I’m thrilled to introduce you to my new book, I Was Blind (Dating), but Now I See. This is the story of my misadventures in dating, but more than that, it’s the story of how I was knocked over by God’s grace and love. It’s the story of how I found God in the middle of my waiting.

It’s my story, but I hope you’ll find a bit of your own story in it too. While the details may be different, we all know what it’s like to wait, what it’s like to try to keep praying and hoping for something, what it’s like when God is silent about a desire that’s close to our hearts.

Here’s a sneak peek into what the book is about:

Eight setups. Eight awkward dates. Eight things God tried to teach her along the way. (Some of which she’s still trying to figure out.)
Stephanie was starting to feel invisible. All around her, her friends were getting married, and she found herself decidedly alone. Stephanie couldn’t help but wonder if there was something broken in her—was she not pretty enough? Not fun enough? Not dateable enough (whatever that meant)? So she started praying in earnest for God to bring the right man into her life. Instead, He brought her matchmakers. Eight of them, to be precise.

This is the vulnerable (and often mortifying) true story of a girl who tried really hard to find someone to fall in love with—even when she mostly just ended up falling flat on her face. But amid the cringe-worthy setups and awkward encounters, Stephanie found God’s grace and love meeting her there in ways she never could have imagined—once she opened her eyes to see.

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Downloads & Such:

Sneak Peek: Chapter 1

Ten Things I’d Go Back and Tell Myself on a First Date 

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Buy it here: 

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Appearances:

February 6, 2016 2:00 p.m.
Barnes & Noble, Geneva Commons
Geneva, IL

February 13, 2016 10:30 a.m.
Prairie Path Books
Wheaton, IL

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Cheers: 

In I Was Blind (Dating), but Now I See, Stephanie’s funny, tender, and insightful words take the reader on a journey that points to God’s faithfulness and kindness at every stop along the road. You’ll have a blast reading this book—you’ll laugh, you’ll nod your head, and you may even cringe at some pretty spectacular awkward moments. More than anything, though, you’ll be encouraged by the compassion and the care of our very good God. Well done, sweet Stephanie!
Sophie Hudson, author of Home Is Where My People Are and A Little Salty to Cut the Sweet

This is not just a book about dating: It’s about living, about not putting your life on hold. But more important, it’s about surrounding yourself with a spiritual posse—mentors, friends, prayer partners, family—who will walk with you through the valleys and around the blind corners. Stephanie Rische is one of those people: honest, hilarious, and wise. Her book is a treasure!
Sarah Arthur, author of The One Year Coffee with God and Dating Mr. Darcy

If you’ve ever been brave enough to outright ask God for the desire of your heart only to be met with what feels like stony silence, this book is for you. Whether you’ve prayed for a husband or kids or dream job or healing or hope or home and haven’t heard back, this book is for you. Stephanie asked and God did not answer in any of the ways he could have. Through eight blind dates, God did not change his answer. Instead he changed Stephanie. And if you read her book, I’m pretty certain he’s going to change you, too.
Lisa-Jo Baker, author of Surprised by Motherhood and community manager for (in)Courage

Finally! An honest look at the journey we call dating. With the winsomeness of a “pit bull in a tutu” (her words), Stephanie opens her heart and soul to the twists and turns, the anticipation and disappointment of this daunting endeavor. She has the courage to let us in to the parts of her world that most of us work hard to keep hidden, and that is the best gift of all.
Nancy Ortberg, author of Seeing in the Dark

Readers will delight in her candor, comic asides, and quirky dating rituals.
Publisher’s Weekly review