Hot Apple Cider

A middle-aged woman wakes up to discover her husband lying comatose beside her in the Australian outback.

A young doctor questions God’s will after losing his devout grandmother to breast cancer.

A lonely waitress stuck in a small town wonders how God could possibly use her.

A missionary in Africa, dedicated to serving God, has a horrific car accident that leaves him brain-damaged.

A shy 12-year-old girl struggles with the idea that God wants her to write a letter to the editor of the local newspaper telling people God loves them.

In every instance, these ordinary people discovered that God was waiting to dry their tears and help them see His plan for their lives, where good eventually emerged from the hurt and confusion. Every one of them learned that dependence on God creates the character and insights that produce a deep, rich faith.

"Imagine a group of Canadians circled around a campfire. They have two things in common: They’re serious Christians and committed writers. “Let me tell you my conversion story,” calls out Deborah Gyapong. Keith Clemons reads a short story and Brian Austin recites an original poem. Grace Fox shares a devotional piece. As the fire crackles and they sip their cider, all 30 speak from their hearts. That’s the concept of Hot Apple Cider—and it’s a good one." Cecil Murphey, author and co-author of more than 100 books, including Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story and the New York Times best-seller 90 Minutes in Heaven

“Inventive and filled with grace, Hot Apple Cider is just what its name implies: an open door, a warm invitation, a friend when needed and least expected, a gentle calling toward a generous life. From the shores of Australia and a woman’s grief, to Romania and a choice we all must make, to the town of Stuckville anywhere in the world and a dozen other settings, in prose and poetry and non-fiction, these stories remind us that God draws us together and speaks to us uniquely and in community. If you’re looking for inspiration, something to breathe in for reassurance that you’re not alone, something to remind you to hear God’s voice in acts of compassion, spend an afternoon with Hot Apple Cider. It could just change your life.” Jane Kirkpatrick, award-winning author of All Together in One Place