"the baker's wife" by erin healy

Audrey has a special gift—she can feel others' pain. Not just emotionally, but physically, as well. As a pastor's wife, this gift helped her minister to those who were hurting in her husband's congregation. But when her husband Geoff was expelled from their church, Audrey stepped away from her ministry, as well. Together, they opened a bakery.

When the wife of the man responsible for ending Geoff's career disappears, Audrey and Geoff are suspects. As the woman's trail goes cold, her husband can't accept that Audrey and Geoff weren't involved, and he decides to take justice into his own hands.

Now Audrey has hours to find the missing woman and return her to her husband or the man will kill Audrey's husband and son ... but the only way to do that is by reconnecting with her gift and once again feeling the woman's pain.

My take: I absolutely could not put The Baker's Wife down. Not only is it an exciting and engaging story, but it also beautifully illustrates the command given in Galatians 6:2, which says, "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ" (ESV). Audrey physically feels the pain of those she is called to help, and as she takes on some of their pain, they find a measure of relief. While I do not possess Audrey's gift, in the aftermath of reading this book, I found myself considering how I may be of service to those I know who are hurting. Is it easier and less awkward to stay away? Yes. But that's not what Christ calls me to do. It has been a long time since I've read a book that made me think this much, and I appreciate Healy for challenging me in this way.

Read an excerpt here and see what other bloggers are saying here.

About the author: Well-known to critics and reviewers, Erin Healy has established herself as an award-winning editor and a best-selling co-author with Ted Dekker. Healy received wide acclaim for her two debut novels Never Let You Go and The Promises She Keeps. Her work focuses on the psychological and spiritual, driven by high moral stakes. She lives and writes in Colorado with her family. For more information please visit www.erinhealy.com.

About the giveaway: Let the flour fly! Erin's celebrating the release of her latest page turner, The Baker's Wife, with an outstanding KitchenAid baking prize package giveaway that includes a brand new KitchenAid Mixer, cook books, and all you need to whip up some fabulous bread or sweets! Then and on November 10th she'll be wrapping up the release of The Baker's Wife with an Author Book Chat Party on Facebook! Don't miss a minute of the fun!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• Empire Red 4.5 QT Ultra Power KitchenAid Stand Mixer
• Black and White Kitschy Apron
• Black Silicone Oven Mitt
• Black OXO Rolling Pin
• Wilton 9X5 loaf pan
• At My Grandmother's Knee Cookbook by Faye Porter
• Second Helpings with Johnnie Gabriel Cookbook
• The Baker's Wife by Erin Healy

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 9th. Winner will be announced at The Baker's Wife Author Book Chat Facebok Party. Erin will be wrapping up the The Baker's Wife celebration with a book club chat and giving away a bunch of "sweet treats"! So grab your copy of The Baker's Wife (it's okay if you don't have one yet- you might win one!) and join Erin on the evening of November 10th for a book chat, some "baking" trivia and lots of "sweet" giveaways (books, and Amazon, iTunes and Starbucks gift certificates)!

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends. Hope to see you on the 10th!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."