Creative Madness that Makes Me Myself: Sincerely, Mayla by Virginia Smith (Tour Day 1)

This week, Christian author Virginia Smith's newest book Sincerely, Mayla is on tour, May 12-16, 2008. Sincerely, Mayla is a sequel to Ginny's book Just As I Am.

Stick with me all week to find out more about Mayla, and Ginny's other books.

-MJ

From the back cover:

Mayla Strong’s life is finally starting to seem normal. She has been working at the same job for four years, living with a good friend, and enjoying a deep relationship with God. But when Mayla is suddenly laid off, the placid surface of her life is shattered. In this touching sequel to Just As I Am, Mayla comes face-to-face with the responsibilities and joys of friends and family. As Mayla tries to help her friends, she realizes that God has all the answers—the trick is letting go long enough to let Him prove it.

My Thoughts: I have not yet gotten the chance to read Just As I Am, but I cannot reiterate how glad I am that I was given the chance to read and review Sincerely, Mayla. After finishing this book #2, I cannot wait to go back and read the prequel in Mayla's life found in #1. Mayla is 23, my age, and she is a real and very "normal" girl and I love her to death! Ginny has a winner with this story and life of the character of Mayla. Life is not a simplistic thing, and events do not occur one at a time and wait for something else to cool off before the next challenge. This book of Mayla's life is so real to life and brings so many things to light in the eyes of a growing Christian. Mayla is still a new Christian and learning step by step how to put more things onto God and become more Christlike. It is through her journey and life events that a reader can find peace and understanding of their own life. The beginning of the book was very humorous and caught my interest, the middle of the book I still could not put it down, and then end of the book practically had me in tears with a giggle in my smile. I strongly urge everyone to read this book. It spoke to me, to relating to Mayla's age, but there is a character in most all situations that can bring anyone into this story. There is no reason not to read this book!

Endorsements for Sincerely, Mayla

Sincerely, Mayla is an honest book touching many issues young adults face today. Smith writes vibrant characters and tackles taboo subjects with grace and intelligence. She helps readers understand the beauty and complexity of every human being, pierced or not.

—Mary E. DeMuth

Christy Nominee, Watching the Tree Limbs

“If Mayla stole your heart in Just As I Am, she’ll own it in Sincerely, Mayla. Juggling unemployment, unrequited love, and shepherding a runaway teen takes hilarious and poignant turns in Mayla’s quirky hands. Throw in a visit to the grandmother she hasn’t seen in thirteen years, and readers will savor a rich dish of laughter, tears, and life-lessons sure to leave a permanent mark.

—Jill Elizabeth Nelson

Author of the To Catch a Thief series

"Virginia Smith has crafted another winning story with SINCERELY, MAYLA. Once again, Mayla Strong leads a cast of characters who will live in your heart long after the last page has been turned. Anyone who doubts that the Lord can use even the most unique among us will have a change of heart after reading this endearing novel."

—Kathleen Y’Barbo

Author of BELOVED CASTAWAY and LOUISIANA BRIDES

“In Sincerely, Mayla, Virginia Smith gives a graphic depiction of hating the sin but loving the sinner, just the way Jesus would. In the process, Mayla develops a greater spiritual awareness of her own shortcomings. This is a book that all Christians should read.”

—Lena Nelson Dooley

award-winning, best-selling author of Minnesota Brothers,

Carolina Carpenter Brides, and Montana Mistletoe.

"Becoming part of Mayla's challenges, frustration, and resolutions totally grabbed my heart . . . Mayla's character is developed very realistically, as we experience her mind being transformed into a new creation."

—Jacqui Markowski

Client Services, Pregnancy Resource Center of Salt Lake City

Current stops on the Sincerely, Mayla blog tour include: