorable aspect for you of this book's publishing journey?

Writing it in two and half weeks. It was crazy, gut-wrenching, uplifting, and special.

3. Are there any themes in Welcome Home that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the stories progressed?

Joy is the main theme. On this journey, I learned that God’s joy is always there, it can never be taken away. Another theme that I think it vitally important is to keep going. Don’t quit. When you feel like you are at the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and swing.

4. What were your most difficult parts to write? Your favorite?

The most difficult parts were definitely during the stage when Kayla was not diagnosed and then later when she had to have brain surgery. I cried until I didn’t have any tears left. My favorite parts were going through all my journals and notes, remembering all the hilarious stories of my kids and times when they taught me invaluable lessons.

5. When is your next book coming out and what is the story?

Be looking for more non-fiction and fiction. I can’t talk about the who’s and when’s yet – but keep watching my website www.kimberleywoodhouse.com.

6. Is there anything else you'd like to share with my readers?

Thank you! Thank you for having me here, Tiff. I love you, girl!

* * * * *

Love you too, Kim! :) Thank you for being in the spotlight with us.

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of Welcome Home: Our Family's Journey to Extreme Joy.

Make sure you also leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net). You won't be entered in the drawing without it. If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post.

And if you want to make certain you don't miss anything, check the box that says 'email follow-up comments to:' when you leave a comment and they'll be sent to the email address associated with your blogging account. That way you'll be notified of any comments and will know when I announce the winner.

This week, the contest is open to anyone worldwide.

12 comments:

Linda said...

Sounds like an honest, heart-wrenching story. I would love to be entered in the contest. Thanks.
desertrose5173 at gmail dot com

apple blossom said...

I've been following this book tour. I'd love to win this book. Thanks

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Cherie J said...

Sounds like a very heartwarming book. Would like to be entered in the drawing. Thanks!

cherierj(at)yahoo(dot)com

Jo said...

Wow, this sounds like it is quite a book. Please enter me in the drawing.

Blessings,
Jo
ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com

Linda W. said...

Sounds like a very encouraging book. Please enter me.
desertrose55173 at gmail dot com

Cackleberry Homestead said...

This sounds like a wonderful and moving book. Please enter me.

crystalfulcher(at)ec.rr.com

Kimberley Woodhouse said...

What a wonderful blog, Tiff!
Looking forward to hearing who wins.
More than anything, we appreciate all your prayers and support.
Kim

Chris Richards said...

After being blessed by hearing Kim talk about her story, I can't wait to read her book. I'm stocking up on Kleenex for the reading time.

Anonymous said...

I would love to read Kim's book.....please enter me.
Thanks!
jackie.smith(at)dishmail(dot)net

Lady Araujo said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Lady Araujo said...

Wow, it sounds like great. Thanks for the opportunity to win this book.

God's great blessings
marthanadnny(at)hotmail(dot)com

Kimberly said...

I commend you on such a venture. May God use you to be a voice to his people. I will love to receive a free copy of your book, Welcome Home: Our Family's Journey to Extreme Joy. My email address is kimberly.bolden@gmail.com