Under a Desert Sky

by Lynne Hartke

There comes a time in life when we find ourselves in the desert place of burning questions. Why? Why me? But even as we shake our fist heavenward, the heart whispers another question. Who? Who are you, God? It is a question of relationship, a question we all murmur in the hardest places.

Against the backdrop of the Sonoran Desert, Lynne Hartke asks her own hard questions as cancer arrives like a thief with one goal: to take it all. Hair. The contents of a stomach. A marriage. A life. As her days become a blur of doctors' appointments, treatments, and surgeries, she wrestles with a tumble of tangled emotions, a shaken faith, and self-doubt. Cancer is now not only threatening her own life, but, in a surprising twist, the lives of both her parents as well.

Through her raw, lyrical words, Hartke invites fellow sojourners to discover that in life's hardest places, they are not alone in their fear, they are not foolish to hope, and they are never forgotten by a loving, pursuing God. Never.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction

256 pages, Paperback

Published May 2, 2017

About the author

Writer and speaker, Lynne Hartke, is the author of "Under a Desert Sky: Redefining Hope, Beauty, and Faith in the Hardest Places." Lynne is also a contributing author to nine books with Guideposts Publications. She is the creator of Legacy Story Circle and the monthly newsletter, "Wonder*FULL."

As a breast cancer survivor, Lynne was named a Voice of Hope with the American Cancer Society in 2018. She has been a story coach with several nonprofits, helping others share their valuable stories. An avid hiker, Lynne still finds it challenging to keep up with her four grown children and four grandchildren. She is married to Pastor and Mayor Kevin Hartke.

www.lynneharkteauthor.com

Reviews

[Sheri Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Going through a diagnosis can crush you, physically, mentally, and spiritually. It can hang on you like a "dark shadow" that you can't shake. Lynne touches the most tender, raw places of your heart and mind. While having unanswered questions, wondering what ever happened to God in all this-- there is hope, there can be joy. Whether you are yourself, have a loved one, know someone suffering --or want a good read that could change your life-- THIS is a must read!!!

[Yolanda Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will reach your inner doubts about God and where He is during your toughest darkest moments. Lynn's toughest darkest moment is cancer and its effect on her, her parents, and others she loves. She will show you that cancer cannot erase God-given purpose and destiny. Substitute cancer for what YOU are going through. Through Lynne's open and honest dialogue, she will share what she learned through it all in an effort to show you God is always there.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lynne Hartke uses words in her writing that make your heart feel like it's never felt before. Her style is pure inner reflection and whatever you're feeling - happiness, sorrow, loss, joy, contentment - you will experience those emotions like you never have. This is the MUST BUY for 2017.

[Dave Mammen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really spoke to me. Like the author, I have felt weighed down or wrung out in hard moments.

Lynne Hartke draws her reader out into the desert to help you see that Jesus is not only present in the engulfing helplessness of that present moment but is looking for you to bring you comfort.

When you're in a desert place, or a friend or family member is, you want someone or something to bring hope, and mark the way back to safety, and life.

"Under a Desert Sky" is a place to look.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cancer redefined life for Hartke. It started with her own diagnosis of breast cancer. Then her dad and soon after her mom were diagnosed with cancer – both incurable. Cancer redefined her concepts of strength and courage. It made her reevaluate her understanding of beauty and what it means to belong.

This is a well written and captivating memoir of struggling with unanswered questions, of being in hard places, of having more than she could handle. Hartke crafts a great parallel between her experiences and being in the desert.

Hartke draws great spiritual lessons from her experiences. I really like her analogy of the desert. It contains a beauty that can be discovered only through difficulty. There are lessons from God that can be learned only in the desert.

I also like her insight and honesty. She notes that people will sometimes say that God will not give you more than you can handle. “It's blatantly untrue,” she writes, “because if I never had more than I could handle, when would I ever need God?” (Loc. 1043/3717)

I highly recommend this book to those interested in an honest and insightful memoir of facing cancer. It would be of particular interest to hikers as Hartke shares many hiking stories. The book would be an encouragement to anyone waylaid by cancer. There are questions for discussion and personal reflection included. Hartke has also added a list of Scriptures for desert sojourners, arranged by need.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Pete Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

You and I have one thing in common, we are both on our way out. When you have your funeral, will they laugh, cry or sing? Lynne helps me to decide I am going to plan for all three.

Lynne quickly takes us through the denial of her cancer diagnosis to the fear of her treatment to the victory of remission. Just when she finds hope again, we are faced with a walk through the desert with her and her parents after both of their diagnosis. On this walk, they teach us how to leave this world overflowing with humor, tears and joy.

You will be relieved and blessed to find out that Lynne has packed limitless water and grape soda for the trip through the desert with her. Through great perspective she shows us glorious vistas along the way. Her love of the desert is on par with Ed Abbey, but she loves people in a way Ed couldn’t muster.

I loved the book and recommend it to those who have been, will be, or are on a desert journey. We all need to be able to see the beautiful view that is along the way of the dangerous and crooked path we all are on.

[Judy Sether · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that you will want to read again and again! The way Lynne weaves stories of her family's life stories with the amazing descriptions of nature and and the desire to live a faithful life while struggling with a diagnosis of cancer for herself as well as both of her parents is captivating and beautiful. The personal stories will have you riding an emotional roller-coaster and will leave you with a feeling of peace, hope, and the truth that you are never alone on your journey. Lynne will make you realize that there is beauty in hard places.The book is very well written and hard to put down once you begin reading. I highly recommend that you purchase this book!

[Karen Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart-warming memoir! Facing the doubts and fears of a threatening cancer diagnosis, Lynne soon found hope and entered a promised land rest and peace. She reveals how the living waters of her faith quenched her parched soul, enabling her to survive and thrive as she faced the barren land of cancer that threatened her life and well-being.

[Hanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

About the Book:
There comes a time in life when we find ourselves in the desert place of burning questions: Why? and Why me? But even as we shake our fist heavenward, the heart whispers another question: Who? Who are you, God? Who are you to me?
Against the backdrop of the Sonoran Desert, Lynne Hartke asks her own questions as cancer arrives like a thief with one goal: to take it all. Hair. The contents of a stomach. A marriage. A life. As her days become a blur of doctors’ appointments, treatments, and surgeries, she wrestles with a tumble of tangled emotions, a shaken faith, and crushing self doubt. And then, the unthinkable. Cancer is now threatening not only her own life but also the lives of both her parents.
Through her raw, lyrical words, Hartke invites you to discover, as she did, that even in life's hardest places, you are not alone in your fear, you are not foolish to hope, and you are nevee forgotten by a loving, pursuing God. Never.
My Review:
Ever since I've followed Ava’s journey, I've been keenly interested in cancer and how it affects people, both the victim AND the victim's loved ones. This book contains both. In this book, Lynne Hartke shares the story of her life: starting from her own diagnosis and fight with cancer, and also flashing back to her in-law's cancer battles and also describing her own parents’ fight with cancer.
I really liked the writing style of the book, almost like a stream of consciousness narration style. There are stories from the past entwined with stories of the future that all flow together, which makes it less work, I suppose you could say, than reading other nonfiction books. She was also able to relate incidents from the past, her own and from the Bible, to what was currently happening, which made it all bond together.
Another thing about this book was that it didn't feel like the author had all the answers. Instead, she was struggling, with her circumstances, with her faith, and God. It also tied to the stream of consciousness thing, where the chapters are a conglomeration of thoughts, but all supported by one idea.
There wasn't a lot of stuff about the actual treatment of the cancer (which, frankly, is what I like), but I understand that, because not many people would like to hear about that. Instead, the book was more faith based, guiding Hartke and the reader towards Jesus as the final answer, all along.
Being an avid hiker living in the desert, there were many hiking/water/paths/exercise allusions in the book (including the title Under a Desert Sky), which all together tied the book together really well. They were also very fitting: the journey of trusting Jesus, and life in general, is much like a hike in the canyon--excruciating and dangerous, but worth it in the end.
Overall, it was a really good book that I enjoyed.
My Rating:
7/10

Thanks to Revell for sending me a free print copy of this book for my honest opinion; I was not required to write a positive review.

Original review posted at: https://rockandminerals4him.wordpress...

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Under a Desert Sky, by Lynne Hartke, is a very powerful book of Lynne's walk through cancer followed by her parents' walks through cancel. Lynne writes a very emotional and inspirational book. Her writing is so honest and truthful, asking the “why me” questions so many of us ask in the privacy of our own thoughts.
This book takes us through Lynne's life and journey through cancer. Lynne fought the cancer fight and won. Shortly after both of her parents began the cancer fight. Each fighting their fight in their own way.
The author takes us on hikes with her and her family, describing the beauty they see and the trials they go through. The one hike that sticks in my mind, is when their daughter just laid down on the dusty
trail and told them to leave her there. But when her father reached for her, she got up, dusted herself off and went with him. To me, this relates to the walk we have with God and through our lives. During the good easy time, life is beautiful. But when we get ill or things get hard,we get overwhelmed. We want to just throw ourselves down and not go on. With God's help we are able to get back up and finish the walk.
I just love this book! It often brought back memories of watching my parents' through their cancer walks. At times I though she was writing my story. So truthful and honest and powerful and emotional all wrapped up together. This is a book that everyone would benefit from reading. Regardless of if their trial in life is cancer or any other situation. This story will inspire you to keep going, to trust and will encourage you.
Just after I started reading this book, I received a call from my husband that I never wanted to receive. We dropped everything to make necessary arrangements and notify the children. We were making an 'rush trip' for my husband to have surgery. As I laid in the hotel that weekend, it was this book that I grabbed to read. While our situation was very serious, we were not alone. Others have had worse situations and through Lynne's experiences I was able to just shrug off my normal life for the time my husband needed our every thought and action to be on him.
I want to thank this author for writing such a wonderful book. And the publisher for allowing this book to be available on their blogging network.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through Revell. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book—cover, content, everything about it. This became an addition to my favorite books right away after reading just a few pages. The introduction got me crying so early.

I do not know anyone close to me who has cancer, but that did not become a hindrance in any way for me to be able to relate to this “difficult beautiful” story.

All throughout the read, I was so amazed at how the author used ordinary words to convey her and her lovely family’s extraordinary story. Her writing was creative, dramatic yet so genuine.

I love how the author incorporated the Word of God into her actual experiences that were written in this book. I also appreciate the author’s candor to tell her story as precisely as possible.

This made me realize how life can get all too complex and impossible but still beautiful and pleasurable because of who God is and what He does. My emotions got so mixed up that I’ve cried countless times during the entire read.

Even before I got to the end of the book, my hope and courage got reactivated. I was reassured that God is going to be with me in all seasons of this life. I’m more than grateful to have had the chance to devour this book.

I recommend this amazing work to people who are desperate for hope or those who want to see life in a different light. You’ll find what you’re looking for UNDER A DESERT SKY. You’re welcome! 😉

P.S. I thank God for Ms. Lynne Hartke (the author) for answering my questions and assuring me (when I thought the book got lost somewhere as it took a long time) by sending emails to make sure the book would reach me by any means. Awesome, isn’t she? I’m also grateful for the wonderful note cards (made by her daughter) that went alongside the book. Wow!

Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book.

[Nathaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have spent my career at the intersection of hospice-care and faith, at the nexus of life-saving-treatment and education. Truthfully, a weird-but-beautiful space that treasures the precious nature of this human experience and that works to prepare young ones for a long, meaningful life—while simultaneously and fully believing in the vaporous, temporality of it all.

I approached “Under a Desert Sky” with some trepidation, not really wanting to vicariously experience yet-another arduous account of suffering. And fearing a sappy lecture about how-it-all-works-out-in-the-end, or about how Jesus promised we’ll “emerge victorious.” Too many times faith keeps us two-dimensional: existing either in a season of suffering-for-a-reason, or of being-happy-healed-and-whole.

Hartke, though, does a splendid job of exploring a third-dimension that truly embodies faith: the I-don’t-have-all-the-answers space where faith becomes not just a comfort, but a choice. Where light is found in darkness, refreshment is offered in dry places, and hope is developed and nurtured through relationship with self, with others, and with the Divine—as the result of heart-work and intentionality.

I encourage my fellow readers to utilize the “Questions for Reflection” section during the read—not after. Take time to sit with Hartke in the desert spaces, and to find meaning there. Walk with her through her own human experience with the third-dimension of faith, and see where her journey might take you in your own contemplation of what is, what might be, and what is to come—of what “eyes have not seen, and ears have not heard.”

I also follow Hartke’s blog, and find it meaningful: www.lynnehartke.com.

[Julie D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very poignant book written from the author's heart. She shares the hard things and the good things with equal insight and clarity. It's not always an easy book to read because she shares the hard truths about her cancer as well as her parents cancer, but she does it with great grace.

Lynne is an avid hiker and a lot of her stories are based on her own hiking experiences or her families. She shows parallels between the hard and joys of hiking with the struggles we have in life. It also made me think of our faith in God - the times when we question Him about what's happening and it's hard to believe and then the joys of total faith when we have hope and/or see Him doing His great works.

Since I live in the same State as she does, I could truly relate to her lessons and observations of the desert. The dryness that seems to hold no treasures yet when you look closely, there is beautiful life everywhere. She makes beautiful observations about the desert and what it feels like to be going through one in our life.

This book would definitely be good for someone going through cancer or for those who know someone who is. She shares insights as well as Scriptures that will be of comfort. She emphasizes our need for God through these desert times. I enjoyed this book and give it 5 out of 5 stars.

*This book was provided to me for my honest review by Revell

[victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was writing beautyfully and compelling to read. All the story of this book that the author Lynne Hartke had been bravely sharing for all of us to learn from her experiences from her cancer along for many years. This journey will help all of us walk through the desert place in life and find courage and strength to live a live with hope and believe in God again. Her story was very inspire me that we are never be alone with the love of God with all the faith or suffering with all those pain we had in life, struggling from work live life or the health one like cancer and make you feel like is only you feel and facing that and feeling that alone but there is some of a little light always have in the mild of no where like desert. God is waiting for helping us and go along way with you till the end. I highly recommend to everyone must to read this book. " I received this book free from Revell Reads Blog program for the review "

[Michelle Kidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Under a Desert Sky

Redefining Hope, Beauty, and Faith in the Hardest Places



by Lynne Hartke

Revell

Christian

Pub Date 02 May 2017

I am reviewing a copy of Under a Dessert Sky through Revell and Netgalley:

This is the story of a woman who finds herself both literally and figuratively in the Desert. Set against the Backdrop of the Sonoran Desert Lynne finds herself asking the hard questions after a Cancer Diagnosis. She talks about the healthy diet that she thought would stop cancer from entering her life.

Not long after her diagnosis her Mom and Dad were both diagnosed with cancer as well. She talks about how Cancer amplified her emotions.

After she is told she is Cancer Free Lynne does not even have time to celebrate when she gets a call saying her Mother had a stroke.

This is the story of loss, and heartbreak but it's also a story of faith and hope.

Five out of five stars.

Happy Reading!

[Karen Wingate · Rating 5 out of 5]

You have to read to the end of this book. You simply must. Don't get caught up in the author's assessment of cancer. Don't get despondent over her anguish. Don't put it aside because it's too morose or intense. Like a good novel that must get worse before it gets better, Under A Desert Sky keeps searching, questioning, and pondering until it shares the answers to the questions cancer or other life tragedy dares us to ask.
I picked up this book because I live in the desert. I almost put it down because it seemed so despairing at points. I'm glad I didn't. In fact, Lynne Hartke's ending is so beautiful and breath taking, that I changed my rating from a 4 to a 5.
I love the consistent and developing analogies of desert life to the journey of cancer. I love the way Lynne walks us through her dark journey and brings us into the glorious light of the end. Hope is hard found but there is hope, always hope. Yes, read to the end.

[Tobie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unlike any book I have ever read, Ms. Hartke asks the questions out-loud that we only dare to whisper in times of distress. Combining tales of a harsh but beautiful desert landscape with the trials of human frailty in this life, the author has woven the ordinary with the extraordinary in every chapter. Cancer touched her and her family in a life that could have been defeated by sorrow -- but provides inspiration and hope instead. Whether or not you are a follower of Christ, the author shares stories and moments that we can all relate to. A good writer pens words, phrases and stories that make one pause and think of their own tales. Evaluate their own stories. This book is not meant to be a page-turner; with gifted prose it is a page-ponder-er, a page-reflect-er, even a page-savor-er. This book is a gift you give yourself to do just that with your own life.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Under a Desert Sky" is a book that every single one of us needs to read. At some point in our lives, we will each face a situation where life is hard. Lynne takes something so difficult that she faces in her life and brings such powerful words and life to this amazing book she has written. She has woven a beautiful tapestry of words and an amazing picture of the cancer journey she has been on, even though it has been nothing shy of amazing. The emotion and heart she brings the reader one that is of brilliance and cannot be missed. This is one of. those non-fiction books that you simply cannot put down because you see your story within hers even if you have never faced cancer. I LOVED this book and I highly recommend it. I give this book 5/5 stars. I was given a copy by the publishers and a favorable review was not required.

[Carol Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books now! I wish I could purchase a copy for everyone I know.

On the surface, one might assume this is a depressing memoir, or that it’s not a topic that applies to their life. Yes, it’s a memoir of how cancer has affected Lynne’s life. But, goodness, each chapter is a shimmering gift of beautiful writing and soul-stirring nature-inspired reflections. Lynne Hartke’s intertwined love of nature and Biblical encouragement could gently stream through anyone’s heart. Her stories refreshed and enhanced my perspective on drawing near to the Lord even when life is excruciating and answers don’t rain down.

I'm so glad a friend gave this book to me. I only wish I had read it sooner. I loved it so much that I bought a Kindle version so I could highlight many passages and plan to give my paperback to another fortunate reader.

[Joy Kidney · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author encounters cancer--at the same time as her parents, who don't live nearby. Where is God in all this misery? She hikes a nearby desert as she works through raw emotions and memories. "We live in the world where everyone is waiting for the dust to settle." But it never does. One wistful point of insight came in the desert as the sun came up, the light revealing the beauty in unsettled dust. Very authentic in its suffering and questioning.

Questions for Reflection are included--a guide for the reader's own journaling at any stage in life--three for each of the 28 chapters. Scriptures for Desert Sojourners are listed by topic, such as "When You Are in a Hard place."

Learn why her mother kept her lipstick at hand.

[Danielle Urban · Rating 5 out of 5]

Under a Desert Sky by Lynne Hartke is an inspiring memoir of one woman's journey with cancer. Cancer is the toughest path one finds in life. It takes hold of us, crushing us under its pressure. Sometimes, we feel like we've lost the battle and want to give up. However, this book, redefines hope, beauty, and faith in the hardest places. Lynne Hartke's words grabbed my attention immediately. Her words made me cry and feel that hope never dies. Pain only makes one stronger. Beautifully written by a survivor, who went through it all. Pain, grief, and hope. Overall, I deeply recommend this memoir to all.

[C MCDONALD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Under a Desert Sky is an amazing book! When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, there were many things that were stolen from me...my hair, my energy, and my emotions. I had bought a journal to write in, but never did, as my words were stolen from me too. Lynne's book has given me my voice back. Her words explained so many things that I was feeling, but couldn't put into words. I love how she compares the difficult, harsh desert to her journey with cancer, and how you can find beauty and hope and even faith in the most difficult situations. This is a book that I will read over and over again, as life will always have its challenges.

[Tracie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping. Even if you don't read memoir, read this one. Engaging family and personal story vignettes interspersed with poetic nature adventures and simple yet profound spiritual insights. Although I read questions at the end of a book, I don’t usually answer the study questions because I read on my own and not in a book group. That said, the questions at the end of Under a Desert Sky are meant for individual reflection, intended to help readers engage with and remember relevant insights God may have for them. A book to share with others, whether their life has been touched by cancer or not. Because we all experience shadows and hard places in life.

[Britney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Under a Desert Sky is a candid and compelling read! When faced with her own cancer diagnosis, as well as the diagnoses of both her parents, Lynne Hartke wrestled with a myriad of thoughts, questions, and emotions. Relating her experiences to the Sonoran Desert, Hartke illustrates both the desolation and the beauty to be found in life’s desert places. Heartfelt and hopeful, Under a Desert Sky is a stirring memoir!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

[Andrea Benver · Rating 5 out of 5]

From desperation in the driest places that life has to offer to the abundance that flows from the One who created us, Lynne Hartke encompasses every emotion along the difficult and uncertain terrain of life and loss. Under a Desert Sky is honest and completely relateable--but offers a sweet hope and joy that is hard to come by in the dry seasons. I truly enjoyed this book. You will too.

[Como Se Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an example that you must always strive to survive in the hard battles that make you face life. That we must be strong and leave everything in God's hands because he will take control in difficult times.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was great to find this book at a local cancer event and to meet the author before reading her book! She tells the story of how cancer changed her family along with local trail stories, which I also enjoyed.

[Uncle Alfred · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wise, soul-baring book from a strong woman at her most vulnerable. She leans into the Lord with a tenacity and shares her thoughtful insights as she struggled through cancer and hard questions. As one who has wandered in a spiritual desert, I could so easily relate to her life story and recall how utterly amazed I was that my Jesus joined me in my desolate place and made it beautiful.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A woman loses both parents to cancer within a short time span. She had recently been treated and cured of cancer herself. With beautiful analogies to the desert and its beauty she writes of the ordeal and the faithfulness of God.

[Mh Weyler · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book that gives insight into grieving the Lords plan when it is not our plan. I could relate to that aspect of it but not as well to other parts. The author uses her home jn the Arizona desert from which to draw spiritual lessons. It reminds of Gods goodness in difficult places.