Monday, June 3, 2019

About the Book

Book: The Pages of Her Life

Author: James L. Rubart

Genre: Christian fiction – suspense

Release Date: May 21, 2019 Pages of Her Life cover

Award-winning and bestselling author James L. Rubart explores the way our memories shape us . . . and how they affect our beliefs.

Allison Moore has no idea why she got out of her car on that rainy March afternoon and picked up the soaked journal laying on the side of the road. Brought it home. But she did. It was empty. Except for two lines scrawled in the front, too washed out to read. And a Jesus emblem inside the back cover. Something about the journal compels her to start writing in it, capturing thoughts about her newly acquired job that she thought would be heaven, but has turned into hell. Then one day, she finds words in the center of the journal. Words she didn’t write: Mene mene tekel upharsin. After her heart stops hammering, Allison Googles the phrase, and reads the story of Belshazzar’s Feast, where a hand from God writes on the wall, and the king is slain. Fear grips her, certain God is coming after her for what she did twelve years back. What she’s done wrong her whole life. She vows to make things right. Then she discovers more phrases appearing underneath each of her journal entries. Those phrases take her on an emotional roller coaster that forces her to look at everything she believes about her past in a new light, and opens her eyes to a supernatural realm of staggering consequence.

About the Author

James L. Rubart is a professional marketer and speaker. He is the author of the best-selling novel Rooms as well as Book of Days, The Chair, Soul’s Gate, Memory’s Door, and Spirit Bridge. He lives with his wife and sons in the Pacific Northwest. Website: www.jameslrubart.com Twitter: @jameslrubart Facebook: JamesLRubart

I am speechless after reading this book. It is so emotional and reached into my soul and filled me with joy. It is not everyday you read a book that has all the elements you need to walk through life with. Allison is such a deep character that I was immediately drawn to her. A simple stop to get a coffee will change her life in ways she never thought possible. I was very intrigued by the journal that was handed to her. I'm sure I would question why I was chosen to receive it. God answers us in many ways and this book was packed with his wisdom and compassion. The author illustrates what it is like to seem lost in the world and everything around you falling apart.

Dexter was my least favorite character because he was deceitful and prideful. Poor Allison falls for his charms and goes to work for him with a promise to be his partner. I couldn't understand why she continued to work for him when it was obvious he was using her. Don't get me started on Linda the office manager. She defines the word power hungry by her actions and sour attitude.

As Allison begins to write in the journal, something happens and the words change. They are not what she wrote, but words that encouraged her and drew her toward God as He directed her path. There are so many intricate stories within the story that I found to be exceptionally well written. Allison't family is reeling from a tragedy, but they don't know how bad it is going to get. The surprises they discover are over whelming. I loved how Allison, her mother and brother were able to break down barriers and try to heal their relationships.

The story is about healing, seeking the truth, forgiving, and most of all trusting God. He puts people in our pathway at just the right time. I know what it is like to seek approval from my parents and never receiving it. Allison and her brother have carried that hurt for a long time from their father. Will they be able to heal from rejection? Will the journal lead Allison to hope and a better life? What a beautiful story that makes you look at yourself. Al the bitterness we carry can be gone if only we would give it to God. I believe that God doesn't give us more than we can handle. The one thing I took away from this story was hope. He is always there and sees our pain. We need to make the choice to listen to His voice and watch for signs that he is speaking to us.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.