The Pages of Her Life

Written by James L. Rubart

Narrated by Sandra Dee Robinson

Allison Moore is faced with a daunting question: How do you stand up for yourself when it means losing everything?

Allison Moore is making it. Barely. The Seattle area architecture firm she started with her best friend is struggling, but at least they’re free from the games played by the corporate world. She’s gotten over her divorce. And while her dad’s recent passing is tough, their relationship had never been easy.

Then the bomb drops. Her dad had a secret life and left her mom in massive debt.

As Allison scrambles to help her mom find a way out, she’s given a journal, anonymously, during a visit to her favorite coffee shop. As the pressure to rescue her mom mounts, Allison pours her fears and heartache into the journal.

But then the unexplainable happens. The words in the journal, her words, begin to disappear. And new ones fill the empty spaces—words that force her to look at everything she knows about herself in a new light.

Ignoring those words could cost her everything . . . but so could embracing them.

Praise for The Pages of Her Life:

“The Pages of Her Life is quintessential James Rubart and showcases why his novels are automatic must-reads. Rubart’s new novel explores courage and self-discovery. The right decisions are almost always hard, and Rubart’s deft hand with character and theme shine in his new novel.” —Colleen Coble, USA TODAY bestselling author

“James L. Rubart’s writing always delivers characters that echo our own lives, living in a world not too removed from our own. The Pages of Her Life is another captivating taste of who we really can be.” —David Rawlings, author of The Baggage Handler

“I’m a slow reader, but I couldn’t put down The Pages of Her Life. This intriguing story is brimming with wonderful characters and more than a few surprises, including marvelous cameos by characters from another favorite Rubart novel. Immensely thought-provoking, this novel would make a fabulous book-club read. I can’t recommend it highly enough!” —Deborah Raney, author of A Vow to Cherish and the Chandler Sisters novels

• Language: English
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson
• Release date: May 21, 2019
• ISBN: 9780718099442

James L. Rubart

James L. Rubart is a professional marketer, speaker, and writer. He serves on the board of the Northwest Christian Writers Association and lives with his wife and sons in the Pacific Northwest.

Reviews for The Pages of Her Life

[krau0098 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Series Info/Source: This is a stand alone book. I received an ARC through Amazon Vine for review.Story (2/5): I feel a bit hoodwinked here, I didn't realize this was a Christian fiction book. I got this through Amazon Vine to review and from the description it sounded like an intriguing magical realism book. After more research I realize that Rubart is a big Christian fiction author and that this was done under the Thomas Nelson imprint, my bad for not doing more research ahead of time. Anyway, the story involves a woman named Alison Moore who is trying to get her own architecture firm off the ground but is just barely making it. When she finds out her father died, leaving her mother in massive debt Allison is desperate to help out. When she is offered partner at a big architecture firm she thinks her prayers have literally been answered, but this change will involve leaving her best friend running their architecture firm alone. She’s not sure what to do and hopes God will answer her prayers and help her to find the right path.While I don't mind religious context in my books, I always think it's a bit silly to expect someone else (be they a deity or otherwise) to make your decisions for you. I realized about 60 pages in this was not a book for me.Characters (1/5): I didn’t like any of the characters here. Shortly into the book characters are praying for God to let them know whether or not they should accept a new job or if they should let down a friend. I absolutely hate it when characters try to force their decisions on someone or something else...so lame. Allison comes off as incompetent and needy, her best friend is selfish and whiny, and the guy who offers her the partnership was creepy. There is also some weird stuff going on in here. For example, when the main character is offered a position as a partner in an architectural firm she asks to talk to the other owner's wife to make sure that his wife is okay with her being this guy's business partner...uh what?? That is creepy and wrong in so many ways and implies all of the characters are a bit shady. Business is business and I can't ever imagine asking to talk to some dude's wife at work to make sure she's okay with me working with him...so creepy.Setting (3/5): This is set in a modern city, pretty forgettable setting. I didn’t read enough of the book to really care.Writing Style (2/5): I guess the writing was fine. I was too distracted by all the religious strangeness to really notice anything wrong with it.Summary (2/5): Overall this book was really, really not for me. If you are really into Christian fiction where characters are constantly asking God to make their day to day decisions for them this book might be for you. I personally found the whole thing, along with some of the odd scenes, really distasteful and decided to stop reading it.

[harley0326 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I am speechless after reading this book. It is so emotional and reached into my soul and filled me with joy. It is not everyday you read a book that has all the elements you need to walk through life with. Allison is such a deep character that I was immediately drawn to her. A simple stop to get a coffee will change her life in ways she never thought possible. I was very intrigued by the journal that was handed to her. I'm sure I would question why I was chosen to receive it. God answers us in many ways and this book was packed with his wisdom and compassion. The author illustrates what it is like to seem lost in the world and everything around you falling apart. Dexter was my least favorite character because he was deceitful and prideful. Poor Allison falls for his charms and goes to work for him with a promise to be his partner. I couldn't understand why she continued to work for him when it was obvious he was using her. Don't get me started on Linda the office manager. She defines the word power hungry by her actions and sour attitude. As Allison begins to write in the journal, something happens and the words change. They are not what she wrote, but words that encouraged her and drew her toward God as He directed her path. There are so many intricate stories within the story that I found to be exceptionally well written. Allison't family is reeling from a tragedy, but they don't know how bad it is going to get. The surprises they discover are over whelming. I loved how Allison, her mother and brother were able to break down barriers and try to heal their relationships. The story is about healing, seeking the truth, forgiving, and most of all trusting God. He puts people in our pathway at just the right time. I know what it is like to seek approval from my parents and never receiving it. Allison and her brother have carried that hurt for a long time from their father. Will they be able to heal from rejection? Will the journal lead Allison to hope and a better life? What a beautiful story that makes you look at yourself. Al the bitterness we carry can be gone if only we would give it to God. I believe that God doesn't give us more than we can handle. The one thing I took away from this story was hope. He is always there and sees our pain. We need to make the choice to listen to His voice and watch for signs that he is speaking to us. I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

[alekee_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I did enjoy the premise of this book, but at times it didn’t seem realistic, but then this is a fictional book.The author has given us a story of a Mom, struggling with the death of her husband [and not in the way you think], and focusing more on the life of her daughter and some on her son. We also deal with both of these children forgiving their dad for playing favorites, but most of all what he has done to their mom.While the story does revolve around a journal, and in the end, I had a person that I wanted it to go to, but you will need to read and see what happens.Can this family give the forgiveness, and will they be able to mend and take care of their problems?Now I see there is another book coming, the brothers, and am looking forward to it!I received this book through Celebrate Lit, and was not required to give a positive review.

[hes7 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Whenever I pick up on of James L. Rubart’s books, I know it will be a unique, thought-provoking read. The Pages of Her Life is no exception.Life keeps going wrong for Allison Moore and her family. When she mysteriously receives a journal—with some unbelievable characteristics—it prompts her toward discovery, reconciling faith, hope, forgiveness in light of her current challenges.Another one of Rubart’s novels, Rooms, does connect with Allison’s story—but if you haven’t read it yet, that’s okay; I haven’t read Rooms and still enjoyed The Pages of Her Life a lot. It’s an interesting story with plenty of surprises, and I was eager to see what would happen next, happily following the characters through all the drama. So, if you’re in need of a different sort of contemporary story this summer, definitely check out The Pages of Her Life.I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

[virginia51-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book was a wonderful read. There were times that I did not really like Allison because I wanted her to stand up for herself but I love how the journal helped her to learn who she really was. I did not want to put this book down because I was rooting for Allison and her brother Parker. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

[maryannb1964 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

ward-winning and bestselling author James L. Rubart explores the way our memories shape us . . . and how they affect our beliefs. Allison Moore has no idea why she got out of her car on that rainy March afternoon and picked up the soaked journal laying on the side of the road. Brought it home. But she did. It was empty. Except for two lines scrawled in the front, too washed out to read. And a Jesus emblem inside the back cover. Something about the journal compels her to start writing in it, capturing thoughts about her newly acquired job that she thought would be heaven, but has turned into hell. Then one day, she finds words in the center of the journal. Words she didn’t write: Mene mene tekel upharsin. After her heart stops hammering, Allison Googles the phrase, and reads the story of Belshazzar’s Feast, where a hand from God writes on the wall, and the king is slain. Fear grips her, certain God is coming after her for what she did twelve years back. What she’s done wrong her whole life. She vows to make things right. Then she discovers more phrases appearing underneath each of her journal entries. Those phrases take her on an emotional roller coaster that forces her to look at everything she believes about her past in a new light, and opens her eyes to a supernatural realm of staggering consequence.My Thoughts: What would you do if someone gave you a journal that changed your words after you wrote and spoke directly to you? This is what happened to our main character Allison. This was an enjoyable read, about one woman and her brother and how their memories formed who they were in their lives. The memories of their father's lack of approval affected them throughout life and in relationships. Journaling is a wonderful way to talk to God and to see how He works in our lives. This journal that is given to Allison is extraordinaire! With the changing entries that she sees in her journal, Allison is able to see who she really is and how loved and important she is to herself and those around her. There are lessons to be learned in this novel; we really do need to look deep inside ourselves, checking our character to see if it stands up to what God wants us to be and turn to God in difficult situations. Trust God, listen for what He has for you in life. I loved the concept of this novel. The author has done a wonderful job of putting this story together. The characters were very true to life and easy to connect with. The storyline was flowing and a fast read. I truly enjoyed this book and I look forward to reading more from James L. Rubart.

[eamace · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

How many of us have ever sat quietly and considered who we really are inside? The author has done a fabulous job of making one consider that question. Am I the person that the world sees, or am I true to myself and thus portray the individual I am inside. Allison is an architect working with her best friend. When given the chance to join a larger firm, she decides that it will be a good career move. The gift of a new journal arrives at her home, just like the one she had admired earlier. Through many twists and turns and what is a very special journal, she begins to understand things that have long been denied and buried. All the people in the world can tell you who you are or should be, but the most important one to listen to is the voice of God, a lesson that turns her life around. This book was quite impossible to put done until I had finished it, resulting in a great deal of introspection on my part. This one is not to be missed!I received an ARC through NetGalley and CelebrateLit. The opinions and impressions are my own.