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Thursday, April 25, 2013

Angela Breidenbach and A Healing Heart

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ANGELA BREIDENBACH is a speaker, coach, and author of A Healing Heart, April 2013 from Abingdon Press in the Quilts of Love series. Her family tradition is to create the life story on a photo memory quilt for each graduating senior. She is certified in mentor/peer counseling as a CTA life coach, as a Stephen Minister, and a weight loss/nutrition coach. Angela serves as an assisting minister (worship/prayer leader) for her congregation in Missoula, MT.
http://www.AngelaBreidenbach.com
Twitter: @AngBreidenbach
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/AngelaBreidenbachInspirationalSpeakerAuthor

A HEALING HEART, Quilts of Love series #6
by Angela Breidenbach
Published by Abingdon Press

ABOUT THE BOOK

Workaholic, Mara Keegan, suffers a heart attack and must trust her business to the one man who tried to destroy it, Joel Ryan. During her recovery, Mara works to fulfill a promise to her graduating daughter by creating a photo memory quilt. Will Joel's photo be on the quilt? Mara must learn about heart health from the inside out!

Endorsements:
More Praise for A Healing Heart

A heart-warming and romantic story of new beginnings and hope through the fog. A story of real life filled with true emotion and characters you can't help but love.
—NY Times bestselling author, Tosca Lee, Tosca's latest book: Iscariot

A Healing Heart is an emotional story of learning to let go of the past and embracing the future. Angie Breidenbach deftly creates lifelike teenagers, a frazzled mother, and a caring hero you will love. This charming book tugs at your heart and encourages you to reevaluate what's important in your life."
—Vickie McDonough, author of 25 books and novellas, including End of the Trail

"Restoration and hope drive this emotionally charged novel by Angela Breidenbach. Mara Keegan's healing journey will keep you turning the pages as she uncovers promises of a life she never thought she would have again. Family dynamics, made richer through the process of gathering photos for a memory quilt, come full circle as Mara learns to let go, let God, and let love into her heart; a truly healed heart."
—Lindi Peterson, award-winning author of Her Best Catch and Summer's Song

"Breidenbach's latest novel, A Healing Heart, paints a knee-bending word picture of our Healer God. Whether the physical, spiritual, or emotional heart, the Big Guy can handle it. Laden with conflict, sweet romance, and humorous contradictions, the story propels the reader forward while giving her pause to wonder . . . 'What places in my heart need healing? What wounds will I allow God to stitch?' A Healing Heart sports an endearing and motley cast of characters, and the frigid Montana landscape contrasts nicely with the hero's warm, sigh-worthy persona. It's a unique and touching addition to the Quilts of Love series."
—April W. Gardner, librarian and award-winning author

"Some stories provide pure entertainment, while others teach a lesson. A Healing Heart by Angela Breidenbach does both and is one of those books that every over-achieving, God-loving woman should read. Not only did I enjoy this book, I found myself reflecting on my own life and how much of myself I saw in the story."
— Debby Mayne, author of Sweet Baklava, Waiting for a View, and the Class Reunion series

Readers, buy your copy of A Healing Heart today!

AND NOW A WORD FROM OUR FEATURE AUTHOR

Trust

Trust is one of the hidden issues often misunderstood. When someone betrays another and forgiveness becomes more a war within the victim than the perpetrator. A backstabbing comment is one thing, but when it strikes deep into your core?

For Mara Keegan in my new release, A Healing Heart, Joel Ryan nearly destroyed her business. Now he’s showing up replacing her beloved (and trusted) business coach. I think had the heart attack not happened, Mara would have had a much tougher time accepting Joel. She battles with forgiveness. Why should she forgive someone who didn’t car how many lives he destroyed?

I’ve felt that way toward someone before. I’m so glad a mentor/coach shared with me that forgiveness and trust are two different things. I began to work on forgiveness to free my heart from the prison of bitterness. A very similar struggle for Mara. The only way I could forgive such a terrible affront was to take it to prayer. I can’t forgive on my own. Forgiveness comes through the help of the Holy Spirit. So I ask for help.

As I began to feel the healing of forgiveness, I could release the bitterness I’d been harboring. But I didn’t need to trust that person. I found out trust is earned, not given. I always wanted the person who’d offended me to earn my trust back. That one person didn’t. But other people did. How interesting people can choose their own behavior, right? How wonderful it is for some people who choose to repair relationships. I have the greatest respect for those folks and wanted to portray the hope of restored relationships.

Some of the most spectacular experiences in my life are those restored relationships. The fact is trust is built over time—a long period of time—where you can test the safety of that trust in small increments as you build confidence.

Reader Question: What would someone have to do to prove worthy of your trust after they betrayed you?

* * * * *

Thank you, Angela, for sharing with us today.

ENTRY RULES Readers, leave your email address (name [at] domainname [dot] com) along with your answer to the question for your chance to win a free autographed copy of the book featured above. If you do not answer the question, and your email address isn't provided, you will not be entered.

This week, the drawing is open to contiguous US residents for a print copy and international or Alaska/Hawaii residents for an eBook copy.

5 comments:

AngBreidenbach said...

I'm really curious to see what people answer on trust and betrayal :)
Angie

windycindy said...

I believe in forgiveness; especially, if that person has only betrayed me once! Trust can be rebuilt with time and both people working together...
Many thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

squiresj said...

I believe in forgiveness because it frees you. Otherwise you are the one under sress not the other perso. If I did not, would not be married going on 33 years.
jrs362 at hotmail dot com

AngBreidenbach said...

Love your thoughtful answers, WindyCindy and squiresj :) I agree.
Angie

karenk said...

I, too, believe in forgiveness...but I must confess...sometimes this is difficult for me.

thanks for the chance to read this wonderful story.

karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com