The Wounded Trilogy by Lynn Dove

Posted on June 24, 2012 by Lynn

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To celebrate the release of the third and final book of The Wounded Trilogy – Love the Wounded, I am doing an online self-promotion of all three of my award-winning books June 24th (today) through June 27th, 2012.

ABOUT THE WOUNDED TRILOGY

Someone asked me the other day what motivated me to write the “Wounded Trilogy”.  Easy answer:  I wanted to make sure that every young person and adult that read my books would know that God loves them, He cares for them and no matter what circumstance in life they may find themselves, they are not alone.  My books deal frankly with the subjects of bullying, gossip, cancer and other social issues that teens and adults face daily.  I want to get the message out especially with regards to bullying that they need not remain victims any longer. This is why my books are listed as resources on one of the world’s largest anti-bullying websites in the world: www.bullying.org

What others are saying about The Wounded Trilogy:

“(These books) dig deep into the lives of youth,…I feel every parent and teenager should sit down and read (these books) together.” – ReadersFavorite.com

“Lynn’s first book, Shoot the Wounded, is of the same calibre as Janette Oke’s first book, Love Comes Softly—the book that sold millions and propelled her into the reading public’s heart like a rocket.  Shoot the Wounded is a book that will keep you up reading all night whether you are a teen or a 50-something grammy like me!  You’ll be buying copies for every teen you love.”  –Connie Cavanaugh,  International speaker and Author of From Faking It to Finding Grace

“…should be read by anyone who works closely with Christian teenagers, and of course, by teenagers themselves…”  – Goodreads Review

“5 – Stars all the way for this moving yet delightful peek into the life of teenagers…”  – Ellen C. Maze, Author of Rabbit: Chasing Beth Rider

“I loved reading Shoot the Wounded.  What a great message!” –  J. Huffman, Principal, Bearspaw Christian School, Calgary, Alberta.

“Excellent book…am already anticipating book 2 in the series!”  – B. Kelly, Teacher.

“…The characters are believable and the story line engaging…”  – S. Booth, Adjunct Professor, Canadian Southern Baptist Seminary, Cochrane, Alberta.

“This book was amazing…I loved the way the characters mirrored real-life situations, misunderstandings, friendships and families,…This could be a great start to changing the way youth, and even adults treat one another, especially within the church…”  – A. Higgins, College Student

“…This is a gripping book….This is a great read for teens.”  – Novel Teen Review

“…Shoot the Wounded, is aimed at young adult Christian audiences, but its topic is universal no matter your age or faith…”  – Cochrane Eagle

“A life of working with youth has inspired a Cochrane mother to turn her experiences into a book trilogy…(the “Wounded”) series parallels the struggles of students…(and) covers some of the angst of some real serious issues, particularly with bullying and gossip.”  – Rocky View Weekly

“A personal story of honest truth – offer(s) an uplifting and spiritual message.”  – Cochrane Times

“This was a gripping book (Shoot the Wounded)….a great read for teens.” – Jill Williamson – author – Blood of Kings Trilogy

“Although these books were written for Young Adults the lessons learned in these books can be applied to anyone….Lynn addresses the unique challenges that teens and young adults will inevitably face.  As adults sometimes we forget what it was like during our teen years and find it hard to relate to our teen children.  Lynn has found a way to do just that through her books.  If you have a teenager or know of someone who is in their teen years then this is a must-have book to give to them as a gift.” – Deborah Malone – author – Death in Dahlonega

“As a contemporary Christian novel for youth, Shoot the Wounded delivers the gospel with enough angst that it is sure to meet with the approval of today’s teen.  It delves into relevant topics such as teen pregnancy and family violence, mixed with the usual boy-girl relationships and coming of age themes common to YA fiction.  In this book we see that being a Christian isn’t easy, and it certainly doesn’t mean you are perfect.  Shoot the Wounded is the first in a trilogy by Canadian author Lynn Dove and sets the stage for its equaling engrossing sequel, Heal the Wounded.  This is a set that should be in every school, church and public library” – Tracy Krauss – author- My Mother the Man-Eater

“I ADORED this book (Shoot the Wounded).  As a teenager it really spoke to me.  Readers will be engaged into Dove’s tale from page one.  This book hits so close to home for teenagers and adults alike.  This tale spins through the emotions of teenagers, Ronnie, Leigh and Jake and everyone can find a bit of themselves in the characters.  This story is a must read for youth groups, Christian teenagers and even for non-believers and will inspire and captivate audiences for years to come.  It is an emotionally liberating novel and a very well written piece of literature.  Dove’s talent with words allows the audience to connect more completely with the emotional ride this book takes them on.  Five stars! – Kristin F. (18 yrs. old)

“Wow!!! …  I recommend (these books) to any young teenager who is looking for a great book. These books are so addictive,… at school I couldn’t wait for the class to end so I could read… Favorite book series ! <3” – Hayley R. (14 yrs. old)

“The messages within (the books) apply to LIFE.  Lynn Dove did a great job capturing the mindset of a teenage boy and a teenage girl, as well as their parents. – Stacy Padula – author- Montgomery Lake High series

“Shoot the Wounded!”  I love it! This book dives head first into the many different difficulties experienced by teenagers today. Problems such as jealousy, lies, bullying, and so many other evil ways in which Satan tries to needle his way into their lives.  In a world that is slowly trying to push God out, it’s no wonder that kids don’t know where to turn to for help. This book gives vision that He is still here now, always has been, and always will be. He has the answers that they seek. Just ask!” – Jay A. Miller – author –  Sal and Sally

“(Shoot the Wounded) and (Heal the Wounded) are both really good books that actually choose to address stuff that teenagers have to deal with, as opposed to stuff adults think we deal with…Read them!” – Vicki M. (16 yrs. old)

“Heal the Wounded” was more than just another book to me.  This book was more of a personal encounter….it’s one of those books that I just couldn’t put down!!!!” – Breann R.  (17 yrs. old)

“Each character fights to hold onto his faith in the midst of upsets and trials.  Not only is this book (Heal the Wounded) for teens but also for adults.  In today’s world, it’s such a busy life that parents seem to ignore the warning signs of their teenagers.  I recommend parents and child alike read this book.” – Readers Favorite

Shoot the Wounded – finalist in the 2010 Reader’s Favorite Book Awards (Young Adult Category)

Heal the Wounded – Bronze Medal Winner in the 2011 Reader’s Favorite Book Awards (Young Adult – Coming of Age Category) and finalist in the Christian – General Fiction category.

Love the Wounded – 5 Star Review on Readers Favorite (June 2012) – “Love the Wounded” continues the story of Jake, Leigh, Mike Tim and Dylan whom we met in the first two books of this series. It seems all four of these young adults are still struggling with difficulties that life has brought their way. Tim is still trying to come to terms with losing his sister; Dylan will never let go of the anger and bitterness of his dad and sister being killed by a drunk driver; Leigh has just dumped Jake and decides to start dating Dylan within two weeks; and Mike struggles every day because of his dad’s drinking problem. But no one was expecting the accident that leaves Mike fighting for his life, all because of foolish jealously, and all because Leigh can’t decide which guy she likes the best, Dylan or Jake. What a dramatic ending to a wonderful series about five teenagers and their families who are struggling through life, miserable because of anger and bitterness! But the walls started to break down for all of them after the horrible accident that involved Jake, Dylan and Mike.

Lynn Dove has created a cast of teenage characters we grow to love over this three book series, and as I read “Love the Wounded” I couldn’t put the book down until the end because I couldn’t wait to find out what was happening next. I grew to love these five young people, and even though Dylan got on my nerves sometimes, he ended up finding a special place in my heart. I appreciate the way Lynn shows her readers how God loves us, and can heal the hurt and take away the anger and bitterness, no matter how deep it is. I encourage you to not only read this book yourself, but purchase it for your teenager too. It is a wonderful, good, clean book with twists and turns about issues on a young adult level that they will enjoy reading.”

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Being a “Thriver” (9)

Posted on June 20, 2012 by Lynn

Psalm 119: 67, 71, 92, and 93 I’ll run together to describe how God ministered to me through His Word as I battled Breast Cancer.

“Before I was afflicted I went astray; but now I obey your word….It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn Your decrees….If your law had not been my delight I would have perished in my affliction. I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life.”

One thing that I had to come to terms with was my own mortality. I had to completely relinquish any control I thought I had, and give myself over to God. He was the only One Who would determine whether I lived or died and I had to come to the place where I accepted either scenario and say, “It is well with my soul.”

I am what the medical profession calls a “survivor”. I suppose to the world at large I am, but I reject that term in many ways because it suggests that I have fought the battle against breast cancer myself and that it is on my strength alone that the victory was won. That is not the case at all. I had a team of fantastic medical professionals, I had an incredibly supportive family and church family who loved on me daily and I had the prayers of many, the promises of Scripture, and the peace that surpasses understanding envelope me throughout those two years. If I could I would instead change the word “survived” to “thrived”. Survival is one thing, but to thrive means that the only One who deserves any credit for that is Jesus Christ. If I showed any strength it was because I had His strong shoulders to cry upon, I had His strong arms to wrap around me and hold me up, I had His comforting Words to soothe away my fears, I had His assurance that He was completely in control every step of the way.

I wish to share a poem that was sent to me by one of my best friend’s only hours before my first surgery.  Let it be a constant reminder what it means to THRIVE every single day, no matter your circumstances!

A STRONG WOMAN VERSUS A WOMAN OF STRENGTH

A strong woman works out every day to keep her body in shape…

But a woman of strength kneels in prayer to keep her soul in shape.

A strong woman isn’t afraid of anything…

But a woman of strength shows courage in the midst of her fear.

A strong woman won’t let anyone get the best of her…

But a woman of strength gives the best of her to everyone.

A strong woman makes mistakes and avoids the same in the future…

A woman of strength realizes life’s mistakes can also be God’s blessings and capitalizes on them.

A strong woman walks sure-footedly…

But a woman of strength knows God will catch her when she falls.

A strong woman wears the look of confidence on her face…

But a woman of strength wears grace.

A strong woman has faith that she is strong enough for the journey…

But a woman of strength has faith that it is in the journey that she will become strong.

Author’s Note:  June 2019 marks eighteen years cancer-free!  Praise God!

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Being a “Thriver” (8)

Posted on June 19, 2012 by Lynn

God commands us to have joy in all our circumstances.

Let’s look at Phil. 4:4…”Rejoice in the Lord always.” It does not say rejoice sometimes, or rejoice only when we feel like it, it says “rejoice in the Lord always.” (In the Lord) means in His fellowship, in His love and grace and in the knowledge of His dominion over our lives and His rule over all our destiny.) In other words, the Lord has EVERYTHING under control.

If it is a command, it is also a choice. Many times I was faced with the choice to laugh or cry. I chose to laugh.

I made every effort to be as positive as I could be about my prognosis and to believe that through this whole experience I could be used by God. I was not disappointed. I had opportunity to pray with my doctors and nurses before and after surgeries. I was able to talk with my roommates about God and I have been privileged to meet other women and share my “hope in Jesus” with them as they too struggle in battling breast cancer. I have written several articles that were published in HomeLife about my cancer experience and I have been able to share my testimony with many through my books and through my Journey Thoughts blog.

After my last chemo treatment in June of 2001, I came home to a huge poster taped to my front door reading: “Praise the Lord, the Chemo is done! Way to go Lynn!  Continued prayers and blessings unto you and the family!” It was an amazing note of encouragement from my church family. As I started to heal and regain my strength through the next half year, my friends and family continued to pray and love me. I still have friends who continue to pray for me, particularly for my health, knowing that once diagnosed with cancer, the fear of reoccurrence is always there. I don’t dwell on it, but I know too that every day is a gift.

In January 2002, I underwent a prophylactic mastectomy of the left breast followed by immediate reconstruction surgery of both breasts. It may sound strange, but that surgery was actually my “reward” after Breast Cancer. Many women who are diagnosed with breast cancer opt to have immediate reconstruction after their initial surgery. I did not have that option because my oncologist wanted me to start chemotherapy as soon as I had recovered from my initial surgery. If I had opted for reconstruction, I would have had to wait with chemo until I had healed sufficiently. As it was, this gave me nearly a year to think about my options and since breast cancer runs in our family (my mother passed away from the disease in 1990), I opted to have the other breast removed followed by reconstruction of both breasts later in what is called a Tram Flap operation that sees tissue taken from the stomach and used to make brand new breasts with microscopic surgery to connect blood vessels. It means a tummy tuck…bonus!…and then later the cosmetic surgeon can make nipples and add tattoos to finish the look.

Unfortunately the 15 hour reconstructive surgery resulted in my developing a blood clot in my leg so I spent most of February 2002 in the hospital recovering from the extensive surgery, but now I look back on that particular surgery and I am very pleased with the results and despite the risks then, I would not have done anything differently. Reconstruction allowed me to look and feel normal again and for me that was part of my healing process…and I didn’t have to worry about my prosthetic tumbling out of my shirt at an inopportune moment 🙂 .

It is true that persons who have experienced a life-threatening illness, see life very differently than they ever did before the illness. It may seem strange to say, but “cancer” actually gave me back my life. I had been in a deep spiritual valley prior to my diagnosis. I know we all may go through that every once in a while but in my case, I was probably as low as I could go in my faith walk. I had been a Christian for over 20 years, and I had served in my church for years and attended services each Sunday, but I was leading a hollow, empty existence with no joy when it came to my faith walk. I am not suggesting God brought on my cancer to shake me from the spiritual doldrums I was in, but He used my cancer to reveal Himself to me in ways I would never have known had I not journeyed down cancer’s road.

 

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