I’m happy to welcome Kathleen Neely back to the blog this week. She’s here today to share a devotional and tell us about her brand new release “Though the Mountains Be Shaken.” It is a wonderful book. You’ll find my review at the end of the post.

Kathleen Neely is a retired elementary principal, and enjoys time with family, visiting her two grandsons, traveling, and reading.

She is the author of The Street Singer, Beauty for Ashes, The Least of These, Arms of Freedom, and In Search of True North. Kathleen won second place in a short story contest through ACFW-VA for her short story “The Missing Piece” and an honorable mention for her story “The Dance”. Both were published in a Christmas anthology. Her novel, The Least of These, was awarded first place in the 2015 Fresh Voices contest through Almost an Author. She has numerous devotions published through Christian Devotions.

Kathleen continues to speak to students about writing and publication processes. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.

Here’s a devotional from Kathleen:

When a person is diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, it’s typically not a surprise. Symptoms have alerted them for some time.  I knew there was something causing the shaking of my hands. It had increased to the point where people noticed. I found myself tucking my shaky right hand out of sight or holding it still with my left hand. My primary care doctor suspected Benign Essential Tremor, but sent me to a neurologist for an expert opinion. The neurologist matter-of-factly stated, “This is not Essential Tremor. You have Parkinson’s Disease.” I had suspected it and left his office not overly alarmed. Many people have PD. I shifted my care to a Movement Disorder Specialist, began medication, and continued with my life, working as an elementary principal. I joined an exercise group specific for people with PD and began attending info luncheons provided by our local PD support group. It was there that reality hit me in the gut. I saw people with advanced stages of the disease. Some who couldn’t walk without assistance. Some whose speech was garbled, rendering it incomprehensible. Some who tremored; some who swayed; some who drooled; and many with blank faces. I wanted to run from there and put my head back in the sand where I thought of PD as a nuisance instead of a life-changing disease. But that wasn’t possible. Once we learn something, we can never unlearn it. I cried and prayed, but knew that without a miracle from God, PD isn’t curable.

I know that God is able, but instead of asking for a miracle, I prayed for peace and the ability to face my infirmity with grace. I believe that the Bible speaks to us about dealing with physical ailments. When Lazarus was sick, his sisters knew Jesus could heal him. Yet despite their pleas, he tarried for two days and Lazarus died. They couldn’t understand why Jesus didn’t help them. But we know he had greater plans. The Bible talks about a ‘thorn’ in Paul’s side. Some scholars believe it refers to a physical ailment. While Paul asked God to remove it, God’s answer was this. “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”  2 Cor. 12:9. I cling to that truth. And sing the words of “Even If.” MercyMe – Even If (Official Lyric Video) – Bing video “Even if You don’t, my hope is You alone.”

God has done remarkable things in the ten years since my diagnosis. I retired from my position and turned my attention to writing—a lifelong desire. Here’s an amazing blessing. My compromised small motor skills prevent me from writing legibly (micrographia), but I can type with great fluency. I see that as God’s provision for me to write. I’ve had six novels published in those ten years, but this latest one is special to me. I wrote a character with Parkinson’s. I’ve wanted to do that for some time. My goal is to offer readers a quality story while bringing awareness of PD. I hope you enjoy Kate’s story. I noted some common symptoms in this message, but Though the Mountains be Shaken will expand your knowledge. PD is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disease, second only to Alzheimer’s. Everyone knows someone suffering from this disease, so I hope you’ll arm yourself with information, whether through this novel or elsewhere.

And now, for more about Kathleen’s latest book:

Kate Dunbar puts 100% into everything she does—a career as a literary agent, a mom of preschool twins, and the wife of Ryan Dunbar, a criminal defense attorney. She appears to have the perfect life, until it begins to crumble piece by piece—her marriage, her health, and her job.

Kate blames emotional stress for her fatigue, stiffness, and tremors. As symptoms begin to increase, Kate finds herself unable to control her body’s erratic movements. At the same time that she and Ryan separate, she receives a diagnosis of Parkinson’s. Determined not to tell her estranged husband of her diagnosis, Kate faces an unknown future and the possibility that she’ll face it as a single mother.

As glimmers of hope for a restored marriage begin to surface, more upheavals await them. A case that Ryan is defending endangers his family and his career.

Kate and Ryan both harbor secrets that threaten their marriage. Can they mend their broken family? How will Parkinson’s affect their future? For better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, forsaking all others. Every vow they spoke eight years ago is being tested. Can they survive the storm?

You can purchase your copy at: Amazon.com.

You can learn more about Kathleen at the following sites:

Website: http://www.KathleenNeely.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kathy.neely.98

Twitter: https://twitter.com/NeelyKneely3628

Instagram: www.Instagram.com/KathleenNeelyAuthor

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14602744.Kathleen_Neely

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kathleen-neely

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And now for my review:

Though the Mountains be Shaken by Kathleen Neely is inspirational fiction at its best. The book chronicles the story of Kate and Ryan. Their marriage is tested on multiple fronts, and they find themselves separated. It was so easy to see how their breakdown in communication led them to that place. I admit, as I was reading their story, I needed to go tell my husband how much I appreciated him. If Ms. Neely’s goal is to strengthen marriages, it worked for me. What I love about the book is how real the characters are. You feel their pain, their frustrations, and their joy. Kate has to deal with a frightening diagnosis. Her reactions and emotions are realistic and believable. For anyone who is struggling with Parkinson’s or knows someone who is, this book will give you a realistic picture into the lives of those who deal with this disease. Just when you think the story is calming down and you can put it down, another interesting turn of events takes place, and you find yourself needing to read “just one more chapter.” Not only do Kate and Ryan have to deal with mending their marriage and Kate’s health issues, Ryan’s law cases are becoming more personal.

For wonderful, realistic characters and the portrayal of very real struggles, I wholeheartedly recommend this book.