Wounded Healer

Donna Fleisher takes Christian fiction to new heights in her emotionally gripping story of friendship forged in the oppressive heat of war. Soldiers Erin Grayson and Christina McIntyre developed a special bond as they served side by side in Operations Desert Shield and Storm-until a dark secret from Chris's past tore them apart. They both returned home, never even saying good-bye. Now, five years later, Erin rushes to Chris's Colorado cabin when tragedy strikes again. The emotional pain is more than Chris can bear. Feeling more dead than alive, she just wants to end it all. Can Erin pull Chris back from the edge of self-destruction? Will Chris accept the truth-that through Christ, a new life, fresh with hope and promise, awaits her? Only time will tell. Wounded Healer is a beautifully written, honest portrayal of the complexities and struggles inherent in all relationships, particularly women's friendships. Fleisher's characterization of Chris is refreshingly deep, three dimensional, and compelling. She paints the darkness with a black brush, which we need to see more of in today's Christian fiction market. I applaud Fleisher's willingness to write honestly and authentically about Chris's pain and attempts at self-medication. Fleisher's characterization of Erin was equally strong. Erin exhibits courage and strength of conviction, and handles the unpredictability of Chris's behavior well, seeing her destructive behavior for what it is: a symptom of a deeper problem-debilitating emotional pain, the kind that only a relationship with Jesus Christ can heal. Erin's husband and his overprotective nature, along with his sophomoric understanding of the complexities of life, is, unfortunately, all too common in some Christian circles. I found myself disliking Erin's husband, which I suspect was Fleisher's intent. Fleisher's own experiences as a veteran of the U.S. Air Force added authenticity to the war scenes. Her fast-paced chapters and powerful storytelling made one thing clear-Fleisher is a skilled writer who grabs you and won't let go. Fleisher certainly made a believer of me. I'll be back for more!

Chris McIntyre, has run away from all her difficulties. A veteran medic of Operation Desert Storm, she has tried to hide in a Colorado mountain cabin, shunning all who care for her. When her friend Travis Novak is killed while trying to rescue her from an escaped convict who stumbled into her cabin, she is hardened even more.Erin Mathis was Chris's friend and fellow soldier not so many years ago. There lives had gone in different directions after the war. Hearing of Travis's death, Erin is drawn to help Chris who has steeped to the depths of despair. Can she help her friend who pushes every hope away? Who only wants to die and is hurrying her wish along through alcohol abuse? It will take the power of God to heal this wounded heart.Donna Fleischer is not only a gifted story teller, but writes what she knows. A U.S. veteran herself, her military scenes are believable. Strong characters, fast paced action, and a riveting story make this book a must read.

Sometimes there are people functioning around us who are terribly wounded inside. Donna Fleisher reveals such a person in Chris McIntyre, a Colorado Search & Rescue worker, tormented by her childhood, her Desert Storm service, and her present. Through the plot twists, we understand some of what made Chris who she is, and are given the opportunity to she who she can become. It's refreshing to find a book that doesn't reveal all, nor does it try to wrap everything up in a neat package. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Wow! Donna Felisher takes you right to the soul of Chris McIntyre, an emotionally wounded veteran of Desert Storm. Chris battles her feelings of self-worth and past pain. Her best friend, Erin, stays by her, through Chris's drinking and violence, always loving, always showing God's love. This book is a must read. - author of Pursued By Evil and A Dream Fulfilled

"Christina McIntyre. Good. She still knew her own name..." So begins chapter one of Donna Fleisher's Wounded Healer. By the time you've reached the end of the page, she has grabbed you by the lapels, jerked you from your seat and dragged you into ex-soldier Christina McIntyre's life. By the end of the first chapter you're so engrossed in the story that you never notice when Fleisher releases your lapels and takes hold of your heart. With a gift for storytelling and an engaging writing style filled with short, snappy sentences and stunning descriptions, the author paints a vivid portrayal of the meaning of friendship, the horror of war, and power of forgiveness and unforgiveness. But most of all, Fleisher reminds us of the immeasurable love and mercy of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. There is a truth to Wounded Healer that is refreshing. No sudden, miraculous answers or white-washed platitudes here. The characters are real, with real pain and real struggles. It's a no-holds-barred journey that keeps the reader captivated page after page. I was grateful to be dragged along. Donna Fleisher has set a new standard in Christian fiction that will leave us, her readers, clamoring for more! Blessings, Perry P. Perkins Author "Just Past Oysterville"