Trending...
- Indies United is pleased to present our July 2025 book releases
- Inked & Maxim Model Teisha Mechetti Turns Heads—And Builds Community Impact
- Bak Brothers, Inc. Expands Exterior Remodeling Services to La Grange, IL
The color gray is thematic throughout because the main character struggles with seeing issues from a black or white standpoint and is always in the "gray" areas yet growing to full bloom.
CHICAGO - illiNews -- Creative writer Christian Cook pens Growing in the Gray. The Columbia College Chicago graduate with a decade in the marketing business is delving into the world of young adult literature with a strong female lead who is finding her way through the perils and pitfalls of life. The book's release date is September 6, 2022 and will be available in bookstores and on Amazon.
In this timeless novel, readers follow the life and times of Krista Clark, a young college student searching for herself while longing to stretch her wings and fly. As the book opens, our heroine learns that her once cushy lifestyle has been upended. Her parents are suddenly financially devasted, and now she must juggle her new normal. Readers can feel her pain as Krista recalls, "I went from a room with crown molding along the ceiling and walk-in closet to a space that was the equivalent of an underground storage unit."
Fans of young adult fiction will instantly fall in love with Krista Clark. Her witty banter with her love interest, Victor, brings back the feelings of first loves and college crushes. Those lazy days walking the campus, studying for finals, and having the financial rug pulled out from under you, are all too familiar themes for students. Now, Christian captures the innocence and the intensity of those trying times in "Growing in the Gray."
More on illi News
Christian Cook masterfully walks us through the twists and turns of this character as she embodies the total young adult experience. On the one hand, she is over 18 and considered an adult, but on the other hand, she still needs the support of family and friends. Every 20-something has that moment where they have responsibilities, yet they still live with their parents. It is a delicate balance, and Christian unveils these college-aged internal struggles where external pressures and questions abound.
In "Growing in the Gray," our protagonist finds strength by turning to her faith which is a crucial component of the evolution of our leading lady. According to Christian, every adventurer comes to a crossroads in life where decisions make or break us. In this sweeping tale, we watch as Krista falls on her faith for comfort and direction.
On every page, Christian reminds readers that "Faith at its very definition is the substance of things hoped for, evidence of things unseen." Christian's characters are infused with faith and the knowledge that the Lord orders the steps of a righteous man (or woman). "She believed she could move away and create a name for herself while using her relationship with God as her compass," says Christian.
"Growing in the Gray" is the perfect read for this fall "back to school" mindset since it tackles themes of struggle, including loneliness, heartbreak, fear, and even how to pay for college. Our heroine leaves her small-town confines behind for the draw of the bright lights of the big city. As Krista navigates the nuances of a new life and maybe a new love in Chi-town, readers have a front-row seat to the rollercoaster ride and her faith walk. "Growing in the Gray" is a must-read for young people grappling with the next steps in their lives.
More on illi News
About Christian Cook: A world traveler, Christian discovered her true passion for writing on a college trip to Paris, France. In the City of Light, she developed her love for the art form while honing her writing skills. Her journeys through life lead her to this moment where she pulls on her past to propel her characters into their destinies. Her novel "Growing in the Gray" is sure to encourage a soul and spark a movement to step out into the gray areas and see how God opens the path before you. More info, visit www.CraftedbyChristian.com
https://youtu.be/Rd_sgczZ4Ik
Imprint: W. Brand Publishing / IDUN
On sale: September 6, 2022
Price Hardcover $30.99; ISBN: 978-1-956906-28-8
Paperback $16.99; ISBN: 978-1-956906-29-5
eBook (Kindle) $6.99; ISBN: 978-1-956906-30-1
Pages: 229
Fiction / YA-New Adult / Coming of Age
In this timeless novel, readers follow the life and times of Krista Clark, a young college student searching for herself while longing to stretch her wings and fly. As the book opens, our heroine learns that her once cushy lifestyle has been upended. Her parents are suddenly financially devasted, and now she must juggle her new normal. Readers can feel her pain as Krista recalls, "I went from a room with crown molding along the ceiling and walk-in closet to a space that was the equivalent of an underground storage unit."
Fans of young adult fiction will instantly fall in love with Krista Clark. Her witty banter with her love interest, Victor, brings back the feelings of first loves and college crushes. Those lazy days walking the campus, studying for finals, and having the financial rug pulled out from under you, are all too familiar themes for students. Now, Christian captures the innocence and the intensity of those trying times in "Growing in the Gray."
More on illi News
- Cynthia Pinot Among Artists Selected for Renowned London Art Biennale 2025
- Real Estate Experts Highlight Jersey Shore as a Smart Buy in 2025
- Spur Chicago Announces "Mindfulness in eMOTION" Workshop
- Don't Get Left In The Dark: Duracell Urges Americans To Gear Up For A Stormier-Than-Average Season
- $18 Price Target Issued in New Research Report After $34 Million Revenue Forecast from Acquisition; $101.5 Million Net Revenue in 2025; NAS DAQ: IQST
Christian Cook masterfully walks us through the twists and turns of this character as she embodies the total young adult experience. On the one hand, she is over 18 and considered an adult, but on the other hand, she still needs the support of family and friends. Every 20-something has that moment where they have responsibilities, yet they still live with their parents. It is a delicate balance, and Christian unveils these college-aged internal struggles where external pressures and questions abound.
In "Growing in the Gray," our protagonist finds strength by turning to her faith which is a crucial component of the evolution of our leading lady. According to Christian, every adventurer comes to a crossroads in life where decisions make or break us. In this sweeping tale, we watch as Krista falls on her faith for comfort and direction.
On every page, Christian reminds readers that "Faith at its very definition is the substance of things hoped for, evidence of things unseen." Christian's characters are infused with faith and the knowledge that the Lord orders the steps of a righteous man (or woman). "She believed she could move away and create a name for herself while using her relationship with God as her compass," says Christian.
"Growing in the Gray" is the perfect read for this fall "back to school" mindset since it tackles themes of struggle, including loneliness, heartbreak, fear, and even how to pay for college. Our heroine leaves her small-town confines behind for the draw of the bright lights of the big city. As Krista navigates the nuances of a new life and maybe a new love in Chi-town, readers have a front-row seat to the rollercoaster ride and her faith walk. "Growing in the Gray" is a must-read for young people grappling with the next steps in their lives.
More on illi News
- West Dentistry Welcomes New Oral Surgeon to Enhance Patient Care
- The AML Shop Launches New Financial Investigations Unit, Appoints Director to Lead the Initiative
- Raidium révolutionne le diagnostic de la Sclérose en Plaques en partenariat avec l'Hôpital Fondation Adolphe de Rothschild
- New Podcast "Spreading the Good BUZZ" Hosted by Josh and Heidi Case Launches July 7th with Explosive Global Reach and a Mission to Transform Lives
- The Herbal Care, Led by Markel Bababekov, Becomes a Top Dispensary in NYC's Upper East Side
About Christian Cook: A world traveler, Christian discovered her true passion for writing on a college trip to Paris, France. In the City of Light, she developed her love for the art form while honing her writing skills. Her journeys through life lead her to this moment where she pulls on her past to propel her characters into their destinies. Her novel "Growing in the Gray" is sure to encourage a soul and spark a movement to step out into the gray areas and see how God opens the path before you. More info, visit www.CraftedbyChristian.com
https://youtu.be/Rd_sgczZ4Ik
Imprint: W. Brand Publishing / IDUN
On sale: September 6, 2022
Price Hardcover $30.99; ISBN: 978-1-956906-28-8
Paperback $16.99; ISBN: 978-1-956906-29-5
eBook (Kindle) $6.99; ISBN: 978-1-956906-30-1
Pages: 229
Fiction / YA-New Adult / Coming of Age
Source: Ministry Marketing Solutions, Inc.
0 Comments
Latest on illi News
- Infinite Health Introduces Cutting-Edge Regenerative Medicine for Wound Care with Trip Goolsby, MD
- Tarp Supply Inc.® Prepares to Celebrate 21 Years of Excellence in the Tarps Industry
- Top Dentist Concord CA, Smile Makers Dental Care, Celebrates 500 5-Star Reviews
- Bio-Inspired Technology-Dynamic and Adaptable for unknown real-world environments
- ALIVE and KICKING: LAUGHTER NEVER GETS OLD has its World Premiere July 11-20 in St. Charles, IL
- AAR to announce fourth quarter fiscal year 2025 results on July 16, 2025
- Michael Reafsnyder opens solo exhibition at Scott Richards Contemporary Art in San Francisco
- Valley Sleep Therapy Expands to Prescott with New Location at Crossings Road
- New Dad Battles Leukemia and Wins!
- Kefir Comes to NASCAR as Lifeway Foods Races into Hometown Weekend with Driver Josh Bilicki at The Loop 110
- Recession-Proof Startups: What Business Plans Investors Are Actually Funding in 2025
- $17.4 Million Total Revenue for First Half of 2025 (up 31.8% YOY) for Global Wet Trades Services Provider with High Value Bitcoin Investments
- $12.8 Million Net Revenue for 2024 for Cloud-Based Crowdsourcing Recruitment and SaaS-Enabled HR Solutions Provider: Baiya International Group Inc
- City of Chicago Releases Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for Fiscal Year 2024
- Indies United is pleased to present our July 2025 book releases
- Endurance Warranty Earns 2025 Buyer's Choice Awards from ConsumerAffairs Through Verified Customer Reviews
- Hire Virtue Announces Executive Sponsorship Opportunity for Houston Hiring Blitz & Job Fair on August 6, 2025
- Inked & Maxim Model Teisha Mechetti Turns Heads—And Builds Community Impact
- Naperville: Structure Fire in the 1600 Block of Country Lakes Drive
- Plan to Launch Silo Technologies' Cybersecurity Pilot Program for Ultimate Nationwide Deployment via Exclusive Partnership: Stock Symbol: BULT