Flirting with Faith: My Spiritual Journey From Atheism to a Faith-Filled Life, is set to release on May 11, 2010. Over the coming weeks I will be posting some excerpts, a sample chapter or two and sharing the latest about the release and supporting events. For now, here are some kind words about the story from some wonderful people… 

“I love authors
with attitude–that’s why Anne Lamott is high on my favorites list. Now even
higher is the new voice of Joan Ball. Her splendor of rendering life in the
spirit is unmatched. Open this book up anywhere, and it grabs you everywhere.” 

—Leonard
Sweet; author of So Beautiful and more,
professor of evangelism at Drew University and visiting distinguished professor
at George Fox University

“If you didn’t
know better, you would mistake Flirting with Faith for a work of
fiction. Even Joan Ball wouldn’t have believed the story–successful New York
publicist gets blindsided by a supernatural smack down–had it not happened to
her. But every part of Joan’s faith journey reeks of authenticity. And it’s not
just the story of Flirting with Faith that will keep you turning the
pages.  Joan’s voice is one of the most original to come along in years.  She’s
bold and brash and filled with a kind of wide-eyed wonder that could only come
from someone who has been “struck Christian.” 

—Stan Jantz, bestselling
author of more than fifty books, including I’m Fine with God . . . It’s
Christians I Can’t Stand and co-founder of ConversantLife.com

“In Flirting with Faith Joan Ball reveals the scarred soul of an avowed
atheist who found herself unexpectedly god-smacked. Fellow spiritual
oddballs will delight in the discovery that while they may be unique
they’re not alone. Though Ball’s story, they can find another broken believer
who walked a crooked spiritual path that eventually wound its way to
God.

—Becky Garrison, religious satirist and author of Jesus Died
for This?

“In a culture
where far too many people are dismissive or completely indifferent when it
comes to faith, it’s refreshing to see it dealt with in such an honest and
authentic fashion. Flirting with Faith is a roadmap on the often
perilous and sometime exhilarating journey to discover eternity. Joan
Ball reminds us that encountering real faith will change everything.” 

—Phil
Cooke, filmmaker and author of Branding Faith and The Last
TV Evangelist

“What Joan Ball
gives us here is a conversion story that St. Paul himself could have written.
Spiced with humor and told with all the natural story-telling skills of a true
writer, Flirting is, above all else, a dramatic, moving, and
overwhelmingly credible confession of faith by one woman who never, ever meant
to be converted. God apparently thought otherwise, and the resulting story will
rejoice both your heart and your mind.”  

— Phyllis Tickle, Author
of The Great Emergence and more

At once feisty
and contemplative, Joan Ball’s Flirting with Faith more than flirts: She
dances with both faith and doubt, while being unflinchingly honest each step of
the way.  Her authentic wrestling will confound skeptics, challenge
believers and comfort those who mourn. 

–Makoto Fujimura, artist, author
of Refractions: A Journey of Art, Faith and Culture

Flirting with
Faith is so much more than a personal memoir. It’s a vulnerable, spiritual
journey. With each word, Joan Ball invites us to take a step into her heart
where we see the beauty of transformation and the freedom of grace. 

— Anne
Jackson, author of Mad Church Disease: Overcoming the Burnout Epidemic and
Permission to Speak Freely

“Storyteller
Joan Ball has found a way into my mind, heart, and soul with the beautifully
written tale of her accidental fall into the lap of faith.  Joan’s
story has escaped my lips to countless friends as easily as the catchiest pop
hook. This story will remind you that you are ultimately not in control and
when you finally accept that, the flirting with your faith will turn into
a full blown romance.” 

— Carlos Whittaker, Integrity Recording artist
and blogger at RagamuffinSoul.com