A Heron's Balance
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Cathy Barker

What they're saying about A Heron's Balance:

Cathy Barker is a person of many talents, including, we now know, writing fiction. Her first novel, A Heron's Balance, draws us into its characters Jack, Luke, Abby and one very special character, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Cathy takes us to the deep places where souls are rediscovered, reclaimed and restored. It's a wonderful journey.

 

Anthony B. Robinson, President, Columbia Leadership Network, Seattle

Cathy Barker has written a very engaging book.  I did not want to put it down.  Any person experiencing grief from loss of relationships will find this book a helpful and joyful reminder that life exists beyond the depth of loneliness and despair.  Cathy's detailed and vivid description of the outdoor setting of Jack's "wilderness" experience made even an urban person like me feel like I was there.  I highly recommend this book to a wide audience.

 

Rev. Dan Romero, Conference Minister

Southern California Nevada Conference, United Church of Christ

 

 

Cathy Barker has written an engaging, thoughtful story of Jack Freeman's explorations of Minnesota's Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness following the death of his beloved wife months earlier. As he moves through the network of lakes, at first with his pastor and later solo, his story becomes less about loss as it is discovery; less about the constraints of "boundaries" - geographic or emotional - and more about letting the wonder of creation, spirit, solitude, and surprise push one beyond boundaries into transformation.  Reading Barker's novel is a bit like taking a wilderness vacation for oneself, from which one returns home refreshed and looking at life with new eyes.

 

Rev. Eric Elnes, Ph.D., author of The Phoenix Affirmations and Asphalt Jesus

 

 

Rev. Cathy Barker’s A Heron’s Balance is a refreshing story of faith, in which the characters in their struggles with loss, fear and doubt reflect real people who seek to restore wholeness in their lives.  Rev. Barker makes excellent use of the theme of balance throughout the book.  The setting of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is itself a striking metaphor for the challenges and joys of life.  Her narrative ability is enhanced by the use of drawings and photos. The book makes a compelling read for all who seek a faith relevant for life in the 21st century, but is of special interest for clergy, who will resonate over familiar issues and find a good role model in the character of the pastor, who gives sound guidance to the book’s protagonist.

 

Rev. Thom Wert, APC Board Certified Chaplain

Director of Spiritual Care and Social Services, Columbia Lutheran Home, Seattle

 

 

A Heron’s Balance provides a compass whether setting a course through the Boundary Waters of Minnesota or the uncharted journey through grief.  Cathy Barker’s book provides a valuable tool for chaplains, grief counselors, clergy and their clients in the powerful form of connecting: story.

 

Rev. Kizzie E. Jones, APC Board Certified Chaplain

Director of Spiritual Care, Horizon House Retirement Community, Seattle, WA

 

 

A Heron's Balance - a novel by Cathy Barker