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
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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!
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. Highly recommended!
Having read several of Rubart’s books I was looking forward to reading this new one and I was not disappointed. With a blend of the speculative and reality, The Pages of Her Life by James L. Rubart is a thought-provoking and compelling story. A soul-searching story of a transformative journey. A journey to knowing one’s worth regardless of what others think or convey. A journey to understanding God’s work in one’s life. When Allison, a young architect, finds herself facing seemingly insurmountable circumstances she is given a journal, not just an ordinary journal though, but one that appears to be ancient with a gorgeous leather cover and thick creamy white pages, one that is magical…or is it magic? Why was she chosen? What does it mean for her to be given the journal? Will it change her life as the previous owner she’d overheard saying that it had changed his? The author does a great job of portraying timeless emotions and struggles and threading them with spiritual truths to bring a tension-filled story, one with several twists to the plot keeping the reader wondering how things are going to turn out for Allison and her family. I especially liked the message the author brings in regards to the two worlds we live in…the outward world of circumstances, friendships, and words spoken to us and the world of words that we speak to ourselves. We often allow too much of the outside world to inform and influence our inward world. As is usual with this author’s book, it is a story that will not easily be forgotten, one to mull over and reflect on for some time to come.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via CelebrateLit. A favorable review was not required and opinions are my own. This review is part of a CelebrateLit blog tour.
“Climb the highest mountains that come into your world. Scale the city walls. Keep running even when this journey overwhelms you. Believe your bonds have been broken, Believe Jesus carried the cross of your shame. Believe in kingdom come. Not in some age to come in the future, but right now. Choose to believe the kingdom is in your midst and is here to set you free.”
James Rubart really knows how to craft a compelling book that draws you in from the first page and has you pondering everything you’ve read after you finish the last page. His unique style and plot are refreshing and eye-opening. It’s a fast read – you won’t be able to put the book down once the story gains momentum and you’re discovering, along with the main characters, why the entire world seems upside down and inside out.
The book is a journey of Allison and Parker’s – sister-brother duo who have lost much in life and can’t seem to find who they are. Battered by guilt, shame, and a need to prove themselves and be loved, they are fighting this emotional and spiritual battle alone, one by making work top priority and doing her best to support their mom and the other by hiding from the world and festering away in isolation. They both begin this journey unwittingly and somewhat unwillingly but come to a place where the fears that are strangling them must be dealt with. No spoilers here, but there are some characters from one of his earlier books that make an appearance in this book and have a significant impact on both Allison and Parker (now I have to go and read that book since I’m a relative newbie in James Rubart’s writing).
There isn’t any romantic thread in the book but there are plenty of good spiritual truths that we all need to hear sprinkled throughout the story.
If you enjoy a well-written speculative novel with great characters and a plot that twists and turns, you have found your next read. I received a copy of the book from Thomas Nelson via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
Get ready to be stretched in your belief system! I love the way Rubart presents spiritual truth in a refreshing way in speculative fiction. This quote by Ralph Waldo Emmerson perfectly sums up this novel. “Fiction reveals truths that reality obscures.”
Recommend to readers who enjoy the mind-bending fiction of Ted Dekker.
I purchased a copy. I’ve expressed my honest opinion.
I could kick myself. I’ve had this book for over a year and am just now reading it. I’m a romance reader and this being general fiction, I thought I’d probably not like it. I was wrong. I loved it. This is my first book by the author. I found it was easy to read and got hooked immediately. I too, have a hard time taking up for myself. Having feelings of inadequacy. In fact, I could see myself in the pages of this book.
Thanks to my book club for this pick.
I have read almost all of James L. Rubart’s books with my favorite probably being the first one I ever read by him called “Rooms”. In fact, I was surprised (since it’s been awhile since I read Rooms) when I recognized the name, Micah Taylor, and background story of one of the minor characters in this book as the main character from “Rooms”. As you can tell from my previous statements, I highly recommend this book. In “The Pages of Her Life”, you meet Allison who is at her wits end with her personal and professional life. She is getting fed up with her partner who was her best friend until they tried going into business together. She is divorced and living alone until things with her mom go south which causes her mom to have to move in. Then all of a sudden she ends up with this mysterious journal. James L. Rubart does an excellent job of creating not only his fictional characters but also the world they live. You definitely feel the emotions as the characters are feeling them. Also one of the parts about his books I’ve always loved is the lesson you can get from the stories. No matter where you are in life you can find something about his books to which you can relate. If you have never read his books before, then I recommend you start today or whenever you finish the book you are currently reading. You can start with any of his books. However, he does have a series that you should read in order and I would definitely read “Rooms” before this one so that Micah Taylor’s appearance in this one will make more sense.
Allison, a struggling young woman, with her job, recovering from a divorce.Then her father dies, it these secrets of his life she is now dealing with. Journaling has always been a helpful tool and this story brings that out. The author is well known for his deep inside to one’s emotions. We all have angel as she does when at the right time she meets one and the gift he gave her. Very well done. Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion by Thomas Nelson.
The Pages of Her Life is another great read by James L Rubart. I give it four and a half stars. I recommend it.
James Rubart is one of my favorite authors. As with most of his books another thought provoking and inspirational story.
I received a free copy from NetGalley. I freely give this positive review.
What an amazing book! Allison and her brother Parker struggle with identity. Their father worshiped their brother who could do no wrong. The reckless acts of the brother got him killed while in his prime. Even after their father’s death, they discovered a VCR tape where their father extolled the brother and said he was glad to be in heaven with him. That just added to their low self esteem. Allison goes to work for a fellow architect who offers her a partnership in his company. He claims to be a Christian and plays the “God” card a lot. I could really relate to Allison in her situation with that company. I used to be a part of a company where the owner’s meetings were a lot of preaching and little about business. Her “preaching” and her actions were as far apart as Allison’s boss. It’s hard to believe that there are companies out there like that, but there are. Sometimes they are the most dangerous.
The theme of this book is to find your true self and to recognize when the truth is not being told to you. We must all believe in ourselves and be a warrior for that self. The instrument that the author uses to enlighten Allison is a journal that transforms her entries into what she really needs to read. Some have said that is impossible. Come on! It’s fiction. But if you are a true believer in God, you know that nothing is impossible for Him nor is anything out of His realm of possibility. This is the kind of book that you feel that the time was well spent in reading it.
I’m ducking my head as I admit this, but The Pages of Her Life is the first James L. Rubart book I’ve read. Ok, head’s up now and I’m looking you straight in the eyes when I tell you it will not be the last.
This story is so hard to describe (mostly because you have to experience it for yourself), but I’m going to give it my best shot. It’s both literary and speculative, both internal and external, and both a cautionary tale and one of growth and change.
Externally, Allison’s family discovery requires some immediate changes—a new partnership, a move for her mother, and a trip to talk to her brother. Internally, Allison struggles with standing up for herself and not feeling like she’s good enough. Both of those things stem from her disappointing relationship with her father. Rubart uses the journal—one that changes words and meanings when written in—to detail Allison’s doubts, fears, trials, and more.
While Allison embarks on her journey of discovery, her brother is also on his own. And the cautionary tale? Sometimes when we pray and an immediate answer comes, it is wise to wait, to listen to wise counsel, and to continue praying before jumping into a worse situation out of our desperation.
For me, the best thing about The Pages of Her Life was how authentic the characters are. Throughout the book, I found myself getting angry on Allison’s behalf, cheering when she defends herself, hurting for her and Parker’s past, wanting to talk to Parker about his behavior, and pleased when blessings found either of them.
If, like me, you haven’t read any James Rubart yet, do yourself a favor and pick up one of his books soon.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
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.
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.
Is finding your real self worth losing it all?
It’s been a really long time since I’ve read a James L. Rubart book. I remember just how much I was impressed by his first book, Rooms. He reminded me a bit of Frank Peretti and Ted Dekker. It’s been a long time but the back cover blurb for The Pages Of Her Life really intrigued me. I mean, a journal that changes the words written by the person who holds it?! Words have power and that is never more evident than in this book.
I will have to confess that this is a book that I’m going to have to think about for awhile. Oh sure, it was entertaining, but the deep down message is one that I’m still digesting. I’ve always had a bit of a hard time with metaphors and allegory and The Pages Of Her Life does have a bit in there.
If you are looking for a story that is not a romance, has a little adventure, and the spiritual mingles with the daylight world, James L. Rubart’s new novel just may be for you. But be prepared, you WILL find yourself looking at you. Remember, though, to see yourself as God does. Not as a failure filled with fear but as the best warriors the kingdom has ever known…
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
The pages of her life
When I first started the book I didn’t really get into it. Actually it turned out to be a book that I really didn’t understand it until the end. I loved Allison, she was such a help to her mother. Now, Derrek was one I wasn’t too crazy about. He was a boss that wasn’t very nice to Allison but did it in a way didn’t seem mean.
Allison is given a journal. After she writes in it the words disappear or change. She keeps trying to figure out what is going on with it.
I really did enjoy the book. The author wrote the characters where they seem so real. I will have to check more of his books.
I received a advanced copy of the book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write an positive review. This is my own opinion.
“…secrets did not make for strong alliances.” And yet, in The Pages of Her Life, by James Rubart, we see a family thrown into a Twilight Zone setting by the death of the father and husband who kept unwelcome secrets. Allison, and her estranged brother, Parker, have difficulty in their lives as they try to escape the legacy of inadequacy their father bestowed upon them. An old journal and a stranger are about to shake up their lives forever.
This novel was a great reminder for me that not everything that seems to be of God really is. Certainly, some people claimed to love God in the book, but their actions proved just the opposite. They were their own gods. I wanted to cry with Allison as she begins to figure this out. It is easy to relate with her and her brother, as all the outer trimmings are stripped away and each is forced to look at his most basic needs.
Of course, there is the mysterious working of God. The journal was unpredictable. “God isn’t working on my time frame, I’m working on his.” As I finish the novel, I have to say I feel like it is imaginative, yet there is that piece of me that says, “all things are possible with God.”
In a few places, there were large portions of Scripture written out. That seemed to detract from the smoothness of the story. I felt that in at least one instance, the Scripture story could have been shared shortly and easily without being long and drawn-out, given that it is a familiar story.
My other little issue is a theological one. I can’t share it without a spoiler, but I will say that many Christians, including me, may be surprised when we get to heaven and find out that things we held tightly to as Biblical absolutes are not. Also, the novel couldn’t happen without this theological difference, and that’s ok.
One quote I will adopt as my own for fun:
“She really needed to get in the habit of waking up before she decided to think.”
Most memorable quote?
“Choose to believe the kingdom is in your midst and is here to set you free.” The Jews missed this when Jesus came the first time. Allison and Parker have their turns to choose freedom or bondage. Now it is our turn; which will we choose?
“Got it” quote?
“Compared to the ocean, she felt small. Insignificant. And that was a good thing. A reminder that He was God, she was not, and that all along He’d had a plan to rescue her.”
What a great tome to cause the mind’s cogs to start turning! And turning mine are. Pass me another Rubart, please.
References by other readers have been made to a previous book, Rooms. I have not read that and understood The Pages of Her Life well. I feel it stands alone on its own merit.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit and NetGalley. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.
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.
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.
James L. Rubart creates mind-bending stories of faith and takes the ideas to a new level. Rubart takes what appears to be a simple story on the surface and creates something much, much deeper to the characters. All, at least the ones I have read, of the characters transform completely by the end of the novel. With Pages of Her Life, Allison is no exception. The plot dug deep and had me questioning why Allison kept working for Dexter, who I couldn’t stand from the moment I met him. He was a very unlikely villain. I enjoyed the story, and I couldn’t wait to see how the ending happened. As for the element with the money that was due by their mother, I believe, Allison, Parker, and her mother should have hired a lawyer and taken them to court. There is no way I would have paid that money. Unless the contract proved them liable, not just their deceased father, the money people had no leg to stand on. As a bonus, there is a couple of characters who appear from Rubart’s previous novels. What a nice surprise. Overall, James L. Rubart’s Pages of Her Life showed how trusting in yourself and God can change your perspective on life. I enjoyed this novel. I anxiously await what Rubart creates next.
I received a complimentary copy of Pages of Her Life by James L. Rubart from Thomas Nelson Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.