The Woman with the Blood Issue: a desperate chance for healing and a lesson in faith

Desperate for healing, a woman ignores all societal rules for a chance, just a chance, to end her suffering. She suffered from a chronic illness causing her to be isolated from others. She tried everything the doctors of the day could do and nothing worked. When she heard Jesus was in the village, she knew she had to take the chance. A simple touch brought her peace and freedom from her illness. She is also the only woman to be referred to as “Daughter” by Jesus. But was it the touch that healed her or something else? What was her story? Why was she isolated from society? And what truly healed her? Her story is told in three of the Gospels: Matthew 9:20-22, Mark 5:25-34, and Luke 8:43-48. 

Staying on the edge of the crowd. Carefully trying to stay anonymous as she did not want to be recognized, she waited. Then she saw a moment, one opportunity, to reach through the crowd and touch Jesus’ cloak as he passed. As the tips of her fingers glanced at the cloak, she felt a warmth spread from her fingers. She knew she had been healed and she attempted to quietly leave as anonymously as she came. However, Jesus stopped and asked who touched him. An odd question to the disciples as the crowd was pressing against them. A lot of people probably touched him. But Jesus was speaking about a specific touch. She froze, afraid at first, and hesitantly told him her story. Twelve years, she bled and due to the bleeding, she was isolated from being able to interact in public, unable to live a normal life. Instead of the rebuking she thought she was getting, Jesus praised her, telling her to go in peace, freed from her suffering (Mark 5:34). 

Why would a bleeding issue cause her to be isolated from society? Menstrual bleeding was considered unclean. Leviticus 15:25-27 states that a woman is unclean during her monthly period. Anyone who touched her during this period of uncleanness would also be considered unclean. A cleansing ritual would have to be done when her monthly period was over (Leviticus 15:28-30). The woman with the bleeding issue had irregular bleeding in which she bled for 12 years. She couldn’t do a cleansing ritual. In addition, her condition most likely weighed heavily on her: physically and mentally. Modern medical knowledge can speculate that she might have suffered from uterine fibroids with endometrial polyps. She was most likely weak, thin and iron deficient. Adding to her physical ailment, I can imagine she was depressed from being physically isolated from others. Anyone or anything she touched would be considered unclean. People would have avoided her as if she had a horrible catchable disease. According to Mark 5:26, she endured more suffering under the care of the doctors. The “cures” made her condition worse, adding to her pain and doing nothing for her relief. 

While she felt healing when she touched Jesus’ cloak, it wasn’t what healed her. When Jesus speaks to her, after hearing her story, he tells her “Daughter, your faith has healed you” (Mark 5:34). Why did her faith heal her? She didn’t know if touching Jesus would work. She probably heard the stories of healing and didn’t know if it was something he had to say or do before he healed. She just wanted the chance. She took a leap of faith. Faith, genuine faith, requires action. Faith with no action is no faith at all. It is dead and useless (James 2:14-17). Genuine faith transforms our actions as well as our thoughts. If we reach out in faith, even despite our doubts, God is there to help. He is ready to help. We never need to allow our fears to keep us from approaching him. God promises to heal us (Jeremiah 30:17). While the healing could be physical, earthly healing, it could also mean spiritual healing. True health that comes in heaven with the ultimate healing of our bodies and our souls from sickness, disabilities and our inclination to sin. 

In conclusion, the story of the woman with the blood issue is a lesson in faith. Faith is a unique circular phenomenon. Faith increases when we use our faith. The more we reach out and act in faith, our faith will grow and produce faith. A woman who had suffered so much, had tried everything earthly possible, turned to God. Sometimes we allow our problems and fears to keep us from God but he is always ready to help. All we need to do is reach out. Jesus was not angry with this woman for reaching out. He knew she touched him and he knew why. He stopped to teach the crowd about faith. He knows what we need and he waits for us to reach for him. 

Land of Silence (2016) by Tessa Afshar

an excellent fictionalized story 

of this woman and her life before and after her interaction with Jesus

available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Her Unexpected Roommate: an inheritance and dreams threatened

Her Unexpected Roommate is the first book in the Blubs, Blossoms, and Bouquets series by Laura Ann. Genevieve “Genni” Winters finally sees light at the end of a long, dark tunnel. After her sole living relative passes away, she inherits Boardwalk Manor, the family home. With plans to renovate the old house and open a bed and breakfast, she looks forward to a brighter future. Her dreams are dashed when she learns that she is only half owner of the house. Cooper James inherits the other half of ownership when his grandfather passes. He can’t believe his luck. He is desperate for a fresh start and the house is the open door he needs. He doesn’t anticipate the beautiful but angry Genni who demands he sell his half. Despite their opposition, there is a simmering attraction that builds between them. Can they come together and fight for the house before they lose it all? 

Her Unexpected Roommate is my first book by Laura Ann. Unfortunately, I was bored. I didn’t care for Genni. Despite her difficult life, she acted like a child throwing a tantrum. Cooper had the best potential to be a great character. He was more likable as someone who was repairing his life and bettering himself. However, they were childishly antagonistic without a reason to be, especially with their first meeting. The first sign of opposition to Genni’s proposal, she storms off?!?! The threat to both their dreams could have been avoided with a little investigation rather than taking someone’s word at face value. And no one thought to double check. Not Genni? Not Cooper? No one in town? It seemed all very far-fetched. Oh my gosh, what’s with all the fainting!?!? Genni needs to see a doctor as she faints a lot! Overall, I did not enjoy Her Unexpected Roommate and may not continue the series. 

Her Unexpected Roommate is available in hardcover, paperback, and eBook

Blue Moon: a love story with humor and a bit of danger

Blue Moon is the second book in the Blue Mountain series by Tess Thompson. Bliss Heywood is a driven, workaholic executive who faces an unsure future. After she is wrongly dismissed from her job, she spends the Thanksgiving holiday with her sister, Blythe, and her boyfriend, Kevan, in Peregrine, Idaho. There she meets Kevan’s playboy brother, Ciaran. Despite his reputation, Bliss is drawn to Ciaran who hides a secret, a dangerous secret. Bliss and Ciaran agree to a brief fling which quickly becomes more than they bargained for. Behind his charming façade, Ciaran is haunted by a past he is desperate to leave behind him. Believing he is in danger, he is always on the move. Will the threat eventually catch up with him? Will Bliss be caught in the crossfire? 

Blue Moon is a love story with humor, wit and a bit of danger. I enjoyed Bliss’s sass and heart. The only person she has been able to rely on for support is her sister, Blythe, Bliss knows that hard work to get ahead in life. I loved that she refused to wallow after her dismissal, instead decided it was time for change. I enjoyed Ciaran as there is more to him than his playboy reputation. When the two meet, the sparks fly immediately. Their romance was fun and steamy. The mystery and drama with Ciaran’s threat was lackluster. I would have liked to see more of the threat than being told. Overall, I enjoyed Bliss and Ciaran’s love story. I look forward to reading the rest of the series. I recommend Blue Moon. 

 Blue Moon is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook 

Blue Midnight, book 1, is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

Instant Karma: strength, resilience and secrets

Instant Karma is the fifth book in Hart’s Ridge by Kay Bratt. Faire Tinsley is a long time resident of Hart’s Ridge. A sort of recluse, she realizes she needs extra income in order to keep her beloved home. She decides to take on a tenant. An easy arrangement quickly turns into a nightmare as her new tenant begins to act odd and erratic. Faire reluctantly turns to Deputy Taylor Gray who discovers this stranger is not who he says he is. Meanwhile, two men from Jo’s high school past come back into town. Jo convinces herself she doesn’t need or want a relationship. But their presence in town forces Jo to confront the past. Will Faire be able to recover her home from a sinister tenant? Will Jo hold on to her secret or will she be forced to reveal it?

WOW! was the one word I uttered as I turned the final page of Instant Karma.  The Hart’s Ridge series keeps getting better and better. Instant Karma is a great addition to the series. The themes of strength and resilience run throughout the story. The situation with Faire and her tenant kept me on my seat. I enjoyed seeing Della Ray again and her unwavering support for Faire. Jo has kept the identity of Levi’s father a secret. Some in town have their speculation but she has been able to stay mum. When she reveals her secret to one particular person, it was a shocker to say the least. It was not a reveal I was expecting! Taylor is also hiding a secret which I hope that story comes to fruition in a future story. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed Instant Karma and I can’t wait to finish out this series! I highly recommend Instant Karma. 

Hart’s Ridge is available now in paperback and in eBook on May 26

Books 1-4 are currently available in paperback and eBook

Just the Way You Are: second chance romance comedy

Just the Way You Are by Pepper D. Basham is the first book in the Pleasant Gap series. Eisley Barrett is a single mom who prefers to keep romance in the centuries-old mystery she is trying to uncover. When she travels to England to unearth a secret, she encounters Wes Harrison, an actor with a sordid past of his own. His past is one Wes is ashamed to admit. Becoming suspicious and cynical, he avoids all romantic entanglements. However, when he meets Eisley, he finds her authenticity and kindness warming his bitter heart. Eisley is also just as reluctant for romance but she finds herself drawn to Wes. When his past threatens to ruin their second chance at love, Wes and Eisley may need a little Appalachian magic and letters from the past may be able to salvage their romance. 

Just the Way You Are is my first book by Ms. Basham. Billed as a second chance romance with humor, love, and mystery, it was a mix of romantic comedy and adventure. I felt like this story missed the mark. I was more intrigued by the mystery than Wes and Eisley’s romance. I wish the mystery was more fleshed out and a bigger part of the story than just a vehicle for Wes and Eisley to meet. The culture clash between a Brit and an American was fun. I loved Eisley’s wonder as she saw the sights of London. I enjoyed the faith aspect, especially Wes’ commitment to his newfound faith. Overall, I enjoyed Just the Way You Are and I look forward to giving Ms. Basham’s books a chance. If you like fun, clean second chance romance, you may enjoy Just the Way You Are. 

Just the Way You Are is available in eBook and audiobook

The Gingerbread Cafe: life, love and hockey

The Gingerbread Cafe is the fifth book in the Hockey Sweethearts series by Jean Oram. Miranda Fairchild has bucked the system. Her family thinks she’s crazy. She bought a failing hockey team in Texas, with it a small bit of fame and she moved to a small town out in the country. But worst of all, she is still single! Miranda has high standards that she feels no man could ever understand her. One day, she walks into The Gingerbread Cafe , hiding her true identity, pretending to be an average woman. Dak, the down-to-earth owner of The Gingerbread Cafe, seems to understand her. He is not only handsome but he knows how to laugh and make her laugh. What Miranda doesn’t know is Dak knows exactly who she is because he is a former NHL player and is trying to work with her team’s charity. As their attraction grows, Dak fears what will happen when she discovers who he really is. Will she be able to put aside her preconceived notions for a chance of a great love? 

While The Gingerbread Cafe is the fifth book to be released in the Hockey Sweethearts series, it is a prequel with events occurring before the events of The Cupcake Cottage, the first book in the series. The Hockey Sweethearts is also a spin off of Ms. Oram’s Sweetheart Creek series. The Gingerbread Cafe is a sweet, clean romance. Miranda is a woman in a man’s world and gets bad press for it. What could a woman possibly know about hockey? Dak is a former NHL player who loves the game but doesn’t really want to play again. Fate together in the sweetest way. Despite Miranda’s misgivings, Dak is perfect for her. Her heart knows it but her head won’t let her put aside her fears. Dak is a man who has learned from his wild rookie days and wants to guide new rookies away from the fast party life he knew so well. Together Dak and Miranda work well, professionally and privately. I loved everything about their love story and I look forward to reading the rest of this series. I highly recommend The Gingerbread Cafe. 

The Gingerbread Cafe will be available in paperback and eBook in November 2023 

The eBook is currently free at bookfunnel.com

Reluctantly Home: sometimes going home reveals a new perspective

Reluctantly Home by Imogen Clark is a story of dealing with the past in order to face the future. Pip Appleby seemingly had it all. It all ends when a tragic accident occurs and she is haunted by the accident. She retreats to her family’s farm and struggles to find her path again. When she discovers the diary of actress Evelyn Mountcastle in a box of old books, Pip is pulled into Evelyn’s words. As she reads, she discovers parallels between her life and Evelyn’s and she becomes intrigued by Evelyn and tries to discover more information about her. When their paths cross in real life, they begin to reveal secrets that they have been hiding about their respective stories. As they reveal their secrets, can they discover a way to forgive themselves for the past and find a possible future? 

Reluctantly Home is my second book by Imogen Clark and I expected an emotional book and it delivered. Considering the question of how does one move forward from a tragedy? How does one move on from your role in an accident? Pip struggles with these questions. While her head is telling her she is not at fault, her heart struggles accepting that truth. She is also dealing with the dual identities she has created for herself and how she can feel whole again. The story is a slow build as Pip drags her feet about her future. When she reaches out to Evelyn, she finds a perspective she hadn’t seen before or maybe didn’t want to see. I enjoyed Pip’s growth as she realized who she truly is and who she wants to be in the future. I recommend Reluctantly Home. 

Reluctantly Home is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook. 

Written in the Stars: a story of self-discovery, romance and finding a new purpose

Written in the Stars is the first book in the Northern Lights Romance trilogy by Noelle Fox. With her restaurant’s failure fresh on her mind, Grace Cooper seems to be at a turning point with nowhere to turn. Until she gets a deathbed letter from the father she thought was already dead. It was her father’s dying wish and offer of a free vacation at an Alaskan island resort. Desperate for rejuvenation, Grace jumps at the chance to relax, renew herself and learn about the father she never knew. That last thing she expected to do was run into Connor Reed, a man from her past who humiliated her. Connor has no idea why Grace doesn’t like him but her memory has been the drive force that turned his life around. He is determined to discover why she hates him so. As secrets and truths are revealed, can Grace and Connor learn to trust on only each other but themselves? 

Written in the Stars is a fast paced, sweet romance. There’s moments of laughter and banter. Moments of drama and tension. I enjoyed Grace and Connor’s story. It was complex with real human shortcomings and flaws with vulnerabilities and touching moments. I eagerly read as the truth unfolded and yet I didn’t want it to end. I also enjoyed the storyline with Grace and her father and the truth behind his absence from her life. I read reviews that complained the story was “open ended” and while it is a trilogy, Grace and Connor’s story is well rounded and I didn’t feel that the author left it open at all. Readers will most likely see more of Grace and Connor in the rest of the trilogy; but their romance was wrapped up pretty well. I thoroughly enjoyed Written in the Stars and I look forward to reading the rest of the trilogy. If you enjoy second chance romance, I highly recommend Written in the Stars. 

Written in the Stars is available in paperback and eBook. 

Witching for Murder: how can one Halloween party turn into a murder mystery?

Witching for Murder by Jamie Rutland Gillespie is the third book in the Bobwhite Mountain Cozy Mystery series. Fall has come to the mountains and the town of Bobwhite Mountain is ready for the Halloween season. A surprising weekend camping is filled with mishaps that Claire, Landry’s mom, Landry and her friends, wish they had stayed home. As the Halloween costume parties start, Mayor Cartwright and his wife, Barb, kick off the season with their party. It’s a great time until a body is found and evidence points to Annie, Landry’s best friend and new resident. Despite the evidence, Landry does not believe Annie could kill anyone and is determined to clear Annie’s name and find the real killer. Who could it be? 

Witching for Murder was so much fun to read. From the disastrous camping trip to a night of fun turning into a murder investigation, this story was intriguing with its quirky characters and outlandish events. In standard fashion, the first suspect is rarely the real killer; however, when Landry discovers the real killer, it was a gasp-inducing moment. It was a person that wasn’t on my radar at all. There is the added mystery as to why Claire is in Bobwhite Mountain in the first place. Landry definitely has her hands full in Witching for Murder. I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and it keeps getting better. I look forward to the rest of the series. I recommend Witching for Murder. 

Witching for Murder is available in paperback and eBook

In the Company of Men: historical romance with a mystery

In the Company of Men by Carolyn Finch is the first book in the Lemon Sugar series. Miss Etta Lynne is desperate. The Great War is over but it's up to her to care for her sick mother and pregnant, widowed sister. She needs the high school teaching position that is open in Oakland, Manitoba. However, after two female teachers disappeared, Mayor Jackson Nash is reluctant to hire a female for the open teaching position. When the male teacher he requested is a no show, Nash is forced to hire Etta. Determined to keep her safe, Nash becomes a bit overprotective despite his open contempt. As the mystery of the missing teachers deepen, Etta realizes that she must be open to trust others if she has any hope of safety and maybe even love. 

In the Company of Men is described as a clean and wholesome historical women’s fiction. Etta is the type of woman who doesn’t shy away from challenges. While I enjoy a strong woman, I did not enjoy Etta. She was obnoxious. I didn’t enjoy Jackson Nash. While it was obvious that they would fall in love, it was painfully slow getting there. While the behaviors of the men and the ridiculous requirements of female teachers was typical of the time, it was off putting. The mystery of the missing teachers was mentioned throughout and the reveal was a disappointment. Overall, I was bored. I had no interest in the romance, the mystery or continuing the series.I did not enjoy In the Company of Men. 

In the Company of Men is available in paperback and eBook. 

Hearts Desire: mythology, drama and romance

Hearts Desire by Andra Dill is a Nine Muse novella. Terpsichore, the muse of lyric poetry and dancing, lives as an immortal among mortals. When Zeus, her father, wakes up after being asleep for a millennium or two, he is furious to learn that Terpsichore has abandoned her role as muse. Going by the name, Bliss, she decides to wait out her father’s wrath and reconnect with her many, many times great granddaughter, Calla, at her dance studio in the MidWest. As the students’ parents demand a recital. What was supposed to be a simple recital turns into a full-scale production which catches the attention of one god Bliss was hoping to avoid. To complicate matters, Bliss’ former lover shows up. Will she risk her heart again? Will she be able to placate her father? 

Hearts Desire is a novella that packs a punch with mythology, drama and romance. I was somewhat familiar with the Greek muses; however,  I did have to stop and google names as they came up to remind myself who they were. As a fan of Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series, I loved the Hearts Desire adult take on the Greek gods in the mortal world. There were two romances at play in this story. Bliss and the gorgeous Nicco, someone she hoped to never see again. And Calla and Matthew, the handsome widowed father of one of her students. The story was fast paced with nice twists and a satisfying ending. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Hearts Desire. This novella is short, sweet and easily enjoyable for an afternoon of reading. I recommend Hearts Desire. 

Hearts Desire is available in eBook

Not Today, Cupid: fun, witty romantic love story

Not Today, Cupid by Jennifer Bonds is the second book in The Harts series. Scarlett Evans works as the executive assistant to Miles Hart while in grad school for a Master’s degree in industrial organizational psychology. She also admires Nick Hart, the sexy CEO, from afar. While Nick is sexy, the man doesn’t smile and has gained the nickname of Hartless. He runs a tight ship and doesn’t seem to care that the employees are miserable. After his brothers bet him to implement a suggestion from the company’s suggestion box. Scarlett is recruited to help Nick plan a Valentine’s Day Social to celebrate the release of the company’s newest venture and to hopefully boost morale. As they work together, Nick’s icy exterior begins to melt and Scarlett feels emboldened to speak up in areas she tends to keep quiet. Soon a spark ignites a fire that they cannot ignore. 

While I had not read the first book in the series, Not Today, Cupid was enjoyable. So enjoyable that I want to go back and read the first book before the third book is released. It was not quite the laugh-out-loud story as described; however, I definitely grinned and chuckled as Nick and Scarlett’s relationship went from cool indifference to passionate fervor. I could not put it down and read well into the night which I haven’t done in a long time. There are some spicy love scenes and tender moments between them. I enjoyed Scarlett’s witty comebacks especially when dealing with Nick. I loved that there was a heart and caring spirit hidden deep behind Nick’s grumpy exterior. I thoroughly enjoyed Not Today, Cupid. I will definitely read the rest of the series. If you enjoy grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity romance, I highly recommend Not Today, Cupid. 

Not Today, Cupid is available in eBook and audiobook

A Cry in the Dark: a dark mystery with secrets and hidden agendas

A Cry in the Dark by Denise Grover Swank is the first book in the Carly Moore series. Carly Moore is a woman on the run. Trusting no one and the ink barely dry on her new identity, she wants to simply disappear. When her car breaks down and with no money, Carly finds herself stuck in Drum, a smalltown in the Smoky Mountains. Drum is a town with secrets of its own and the residents keep a distrusting eye on any outsiders. Since she is stuck in town, she takes a temporary waitressing job at a local bar. It isn’t long before she witnesses a cold-blooded murder in a darkened parking lot. Carly soon realizes that she left behind one nightmare for another. The clock is ticking and bodies are piling up. Not knowing who to trust, Carly senses that if the killers aren’t stopped, she will be next. 

A Cry in the Dark is the second book by Denise Grover Swank I have read. The first was a romance that I didn’t care for. I hoped that her darker mystery books would be better. Unfortunately, it was not the case. I was bored. The book started great with an eerie, auspicious situation. However, Carly was a hard character to like and root for. While the residents of Drum were certainly distrusting and even when the murders started happening, I was bored. The events seemed far-fetched and the drama a bit overdrawn. How can you be jealous of a relationship that happened years before you met the individuals? A relationship that had run its course and there was no lingering feelings? I have a feeling that Denise Grover Swank is not the author for me. However, if you enjoy dark, gritty mysteries, you may enjoy A Cry in the Dark. 

A Cry in the Dark is available in eBook and audiobook

A Barefoot Tide: self-discovery and healing

A Barefoot Tide by Grace Greene is the first book in the Barefoot Tide series. At home in the forests and rolling hills of Cub Creek, her heart and her past are tied to the rural community. In her late thirties, Lilliane Moore is comfortable and, yet, in need of a job. When she is offered a temporary assignment as a companion for Merrick Dahl, an elderly man at the beach, it is hard to resist. The money would certainly go a long way to do the necessary repairs around her house. While she keeps telling herself the move is temporary and she will be home soon enough, she is hesitant. However, Lilliane finds herself at home along the sandy shores and the new friends she has made. Is the job more than she bargained for? Will it truly be worth the risk? 

A Barefoot Tide is a sweet story of self-discovery and healing. Lilliane grew up in Cub Creek and even after the sudden deaths of her parents, she is reluctant to live anywhere else. When a job offer opens up at a desperate time, she is forced to take it. When she arrives, she discovers that Merrick is a grouchy old man who claims not to need a babysitter. I loved the banter between Lilliane and Merrick as she doesn’t take any of his grouchy attitude and Merrick who enjoys that Lilliane as a bit of a backbone. Lilliane is hiding a deep secret and painful past but finds herself opening up to Merrick. I enjoyed A Barefoot Tide and look forward to reading more books in the series. If you enjoy stories of self-discovery, healing and the beach, I recommend A Barefoot Tide. 

A Barefoot Tide is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

Lucky Girl: a fierce and tender story of life, love and family

 Lucky Girl by Irene Muchemi-Ndiritu is a story of one young, sheltered woman who longs for independence must learn about the challenges of race, love and family. To all, Solia is one lucky girl. Raised by her stern, conservative mother and a host of aunts, she lived a protected life in Nairobi, Kenya. Solia is also headstrong, outspoken and rails against the strict rules she must live by. She takes the chance to leave it all beyond by attending Barnard College in New York City. But New York City in the 1990s is not what she expected. Instead of the golden land of opportunity, she finds entitlement, racism and forces her to acknowledge that her Kenyan upbringing has created a different understanding of racism and slavery. When Solia falls in love with a free-spirited artist who her mother would never approve of, she is caught between choosing her Kenyan identity and her family obligations and her own heart. 

Lucky Girl is a fierce and yet tender story about the lives and loves we choose, what it means to be an African immigrant in America and how a young woman finds herself in the world. Reading the beautifully moving words, it was hard to believe that Lucky Girl is the debut novel of Ms. Muchemi-Ndiritu. It is a thought provoking story about life, love and our interactions with each other. Lucky Girl shows that we can learn from each other as our different perspectives can add a new piece to the overall picture of life. I devoured this book as I could not put it down. Solia’s story drew me in and I learned with her and experienced from her eyewitness experiences of life in New York City. I enjoyed watching Solia grow from a sheltered young woman to a woman with a deeper understanding of the complexities of the world around us. I highly recommend Lucky Girl. 

Lucky Girl is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

No Two Persons: one book can change lives in different ways

No Two Persons by Erica Bauermeister is the story of how one book, one story changes the lives of its readers in different ways. Alice Wein always wanted to be a writer. She had an amazing talent but her stories were safe with little emotion. It isn’t until she suffers a tragic loss that breaks her heart and she pours out her emotions on the page. The debut novel impacts the nine readers from the assistant for a literary agency to the narrator for the audiobook to a widower struggling with life after the loss of his beloved wife. Nine individuals from different careers, walks of life and passions are drawn into the words of the story, discovering an aspect of the story which changes their perspective and opens a new path in their lives. No Two Persons reveals how books affect each reader in beautiful and unexpected ways and connect readers in ways beyond imagination. 

As a lover of books since I was a teenager, I understand the life changing power of books. No Two Persons takes the famous quote ““No two persons ever read the same book” (often attributed to writer Edmund Wilson) and celebrates the different ways books can and have deepened the lives of its readers. Some of the readers' stories were more moving and others were impacted more intensely than others. However the results are the same: each reader is never the same after reading Alice’s book. No Two Persons is my second book by Ms. Beauermeister and she hasn’t disappointed to deliver an emotionally moving story. I enjoyed that she highlights how different readers can read a book, get differing viewpoints, thoughts and feelings about the same words that another has read. Truly, no two persons ever read the same book. I would also add that no one reads the same book twice as different readings can give new perspectives.  I highly recommend No Two Persons. 

No Two Persons will be available May 2, 2023 in hardcover, eBook, and audiobook