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.
Sounds like a very good and useful read.
Sounds like a great book. I am interested in reading anything relating to God, please count me in.
my bff could use this book
I could really use this book ♥
Sounds like a really good book. Would love to read it.
looks good add me please
What a wonderful read this would be. Count me in!
The book sounds great – would like to read it!
Please enter me, thanks!
I would be interested in reading this book. God does amazing things. As a Christian we have to ask for a lot of forgiveness.
I would really love to win this book.
I would love to read her story.
Deidre
Looks like an interesting read. Please sign me up for your contest.
Looks like an interesting novel, please count me in
i need a good read for night
enter me
count me in thanks
love to win and thanks for offering the opportunity!!!
my personal experience with God is that he is always there for me. I’d love to read this book
sounds like a fantastic book. I have a strong faith and would love to read this. thanks for a great review….
Sounds like a sad but touching story. Hope I win it.
love it
GREAT !!!
I’d love to read this book. Thank you for the giveaway.
I’d like to read this book.
I am in the same boat as the author, can’t wait to read it.
This sounds like a good book. Thanks for the nice giveaway.
This looks intersteading
I’d love to win!
I know just the person I could give this too – to the point and necessary.
I just love the premise of this book! I know I would enjoy reading it!
This sounds like a very interesting and good book! I would like to win it very much! Please enter me in the sweepstakes!
very cool count me in please
Sounds great!
Sounds great!
chazvgo(at)gmail(dot)com
Sounds just wonderful.
i would love to read this
This looks like a good one! Thanks!
Sounds like a good book to read!
sounds like a book I would love to read
sounds great, I would love to read it.
I would love to win this. Thanks!
Thank you ~ this sounds like an intersting read.
This sounds like just the book I need right now. I would also like to share it with someone else. Thanks for the contest!
This looks interesting. You made it sound like a book that I need to read and I might just check it out at my library.
Sounds like a great book, thanks for the chance.
would love to win 🙂
This sounds like an amazing book. I’d love to read it!
This would be a book that I would enjoy reading very much. I know how god has changed me and it amazes me every day. thanks
sounds like a great read! thanks