About the Book
Title: Leaving Darkness
Author: Greg Schaffer
Genre: Christian Fiction
Release date: October 31, 2018
Long-haul truck driver Lowell Ferguson is on the brink of suicide. He is haunted by the guilt of a horrible secret from his senior year of high school. Therapy and antidepressants aren’t able to lift him out of depression. At twenty-eight years old, he believes his life has dissolved into a meaningless annoyance. Only the strong bond with his lone friend—a Chihuahua named Rufus—keeps him from choosing death. But when Lowell learns Rufus may have cancer, he fears there will be no reason left to live if his beloved dog dies.
While awaiting the diagnosis, he comes across a flier for a Christian support group promising hope and freedom. A skeptic and an apatheist, he nonetheless reluctantly decides to join the group. Through this joining, he finds what he has been yearning for—a path toward leaving the darkness of depression. This first step provides Lowell the courage to do what he must to escape his guilt and finally confront his past.
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My Review
I really liked "Leaving Darkness" by Greg Schaffer but I have a few concerns about the book. I know some people will think these aren't real concerns but for me to give an honest reviews I have to mention them. These are few curse words, yes I know the character saying them isn't a believer, but I don't like reading these in the books I read. Another concern is a recovering alcoholic owes a bar and he is Lowell Ferguson's sponsor from the group. The problem I have is how can you own a bar and serve alcoholic to others when you know what it can do. I know this a judgement call on my part, but I am just being honest here, and yes I know you can be around alcoholic and not drink but this bar owner even puts Jack Daniels in his hamburgers that is sold in his bar. Ok, enough of what I didn't like about the story and on to what I did like. I am giving this book 4 stars. It is a good story.
My Review
I really liked "Leaving Darkness" by Greg Schaffer but I have a few concerns about the book. I know some people will think these aren't real concerns but for me to give an honest reviews I have to mention them. These are few curse words, yes I know the character saying them isn't a believer, but I don't like reading these in the books I read. Another concern is a recovering alcoholic owes a bar and he is Lowell Ferguson's sponsor from the group. The problem I have is how can you own a bar and serve alcoholic to others when you know what it can do. I know this a judgement call on my part, but I am just being honest here, and yes I know you can be around alcoholic and not drink but this bar owner even puts Jack Daniels in his hamburgers that is sold in his bar. Ok, enough of what I didn't like about the story and on to what I did like. I am giving this book 4 stars. It is a good story.
This story is a wonderful story of how your life can change if you really turn it over to God. I like the fact that Lowell learns that feelings aren't neither good or bad, but it is what you do with them that matters. I like the fact that the author's own encounter with a Christian Support group inspired this novel. I would call this a feel good story although it didn't start out that way.
This book is about giving forgiveness to others and to yourself.
I like the ending of this book and would read a sequel to it because I want to read more about these characters, especiallyAlan because the way the book ended. No. it wasn't a cliff hanger, just left me wanted to know more about how his story goes.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit. These opinions are mine own.
About the Author
Greg Schaffer participated in a small Christian-based group ministry in 2011 and became a facilitator with the ministry to help others find their direction toward a purposeful life. His firsthand experiences of lives transformed through such healing groups led him to write Leaving Darkness, hoping the tale of transformation through God’s grace may encourage those lost in their own darkness to reach out for help. The author of two previous novels, Greg lives in Franklin, Tennessee, with his wife and three rescue dogs.
Guest Post from Greg
As first a group participant and then a volunteer for Restore Small Groups for many years, I’ve seen firsthand the healing power of small group ministries. Many want to change but don’t know how. Leaving Darkness tells the fictional story of one lost in depression to the point of contemplating suicide who happens upon such a Christian-based ministry. Although he is reluctant at first, he gives the process a chance, and through it leaves his darkness, finds his faith, and becomes the person God meant for him to be. I was called to write this story in hope that someone with similar struggles may read Leaving Darkness and realize that there is a way out of the darkness when everything else has failed.
Blog Stops
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Bibliophile Reviews, February 23
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A Baker’s Perspective, February 27
Just the Write Escape, February 28
Bigreadersite, March 1
Artistic Nobody, March 1 (Spotlight)
Giveaway
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link the below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/db11/leaving-darkness-celebration-tour-giveaway
4 comments:
Thank you for sharing your book with us and for the giveaway as well.
Thank you for your review on "Leaving Darkness" by Greg Schaffer and for being part of the book tour.
I'd love the opportunity to read this book which sounds like a great one.
2clowns at arkansas dot net
Thanks for sharing this book with us and for your honest review and having the tour and giveaway on your Blog
Thanks for hosting, it sounds like a good book.
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