Final Grains of Sand Blog Tour
Updated: May 18, 2019
Welcome to the Blog Tour & Giveaway for Final Grains of Sand by David Harder with JustRead Publicity Tours!
About the Book
Title: Final Grains of Sand Author: David Harder Publisher: Ambassador International Release Date: April 23, 2018 Genre: General Fiction
How well do we truly know people?
When James Kreider receives the devastating news his life is being cut short with cancer, he is immediately filled with shock and disbelief. At 60 years, Jim is too young to die and believes he has a whole life ahead of him. When the reality of his impending demise sinks in, Jim methodically prepares for his final days, including trying to heal old wounds. With a dash of life’s regrets and unfinished business, Jim’s hours are spent pondering the legacy he will leave for his friends and children.
In preparing for the end, Jim selects five individuals to represent his life at the funeral service. This group includes Jim’s boss, his personal physician, a neighbor, the pastor of his church, and a woman whom Jim was involved with in a long-term affair. None of the individuals know each other or why they were chosen. Summoned to the office of Jim’s attorney, the representatives disclose emotions and information few individuals want to hear. Reluctantly, they agree to share every facet of their friend.
Jim’s story not only transforms the five representatives but alters the lives of the funeral guests.
At the heart of Final Grains of Sand, this thought-provoking novel gives readers an opportunity to pause and reflect on the way they see others, as well as how they portray themselves to those around, and to help readers realize the value of one's life is less about the length of time, but rather how we touch other people through our actions and words.
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About the Author
David Harder has been writing for more than twenty-five years. His novels are inspiring stories about individuals who influence their world in unique ways.
David grew up in southern California and served in the US Navy during the Vietnam conflict. He traveled the world for businesses with cutting-edge technologies in computer and data-storage. As part of his career, he wrote for trade journals and created marketing materials within the computer industry. A graduate of San Jose College with a degree in business, he also studied at Santa Clara University towards a degree in international business.
After retiring, David focused on two passions: writing and clay art. He uses his wheel and clay during demonstrations in churches to deliver a powerful testimony, visualizing how God shapes our lives for different purposes-no matter how old we are, and even if we seem to be a failure.
David is a graduate of Vineyard Institute in biblical studies and leadership. He resides in the Prescott area of Arizona.
Connect with David: Website | Facebook | Twitter
My Thoughts
I loved the purpose behind this novel. David Harder obviously has a heart to share truth and it comes out in his writing. Final Grains of Sand was a different sort of book to read, and thought-provoking in its heartfelt intensity.
The question is not whether we will leave a legacy, but what kind of legacy will we leave? How will we invest in the people around us? Will we pay attention and treat others, including strangers, with honor and dignity? Or will we live in a rush, not realizing the value of those around us until it is too late? David Harder raises the interesting idea that we will never completely know the people around us, because of the layers we create and the things we hide. Death is the final unveiling that reveals all the facets of a life. Why is that?
I was intrigued by the idea of bringing together five individuals who were strangers to each other to unravel the threads of the common denominator - the man Jim Kreider - and discover all the facets of a man each thought they knew. These five ultimately have a mission to reach out to Jim's estranged and widely different children before the funeral.
Now for the actual writing style: the description and character concepts were fine, but it left a lot to be desired in terms of dialogue. So if the "talking" in a book is important to you, it will probably bug you that the characters don't always speak in a realistic way. This book is driven by ideas - not creativity or poetic emotion or word pictures. But it's not necessarily a bad thing - it's just different than the typical novel. The ideas expressed are somber and weighty.
The spiritual aspect of this book left me guessing a bit. It is obviously a Christian book, and a gospel presentation and Scripture are shared throughout, but I didn't agree with everything expressed... the author's view on having an affair in a stormy marriage, for one. And the epilogue probably wouldn't bother most people, but I don't like taking imaginative license with Jesus.
That being said, this book WAS thought-provoking and has potential to change people's perspectives on life.
I give it 3.5 stars.
TOUR GIVEAWAY
(1) winner will receive 1 print copy (US only)
AND (1) winner will receive 1 ebook (open internationally except where prohibited by law)
Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight May 14, 2019 and last through 11:59 pm May 21, 2019. US only. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.
Giveaway is subject to the policies found on Rafflecopter.
Click this link to enter!
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*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.*