This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Divine Appointments
WaterBrook Press; Reprint edition (September 21, 2010)
by
Charlene Baumbich
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Charlene Ann Baumbich is the author of the previous three books in the Partonville series. A popular speaker, journalist, and author, for several years she has lectured to women’s groups and retreats. Baumbich is also an award-winning journalist whose work has appeared in the Chicago Tribune, Today’s Christian Woman, and numerous other publications. She is the author of six nonfiction books of humor and inspiration.
Charlene says: For over two decades of writing and speaking, my passionate pursuit to entertain and rejuvenate using humor (I love to laugh-especially at myself), uncommon wisdom, and passionate insights has been affirmed through countless calls, letters, and evaluation sheets. A reader recently e-mailed, “There is so much depression and sadness in this world. I applaud you for reminding all of us to treasure the moments in our lives, and for encouraging us to find joy in the little things. What you do helps so many to rise above the heaviness of life and live, and laugh, and face another day, so thanks!!!!” That is exactly why I keep doing what I do.
I am a firm believer in the power of story (short or book-length, funny or insightful, real or fiction, on stage or page) to accomplish my purpose, which is to remind you: Don’t Miss Your Life! Whether you’re tuning into me live or in print, fasten your seatbelt. I promise you a wild, fun, provocative, heart-warming ride.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Josie Brooks, at the age of 47, thought she was leading an enviable single life. A successful consultant, she calls her own shots, goes where the money is, and never needs to compromise. But her precisely managed world begins to falter during a Chicago contract when an economic downturn, a bleeding heart boss, and the loyalty and kindness between endangered employees ding her coat of armor.
Throw in hot flashes, a dose of loneliness, a peculiar longing for intimacy, an unquenchable thirst—not to mention a mysterious snow globe with a serene landscape, complete with a flowing river and lush greenery that seems to be beckoning her in—and Josie’s buttoned-up life is on the verge of coming completely undone.
Maybe her solitary existence isn’t as fulfilling as she has convinced herself to believe. It will take a few new friends, a mystical encounter, and an unexpected journey to set Josie on her own path to “right-sizing” and making the life changes that really matter. Filled with laugh-out loud moments and a gentle dash of inspiration, Divine Appointments is another heartwarming charmer from a master storyteller.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Divine Appointments, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
I have read and enjoyed other books by this author but for some reason I just couldn’t get into this one. I did manage to read the entire book but it took me nearly three times as long as one this size usually takes. Not a good thing when I am trying to stay on my review schedule with holiday cooking fast approaching.
There are good points to the story. A forgiveness based theme and a strong message about not judging other people based on first impressions were well presented. Several instances were quite amusing. Barb and Amelia were strong and likable characters who added depth to the story. However, I felt like there were way too many characters in general and story lines that distracted from the story of the primary character Josie. Although all were inter-related, there was just so much going on that the relationship between Josie and Lyle takes a backseat. And to me the inclusion of Marsha’s attempts at fiction were quite intrusive and distracting from the story.
Fans of Charlene Baumbich will probably want to check out Divine Appointments. Just because it wasn’t my cup of tea doesn’t mean someone else won’t love it. We all have our own preferences.
