Wednesday, September 02, 2009

CFBA - Gone To Green

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Gone To Green by Judy Christie - Abingdon Press (August 2009).

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


Judy Pace Christie, after working as a journalist for twenty-five years, left the daily news business to open a consulting firm that works with individuals, businesses, and churches on strategies for meaningful life and work, including goal-setting, living fully, and balancing personal and professional lives. She is the author of Hurry Less, Worry Less; Hurry Less, Worry Less at Christmastime; and co-author of Awesome Altars. Judy and her husband live in northwest Louisiana.



ABOUT THE BOOK

Lois goes from being a corporate journalist at a large paper in the Midwest to the owner of The Green News-Item, a small twice-weekly newspaper in rural North Louisiana. The paper was an unexpected inheritance from a close colleague, and Lois must keep it for at least a year, bringing a host of challenges, lessons, and blessings into her life.

When Lois pulls into Green on New Year’s Day, she expects a charming little town full of smiling people. She quickly realizes her mistake. After settling into a loaned house out on Route 2, she finds herself battling town prejudices and inner doubts and making friends with the most surprising people: troubled teenager Katy, good-looking catfish farmer Chris, wise and feisty Aunt Helen, and a female African-American physician named Kevin.

Whether fighting a greedy, deceitful politician or rescuing a dog she fears, Lois notices the headlines in her life have definitely improved. She learns how to provide small-town news in a big-hearted way and realizes that life is full of newsworthy moments. When she encounters racial prejudice and financial corruption, Lois also discovers more about the goodness of real people and the importance of being part of a community.

While secretly preparing the paper for a sale, Lois begins to realize that God might indeed have a plan for her life and that perhaps the allure of city life and career ambition are not what she wants after all.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Gone To Green, go HERE

MY REVIEW:

This book is easily one of my favorite reads this year. At first glance Lois Barker, the main character, is nothing like me - she's young, single and does not have children. But I found myself identifying with her anyway.

As the book progresses and Lois tries to make some decisions about her future, she's drawn into the small town and almost reluctantly starts to "stir things up a bit" and make some changes. She recognizes the "terrible burdens that most people carry around on a daily basis" and uses that to really connect with them.

I think what struck me is how her methods could be used in almost any situation. There are people we all come in contact with that maybe we should slow down and get to know them better. Everybody has a story and given a small amount of encouragement most people have the ability to become something great. I hope to remember some of the thoughts and feelings I had while reading this book and see if I could use them to their full potential.

And I am delighted to hear that a two sequels are planned for this book. I will most certainly be reading them.

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