BOOK GIVEAWAY! Two advance copies of The Golden Sky by EC Stilson

On November 18th, EC Stilson will release her new memoir, The Golden Sky.

This story is as real as it gets! Elisabeth Stilson tells the story of her journey through the pregnancy, birth and loss of her son Zeke. The text of the book is taken directly from Stilson's journals. We learn of the raw emotions and very real outcomes that follow the tragic loss of a child. It's a fascinating and touching read.

Elisabeth Stilson on writing "The Golden Sky":

    "One of my best friends inspired me to reread my journal several years ago. The whole experience seemed so far away, almost like it didn't happen. It was painful at first, but I made myself read everything I'd written from that time. After revising my original journal, I finally feel at peace with Zeke's death. Thank God I wrote everything down!
    It is interesting, looking back at my past and seeing things through new eyes. Cade (my husband) has read my journal, as well, and we've had many late night discussions regarding our memories and the lessons displayed there.
    I love all of my children, and Zeke will never be forgotten. My time with him has been pushed into a special place in my heart. Nothing can take that away, and those memories will always be here to keep me strong and help me be the person I know Zeke would want me to be."

An excerpt from The Golden Sky by EC Stilson:

    Ruby asked if we could go to the store today. She begged and begged until I said "yes." She wanted a balloon, for crying out loud. After we made it to the store, and she finally dragged me to the balloon area, she got so picky I couldn't believe it. Before I could contain myself, I said, "Just pick one, Ruby. Please! Mommy has had it!"

    Her perfect little hand grabbed a blue balloon, and she eyed it suspiciously, like it was the lead suspect in a crime, or something.

    "This one, Mama! This one," she yelled, because apparently it was innocent.

    "Okay, Honey, calm down." I took a deep breath and paid for the balloon.

    The minute we got outside, Ruby let go and waved "bye-bye," as the costly thing floated into the sky. "Ruby!" I groaned, but she didn't look at me, and kept waving to her helium friend. "Ruby! Why did you do that?" 

    She looked at me seriously, and in a toddler accent no one understands except me, she said, "Are there bawoons in heaven, Mama?"

    "I don't know, Honey." The anger vanished from my voice.

    "I don't think there are, so I gave my bawoon to Zeke." She smiled up at me, the beautiful smile of innocence.

    "Oh, Honey," I sobbed, and hugged her. "Zeke loves balloons."

    She put her hands on her hips then, and said, "Mama, don't get mad unwess you know the whole story, k?"

    "Okay! I promise," I said, and we shook on it. 

About the Author:

     EC Stilson (Elisa Hirsch) has her degree through the University of Phoenix. Her particular degree has a counseling emphasis and she finds it very useful when leading grief counseling groups for parents who have lost children. 
    Elisa plays six instruments; the violin, piano, drums, alto sax, tenor sax and the clarinet. Her husband is also a musician. They love to play at weddings, funerals, coffee shops and restaurants. 
    She also enjoys speaking publicly and meeting new people. She has spoken at M.O.P.S., been Juliet in the local play and made it to the final three for the Salt Lake Story Tellers contest in 2001. She hopes to continue being asked to speak at functions and counsel people who need help overcoming grief.
    Her husband and four beautiful children are a blessing. She is so proud to have them in her life especially since one of her little boys passed away. He was born with birth defects and he changed her life. Since his death, writing has become an even stronger passion of Elisa's. She always wrote, even finishing a ninety page manuscript at the age of ten, but now writing is one of her best driving forces. She tries to write for at least two hours each morning and is in a writing critic group as well as the Writers League of Utah.  

To enter the giveaway, click Click Here/Click for Instructions and then click I DID THIS! once you have completed each entry. There is the potential for anywhere from 1 to 5 entries per person.

Thank-you for participating! Good luck!

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