When Sandi Rog offered a chance for me to receive an arc (Advanced Reader Copy) of her book, The Master’s Wall, I jumped at the chance to read and review it. I’ve known Sandi for several years, admired her faith and perseverance as she raises four children and writes while battling MS, and enjoyed her friendship. I’ve also appreciated her generous heart (and benefited from it). So initially I just wanted to support her, to be a tiny part of the realization of her dreams. The publication of a first book is such an exciting time.
Then I read the Master’ Wall. The first chapter was heart-wrenching, but I pushed through it. Soon I was immersed in a saga of the lives of David, a young boy dragged from his Christian parents and forced into slavery in first century Rome, and Alethea, the spoiled, but mistreated granddaughter of David’s new master.
Sandi wrote a page-turner when she crafted The Master’s Wall. I couldn’t put the book down. the story was captivating, the characters were real, drawing you into their heart and emotions, and the setting fascinating. Underneath a riveting tale were several thought-provoking questions about faith, challenges to those places within me that have never been tested as David and Alethea were. There was also a wonderful romance thread with plenty of tension and heart. David is every woman’s hero–that wonderful mixture of strength and compassion,
courage and tenderness, and Self-assurance and self-sacrifice.
When I finished The Master’s Wall, I spent a few minutes lingering over it, re-reading my favorite parts, and digesting its wonderful story. Even though I had read into the night, I wasn’t ready to let the story world go, and I took my time easing back into the 21st Century.
Fast forward a few weeks. Sandi eagerly awaited the official release of her first book, and all the launch activities like book signings and blog tours. But things didn’t go as she hoped. On the same day her book released, Sandi was admitted to the hospital. The diagnosis? Stage 4 Cancer with T-cell Lymphoma.
And so this post talking about the Master’s Wall is ending a little differently than I’d planned when I first agreed to promote it. First and foremost, I ask you to pray for Sandi and her sweet family. She and her husband have four children, ages 3 – 17. Sandi will undergo chemotherapy and hospitalization for much of the next four and a half months, followed by a bone marrow transplant. They have a long road ahead of them, but Sandi also received some encouragement. The treatment for this cancer has also been known to put MS into remission! We’re praying for strength for her in this journey, and for a long and healthy life afterward so she can mother her precious children and keep writing!
I’d also encourage you to go to Amazon and order Sandi’s book. Daniel DeGarmo with DeWard Publishing Company are donating $1 per book (beyond Sandi’s royalties and her agent’s royalties, etc.) to the Rog family to help with expenses. You’ll love the book, AND be a privileged part of the effort to support the Rog’s in this difficult time.
We’re praying for you, Sandi–and eagerly anticipating the sequel to The Master’s Wall!
