Raves and Kudos for books by Laura Jensen Walker

Awards

Laura’s third novel, Reconstructing Natalie, was selected as the first ever Women of Faith Novel of the Year in 2006.

Laura’s debut novel, Dreaming in Black & White won the 2005 Contemporary Fiction Book of the Year from the American Christian Fiction Writers.

Laura also won the 2005 Pacesetter Award from the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference

Laura’s Journalism awards include:

First Place, Society of Professional Journalists News writing contest
California Newspaper Publishers Association Scholarship

What Readers Are Saying About Laura’s Books:

I’m 37, was diagnosed with breast cancer and went through a mastectomy and am now undergoing chemotherapy. My neighbor gave me your book, Reconstructing Natalie and during a trip to Florida, I started it at O'Hare Airport and finished it in Miami. To say I loved it would be an understatement. It was so motivating and I felt your book on so many levels. I was crying and laughing in front of many strangers as we waited for the plane. I don't normally email authors, but I was truly inspired by your book. Thank you for writing it and for making me laugh and cry. – M.F.

I just finished your book "Miss Invisible". I am not a "big girl" but I feel invisible for other reasons. This book was fabulous! Very real and true to life about the struggles of singleness to those of us who have been damaged by our childhood. A delightful, refreshing read - thank you! – D.L.

I am a 15 year-old girl who loves to read. Last summer I picked up both of your Phoebe Grant novels and fell in love with them. They might have been about a thirty-one year old women but I related to them so well. I love your writing and can’t wait to read your other books. – T.T.

I finished Miss Invisible and loved it! I read it in one night--couldn't put it down. It really helped me to remind myself to love me for who I am and because this is how God made me. I just love reading your books because your characters are all so real and down to earth, not fake millionaires/beauty queens like in other books. Thanks for being an amazing author. – A.

I have just finished reading 5 of your books. They are the greatest. My brother is going through his 3rd round of chemo. He is still fighting the cancer even though it keeps coming back. You are a very inspirational person. Please keep up the good work. Thanks. – D.V.

I just had to tell you how much I have enjoyed reading the Phoebe Grant novels. I just finished the second one and I loved them both! I could totally relate to Phoebe and all her crazy adventures. As a 23-year-old single female, I love reading chick-lit. Your Phoebe books have been a breath of fresh air. They were so real-I loved them! I don’t like a lot of Christian novels because they try to be overly spiritual and cheesy. Thank you for writing about a real character who’s not spiritually perfect and knows the struggles of single women. I can’t wait to read more from you! --S.B., Chicago

I bought Dreaming in Technicolor when it came out Tuesday. You did it again. It was “Phoebelicious!” I read it in one day and couldn’t get enough of it. I’m ready for you to write the third one about Phoebe. I just want to say that you are a wonderful writer and I enjoy reading your books. You are an inspiration to me. Your No. 1 Phoebe fan. --K.C., Australia

I have sooooo enjoyed both Phoebe Grant books! Will we get to hear more about Phoebe? I rarely laugh out loud when reading, but your novels had me laughing out loud by the end of the first few pages. Reading a good book is like basking in the sun for me. Thank you for providing a summertime experience for me with your books! – K.H.

I have thoroughly enjoyed your Phoebe Grant books. I loved them! Any chance you’re working on a third? Phoebe had me laughing out loud and staying up until the wee hours to finish the book—I couldn’t put it down. I saw that Reconstructing Natalie is coming out in 9/2006 and you can bet I’ll be one of the first owners of that book! When I find a great author, I tend to become obsessive and read ALL of their books as quickly as I can get my hands on them! You are one of them. Natalie sounds like a fun character. Any chance you can get your publisher to speed up the release? --D.W., Michigan

I loved Dreaming in Black & White! I couldn’t put it down! It brought back vivid memories of the Christian singles scene--the game nights, the constant weddings, the horrible dates. I adored Phoebe, especially all her ‘notes to self.’ I really liked how she kept thinking about other things while people were talking and ending up missing important details. I do this ALL of the time! Two of my favorite quotes: “I’m a shallow woman skimming through life like a water bug.” I was laughing ‘til tears came on that one. And “Well, I may not be Jimmy Stewart, but I can definitely bring a little Scarlett O’Hara to the table.” Loved it! The characters are so real and lovable, the dialogue so snappy and true, and the story is visual, memorable and uplifting, even a tear-jerker at times. Thank you so much! --M.S., California

I am writing to you with excitement. I am 20 years old and learning disabled. At the age of 16 my parents were told they would be lucky if I made it to the end of grade 12 because I was struggling so much. I was never able to really sit down and read because I was unable to understand and comprehend what I was reading. I haven’t read a full book or even gotten into a book EVER because of this learning disability. In October 2004 my mom cried with joy as I was a success story. I graduated from a college program as an educational assistant. I now help young students who struggle in the same areas as me.

I always buy myself books hoping and praying to read them, but if I do read one, it takes a year and I don’t understand most of it (and usually don’t finish it.) About a month and a half ago, I purchased the two Phoebe Grant novels you had written. The first one I read I understood the WHOLE thing and really enjoyed it. It probably took me about a month but by the end I couldn’t put it down. I just loved it! This was the first time EVER I had actually completed a book. I was very excited and then on Saturday I decided to start the second novel because I had to find out what was going to happen. Well, it is now Tuesday and the book is finished! This is very exciting for me and I just wish there was more of this series to read because for once in my life, I just spent time reading and loving it! Thank you very much and I thank God that he has given you this talent. --S.N., Canada

I just finished reading the Phoebe Grant books and I can identify with her so very much. I like the old movies, too, have my best friend far away, and am totally frustrated with the singles group thing where everybody wants to know everything about everyone and it’s none of their business. Thanks for writing a series where I feel like someone out there understands what it is like being a Christian single woman. Please, please keep those books coming. It is a source of encouragement to me and many others who are in the same position. --Frustrated with the singles scene, A.

“I have just finished reading Thanks for the Mammogram and I had to write to tell you how wonderful it is. I had a mastectomy 7 years ago and finished chemo 6 ½ years ago. I related so much to what you have written. Humor and Faith certainly make the ordeal easier. Your book should be required reading for all cancer patients.” --C.M.

“Just a note from a current breast cancer patient for your book “Thanks for the Mammogram” It was great and just what I needed—lots of laughs—at a time when there is not much to laugh about. Thank you.” --L. P.

“I just finished Thanks for the Mammogram and loved it. I have never faced the horrors of breast cancer, but I have fibrocystic breasts, so lumps are always present. Your book is a gem and should be read by every woman. I will recommend it to every female I know. Thank you for your wonderful book and your fabulous spirit.” --S.V.D.

“Thank you for your WONDERFUL book. I couldn’t put it down! I saw myself throughout it. We have the same outlook; we dealt with our condition with humor. How else could we get through it? Reading your firsthand account of the entire process was great for me. I no longer fear the treatments ahead of me.” --T.B.

“A pat on the back is only a few vertebrae removed from a kick in the pants, but is miles ahead in results.” --Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Laura Jensen Walker, Christian chick lit author