I was sitting here feeling sorry for myself when I walked over to the bookshelf and pulled out the first book I saw. I believe it was the Lord leading me. The novel is Carissa’s Law written by Misty Boyd I sat down to thumb through the novel. I could hear the Lord talking to me.
He was reminding me that like this novel nothing in life is perfect and as I thumbed through the novel I found myself becoming hooked on the story.
I didn’t put the novel down until I had finished the entire story. Not only was I impressed with the Heroine inside the novel but the Author of the books as well.
As a parent I found myself thanking the Lord for my children who even though they were born with Health Issues didn’t have to deal with the things Carissa’s had to deal with.
I loved being able to learn more about a Disease I didn’t know much about because through the novel I can educate other parents to know and share this novel with them.
I Pray the Author writes other novels because I can tell she has so much to share and to teach others. I liked knowing Misty Boyd is from Texas just like I am.
I would like to learn more about her Hedgehog and so would my son Charlie. As for the Novel, is a book I would purchase to give as a Gift to anyone who likes to read, is living with a Disability or just doesn’t feel good about themselves.
Christian Romance Shares Compelling Story Of Navigating Life And Love With A Disability
Houston, TX — Like any typical 18-year-old, Carissa Schultz hangs in the balance between childhood and adulthood, trying to navigate the ups and downs of college life while learning to assert her growing independence.
But there’s one major difference. Carissa was born with a debilitating birth defect: spina bifida. She has already overcome more challenges in her youth than most people will in a lifetime, but something even more significant awaits her.
While in college, Carissa feels a powerful calling to change things for the generation following her – to reveal a truth she knows all-too-well to save the lives of countless children.
It will require more determination and more courage than any challenge she’s had to overcome so far. And all the while she has to keep her own health in check while exploring her blossoming relationship with Isaac, a young man with dreams and ambitions of his own who are competing for her attention.
Will it all prove to be too much for her to bear? Or will her faith in God and in her own untapped potential light the way to new beginnings?
Carissa’s Law is the powerful debut novel from author Misty Boyd, who, like her protagonist, was born with spina bifida, a birth defect that occurs when the spine and spinal cord don’t form properly.
Boyd’s daily struggles, coupled with her parents’ unceasing determination to help her live as long and as healthy a life as possible, served as powerful motivators to craft Carissa’s Law.
Boyd is a Christian who places an extremely high value on her relationship with God. She and her husband, James, have been together for 19 years and married for 10.
In addition to caring for their hedgehog, Meatball, Boyd enjoys dancing around her apartment and singing at the top of her lungs in the car!
Reviews for Carissa’s Law:
Divine Zape, Readers’ Favorite: “Misty Boyd has created a story that is bold and audacious, a story for people who want to stand out, people who are ready to overcome their human limitations and reach for higher levels of success.
Carissa’s Law’s characters are gorgeous and the author does a great job of giving them flesh. I found myself rooting for the protagonist. The writing is also one of the things that caught my attention ― it is fluid and confident.
Then there is the powerful message of the story, the message that we become free inside when we embrace a purpose when we live for something. But not everything worth living for comes easily. I found this story to be both inspiring and entertaining. 5 Stars!”
Marvin Tyson, author of The Fall of the Western Empire and December’s Soldiers: “This is one of the most interesting, vibrant and inspirational books I have ever read! 5 stars only because they won’t let me give it more!”
Susan Kelley, blogger: “Carissa’s Law by Misty Boyd is a sweet and refreshing book … a quick and easy read. It may be fiction but is based on fact … Loved it.”
James Boyd: “Carissa’s Law is more than just a novel. It is an honest-to-God inspirational, uplifting, feel-good story. This ‘slice of life’ story leaves the reader wanting the whole pie.
Carissa’s struggles are heart-wrenching, but the portrayal of a life devoted to Christian faith is heartwarming. Carissa’s Law is a gift from God and in it Misty Boyd has given a most salient and apropos battle cry to not only the thousands of people affected by spina bifida but also the millions affected by other disabling illnesses and injuries. If you are not touched by this story, you have no heart.”
Tessa Goryance: “If I could give all the stars in the world, I would give them to Misty for this book. Carissa’s Law is a page turner and well written. I could not put it down.”
John Leon: “… a love story filled with humor and a purpose.”
Misty Boyd
Misty Boyd was born in August of 1983 with spina bifida, the same birth defect as her main character, Carissa, in her novel, “Carissa’s Law.” Upon her arrival, her parents were told she would not live through the night and, if she did, she would be mentally and physically challenged and dependent on others her entire life.
They were told she would never walk, talk or feed herself. She would only sit in her wheelchair and be dependent on them for her every need. Her parents were given the option to withhold feeding and let her die.
This option was deemed unacceptable and Misty was medically treated at a different local hospital. Fast forward 34 years…Misty is happy and healthy.
There have been obstacles along the way but she walks, talks and is fully independent, with no significant mental challenges. She is married to a supportive husband, and is an incurable lover of Jesus and hedgehogs.
Misty is a Christian, and her relationship with God is very important to her. She can be found in her home church every Sunday, but only the afternoon service!
She likes to sleep in past both early services. She and her husband, James, have been married for 10 years and together for 19. They own a hedgehog named Meatball who is 6 months old.
They have no children. She enjoys both dancing around her apartment, and singing at the top of her lungs in the car, even if she’s not very good at either one!
Her favorite food group is Tex-Mex. She can be won over by a good taco 9 out of 10 times!
Q&A
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I was in high school the first time I told someone I wanted to be a writer. I’m 34 years old now and just getting to it. I lacked the confidence to take the leap until now. In some ways, I wish I had started sooner. In other ways, I realize I just wasn’t ready until now.
How long does it take you to write a book?
“Carissa’s Law” is my first novel. It took me about 3 months to finish the first draft, but the idea had been swimming around in my head for years.
Where did you get the idea for this book?
I was born with the birth defect showcased in the book and over my lifetime, it’s been brought to my attention that the issues in the book are actually happening, not only in Texas but all over the world. I wanted to speak out and give a voice to unborn babies who are unable to speak for themselves on the issue.
What does your family think of your writing?
My family, especially my dad, is very supportive of my writing. My mom would be behind me 100% as well if she were still around.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was younger, I couldn’t decide between being the first disabled astronaut or the first disabled, female NBA basketball player. I had big dreams.
How many books have you written?
“Carissa’s Law” is my first book.
What were you like at school?
In school, I was the quiet kid. I was probably pretty unnoticeable. I came and went, did my schoolwork, and went home without much fuss. I had a few friends, but I wasn’t the popular kid. I’d say my school years were pretty average.
How do you relax?
I like to sit under a blanket with a cup of coffee and a good book. It’s getting to be cooler weather season in Texas. I’m pretty excited.
What is your favorite quote or motivational phrase?
“Do it afraid!” My pastor used this phrase in a sermon once. It’s stuck with me for years. I come back to it when I want or need to take a leap, but don’t have the guts. It’s okay to be afraid. It’s not okay to let fear stop you.
Make up your own Valentine quote.
“Love comes when you’re least expecting it. If this year isn’t your year, be your own Valentine. You’re worth it.”
What does Memorial Day mean to you?
Memorial Day is among the most important days to me. Almost every man in my family has served in the military, most of them being called off to battle at some point. The men we remember on Memorial Day are responsible for bringing my dad and my brother home to me. I can’t express how thankful I am that they gave their lives so I could have my family back. “Thank you,” is simply not good enough.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Do it. Just sit down at your laptop with your cup of coffee and do it. Do it right now. Don’t wait, or let other people tell you that you can’t or it’ll never happen for you. Do it.
What famous person would you like to meet and why?
I’d like to meet The Apostle Paul. I want to know what that thorn in his flesh was. I have one too. I’d like to compare.
I received a copy of this novel in exchange for the review but the thoughts in this review are all mine and my families. No, one else. Also inside this post are my affiliate links and if you click on the links and make a purchase I will make a small percentage of the items you purchase through Amazon.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
