Since childhood, Julie Matthews has felt closest to God when singing. Mere days away from realizing her lifelong dream of singing professionally, she awakens in a hospital room unable to speak. Suddenly her dreams and God seem distant. Rick Matthews supports his ambitious wife, but has no solution for the constant tension between them. During Julie's recovery, Rick becomes Julie's caregiver and their marriage undergoes a wonderful change--they rediscover each other. But as Julie's voice grows stronger, unseen wounds surface and years of unhealthy habits begin again to pull them apart. Faced with losing their newly rekindled love, Julie and Rick are forced to evaluate the state of their marriage and how their dysfunction has affected their marriage and their children. Sticks and stones may break bones, but words can crush the spirit. Sticks and Stones by Shellie Arnold
