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.
corinne says
This looks like a beautiful testimony. I’d love to read it.
stephanie says
I’m interested … please enter me!
RebekahC says
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
[email protected]
Tiffany says
I’d love to read this book. What a wonderful testimony that she is sharing her story.
Stephanie says
Your description sounds really intriguing. I would love to read this book.
Krista says
Thank you for the chance to win this. Sounds like I might get something out of it.
jenna says
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!
southeastcountrywife says
I just saw this book the other day and thought it looked interesting so I would love to be entered to win a copy!
Stacy says
This sounds like an amazing book. I’d love to read it!
Alicia says
Sounds like an amazing woman and a great book. I will read it whether or not I win!
Jayme says
i’d love to win this!
amandasue says
This sounds like such a good book and a wonderful read for a path of healing. Thanks for entering me.
Amy from Occupation: Mommy says
This sounds like a great book!
roberta says
This book sounds like a fantastic jouney waiting to be taken by the reader, thanks.
Amy N. says
This book sounds really good…please enter me. 🙂
Thanks Carrie!
Gina Stratos says
Sounds like a great book.
[email protected]
Alicia says
My room-mate would enjoy reading this book.
Linda White says
sounds like an interesting testimony!
Jenn S. says
Sounds like a wonderful book. Would love to read it.
MRS.MOMMYY says
looks like a great book..probably a box of tissues kinda of book but I love to read and this sounds great
Elizabeth Y. says
My heart is terribly wounded this year. Hard times. Need a book to inspire and help.
Belinda Shaw says
This book sounds like a great inspirational read!
Shannon Baas says
Looks like a good book.
susan varney says
looking forward to winning
Kym Ellis says
This looks like a great book – please enter me.
christopher h says
sounds like an interesting read
Lauralee Hensley says
I’d like to win to both read the book and share it with others who may need it.
Rebecca Snodgrass says
Please enter me to win.
Desmond says
Count me in!
Elizabeth N. says
The title alone is enough to make we want to read this book! Sounds like an amazing read!
Jack Palmer says
Thank you for this giveaway I hope it helps someone who is broken hearted learn to trust again.
Michael Capp says
I’d love to win!
Rachel F says
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!
CHARLINE S says
Sounds like a great book.
Susan Smith says
Please enter me
Aimee says
Cannot tell you how much I could use this right now. Thank you for the chance.
Robert A. Piacquad says
I hope I win the book.
Milissa says
It is amazing to see God’s hands at work in peoples lives. I would love a copy of this book.
Paula Yanik says
I would love to read this book.
jean Miller says
Wow! My choir did this song recently! Beautiful solo part.
Annette Dover says
I would love the chance to win this book. It sounds very inspiring and we all can use that!
Karen says
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.
NikeGyrlz says
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.
C. Clemens says
entered, thanks for chance to win.
Carol Lawrence says
Sounds like a good read,hope I win.
Pamela Callahan says
Sounds wonderful – I would love to read this!
Susan C says
I have a friend who could really use a copy of this book right now!
Heather B says
sounds great please count me in
katweb says
I think this book could really help me, sounds great
katweb says
This sound like a great book like I said above, but I typed my wrong email!