Contest – Win a Copy of Necessary Heartbreak by Michael J. Sullivan
***CONTEST CLOSED – Thank you to all who entered!***
It’s Contest Time!
Michael Sullivan, author of Necessary Heartbreak, was a great resource for us as we approached the release of The Power of a Pawn.
Winners of this contest will receive a free copy of Necessary Heartbreak, named one of 2010′s best Christian fiction books by the Library Journal.
How to Enter
Entering is easy! Simply comment on this post and let us know why you’d like to win! (You can’t be entered more than once, no matter how many times you comment.)
Judging
Out of all the people who comment, 15 individuals will be chosen at random, using a random number generator. Out of those 15 people, the top 10 commentators on PaulSpite.com will win a copy of Necessary Heartbreak.
Please note that comments to determine the winner of this contest will only be counted from today forward. You may notice our “Top Commentators” widget to the right of this post. Those comments have been counted since PaulSpite.com was started, and the individuals listed will not necessarily have the most comments for the purposes of this contest!
Deadline
The contest is open now. It will close on January 20, 2012, at 5 PM Central Time.
Necessary Heartbreak Synopsis
Michael Stewart has weathered his share of hardships: a troubled childhood, watching his mother die at a young age from cancer, even the degradation of living on the city streets. Now he’s raising his teenaged duaghter, Elizabeth, on his own and doing the best he can at work and home. But he’s turned his back on his faith – that is, until the morning Michael and Elizabeth volunteer for a food pantry at their local church.
While storing boxes in the basement, they step through a mysterious door…and they find themselves in first-century Jerusalem during the tumultuous last week of Jesus Christ’s life. It is a dangerous and violent place, where doing what your heart tells you is right can get you imprisoned – or worse – and they are thankful to take refuge with a kind widow.
But when they come face to face with Judas Iscariot and the condemned Christ himself, Michael realizes that before they can escape Jerusalem, he must experience history’s most necessary and shattering heartbreak – and that pain and loss must happen if Michael is to be set free: to live, love, and reclaim the blessings he has in the present day.
You can connect with Michael on his website and on Facebook.
Cindy Navarro (80)
Linda Rahaim (57)
Enid (50)
Lori Ann (47)
Dale (18)
David Dube (17)
Sonja (13)
Dwayne Castle (11)
Serilda (8)
Patty Pritt Rosel... (7)
The book sounds great, and the description makes me want to read more
Thanks for being our first contest entry, Kelly! How did you find us?
I hope you get to read much more!
Best,
Brittany
Publicist, Author Paul Spite
Kelly, yes it is a very good book, very interesting, intriguing and very thought provoking. When I read it, I felt like I was put right into the book and became those characters.. It really made me think more about forgiveness and reconciliation, and what it really means to go thru that process. Definitely a A Necessary Heartbreak!!! :0)
(trying again. either you will have 2 comments…or the blog simply refused me earlier. *sigh*)
The book sounds very intriguing and I would like to win so I can read it!
Sorry about the technical yuckyness, Cindy! You are such an avid reader – I hope you’re able to add this book to your library!
Cindy, it is very intriguing and very engaging. you’ll both laugh and cry.
I’m interested in the Michael Sullivan’s take on the necessity of heartbreak. ‘Necessary’ can imply unavoidable, OR requisite (required for something else). Is heartbreak just something we can’t avoid in life–C’est la vie? Or is it really possible that our pains and heartache are merely an essential stepping stone to something more–to a fuller being?
…I’d like to know.
And maybe Michael knows.
Love it when you wax philosophical. Thanks for stopping by to comment and enter.
Adam, may I give an answer even though I’m not Mike? lol. I believe pain, heartache, suffering, etc are stepping stones to a fuller life, at least that’s what it has been for me starting when I was a little girl till now. Whether it was sexual abuse, cancer, divorce, heart problems/vascular problems, miscarriage ~ all of these heartbreaks are what led me to the Lord and I wouldn’t trade my life for anything. He has carried me and sustained me thru it all and still is to this day. So yes, it is a NECESSARY HEARTBREAK.
Micheal is a Facebook friend, and I love his posts. The book has an interesting title, and I’ve experienced a few necessary heartbreaks myself. These heartbreaks were necessary for growth, spiritual maturity, and understanding myself, my God, and others. Though going through the storm (heartbreaks) caused a great deal of discomfort, I’m a better person on this side. More wisdom… more knowledge… more understanding… more than I could have ever gained had I not experienced the necessary heartbreaks in my own life. I can truly relate.
Sholanda, thank you so much for taking the time to comment and share. It’s wonderful to “see” a new face here on Paul’s blog. I would love to befriend you on Facebook as well! You can find me on Paul’s page at http://Facebook.com/TGOLSeries. Until then, I hope you’re able to read Michael’s book.
All the best,
Brittany
Publicist, Author Paul Spite
same here Sholanda. :0)
The book sounds absolutely riveting!!! And if you are recommended it Paul, well then it must be good! I would love to win this book so I can read it!!!!
Deborah, thanks for entering, and please tell your friends about this contest! Ten people will win, so your chances are still pretty good even if you get a couple of friends to join in.
The book sounds very interesting and I would love a copy. If this is a book that helped Paul as he was preparing his book and gave him encouragement in those times, that is incentive to see what it can help me with
Lori Ann, Michael and his wife really helped our whole team get acquainted with the publishing industry and all the hoops we needed to jump through. We really appreciate the time they invested, and we want to give back by shining a spotlight on Michael’s book!
Thanks for entering the contest!
As a avid student of the Bible and a writer of an inspirational novel, myself, I would love to have a copy of this book. I’m also an Amazon Vine reviewer so would definitely do a review and put it on Amazon, if I’m fortunate enough to win.
Elizabeth, thank you for commenting and entering our contest! What is the name of your novel?
How interesting that you are a Vine reviewer! How did you get involved? I’m sure Michael would appreciate a review for Necessary Heartbreak.
Paul Spite also just released an e-book, called The Power of a Pawn. Does Vine accept e-book reviews?
Best,
Brittany Highland
Publicist, Paul Spite
Elizabeth I am curious, what novels have you written? I would love to read some. I love inspirational novels
I think Sholanda’s take on heartbreak fits into my theme. Heartbreak is necessary for one to truly appreciate God’s gift of time. I realized this at a young age when my mom passed away at 47 from breast cancer. I realized then I couldn’t take for granted each day I was given to live. Heartbreak was also necessary in Jesus’ situation. The pain and suffering he endured for all of us was necessary for our salvation.
Michael, thank you for taking the time to stop by and comment. I know the fans love to hear from you! You have a moving personal story to share, and I know your writing reflects the depth of your experiences.
amen Michael. :0)
you got that right Mike.
Thanks for the info. Maybe we will both get a copy…
I love the theory of time travel. I am currently reading 3 series set in Israel at the time of Christ. I think Paul is a great writer and trust his assesment of other writing. My husband raised his daughter alone. I love the bond I see there. This adds up to a book I want to read and a contest I would like to win. Only negative, I would be offline to read it for about 2 days…
I always love your thoughts, Enid! I wonder if I can spare your insight for a couple of days…
What is the series you’re reading?
Hey Enid, you may want to check out what Paul said about Dr. Khartor.
Hmmm….perhaps it should be KharTOUR.
AHA!! Khar (car) Tour (travel)!! It’s true!! Dr. Khartor really IS a Time Traveler!! (shhh…don’t tell Eric that Paul is telling secrets….even if they are LESS THAN TRUTHFUL)
Cindy! You’re totally on to us!
LOL! I was sure I was!! Why do I suspect I am completely wrong.
Anyone see a blue phone booth around the doctor? No…wait….that was Dr. Who; well Dr. Khartor could be a cousin Cindy.
Obviously, they MUST be related!! Paul is certainly going to spin this into a new direction!
I am JOKING!! (before Paul or the Pawn Master hit me!!)
Sounds like an interesting book. Would love to read it!
I hope you get a chance, Deba! Thank you for stopping by. You can stay connected with our community and future contests at http://facebook.com/TGOLSeries.
The novel sounds truly riveting and enlightening. For so many, a time of heartbreak is exactly what it takes to come to know God in a personal way. I am fascinated in knowing how this story takes place….seems like a must read.
Pam, I really appreciate your insight. Thank you for taking the time to comment – it’s good to have your voice here.
Best,
Brittany Highland
Publicist, Paul Spite
Having just completed a full year of repeated but different hearbreaking experiences , I feel this would be an encouraging and inspiring read
Serilda, I’m sorry that you’ve had a challenging year, but I’m glad that you’re here and taking part in our community. We’re happy to have you! Hope you get the chance to read Michael’s book.
The book sounds interesting and I would also like to win the book so I can say naa naa to Cindy, then let her borrow it. hee hee.
LOL!!
Love to see some friendly competition! It’s great to have you here, Anita! Don’t forget that extra comments on Paul’s other blog posts will ultimately determine our 10 winners!
Wow! Love the teaser! My mother lost her mother to Leukemia when she was only 7 years old. There were 11 children in her family, so a suddenly widowed daddy was forced to send the younger children to an orphanage. Not a local one in East Tennessee, either. This orphanage was in Chicago! Insult to injury?? There were a few years of neglect and abuse at this place that was to provide care and nurturing. Some events, truly horrific! How did this REAL family, who laid a sister to rest just today, turn out to be such strong, shining examples of Christianity? …even Heroes, in many more ways than imaginable??
I’ll share mine, if you’ll share yours! ;0)
What a beautiful story, Polly. Your mother must be a strong woman.
The concept of this novel sounds amazing – a man from today getting a first-hand view of the time surrounding Christ’s crucifixion. Also, if Cindy Navarro says it’ll be good, then I want it!
I’m glad you’re taking Cindy’s word for it! Thank you for coming by and commenting. We love good stories and we love sharing good stories.
Check’s in the mail, Genie!!
Thanks for your confidence in me. I, in turn, trust Paul’s judgement since I love what he writes!!
Like all authors, there are aspects to the story I wish I could have rewritten. It’s why I’m excited about the sequel to the time travel adventure (Everybody’s Daughter). It’s has more layers and depth to the story. But you do the best you can. I hope Paul has tremendous success with his novels. And thanks for holding this contest.
Looking forward to your upcoming book, Michael. Out of curiosity, will readers need the background in Necessary Heartbreak to understand Everybody’s Daughter?
looking forward to the continuation of this story. Forgiveness never ends…its a life long process!!
Hope I win!
I hope you get a chance to read Necessary Heartbreak, Victoria! You can follow the contest at http://facebook.com/TGOLSeries. We will announce the 15 finalists tomorrow after 5 PM CST.
I would like to enter the contest.
You are entered, David! Thanks for stopping by to comment and enter.
Thanks! I look forward to winning and reading the book.
I would like to win this book because I’m hoping that my good friends, Paul and Sally Spite, will deliver it in person so I can see them. I miss them very much.
That’s very kind, Nina. I will be mailing the novels from Texas, but I hope that you will get to see Paul and Sally very soon. They are wonderful people.
As an aspiring author myself, I love to read the works of other authors! Paul’s synopsis above sounds very intriguing and I’m confident if Paul’s recommending it, its a winner! I’d be happy to add this to my personal library!
(BTW, teasing comment to Paul: rerun your spell checker over your excerpt. You’ve got some transposed letters there!)
Oh no! If there are typos, they’re my fault!
Even though I already have Mike’s book, I decided to see if i could win another copy to give as a gift for my friend. I am postivie she will love and appreciate this book as much as I have and having gotten to know this author thru FB, gives me more of an appreciation for this book!!!
That is a true vote of confidence, Linda! I hope we’re able to get you a copy for your friend. If you “like” our page at http://facebook.com/TGOLSeries, you will see the 15 finalists announced there tomorrow after 5 PM CST.
thank you Britany for your answer. I hope I am one of the winners. I know my friend will love this book. She like me, has dealt with learning to forgive and having heart break after heart break in her life, and like me, has learned the power of forgiveness and reconciliation.
The first reason I would like to read the book is that it sounds as if there are parallels to my own life. Not the whole time travel thing, of course there is that, but I am more referring to coming to that point in life where I realized that I really appreciate today because of the challenges faced earlier on and because I have a better understanding of what Christ means to my living.
Secondly, I am trying to broaden my fiction reading base and this seems a convenient book to help with that.
Thirdly, I have recently begun writing and am looking at the technical aspects of the writing, not just the story.
Finally, and probably the most honest answer of all (the other answers were honest, with maybe the exception of the time travel thing) I typically don’t win anything, so entering to win this would improve my odds:)
Dwayne, those are four great reasons!
Hindsight being what it it is, I could have broken up my 4 answers into 4 separate posts and improved my chances of winning by like 4 million percent. Doh!
LOL! I know the feeling, I keep posting just to apologize for my mispellings and leaving words out ~ like I am doing right now!!! like duhhhhh
I hope you are a winner Dwayne. you made a comment about Christ being everything in your life and I agree wholeheartedly. I have been born again Christian for 39 years now and have never regretted it. He has changed my life completely and forgiveness & reconciliation is what I learned the most. God bless, Linda
Thank you. I have made many a poor choice, but salvation isn’t one of them. Best move ever. Now, if I could just learn to listen to Him better.
I hope you win also, because you want to give it away. You sound just like a woman God can point to with a twinkle in His eye.
Dear Dwayne, thank you for that comment. I want to always see that “twinkle in His eye” and to be the “apple of His eye” as well!!! I have my down moments like everyone does, especially with heart problems, but I am learning ever so slowly, to allow the Holy Spirit to calm me when I am anxious, and to listen for that “still small voice” when He whispers to me!!! God bless, Linda
The book sounds like a interesting read and I wold love love to win it pretty please?
I would love to win because the book sounds awesome and this would be a new author for me to enjoy.
I hope you get the chance to read Necessary Heartbreak, Patty. You can see us announce the 15 finalists at http://facebook.com/TGOLSeries. We’ll be making the announcement tomorrow after 5 PM CST when the contest closes.
Interesting premise. Would love to see where it takes us.
Glad you’ve stopped by to enter, Dale. Hope you get a chance to go on that journey.
Thanks for the chance to win. Should I clear out a spot on my reading table????
Alright Dale, you need to speak up! Do you REALLY want this?
Obviously I did other things outside the computer over the weekend. I’m back!!!
To everyone who has entered our contest so far, we will be announcing the 15 finalists tomorrow after 5 PM CST on http://facebook.com/TGOLSeries.
Don’t forget that only 10 of you will win a copy of Necessary Heartbreak. Out of the 15 finalists, the 10 who will win are those who have commented the most on PaulSpite.com!
The contest is still open until 5 PM tomorrow (1/20), so be generous and share this contest with your friends!
You know how difficult it is for me to speak up on these posts…or offer an opinion on anything.
Hmmm….wonder if I can pass Enid by 5pm tomorrow?
Check. (I knew you’d do it…)
LOL!! It would be nice if I would actually concentrate on working instead of spending my time on here playing!! Oh well, what’s one more afternoon?
I have actually read this book, and I loved it! I had a very hard time putting it down. Even with three kids, I finished it in less than a week! It was an incredible read… I simply cannot wait to read the next one. I have always loved reading and writing stories and songs, but over the last decade I haven’t been able to do that like I want… Having young kids doesn’t always allow for much “me” time… Plus, I home school our oldest daughter, so I spend more time reading children’s material. Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t trade the time I get to spend with my children for anything. It is very rewarding and educational for me as well. Of course, I feel that picking up this novel and finishing it has inspired me to continue with my passion for reading and writing again. I may have to stay up late or get up earlier to do it, but I now realize that it can be done!
Great to see you here, Sheila! It is so hard to find time for “pleasure reading”!
same here Sheila, I was riveted on the book the whole time. I couldnt put it down. It was like I was in the book , whether it was Mike, or Elizabeth or even Leah, that was me.!!
I’m not a big reader, I’m really interested in “The Power of a Pawn”, but I see Michael was a good resource, so it’s got to be a Great read!
Roger, have you read Power Of A Pawn yet? It is really good! I knew Paul had a great story from the excerpts I had read, and it exceeded my hopes. I hope to see it made into a film soon! I also want the other 5 books in the series!! (I’m sure Paul is busily writing as I type!)
[Sorry to take over your blog, Paul, but] Roger, you & Annelie also need to read the Beyond The Farthest Star novel that the Thoene’s wrote. It has a few differences from the film (from what I have been told *deep sigh*), but I loved it too. Good thing, huh?
Thanks Cindy, It’s so hard to know what to read, because I always dislike the movie after reading the book. Books are always better, lol Because I don’t like reading, I just wait for the film.
Cindy, I have never of Beyond the Farthest Star? If its written by the Thoenes – I have read many of their books and one of their series i just finished the last book . I think its called the Zion Chronicles. Is this book a good read? cause I would definitely like to order it!
Linda, Beyond The Farthest Star is out on eBook and the paperback is due out next month. The Thoenes wrote the novel based on the screenplay by Andrew Librizzi. I have been a huge follower and fan of the film which is due to be released this year. You can check it out on their FB page or their website at http://www.beyondthefartheststar.com
Of course I am so enamored (obsessed? lol) that you can also read a lot…a whole lot…about it on either of my 2 pages or my blog. The book has received mostly 5 stars in reviews. I was allowed to see the first 36 minutes of the rough edit of the film. and loved it! Those who got to see the prescreening also loved it. (I was invited, but it was held in TX & I am in AL.)
thank you for that website cindy, I looked into it and saw I could order the book thru Amazon.com.
Roger, it’s wonderful to see you here. I agree with Cindy – you need to read The Power of a Pawn! We’ve made it so easy for you. $1.99, purchase online, read online.
It’s .almost. like watching a movie on a screen!
Hi Brittany,
Good to talk to you again.
I hear ya both.
Sounds like a must read. I will have to add it to the film page on CFDb, so others can find it.
Thanks
actually Roger, Necessary Heartbreak is an excellent read. I have read it myself and want to give a copy to my friend. Its a book that’s hard to put down, once you start. Very riveting. Parts of the story are both fictonal and factual. You’ll find out if you read it!!
Can you expand on what you mean “both fictional and factual?” Sounds interesting…
Dale I don’t want to give the story away but just to say some of the chapters where Michael reminisces about his past actually happened to the author! I didn’t realize it until after I was done with the book and read the authors real life story.
It really is a book worth reading. It brought tears to my eyes as well as laughter.
Our contest is officially closed! Thank you to all who entered. Our 15 finalists will be announced shortly on http://facebook.com/TGOLSeries.
Now I am happy to be a finalist – Hope to soon be reading Necessary Heartbreak ; )
I have decided to hold off starting a book till I find out if I am a Winner..already won a book today so hopefully my luck will hold out till tomorrow..
another thing I wanted to mention about the book is the cover.it is nice and catches your eye..well designed..
How come all these comments are so short???
IDK