Join us as we listen to J.M. Kirkley talk about her debut novel, A Writing upon the Sand.

What People are Saying About this Book

" Fascinating topic, terrific main character, compelling story and I loved the blending of fact and imagination.
I knew I would enjoy this novel by J M Kirkley. I visited Galveston, Texas years ago, and I vividly remember viewing a presentation about the hurricane of 1900. This historical novel was not only suspenseful, but presented a romance the way I like to see it portrayed. A romance not built on appearances or feelings, but character. Emily faced a traumatic transition in her life that might have stopped another young girl. I appreciated the growth of character as she responded to difficult changes in her life.
Our family personally experienced a number of frightening Hurricanes in the early 2000s. We had the advantage of hearing reports from the hurricane hunter aircraft days before a storm arrived. We knew how strong each storm was expected to be and approximately how close it would pass by us. But reading about people who were unprepared and suffered dramatic results was heartbreaking. The author’s details about the sounds and lingering smells were spot on. I felt the rising tension as the storm progressed.
The author also brought to light some of the destructive effects of sin and sad consequences of life resulting from sin.
The spiritual aspects and insight on how to overcome the emotions of guilt and loss were well done.
I enjoyed the author’s historical notes. Her research added greatly to the blending of history and imagination. Thank you for an impactful story. I am looking forward to reading more from J.M. Kirkley." Review from Goodreads.

"A historical fiction set during a hurricane that took place in 1900, in Galveston Texas, this is a book that I would recommend to anyone who is a fan of Christian historical fiction. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. What I enjoyed most about this novel is that it had a climatic end. I'll definitely be reading other books written by this author." Review from Goodreads.

"“Only fools and those desperate for peace returned to the place that spawned their nightmares.” I felt that I had experienced the horror that engulfed Galveston and “spawned…nightmares” along with everyone else populating this book. I’m not a get-it-read kind of reader, I wallow in books, but this one wouldn’t let me wallow, these people, my friends, were in real trouble, minutes mattered, and I had to read their lives through to the end of the book in record time—at least that’s how it seemed. The summer was hot, I could smell the salt air and cool breeze at the water's edge as I read the book on my own warm beach of a couch. I’m not a romance book fan, nor typically a historical fiction fan (and this is both) but the history called me, looking for something different and also having spent many happy days at Galveston’s shoreline. I gave it a chance. Reading cover to cover, including historical notes and discussion questions helped me ease out of the world that I’d stepped into through the pages of this book, drawn in by the characters’ own hands almost. I needed that slow release from the book—my favorite kind of book—one that keeps you lingering among its leaves. I was surprised by it and gladly so! Let this book surprise you. You might surprise yourself." Review from Goodreads.

"Just had a 9 hour plane ride, and I didn't sleep or watch a movie -- read your book the whole time! Loved every line! So well written -- many times I would stop and think, "What beautiful phrasing -- I never would have thought to write it that way." I usually don't dogear books because I'm a staunch "protect the book" person, but I had to dogear pg 122 and Colin's conversation with Emily that is core to the whole novel. And Colin again on pg 276 " 3 Period for the time to answer questions had passed." Had to read this several times with tears streaming. Such wisdom. Thank you, Jill. I'm so thankful you persisted and blessed us with this beautiful work." Review from Goodreads.

About the Author

J.M. Kirkley is the author of the new novel, A Writing Upon the Sand.

By trade, she’s a storykeeper. She's a faith-based counselor who specializes in grief and trauma recovery. By night, she researches and writes grace-filled Christian historical fiction.

She calls East Texas home. Her favorite pastimes include visiting museums and art festivals, refinishing furniture, touring coastal offices of the National Weather Service with her meteorologist son-in-law, and making memories with family and friends.

Connect with her via her website at https://www.jmkirkley.com, on Facebook as J.M. Kirkley, and on Pinterest at https://www.pinterest.com/jmki....