To Truly See

by Kristin Billerbeck

Brenda Turner has achieved huge success as the president of marketing for a large company in the Silicon Valley. She works hard every minute to maintain her position and doesn't have time for the neurological disease that is attacking her muscles and vision. She'll do anything for a miracle cure. Dr. Luke Marcusson struggles with his attraction for Brenda, even after confirming her diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Reluctantly, he terminates the doctor / patient relationship, but continues to stay involved. Brenda has everything that money and work can give her. But while surrounded by the friendship of unselfish Christians, she is challenged to seek that which really provides ultimate contentment.

Genres: Fiction, Christian, Christian Fiction

169 pages

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

About Kristin
I grew up with a strong sense of justice. I simply knew the way things should be. And since I’m not smart enough to be a district attorney, I am a novelist. My childhood was slightly confusing. I blame my parents for this. Oh heck, I’m going to blame them for everything. I think I would have turned out normal if it weren’t for them.
the billerbeck's

Okay, probably not. I am a fourth-generation Californian, and an American mutt, but identify most strongly with my Italian heritage. My mother’s family, of strong Norwegian/German descent, tried to teach me how to do things right. How to cook, clean, sew, budget accordingly – all the things a proper young girl should know to be a contributing member of society. I, however, failed miserably. For my 40th birthday, my grandmother gave me a cookie gun, so it’s clear she hasn’t given up on me yet! That is eternal optimism!

My dad’s Italian family taught me about the good life. The indulgent life. How to eat, shop and be merry. My Nana had very tiny feet and a penchant for shoes (she worked at the Emporium, no doubt to fund her shoe addiction). My afternoons at her house had no lessons, other than how to walk in her high heels, drape myself in her mink stole and drip myself with rhinestones. Tastefully, of course. I picked up on this lifestyle much quicker.

I graduated San Jose State University with a degree in Journalism & Mass Communications (emphasis in Advertising), gave my life to Jesus during college and found my true love in a Christian Singles’ Group, which yes, I skewer in “What a Girl Wants”. He is German. Practical. And a Contributing Member of Society. I am still Italian, fluffy and an aficionado of fine shoes & handbags.

Together, we have four children and now it’s our turn to confuse them. The circle of life. Dysfunctional family style.

Reviews

[Anna Marie · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ something like thirty pages.

This book is about a spoiled, demanding, nasty, conniving, lying, horrible woman who has been diagnosed with MS. She's so self important she steals the X-rays from her doctor, repeatedly tells everyone in her path she's the VP of Star Digital, has no time for friends or anything decent, warm, and non-work related and basically comes off as a total b****.

While falling flat on her face, because her vision is so bad.

Why Luke would be attracted to that is beyond ANYONE's understanding. She was completely awful, from top to bottom. And there was absolutely no way to paint her behavior as anything less than reprehensible.

I had no desire to read about this woman, and after thirty pages, I'd had enough. She had emotional fits, sobbing about not being able to do her job, demanding answers, and being a wretch to everyone.

In my down time? I don't want to read about someone like that. Maybe your mileage differs, but if I can't like the character, I'm NOT going to like the book.

[Diane Pitts · Rating 5 out of 5]

What The Heart Sees

Kristin Billerbeck brings a tender romance through the ravages of MS(Multiple Sclerosis), the cut-throat business world, and the practice of medicine.

Childhood fear can shape choices, even lying. Choosing money and reputation over relationships can isolate individuals. Brenna and Luke face all of the obstacles with the help of friends and faith.

Enjoyed the read.

[Martha · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was different than I expected, but the MS diagnosis was really interesting. I learned a lot about the disease. I loved seeing the transformation in the characters as well.

[Arya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was particularly enjoyable for me because my mother has MS. Very sweet romance. I thought Brenda was a very strong female lead - though sometimes I wanted to tell her she needed to slow down or she was going to go blind for good. I loved the fact that a good writer took on the task of writing a book where the main character has MS. The research seemed well done. A fine job Ms. Billerbeck.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was one of her early ones and not near as funny as some of her newer ones.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful

A quick, easy read. A breath of fresh air. Chick lit at its best. If you are looking for a simple feel good story this is for you.