WHY I WROTE MOOSE RIDGE: ENDING TO BEGINNING by CRAIG HASTINGS

WHY I WROTE MOOSE RIDGE: ENDING TO BEGINNING by CRAIG HASTINGS
Saturday, October 23, 2021 by Patti Shene

FEATURED BOOK: Moose Ridge: Ending to Beginning

AUTHOR: Craig Hastings

PUBLISHER: Champagne Book Group

GENRE: Inspirational Fiction/Romance

SERIES OR STAND ALONE: First in the Moose Ridge series

TARGET AGE: Adult

IT IS MY PLEASURE TO WELCOME AUTHOR CRAIG HASTINGS TO PATTI’S PORCH. CRAIG SHARES THE INSPIRATION BEHIND HIS FIRST NOVEL.

CRAIG IS OFFERING A GIVEAWAY! SIMPLY LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW TO ENTER THE DRAWING FOR A PRINT OR EBOOK COPY OF MOOSE RIDGE: ENDING TO BEGINNING.

WHY I WROTE MOOSE RIDGE: ENDING TO BEGINNING

Craig Hastings

In 1977, I was a young airman stationed in Omaha, Nebraska. After calling all the grandparents, I headed to the room where my wife was after giving birth to our first son.

I found her crying and she shared a nurse said the baby was not well and might die. I rushed out to find anyone who could tell me what was going on. That evening, they moved our son from the base hospital to the University of Nebraska Medical Center Neonatal ICU.

Later, I stood beside his isolette, watching him on the respirator, with multiple IVs and leads attached. They did not know what was wrong or what was going to happen. All I could think of was what my Grandma Josie always told me when things were looking bad, ‘It’s okay. God’s in charge.’

Somehow, I found the strength that night to turn it over to God. I knew I couldn’t handle it on my own. Thus began six months of highs and lows as he endured surgeries, tests, and experimental treatments as they dealt with his issues. Several times, we were told it wasn’t good.

My faith in God had never been tested more in my brief life, or since. Three days after he was born, a doctor took us aside to tell us there wasn’t any hope. He realized we were Christians and suggested we pray for help to deal with his death. I told him I wasn’t praying that. I wasn’t ready to give up on my son, or on God.

During this time, I found the inspirational fiction book, Not My Will by Francena Arnold. My wife and I read it and it helped me to stay strong and deal with everything.

At six months, our son came home. He still required special care, but they felt we could provide this at home. He was home two weeks when he passed away late one night. I did CPR until the para-medics arrived and they took over and we followed them to the emergency room. But he never revived.

As I held and comforted my wife, I felt the comfort of God holding me. He let me know it was okay. I’ll never understand why, but I knew it was time for our son to go. Later, his primary doctor shared how much they had learned while treating the rare issues he had and how this would help save others. He specifically mentioned a child near Chicago who would now probably live because of our son.

One day short of a year from his death, my wife gave birth to our second son. We named him Chad after the character in the book. Then, 23 months later, son number three came along. They have filled our lives with blessings.

But I never forgot that book by Francena Arnold and how much it helped me. I always wanted to do something similar for others.

I’ve taught Bible studies, preached in mission churches overseas and Stateside, worked with youth groups, helped build church buildings, and even drove the church bus. I’ve shared about my son whenever I could, but always felt there was something more.

A few years back, I took the plunge and, using my experience with the Department of Defense and the U.S. Intelligence Agencies, started writing novels. But while I was working on these, a character appeared who had suffered many traumatic events in their life, and while their inner strength allowed them to move forward, each time it got harder to see any chance at happiness.

When Jazmine came to me, she was 25. She had been born into the lap of luxury in New York City with a life full of promise most could only imagine. But when she was five-years-old, her mother was killed. Her life was never the same. From this point forward, the world would tease her with a glimpse at happiness, only to snatch it away.

Now, once again, she was on the cusp of the overflowing happiness she had always dreamed of having. As she stood in a dismal small house in rural Wyoming, life again tore her happiness away, shattering what she felt was her last chance. She had reached her limit. She was ready to give up.

I thought about what it would take for someone in Jazmine’s place to rekindle their hope of happiness. To take another chance and risk their badly damaged heart in the hope of finding joy. One thing Jazmine had never experienced was the knowledge of a loving God, and the faith, He will take care of you. Just as when I stood by my son’s isolette, I knew He was her only hope.

Thus began the story of Jazmine’s journey from when she feels her life is ending. She sees in others a powerful belief in a God she doubted even existed. But is it enough for her to risk her battered and scarred heart again? Is there really a chance for someone to have a new beginning? Will she learn and accept that with God, there is always hope?

Back Cover Blurb for Moose Ridge: Ending to Beginning:

For New Yorker Jazmine, the journey from blissful to shattered was only a 4-hour flight. She came to Wyoming to join her soulmate, who she supported through his medical school. But he’s moved on, abandoning her in this small western community. Now she needs a job, and to forget him. Not to mention a reason to live. The town’s welcome helps, but when another crushing blow comes, she wants to run. Is the faith and strength of another enough to risk staying and relighting her flame of hope?

Buy Links:

https://authorcraighastings.com/ending-to-beginning

Amazon: http://ow.ly/P68G30rXXBi

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58657447-moose-ridge

Barnes & Nobel: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/.../moose-ridge.../1139953616

Champagne Book Club: http://ow.ly/8jUg30rXXBA

Others: https://books2read.com/u/mYGxKP?redirect=off

DON’T FORGET TO LEAVE A COMMENT TO BE PLACED IN THE DRAWING TO WIN AN EBOOK COPY OF MOOSE RIDGE: ENDING TO BEGINNING BETWEEN NOW AND TUESDAY, NOVVEMBER 2ND AT MIDNIGHT MDT. (Print book will be available at a later date).

BY LEAVING A COMMENT, YOU GRANT PERMISSION FOR YOUR EMAIL TO BE REVEALED TO THE AUTHOR IF YOU ARE THE WINNER TO FACILITATE RECEIPT OF YOUR BOOK.

Patti’s Review of Moose Ridge: Ending to Beginning

Jazmine Strake finds her dreams shattered when she arrives in a small town in Wyoming and learns the love of her life has moved on without her. Her crushed heart struggles to find any reason for joy or hope. The townspeople embrace her into their community, but it is Sadie, grandmother of the veterinarian Jason Withers where she takes a job, who shows her the kindness and compassion she craves.

Moose Ridge: Ending to Beginning is a slow developing romance fueled by a hefty dose of scheming, prayer, and intervention by grandmother Sadie.

The characters in Craig Hastings’ story are unique and engaging. In addition to the main characters, I particularly enjoyed the part the puppies and Stan, the Mountain Dew drinking lizard, played in this delightful novel.

If you enjoy romance with a different twist, you’ll find this a fun read.

Born and raised in Muncie, IN, Craig Hastings is about as typical middle-America as they come. His 20 years in the U.S. Air Force, followed by another 15 as a DoD contractor, allowed him to live in several places in the States and overseas. After over 20 years in Germany and the UK, Craig hates moving. He and his wife settled in Oklahoma City where their 3 miniature Dachshunds allow Craig and his wife to live with them. He continues working for a major computer company under contract with a major airline manufacturer, which keeps him busy during the weekdays, leaving his evenings and weekends for his writing and maintaining their acreage. Oh, and his major job of taking care of the pups.

SUBSCRIBE TO PATTI’S BLOGS HERE

Comments

Cleo Lampos From Oak Lawn, IL At 12/5/2021 8:47:21 AM

I know that I am going to read this book on many levels, and will pass it on to several persons who will benefit from its them. God bless you as you continue this series.

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Cleo. Thank you for stopping by. Congratulations on winning the drawing! Have a Blessed Christmas season.

Gail Kittleson From Iowa At 11/23/2021 12:45:44 PM

Well, you certainly got my attention. Here it is almost Thanksgiving again, and we have so much to be thankful for. What a great reminder this story is of the way our God shelters us during the very worst of times and strengthens us to go on. Thank you for your service, Craig, and your transparency.

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Gail. Thank you so much for stopping by and for your comments to Craig. Have a blessed Thanksgiving!

eMarie From Idaho At 10/31/2021 5:58:48 PM

Oh my goodness!! After reading the story about your firstborn, my heart goes out to you. I love how the Lord comforted you at that time, and how He's continued to give you strength and confidence. God bless your writing journey too!!! :)

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi eMarie. Thank you for stopping and leaving a comment for Craig. His story reflects deep heartache and much courage. Have a blessed Sunnday!

Natalya Lakhno From CA At 10/26/2021 12:40:41 AM

Thank you for sharing! Very interesting!

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Natalya. Thank you for visiting and leaving a comment for Craig. Blessings on your day!

Jean Alfieri From CO At 10/24/2021 9:11:47 AM

What an incredible faith-filled journey. And Moose Ridge sounds like an engaging story. Thanks for sharing.

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Jean. Craig's characters are interesting and unique. Thank you for stopping by. Blessings this Sunday!

Anita Downing From ID At 10/24/2021 1:45:00 AM

MOOSE RIDGE: ENDINGS TO BEGINNINGS is a great mix of romance, adventure, faith and humor. I love this story with relatable characters and a page-turning plot. I enjoy hearing about the inspiration behind well-written stories. Author Craig Hastings should be at the top of any "must read" list! TY!