Fictional Book Snow out of Season Home

Free short story—"The Last Tribute"—just click here!

“A type of resurrection awaits you in these pages.”
~Dr. Mollie Bond, author of Hopelessly Hopeful During Separation
“I recommend this book to anyone who is seeking hope in what may feel like a hopeless situation.”
~Dr. John C. Palmieri, pastor and coach at New Life Community Church, Chicago
“The personal and heartfelt testimonies in When Losses Become Legacies beautifully exemplify how to turn ashes into beauty on the difficult paths each of us must walk.”
~Sandra Byrd, bestselling, award-winning author of The One Year Experiencing God's Love Devotional
“When Losses Become Legacies offers a touching anthology of tragedies, delivering a peace that passes understanding.”
~Eric T. Eichinger, award-winning author of Lord of Legends and The Final Race
“The testimonies are beautiful and sorrowful, inspirational and encouraging. Their losses are indeed legacies.”
~Nive Christodoss, licensed clinical professional counselor and certified clinical trauma professional at In Step Behavioral Health
“Brunke and Cowan have dared to engage our souls at the place where believers and doubters meet at the same agonizing intersection—suffering.”
~Pastor Tim Simpson, Greenridge Baptist Church, Boyds, MD
“I recommend this jewel box of a book to anyone who has found themselves in a dark valley and in need of light.”
~Linda Brooks Davis, award-winning author of The Calling of Ella McFarland
“A type of resurrection awaits you in these pages.”
~Dr. Mollie Bond, author of Hopelessly Hopeful During Separation
“I recommend this book to anyone who is seeking hope in what may feel like a hopeless situation.”
~Dr. John C. Palmieri, pastor and coach at New Life Community Church, Chicago
“The personal and heartfelt testimonies in When Losses Become Legacies beautifully exemplify how to turn ashes into beauty on the difficult paths each of us must walk.”
~Sandra Byrd, bestselling, award-winning author of The One Year Experiencing God's Love Devotional
“When Losses Become Legacies offers a touching anthology of tragedies, delivering a peace that passes understanding.”
~Eric T. Eichinger, award-winning author of Lord of Legends and The Final Race
“The testimonies are beautiful and sorrowful, inspirational and encouraging. Their losses are indeed legacies.”
~Nive Christodoss, licensed clinical professional counselor and certified clinical trauma professional at In Step Behavioral Health
“Brunke and Cowan have dared to engage our souls at the place where believers and doubters meet at the same agonizing intersection—suffering.”
~Pastor Tim Simpson, Greenridge Baptist Church, Boyds, MD
“I recommend this jewel box of a book to anyone who has found themselves in a dark valley and in need of light.”
~Linda Brooks Davis, award-winning author of The Calling of Ella McFarland
“A type of resurrection awaits you in these pages.”
~Dr. Mollie Bond, author of Hopelessly Hopeful During Separation
“I recommend this book to anyone who is seeking hope in what may feel like a hopeless situation.”
~Dr. John C. Palmieri, pastor and coach at New Life Community Church, Chicago
“The personal and heartfelt testimonies in When Losses Become Legacies beautifully exemplify how to turn ashes into beauty on the difficult paths each of us must walk.”
~Sandra Byrd, bestselling, award-winning author of The One Year Experiencing God's Love Devotional
“When Losses Become Legacies offers a touching anthology of tragedies, delivering a peace that passes understanding.”
~Eric T. Eichinger, award-winning author of Lord of Legends and The Final Race
“The testimonies are beautiful and sorrowful, inspirational and encouraging. Their losses are indeed legacies.”
~Nive Christodoss, licensed clinical professional counselor and certified clinical trauma professional at In Step Behavioral Health
“Brunke and Cowan have dared to engage our souls at the place where believers and doubters meet at the same agonizing intersection—suffering.”
~Pastor Tim Simpson, Greenridge Baptist Church, Boyds, MD
“I recommend this jewel box of a book to anyone who has found themselves in a dark valley and in need of light.”
~Linda Brooks Davis, award-winning author of The Calling of Ella McFarland
“A type of resurrection awaits you in these pages.”
~Dr. Mollie Bond, author of Hopelessly Hopeful During Separation
“I recommend this book to anyone who is seeking hope in what may feel like a hopeless situation.”
~Dr. John C. Palmieri, pastor and coach at New Life Community Church, Chicago
“The personal and heartfelt testimonies in When Losses Become Legacies beautifully exemplify how to turn ashes into beauty on the difficult paths each of us must walk.”
~Sandra Byrd, bestselling, award-winning author of The One Year Experiencing God's Love Devotional
“When Losses Become Legacies offers a touching anthology of tragedies, delivering a peace that passes understanding.”
~Eric T. Eichinger, award-winning author of Lord of Legends and The Final Race
“The testimonies are beautiful and sorrowful, inspirational and encouraging. Their losses are indeed legacies.”
~Nive Christodoss, licensed clinical professional counselor and certified clinical trauma professional at In Step Behavioral Health
“Brunke and Cowan have dared to engage our souls at the place where believers and doubters meet at the same agonizing intersection—suffering.”
~Pastor Tim Simpson, Greenridge Baptist Church, Boyds, MD
“I recommend this jewel box of a book to anyone who has found themselves in a dark valley and in need of light.”
~Linda Brooks Davis, award-winning author of The Calling of Ella McFarland
“A type of resurrection awaits you in these pages.”
~Dr. Mollie Bond, author of Hopelessly Hopeful During Separation
“I recommend this book to anyone who is seeking hope in what may feel like a hopeless situation.”
~Dr. John C. Palmieri, pastor and coach at New Life Community Church, Chicago
“The personal and heartfelt testimonies in When Losses Become Legacies beautifully exemplify how to turn ashes into beauty on the difficult paths each of us must walk.”
~Sandra Byrd, bestselling, award-winning author of The One Year Experiencing God's Love Devotional
“When Losses Become Legacies offers a touching anthology of tragedies, delivering a peace that passes understanding.”
~Eric T. Eichinger, award-winning author of Lord of Legends and The Final Race
“The testimonies are beautiful and sorrowful, inspirational and encouraging. Their losses are indeed legacies.”
~Nive Christodoss, licensed clinical professional counselor and certified clinical trauma professional at In Step Behavioral Health
“Brunke and Cowan have dared to engage our souls at the place where believers and doubters meet at the same agonizing intersection—suffering.”
~Pastor Tim Simpson, Greenridge Baptist Church, Boyds, MD
“I recommend this jewel box of a book to anyone who has found themselves in a dark valley and in need of light.”
~Linda Brooks Davis, award-winning author of The Calling of Ella McFarland
“A type of resurrection awaits you in these pages.”
~Dr. Mollie Bond, author of Hopelessly Hopeful During Separation
“I recommend this book to anyone who is seeking hope in what may feel like a hopeless situation.”
~Dr. John C. Palmieri, pastor and coach at New Life Community Church, Chicago
“The personal and heartfelt testimonies in When Losses Become Legacies beautifully exemplify how to turn ashes into beauty on the difficult paths each of us must walk.”
~Sandra Byrd, bestselling, award-winning author of The One Year Experiencing God's Love Devotional
“When Losses Become Legacies offers a touching anthology of tragedies, delivering a peace that passes understanding.”
~Eric T. Eichinger, award-winning author of Lord of Legends and The Final Race
“The testimonies are beautiful and sorrowful, inspirational and encouraging. Their losses are indeed legacies.”
~Nive Christodoss, licensed clinical professional counselor and certified clinical trauma professional at In Step Behavioral Health
“Brunke and Cowan have dared to engage our souls at the place where believers and doubters meet at the same agonizing intersection—suffering.”
~Pastor Tim Simpson, Greenridge Baptist Church, Boyds, MD
“I recommend this jewel box of a book to anyone who has found themselves in a dark valley and in need of light.”
~Linda Brooks Davis, award-winning author of The Calling of Ella McFarland
“A type of resurrection awaits you in these pages.”
~Dr. Mollie Bond, author of Hopelessly Hopeful During Separation
“I recommend this book to anyone who is seeking hope in what may feel like a hopeless situation.”
~Dr. John C. Palmieri, pastor and coach at New Life Community Church, Chicago
“The personal and heartfelt testimonies in When Losses Become Legacies beautifully exemplify how to turn ashes into beauty on the difficult paths each of us must walk.”
~Sandra Byrd, bestselling, award-winning author of The One Year Experiencing God's Love Devotional
“When Losses Become Legacies offers a touching anthology of tragedies, delivering a peace that passes understanding.”
~Eric T. Eichinger, award-winning author of Lord of Legends and The Final Race
“The testimonies are beautiful and sorrowful, inspirational and encouraging. Their losses are indeed legacies.”
~Nive Christodoss, licensed clinical professional counselor and certified clinical trauma professional at In Step Behavioral Health
“Brunke and Cowan have dared to engage our souls at the place where believers and doubters meet at the same agonizing intersection—suffering.”
~Pastor Tim Simpson, Greenridge Baptist Church, Boyds, MD
“I recommend this jewel box of a book to anyone who has found themselves in a dark valley and in need of light.”
~Linda Brooks Davis, award-winning author of The Calling of Ella McFarland

“The story caught me with characters so real I feel I might see them on the street, and it held me with breathtakingly clever storytelling.”
~ Sandra Byrd, bestselling author of To Die For and Mist of Midnight
“Brunke deftly weaves Shannon and Leslie’s stories to create an astonishing tale with a gratifying ending. The author’s skill at crafting sympathetic protagonists and lively accessible prose helps to make the emotionally intense story line completely engrossing.”
~ Library Journal, Starred Review
“…a beautifully poignant and much-needed story. From the first page until the last, you’ll be drawn into the characters’ lives.”
~ Brandy Vallance, award-winning author of The Covered Deep
“From the very first page of Snow Out of Season, I was pulled into the story and captivated by the author’s ability to express the depth of pain a parent feels when losing a child . . . Snow Out of Season allows one to see the difficulty of making choices and how making those choices can bring different results, results that can change the lives and futures of others forever.”
~ Connie Gibson, author, international speaker, and award-winning English professor
“A compelling read with a twist! Author Christy Brunke’s skillful telling of a unique story gets five stars from me! The tension kept me turning the pages way past my bedtime.”
~Clarice G. James, award-winning author of Double Header
“Every woman–from 13-90—should read it. Church youth pastors should have it on their shelves. Mothers should read it with their daughters and fathers with their sons.”
~Linda Brooks Davis, award-winning author of The Calling of Ella McFarland
“The story caught me with characters so real I feel I might see them on the street, and it held me with breathtakingly clever storytelling.”
~ Sandra Byrd, bestselling author of To Die For and Mist of Midnight
“Brunke deftly weaves Shannon and Leslie’s stories to create an astonishing tale with a gratifying ending. The author’s skill at crafting sympathetic protagonists and lively accessible prose helps to make the emotionally intense story line completely engrossing.”
~ Library Journal, Starred Review
“…a beautifully poignant and much-needed story. From the first page until the last, you’ll be drawn into the characters’ lives.”
~ Brandy Vallance, award-winning author of The Covered Deep
“From the very first page of Snow Out of Season, I was pulled into the story and captivated by the author’s ability to express the depth of pain a parent feels when losing a child . . . Snow Out of Season allows one to see the difficulty of making choices and how making those choices can bring different results, results that can change the lives and futures of others forever.”
~ Connie Gibson, author, international speaker, and award-winning English professor
“A compelling read with a twist! Author Christy Brunke’s skillful telling of a unique story gets five stars from me! The tension kept me turning the pages way past my bedtime.”
~Clarice G. James, award-winning author of Double Header
“Every woman–from 13-90—should read it. Church youth pastors should have it on their shelves. Mothers should read it with their daughters and fathers with their sons.”
~Linda Brooks Davis, award-winning author of The Calling of Ella McFarland
“The story caught me with characters so real I feel I might see them on the street, and it held me with breathtakingly clever storytelling.”
~ Sandra Byrd, bestselling author of To Die For and Mist of Midnight
“Brunke deftly weaves Shannon and Leslie’s stories to create an astonishing tale with a gratifying ending. The author’s skill at crafting sympathetic protagonists and lively accessible prose helps to make the emotionally intense story line completely engrossing.”
~ Library Journal, Starred Review
“…a beautifully poignant and much-needed story. From the first page until the last, you’ll be drawn into the characters’ lives.”
~ Brandy Vallance, award-winning author of The Covered Deep
“From the very first page of Snow Out of Season, I was pulled into the story and captivated by the author’s ability to express the depth of pain a parent feels when losing a child . . . Snow Out of Season allows one to see the difficulty of making choices and how making those choices can bring different results, results that can change the lives and futures of others forever.”
~ Connie Gibson, author, international speaker, and award-winning English professor
“A compelling read with a twist! Author Christy Brunke’s skillful telling of a unique story gets five stars from me! The tension kept me turning the pages way past my bedtime.”
~Clarice G. James, award-winning author of Double Header
“Every woman–from 13-90—should read it. Church youth pastors should have it on their shelves. Mothers should read it with their daughters and fathers with their sons.”
~Linda Brooks Davis, award-winning author of The Calling of Ella McFarland
“The story caught me with characters so real I feel I might see them on the street, and it held me with breathtakingly clever storytelling.”
~ Sandra Byrd, bestselling author of To Die For and Mist of Midnight
“Brunke deftly weaves Shannon and Leslie’s stories to create an astonishing tale with a gratifying ending. The author’s skill at crafting sympathetic protagonists and lively accessible prose helps to make the emotionally intense story line completely engrossing.”
~ Library Journal, Starred Review
“…a beautifully poignant and much-needed story. From the first page until the last, you’ll be drawn into the characters’ lives.”
~ Brandy Vallance, award-winning author of The Covered Deep
“From the very first page of Snow Out of Season, I was pulled into the story and captivated by the author’s ability to express the depth of pain a parent feels when losing a child . . . Snow Out of Season allows one to see the difficulty of making choices and how making those choices can bring different results, results that can change the lives and futures of others forever.”
~ Connie Gibson, author, international speaker, and award-winning English professor
“A compelling read with a twist! Author Christy Brunke’s skillful telling of a unique story gets five stars from me! The tension kept me turning the pages way past my bedtime.”
~Clarice G. James, award-winning author of Double Header
“Every woman–from 13-90—should read it. Church youth pastors should have it on their shelves. Mothers should read it with their daughters and fathers with their sons.”
~Linda Brooks Davis, award-winning author of The Calling of Ella McFarland
“The story caught me with characters so real I feel I might see them on the street, and it held me with breathtakingly clever storytelling.”
~ Sandra Byrd, bestselling author of To Die For and Mist of Midnight
“Brunke deftly weaves Shannon and Leslie’s stories to create an astonishing tale with a gratifying ending. The author’s skill at crafting sympathetic protagonists and lively accessible prose helps to make the emotionally intense story line completely engrossing.”
~ Library Journal, Starred Review
“…a beautifully poignant and much-needed story. From the first page until the last, you’ll be drawn into the characters’ lives.”
~ Brandy Vallance, award-winning author of The Covered Deep
“From the very first page of Snow Out of Season, I was pulled into the story and captivated by the author’s ability to express the depth of pain a parent feels when losing a child . . . Snow Out of Season allows one to see the difficulty of making choices and how making those choices can bring different results, results that can change the lives and futures of others forever.”
~ Connie Gibson, author, international speaker, and award-winning English professor
“A compelling read with a twist! Author Christy Brunke’s skillful telling of a unique story gets five stars from me! The tension kept me turning the pages way past my bedtime.”
~Clarice G. James, award-winning author of Double Header
“Every woman–from 13-90—should read it. Church youth pastors should have it on their shelves. Mothers should read it with their daughters and fathers with their sons.”
~Linda Brooks Davis, award-winning author of The Calling of Ella McFarland
“The story caught me with characters so real I feel I might see them on the street, and it held me with breathtakingly clever storytelling.”
~ Sandra Byrd, bestselling author of To Die For and Mist of Midnight
“Brunke deftly weaves Shannon and Leslie’s stories to create an astonishing tale with a gratifying ending. The author’s skill at crafting sympathetic protagonists and lively accessible prose helps to make the emotionally intense story line completely engrossing.”
~ Library Journal, Starred Review
“…a beautifully poignant and much-needed story. From the first page until the last, you’ll be drawn into the characters’ lives.”
~ Brandy Vallance, award-winning author of The Covered Deep
“From the very first page of Snow Out of Season, I was pulled into the story and captivated by the author’s ability to express the depth of pain a parent feels when losing a child . . . Snow Out of Season allows one to see the difficulty of making choices and how making those choices can bring different results, results that can change the lives and futures of others forever.”
~ Connie Gibson, author, international speaker, and award-winning English professor
“A compelling read with a twist! Author Christy Brunke’s skillful telling of a unique story gets five stars from me! The tension kept me turning the pages way past my bedtime.”
~Clarice G. James, award-winning author of Double Header
“Every woman–from 13-90—should read it. Church youth pastors should have it on their shelves. Mothers should read it with their daughters and fathers with their sons.”
~Linda Brooks Davis, award-winning author of The Calling of Ella McFarland

Modern-day saints meet suffering, their Savior, and–sometimes–the supernatural.

Sooner or later, we all lose someone we love. Maybe the person closest to us. Maybe early in our lives, or theirs. Loss and grief have immeasurable power—to draw us into darkness or deliver us into a higher purpose.

For those who follow Christ, loss will, ideally, point us back to the cross and its redemptive edge. If we’re willing to tread on that edge, it’s where we often meet our legacy.

In When Losses Become Legacies, Christy Brunke and Kristina Cowan share profound stories of personal loss. The path through tragedy differs for each mourner. Yet the Christ-follower encounters a universal truth: Our Redeemer doesn’t unravel the mystery of suffering. Instead, he lights our way through it.

It might feel like a dimly lit, confounding stretch of time. As we persevere, we scratch the surface of God’s love for us and tap into his endless reservoir of hope. Our character grows. Sharpened by our scars and rooted in our faith, we just might find our enduring legacy.

• • •Seven Reasons I Adore My Aunt Debby
Though she still sports the figure of a much younger woman, today is my Aunt Debby’s 71st birthday. You may know her as Debby Reincke, one of Will & Betty’s Darling D’s. Maybe you know her as the former FBI agent, …[ read more ]
• • •Transformed in 10 Minutes: Mom-Mom’s Story
Indomitable woman though she was, my grandmother had feared death since she was forty. Now, at eighty-five, she was dead. She had flatlined in the hospital, and the nurses struggled to revive her. Images of Mom-Mom passing before she was …[ read more ]
• • •A Short Christmas Story: The Last Tribute
Happy Three Kings Day! In honor of this holiday, I’d like to share the beginning of a Christmas story I wrote about the magi. If you’d like to read the rest, just click the link at the end to subscribe …[ read more ]

Meet the Author

Welcome, friends! I’m blessed to be a mom, a pastor’s wife, and the bestselling author of the fictional book, Snow Out of Season. But my greatest claim to fame comes from being a child of the King. Because of that, I’m passionate about my family, unborn children, and God-written love stories. Though I used to live in China, now I love serving in ministry here in Maryland. Praying you’ll be blessed as you read my blogs, my story, and my award-winning novel!

Learn more