Book Giveaway! “Between a Rock a Grace Place” by Carol Kent

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** BOOK GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED – THANKS FOR STOPPING BY. IF YOU’D LIKE TO LEAVE A GENERAL COMMENT OR HAVE A QUESTION, YOU CAN DO THAT ON THE GUEST BOOK PAGE. I WOULD BE VERY HAPPY TO GET BACK IN TOUCH WITH YOU. **

I’m so excited to give you the opportunity to win a free copy of Carol Kent’s newest book, “Between a Rock and a Grace Place”! I have been inspired by Carol’s books about speaking and am excited to introduce some of you to her writing talents. You may have heard Carol being interviewed on Focus on the Family Weekend Show as well. I loved the interview and the story of how God has walked with Carol’s family on this difficult journey.

~ As you leave comments below, your name will be entered into a drawing for a FREE COPY of Carol’s book! ~

From bestselling author Carol Kent comes a riveting journey of facing the impassible obstacles of life and discovering the last thing ever expected—the sweet spot of grace.

Carol Kent and her husband, Gene, are now living what some would call a heartbreaking life—their son, Jason, a young man who initially had so much promise, is now living out a life sentence for murder in a maximum security prison. All their appeals have been exhausted at both the state and federal levels—humanly speaking, they have run out of options. But despite their hopeless situation, Carol and her husband live a life full of grace. With vulnerable openness, irrepressible hope, restored joy, and a sense of humor, Carol Kent helps readers to find God’s “grace places” in the middle of their worst moments.

Interview with Carol Kent

Tell us about the Christmas gift you received. How did it help you to find grace in the middle of a seemingly hopeless situation?

Two weeks before Christmas our doorbell rang at 9:15 p.m. It was dark outside and by the time my husband, Gene, joined me at the front door, we were surprised to find no one there. It was already dark, but my eyes fell on a large, exquisitely wrapped gift. The card on top said, “Mom.” Initially, it felt like a bad joke. Nine years earlier our son, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy had been arrested for murdering his wife’s first husband and he was in prison serving a life-without-the-possibility-of-parole sentence.

However, I am a “Mom” and the package was left on my doorstep, so I opened it. The note appeared to be in my son’s unique handwriting. The note expressed his deep love for me and his gratefulness for what I had done to help him since his arrest. He said a “friend” had helped him deliver the surprise. Opening the box, I discovered a gorgeous russet-colored silk jacket—and it fit me perfectly.

That night I discovered something new about God and something I had forgotten about myself. He loves to interject divine surprises into our lives. His timing is always perfect, but it had been a while since I had been surprised by joy, wonder, and grace in the middle of one of the tight spots of life.

What are “grace places,” and how can hurting people in need find them?

All of us experience tight spots when life turns out differently from our dream. When we face the overwhelming obstacles of life, we can experience the last thing we ever expect—the sweet spot of grace. Grace places have a variety of forms, but some include:

♥ Receiving love when we don’t deserve it
♥ Finding safety in the middle of a fearful and uncertain experience
♥ Being comforted by friends and family (people who are extensions of God’s love)
♥ Experiencing the embrace of God when we have run out of strength and courage

“Grace means the free, unmerited, unexpected love of God, and all the benefits, delights, and comforts which flow from it.” (R.P.C. Hanson)

There is a theme of surprise throughout the book. What is one of the greatest surprises you’ve had?

The powerful story of Tammy Wilson and Matthew Ben Rodriguez is in this book. Tammy contacted me after I spoke at an event she attended because my son is incarcerated in the same prison where Matt, the man who killed her mother thirteen years ago is incarcerated. She had been praying for someone to lead Matt to Christ and asked if Jason would try to meet him. It turned out that Jason and Matt were already friends and this amazing story is one of forgiveness, redemption, and restoration that can only be explained in the supernatural dimension.

Between a Rock and a Grace Place releases 10 years after your son, Jason, was sentenced to life in a maximum security prison and includes excerpts from Jason’s letters. Can you tell us how he’s doing now?

He has just taken his 8th group of men through Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University Course and he will be facilitating a biblical counseling class on marriage and family this fall. He has a prayer group of twelve inmates who fast and pray for the needs of each other and their families. Prison is a depressing, dark, and sad place, but Jason is living for things that will outlast him.

What advice do you have for those who are stuck between a rock and a grace place?

In the middle of your own hurt reach out to someone else who needs help worse than you do. When you involve yourself in meeting the needs of others, you discover an unexpected freedom on the inside. Corrie ten Boom once said, “What did you do today that only a Christian would have done?”

Please go to www.speakupforhope.org for a list of practical ways individuals, churches, and organizations can help with specific projects. Our goal is to live out the truth of Prov. 31:8-9: “Speak up for the people who have no voice, for the rights of all the down-and-outers. Speak out for justice. Stand up for the poor and destitute!”

Where may we connect with you further or to purchase a copy of Between a Rock and a Grace Place?

I would love for you to visit Carol’s web site at www.CarolKent.org, browse through the various events and other resources available. You may also join Carol on her Facebook page, please click here.

Also join in the fun for additional opportunities for FREE books in the random book giveaways conducted on the Virtual Book Tour page on Facebook!

A complimentary copy of this book was provided to me as a blog tour host by Zondervan in exchange for posting this interview on my blog. Please visit Christian Speaker Services at www.ChristianSpeakerServices.com for more information about blog tour management services.

♥♥♥ ♥♥♥ ♥♥♥ ♥♥♥ ♥♥♥

I love these opportunities to share inspiring stories that encourage our faith. God is always at work … always. My prayer is to be in step with the Holy Spirit to build the Kingdom of God. Stories like these help move me along the journey.

Published by Candy Troutman

I offer services in the areas of public speaking, personal finance coaching, social media management, content creation/copywriting, personal & faith-based mentoring & small business coaching.

19 thoughts on “Book Giveaway! “Between a Rock a Grace Place” by Carol Kent”

  1. I need too hear the lord all the time I’m trying to go to church I really don’t know the lord. I want too though I need versus that will help me I’m surrounding by negative people.I want too get away but I’m stuck all I can do is pray I really don’t know how too pray I here just talk to him I do but I rather see it in the bible then too listen so show me in the bible and I will do it. I really need your book. I heard so much about your book on television. Can I please have a copy i wish I had some money for your book but unfortunely I don’t, pray for me and it will come and i wouldn’t forget about you can you send me some moviational versus god bless you and yours.

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  2. I first heard Carol Kent speak at a Women of Faith Conference in Seattle a few years ago. Her story about her son touched me so much, I bought her book, When I Lay My Isaac Down. Then after reading that I just had to get her book, A new Kind of Normal. I felt like I knew her right from the start. I was so drawn in that I just had to hear more and read more. She is such an amazing speaker and has such a love for the Lord. She is an inspiration. You sometimes wonder how do people deal with such tragedies, and it makes me re-examine my life and count my blessings!

    -Rita Taylor-
    Graham, WA

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  3. I have heard Carol speak on Focus and I was in MOPS for many years so I have
    heard of her class Speaking Up with Confidence that many ladies from my church
    have attended. Recently, I have been a part of a Mom’s In Touch prison ministry.
    So, her story about her son and the prison ministry that they have started is an
    inspiration to me! She is such a blessing and I thank God for her!

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  4. I love Carol Kent! She has inspired my life for many years and even through this tragedy in her family she has been faithful! God bless Carol and Gene and their son Jason as they continue to minister to others.

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  6. Thanks Candy for your blog and this opportunity to win Carol’s new book Between a Rock and a Grace Place. I’ve read ALL of Carol’s previous books. Her stories captured my heart then and especially when Jason was sentenced to prison and even these newest setbacks. I’ve been a Prayer Warrior for her family ever since. She inspires and challenges so many people in life. I would love to win her book. One way or another I’ll read it:) Take care.

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    1. Hello Rosanna ~ So good of you to stop by my blog today! I’m glad you enjoyed the interview. Carol is amazing. It is my privilege for me to help get the word out about her new book. Looking forward to getting to know you better.

      Candy Troutman Inspirational Speaker 1338 N. Jullion Ave., Boise, Idaho 83704 | 208.850.2453 Blog: http://www.candytroutman.wordpress.com | You-Tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCGFsN9jIqs Catch me on Facebook! http://tinyurl.com/Candy-Troutman-J-O-Y

      J esus O ffers Y ou … J.O.Y.!

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  7. This was very touching. What an amazing testimony! I really needed the encouragement today. This really touched me as I am in need of a grace place. It just shows that no matter what you are going through you are not alone. Others are going through extremely difficult times too and a lot of times even far worse than your own. Thank you for sharing this heartfelt interview.

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  8. Thanks so much for this book giveaway! I have purchased & read Carol’s books, When I Lay My Isaac Down, A New Kind of Normal, and Becoming A Woman of Influence. I was thoroughly enthralled in each of these books and felt almost as if I knew Carol. My heart goes out to Carol and her family as they navigate these new waters. And, I pray, for God’s grace to tontinue to be poured upon them! As I just recently discovered that she had this new book~I really do hope to win, Become a Rock and a Grace Place! 🙂 Your blog is a new discovery for me and I will be coming back! 🙂

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    1. Hello Brenda ~ I’m delighted that you stopped by! Thank you for your kind comments. Aren’t book giveaways fun?! I look forward to getting to know you more.

      Candy Troutman Inspirational Speaker 1338 N. Jullion Ave., Boise, Idaho 83704 | 208.850.2453 Blog: http://www.candytroutman.wordpress.com | You-Tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCGFsN9jIqs Catch me on Facebook! http://tinyurl.com/Candy-Troutman-J-O-Y

      J esus O ffers Y ou … J.O.Y.!

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  9. Candy,

    Thank you so much for interviewing Carol. This is an amazing journey and I know that this book is going to be used in a mighty way!

    With a sincere heart,
    Jen Lombardo

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  11. Once again thank you Candy for your BLOG, your messages of inspiration and for J.O.Y. You are simply amazing and I am honored to know you.

    This interview is awesome I am anxious to learn more about Carol Kent and read her books. Going to visit her web site shortly.

    Love

    Jeanie

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  12. Dear Candy,
    What a gift you have given to so many! This is an awesome interview with Carol Kent, a lady I was honored to meet some time ago. Her story of grace and passion stirs all of us to hope and on to action!

    Candy it is amazing what God is doing through you as you bring His message of J.O.Y. My heart is renewed everytime I see you pop up on Facebook or in my e-mail knowing you have a message just for me!

    It is an honor to be your friend,and I pray for you as you share God’s message to all the world!

    Have a great week!

    Hugs and Blessings,
    “Simply” Sue

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    1. Sue ~ you are so kind. I feel the very same way about you, friend. I would love to meeting Carol Kent someday. She inspired me in my speaking through her books. love,

      Candy

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