I was introduced to this book by one of the authors - thank you Taryn Hutchison https://tarynhutchison.com/ - who is a member of the Redbud Writers Guild, a group of Christian women writers. This collection offers essays, stories, and poetry - all personal accounts of the group's faith, transformation, and journey to find their own voices. I enjoyed some of the entries more than others. Some were moving and made me cry, others were humorous, painful, affirming, or touching. All were thought-provoking and each included a prayer and a discussion question or writing prompt for those who wanted to delve deeper into the topics. I read one chapter a day, and had to set it aside for a few weeks in order to read something else. It would make a nice daily devotional reading. I especially liked being introduced to some new-to-me writers of books that I am now hoping to explore. ( )

I am a faith blogger, meaning I blog about the Bible, theology, and the intersection of faith and life. I also review books (which you know if you're reading this). I discovered the Redbud Writers Guild several years ago and immediately wanted to join. Then I discovered I couldn't, all because it is a group of women writers and I am ill-equipped to join such a group.¹ That didn't stop me from reading their blogs and following their authors on social media.

I am not that broken up about not being able to join. I don't actually need to break the faith blogger gender barrier, and the blogosphere is replete with other writers groups that my voice fits well in; however, I was impressed by the quality of writing I repeatedly encountered from members of the guild, bloggers and authors I've appreciated, women like: April Yamasaki, Margot Starbuck, Leslie Layland Fields, Jen Pollock Michael, Emily Gibson and others. This is a diverse bunch of women (not all of whom would feel at home in a Woman of Faith tour with geraniums in their hats). These are pastors, theology students, homemakers, activists, poets, novelists, theologians—women of color and anglos, Boomers, Xers and Millennials.

A new book project, Everbloom (Paraclete Press, April 2017), compiles stories, poetry and reflections from the women of Redbud (quite a few who were new voices for me). These stories speak of grief, anxiety, pain, loss and redemption. These women share personal stories of difficult and grace-filled moments and the freedom found in Christ. The book is at turns vulnerable and full of good humor. Each author shares their story, closes with a brief prayer and a writing prompt for personal reflection.

This book is written by women, rooted in their experience, and the intended especially for a woman audience. Some of the writing prompts make this explicit: "What has been painful and necessary for you to grow as a woman and in relationship with God?"(16); "Reflect on your own ideas of motherhood using this statement: mother knows best." (140); "Describe a strong influential woman in your life." (202), etc.. But honestly, this is just a solid collection of writing, full of varied and poignant stories and guys would be encouraged by it too. I always feel sad when I visit a Christian bookstore and thoughtful women authors are quarantined in the 'woman's interest' section (lest they have authority over a man or something). Sometimes us male readers will have to adjust these reflections to our experience, but women readers are accustomed to making adjustments for male authors everyday (or anytime their pastor throws Braveheart into their sermon). So guys: this is well written, man up and don't be scared!

But with Mother's Day just around the corner, this is a great gift idea for a mom or special woman in your life, It is a rich storehouse of stories, prayers and opportunities for reflection. I give this four stars.

Notice of material connection: I received this book from Paraclete Press in exchange for my honest review.



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