I had never heard of Gwen Smith before I picked up this book. I came across this title and thought it sounded like a message worth exploring. This book is all about how God restores the wounded heart (that’s its subtitle) and it is excellently done.
Gwen Smith is incredibly genuine. You know how you can sometimes tell when you are reading a book that the author ‘likes the sound of their own voice’ and are talking just to talk? Just because they can? Just because they managed to sell the idea of a book to a publisher? Well, that’s not Gwen. There was something very real in the way that she shared her own story of brokenness and related various other women’s stories that drew me in, as the reader, and encouraged my own soul.
Gwen Smith’s story is that she had an abortion in college which she proceeded to keep a secret for the next fifteen years. She had no intention of sharing her story at all because she accepted forgiveness for herself and had experienced God’s grace in this particular situation. Although involved in public music ministry she did not feel like she had to share every bit of her past to somehow justify her position in ministry. I do believe I agree with her opinion in saying that it’s not necessary to “empty your trashcan” to the general public but it is important to share your story if God asks you to. He asked her to and she has been obedient in doing so, which opens up an entirely different ministry of healing.
In this book she not only shares her story, but the stories of other women and the problems that they have faced in their path. This is not done in a vulgar way at all, but rather exercises a great deal of taste and maturity that I think is quite admirable. Coupled with the fact that she compares each individual woman’s story with a story from scripture, this book is quite well done. Smith doesn’t leave the answer to life’s problems in human hands nor does she rely on human wisdom (or the lack thereof) in facing the sin and dealing with it. Rather she throws her readers in the right direction — before the Throne of Grace.
This book is tasteful, encouraging, compelling and necessary. This book fulfills a need in a sympathetic yet solidly Biblical way for which I am incredibly grateful. After finishing reading the book I hopped on Youtube and watched an interview with Gwen and was left with the same impression of sincerity. She is a beautiful woman and has a beautiful story to share. To learn more about the book or to read an excerpt of it, check out the publisher’s, Harvest House website here.
I’d strongly encourage it because I believe you will find yourself blessed in doing so. I know I was.
If you’d like to win a copy of this book, leave a comment and we’ll announce one random winner next week (U.S. addresses only).
Carrie comes by her book obsession honestly, having descended from a long line of bibliophiles. She blogs about books regularly at Reading to Know.
This looks like a beautiful testimony. I’d love to read it.
I’m interested … please enter me!
This sounds like a wonderful book. It’s always amazing to see how God works in people’s day to day lives. I’d love the opportunity to read Gwen’s story. Plus, on a side note, the cover is beautiful.
RebekahC
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I’d love to read this book. What a wonderful testimony that she is sharing her story.
Your description sounds really intriguing. I would love to read this book.
Thank you for the chance to win this. Sounds like I might get something out of it.
It looks like a great book, I would love to read it. Sounds like a book that will make you stop and think. Thanks for the giveaway!
I just saw this book the other day and thought it looked interesting so I would love to be entered to win a copy!
This sounds like an amazing book. I’d love to read it!
Sounds like an amazing woman and a great book. I will read it whether or not I win!
i’d love to win this!
This sounds like such a good book and a wonderful read for a path of healing. Thanks for entering me.
This sounds like a great book!
This book sounds like a fantastic jouney waiting to be taken by the reader, thanks.
This book sounds really good…please enter me. 🙂
Thanks Carrie!
Sounds like a great book.
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My room-mate would enjoy reading this book.
sounds like an interesting testimony!
Sounds like a wonderful book. Would love to read it.
looks like a great book..probably a box of tissues kinda of book but I love to read and this sounds great
My heart is terribly wounded this year. Hard times. Need a book to inspire and help.
This book sounds like a great inspirational read!
Looks like a good book.
looking forward to winning
This looks like a great book – please enter me.
sounds like an interesting read
I’d like to win to both read the book and share it with others who may need it.
Please enter me to win.
Count me in!
The title alone is enough to make we want to read this book! Sounds like an amazing read!
Thank you for this giveaway I hope it helps someone who is broken hearted learn to trust again.
I’d love to win!
This book sound like it could be an inspiration. I have a similar story and have been struggling with my past for awhile. I would love to read it and get some insight on her story and triumph. Please Enter Me!
Sounds like a great book.
Please enter me
Cannot tell you how much I could use this right now. Thank you for the chance.
I hope I win the book.
It is amazing to see God’s hands at work in peoples lives. I would love a copy of this book.
I would love to read this book.
Wow! My choir did this song recently! Beautiful solo part.
I would love the chance to win this book. It sounds very inspiring and we all can use that!
Please enter me – I’ve had 2 abortions, and even though they were many years ago, and they were due to physicians’ lack of informing me that medication I was taking for seizures would interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills, I still struggle with the decision I made and if God can forgive me. thank you.
I have gone through something similar over 10 yrs ago and I’m still struggling each day with it. Thanks for the opportunity to win this book.
entered, thanks for chance to win.
Sounds like a good read,hope I win.
Sounds wonderful – I would love to read this!
I have a friend who could really use a copy of this book right now!
sounds great please count me in
I think this book could really help me, sounds great
This sound like a great book like I said above, but I typed my wrong email!