Divine Appointments by Charlene Ann Baumbich

At first I had trouble getting into this story, mostly because of the main character's attitude and behavior.  I also thought this book would be like the first book in the series, but it really didn't have the same feel at all.  After reading more of the book, I discovered that the story is rich with great characters (even Josie - the main character).  Josie is an analyst experiencing hot flashes and dealing with ideas that have been drilled into her since her childhood with a military father.  She is a woman who knows how to get things done and does it with little emotion and feeling, but what she doesn't realize is that her life is about to change.  Not only does her life change, but the lives of others at the company where she is a consultant.  They are changed in ways only God can orchestrate as He does so well.  I enjoyed getting to know divorced Marsha and pleasant, friendly, encouraging Beth.  Quirky Frank.  Kind, charitable Lyle. And others as well.  The story is one of Divine Appointments - events only God can bring about for His purposes.  I found the book very enjoyable and one I'd highly recommend.  I'm also hoping that somehow there will be a third book in the series.  I still continue to enjoy Ms. Baumbich's writing, especially her Dearest Dorothy books.  She is a wonderful writer!  Hope you all get a chance to have your own Divine Appointments.

Disclaimer:
This book was provided free for review by WaterBrook Multnomah.

Links to check out:
Divine Appointments Book
Charlene Ann Baumbich's Page

A Journey to New Books – Stray Affections - From September 11, 2009

This is a story of healing and renewal. Cassandra Higgins quit using her God-given talents years ago after much heartache and loss. She has always believed she isn’t very smart and that has also caused her to put away her dreams. One day, while on her once-a-year special shopping trip, she finds a delightful snowglobe that she just has to have. Little does she know that that snowglobe will change her life forever in countless ways and the lives of those around her. The story is heartfelt, true-to-life, and fun. You will enjoy the characters and find at least one that you can relate to. I also like that the story is set in Minnesota, where I’m from. I recommend cuddling up with your favorite canine, feline, bunny, or hamster and enjoying this wonderful story.


Book Summary:
The last thing that Cassandra Higgins expects out of her Sunday is to be mesmerized at a collectors’ convention by a snowglobe. She’s enjoying some shopping time, with husband Ken at home tending their brood of four young boys, when she’s utterly charmed by the one-of-a kind globe containing figures of three dogs and a little girl with hair the color of her own. She can’t resist taking the unique globe home– even if means wrestling another shopper for it!
The beautiful snowglobe sparks long-dormant memories for Cassie, of her beloved Grandpa Wonky, the stray she rescued as a child, and the painful roots of her combative relationship with her mother, “Bad Betty” Kamrowski. Life in Wanonishaw, Minnesota is never dull, though, and Cassie keeps the recollections at bay, busy balancing her boys, her home daycare operation, and being a good friend to best pal Margret. But after a strange–flurrious, as Cassie deems it–moment happens with the remarkable snowglobe, Cassie and the people she loves are swirled into a tumultuous, yet grace-filled, and life-changing journey.
With the quirky, close-knit Midwestern small-town feel that made Charlene Ann Baumbich’s acclaimed Dearest Dorothy novels so popular, Stray Affections invites you to experience the laughter and the healing of second chances.


Author Bio:
Charlene Ann Baumbich is a popular author and speaker and an award-winning journalist. In addition to her Dearest Dorothy series of novels, she has written seven nonfiction books of humor and inspiration. A bungee-jumping, once motorcycle-owning grandma and unabashed dog lover, Charlene lives with her husband and rescued dog Kornflake in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. She loves telling stories, laughing whenever possible, and considers herself a Wild Child of God.