Lynne Hartke - Under a Desert Sky: Redefining Hope, Beauty, and Faith in the Hardest Places

Lynne eloquently captures the essence of receiving a diagnosis of cancerthe pain, the hurt, the awakening slap in the faceand displays the true spirit of a fighter who will not let it overtake her, beat her, or force her to quit. Lynne does an excellent job of telling how life goes on, albeit changed. As a cancer survivor, I have lived what Lynne so well describes.

Alan S. Zaben , 34-year, 3-time cancer survivor; American Cancer Society Relay for Life 2014 Hero of Hope

A special love for those who suffer pours out of the pages of this wonderful, beautifully written book. Under a Desert Sky is morning sunlight for your darkest night.

Dr. Gary Kinnaman , pastor and author

Under a Desert Sky is a powerful and candid journey through cancer. Lynne invites each reader to experience safe vulnerability and camaraderie with their various struggles. This book will deepen each readers faith with robust candor and continual return to the steadfast character of a loving God.

Sarah Bowling , author of Heavenly Help ; founder of Saving Moses; TV cohost for Today with Marilyn & Sarah

Under a Desert Sky is a powerful book of a womans strength, courage, and growing faith as she continues to hear the words it s cancer . Lynne paints a breathtaking picture of her many desert adventures and how they relate to her cancer journey. This beautiful story is sure to renew your spirit in hope.

Ashley Godsil , American Cancer Society, senior manager, Relay for Life

As a cancer survivor and desert dweller, I was inspired by this spiritual and heartfelt account of the struggle to cope with cancer. The depth of emotion and intertwining of desert journeys and Lynnes faith in God will give strength and hope to anyone struggling with a loved ones cancer.

Mike Perry , cancer survivor, American Cancer Society Relay for Life 2015 Hero of Hope

Weve all been there, trudging along through the desert. And Im not just talking about those of us who live in Arizona. The story of the Israelites wandering through the desert for forty years is not unique to a people of long ago. As Lynne Hartke so effectively portrays in her personal battle with cancer, life can seem like a barren, ruthless desert with scorching, unforgiving terrain. Lynne writes from the heart, as well as from the stomach. Theres no question her work goes for your gut. But to those who feel like they are in the midst of their own desert journey or are walking alongside those who are, I believe God has provided, through Lynnes words, a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night.

J. D. Mesnard , Speaker of the Arizona House of Representatives

Lynne Hartke writes with brilliance and beauty. I couldnt put this book down. Its captivating! Its hope-filled! Lynns inspiring journey will help you walk through the desert places in life and find courage and strength.

Cheryl Sacks , CEO, BridgeBuilders International Leadership Network; author of The Prayer- Saturated Family

Lynnes story grants you the permission and inspiration to do the one thing your doctors and others might forget to tell you to do: live your life!

Steve Cooper , first person to complete an Ironman while undergoing radiation and chemotherapy for prostate cancer

With statesmanlike humor, accompanied by heartrending stories, Under a Desert Sky will make you laugh and cry, while bringing hope and understanding to people battling a biological terrorist trying to steal, kill, and destroy freedom, liberty, and the pursuit of a happy and fulfilled life. Lynne delves deep into the hidden secret treasures of faith, hope, and family when cancers icy grip grabs hold.

Jon McHatton , former pastor; chaplain of the Arizona state legislature; and founder of CARE INC/For Our City

Lynne Hartke points the way for us across lifes unmapped deserts, plunging down a trail of difficult questions where Jesus is the answer and eternity the final destination. She proves we can unearth Gods beauty in the dust of our most intensely painful stories.

Kevin Johnson , bestselling author and executive coach

Our job as missionaries serving in the oncology ward in Mozambique is to see people in the midst of their immense suffering and attempt to find Christ right there in the questions, in the pain, in the wounds, and even in death. Under a Desert Sky does just that. Lynne muses, For I have learned that sometimes the greatest act of compassion we offer the dying is not to look away. We have seen that Christ can redeem pain when bravery leads us to look suffering in the eyes and lean closer. Lynne is unafraid to ask difficult questions of God and of her faith. And she has found, as we have, that Christ does not leave us to journey alone.

Jonathan and Layne Heller , missionaries to the sick and dying in Maputo, Mozambique