Wounded Healer, Homeland Heroes Series #1

Forged in the crucible of Operation Desert Storm, the friendship of soldiers Erin Grayson and Christina McIntyre seemed indestructible---until an ugly secret surfaced from Christina's past. Four years later, she teeters on the brink of self-destruction and Erin rushes to her side. Can Erin's faith save Christina from the fear that threatens her? 304 pages, softcover from Zondervan.

At the end of Operation Desert Storm, close friends and female soldiers Chris and Erin go their separate ways--without even saying good-bye. When tragedy reunites them four years later, one’s fear of God and the other’s faith in Him collide in a different kind of war only one of them can win.

Average Rating:

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Reviewed by Darlene (Miles City, Mt), November 14, 2007

A veteran of Desert Storm Chris McIntyre faces self-destruction due to past problems and a tragedy she suffered in the war Erin Grayson, a former Operation Desert Storm friend, rushes to her side to help and share her faith in hopes of saving Chris's life. This is a great novel of love and mercy shown by Erin and Jesus Christ to someone who is deeply wounded.

Reviewed by Chloe T. (Chicago,IL), November 07, 2007

I loved this book. It blended together both chicklit and adventure. I have read it many times and highly recommend it. It is a great read.

Reviewed by Narelle Mollet (Melbourne, Australia), October 23, 2006

Donna's first novel is an exceptional blend of action and suspense, palpable emotions, devoted friendship and the faithfulness of God. Christina McIntyre is a wounded soul, both from childhood secrets and her life as a soldier in Iraq. A fledgling friendship with fellow soldier, Erin Grayson, develops but is soon tested by tragedy in combat and Chris disappears to the mountains of Colorado, seeking the anonymity she prefers. Erin knows God has placed a burden for Chris on her heart and her faithfulness to that call puts her at odds with her protective husband, Scott. When Chris' life is shattered by another tragic loss, Erin brings a broken Chris into her home and and shows her what true compassion is. Donna Fleisher's sensitive characterization draws you into the lives of Chris, Erin and the eclectic group of people in the Kimberley Street Community Centre where Erin works and lives. The relationships are genuine and full of the realities of what life is really about. A fantastic start to a compelling series.

Reviewed by Rich Bullock (Thousand Oaks, CA), July 23, 2005

The cover enticed me. What man can resist a picture of a beautiful woman and a war-time helicopter? But the story...wow! Sometimes we forget how wounded people are in the world around us. Donna Fleisher takes us into that world, masterfully revealing glimpses into what caused the pain. Then she leads us all through it to the other side. VERY well done.

Reviewed by Cynthia M. Hickey (Surprise, Arizona), July 11, 2005

Wow! Donna Felisher takes you right to the soul of Chris McIntyre, an emotionally wounded veteran of Desert Storm. Chris battles her feelings of self-worth and past pain. Her best friend, Erin, stays by her, through Chris's drinking and violence, always loving, always showing God's love. This book is a must read.

Reviewed by Carrie (Lawrenceville, NJ), July 07, 2005

Donna Fleisher has written a powerful story of two friends and the love that changes both their lives. Chris has a painful secret and a need for healing. Erin has a stong love and determination to see her friend's life and spirit restored. The memories of Operation Desert Shield and Storm are the background for Erin and Chris's friendship and add a unique dimension to this moving story.

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Author: Donna Fleisher
Located in: Lincoln City, Oregon
Submitted: August 09, 2005

    Tell us a little about yourself.  If I’m not already, I’ll soon be officially classified as an “old maid.” In other words, I’m forty and still single, but I totally love my life. I wouldn’t trade it for a dime. Right now I’m sitting in my comfie recliner, and every so often I need to stop typing to gaze out my living room window at the waves of the Pacific as they crash over “my” rock. As soon as I’m done here, I’m gonna go down on the beach and hunt for agates. Then catch the tail end of the sunset. Another gorgeous setting of the sun over the Pacific Ocean as seen from the shores of Nelscott Beach in Lincoln City, Oregon. Ahh. Home.

    What was your motivation behind this project?  I wanted so much to write about the friendships between women, especially a pair of women who just so happened to be soldiers in the U.S. Army and who met and forged their friendship in the tension of an impending war. But I also wanted to show the way God uses friendship to bring people to Him. I wanted to show the need for us to persevere in the lives of our friends to point them to Christ. Obviously, it is the Holy Spirit who draws people unto Himself. But many times He relies on the perseverance of a friend to get that person’s attention. Some people, without that perseverance, will remain oblivious to what He is trying to do in their lives. No, we can’t drag someone kicking and screaming to Jesus and make them be saved. But we can care enough to persist. We can care enough to stand by our friends and be their light whatever they decide. Some people call it “Friendship Evangelism” and debate its effectiveness. I simply call it love. To love others as Jesus Christ loves them—to see in them what He sees—is to follow Him. Is to obey Him. Is to live as He lived.

    What do you hope folks will gain from this project?  I would love for readers to put the book down at the end and just bask in the wonder of Salvation. When God’s Spirit literally moves into a person’s soul and sets up camp, it is, indeed, the very touch of God Himself on our mortal bodies. It is real, more real than any experience the natural man can know. To be alive in the redemption of Jesus Christ and to know God the Father truly as Father, is life as it was created to be lived. The abundant life in Christ. If a reader puts the book down and wonders if this life can be her own, I want her to know it can. And it will, the moment she leans into Jesus and accepts who He is and all He has done for her.

    Who are your influences, sources of inspiration or favorite authors / artists?  There are three ministers I rely on to teach me about Jesus and what it means to follow Him. Gayle Erwin teaches about the Nature of Jesus, about who He was when He walked this earth and who He still is as Lord of Lords. Margaret Becker’s artistry simply sustains me. Francine Rivers is my example in this industry. When I need to remember what it’s all about, I listen to Francine. Amen.

    Anything else you'd like readers / listeners to know:  I once worked in a fish plant on an Aleutian Island in Alaska. And I once pumped gas. For two weeks. (In Oregon we still don’t have self- serve.) I’ve worked at a convenience store. And as a motel housekeeper. I once searched for spotted owls. I once hauled almost everything that had anything to do with my four years of writing novels to the fire ring at a local state park and watched it all go up in flames. Sometimes one needs to do that. To simply step away and ask the Lord, “Okay, what’s next?” If you do that, be prepared. He just may be biding His time (and yours) until that perfect moment. He has that way about Him. So, until your perfect moment, whatever and whenever that may be, keep trusting Him. And don’t be afraid. He is a big God, and His love is complete. If you have no idea why I’m bringing this up, I invite you to check out my blog, especially the Entire Adventure posts. God is very big, and He also has a terrific sense of humor. It’s the journey He savors in us, not the outcome. Right now, I pray your journey with Him is sweet. And when we’re finally able to rest in Christ’s presence and to hear each other’s stories … I can’t wait to hear yours. Until then, vaya con Dios, and thanks for being there! with love, donna

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