From being an atheist and questioning the existence of God, Catherine shares her most personal and intimate thoughts as she questions her own faith from feeling let down by God and how her faith was restored as it almost cost her, her life. In these short essays, Catherine shares the sorrow and loss she felt when her father died, when her best friend died, and when she herself faced death and had a near-death experience. These never before shared, short stories are like peeking into someones diary of utmost internal thoughts, fears, exasperation, loss, and examination of whether prayers and belief in a higher being make a difference in our lives during dry spells of our lives when faith seems to fail. I quit believing without a doubt and started asking questions. You can't do that in religion. You have to believe unconditionally. That s what religion asks of us. It s kind of like marriage, you have to believe and love unconditionally. That s what children are like; you have to love them unconditionally. I add as a disclaimer that I think most parents, except for the bad ones, really do love their children unconditionally. Why wouldn't you? Some would argue, just look at your children and you will see God. Just look at a river, flower or a sunset or a mountain top, yada yada yada. I have looked in a river and I did not see God. When Catherine went through dark times, she kept a diary. With the hope of helping anyone else who may be going through a time where they may question their faith, she is opening the vault of her diary essays that she hopes will bring an existential understanding to others to know that they are not alone in their dry spell of faith. Foreword by Emily Rose Hopper.
Catherine Burr is a bestselling author of heartwarming romance and women’s fiction that celebrates hope, second chances, family, and the places that shape our lives. Her novels span charming small towns, the vineyards of Italy, the shores of Lake Tahoe, and the fast-paced world of Silicon Valley, always with unforgettable characters at their center.
When she’s not writing, Catherine is almost always reading. A lifelong book lover, she believes the best stories have the power to comfort, inspire, and stay with us long after the final page. She enjoys discovering new authors as much as revisiting old favorites, and Goodreads is one of her favorite places to connect with fellow readers.
Catherine lives in Northern California with her husband, Tim, where she balances her writing career with real estate, family, and plenty of books. Whether she’s writing a new novel or turning the pages of someone else’s, she’s happiest when surrounded by great stories.
A beautiful personal account of faith lost and found
Dry Spells is a brief book, but a powerful one. Catherine Burr faced some significant loss, including the faith that was such a part of her life. But one night in the hospital. everything changed. I loved the story about the flying fish, and I loved this quiet, introspective book written like a diary. It's real, honest, and very relatable for all of us who have questioned our faith at one time or another.
As a person of Universal faith I appreciate your openness to share your soul... and your soul. Your story was relevant, timely and courageous. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!
Short, heartwarming, eye opening. Honest, sweet journal showing we are all normal at those times of doubt but sometimes it takes that for our truth to surface.
Once I got started, I couldn't put the book down. The author's words are touching as she goes about letting the reader into her personal life at a time when she battled against the unexpected. This book is an excellent source of encouragement for others who are facing uncertainties and doubts.