Amazing lady and an amazing book!
596479
After Brenda Spahn nearly went to prison herself, she felt God calling her to prison ministry. After just a few visits to the Tutwiler Women's prison in Alabama, she knew God wanted her to do more...she just didn't know what. She found that many of the women she ministered to in the prison were repeat offenders. Meaning that soon after they got out of prison, they were back to their old habits and ended up right back at Tutwiler. Brenda thought this was ridiculous and looked into what type of programs were available for the women once they were back onto the street.

What she found surprised her. There were little to no programs available for these type of women. There were halfway houses that provided a bed and 3 warm meals a day, but they didn't offer any kind of counseling, or rehabilitation to get back on their feet. The women that entered these halfway houses often went back to their old friends, old ways of life, and eventually back to prison. Brenda knew there was a better way.

Her husband, Jeff was in real estate and Brenda owned a Tax company, so money wasn't really an issue. She and her husband had plenty to spare even though they had planned to use that money to retire. So Brenda decided to open up one of her homes to house the first 7 ex-convicts. This is where the book turned a little humorous at times. Like the time the first 7 women showed up to Brenda's house and she refers to one of the women as "Shaved Head" because she was so stinkin scary looking! She thought for sure she had made a terrible mistake and these women were going to kill her in her sleep.

But throughout the first year, she learned so much from these women. She learned that yes, she was helping these women get their lives back, but they were showing her something about herself that she never would have known about. And most importantly, Brenda learns the importance of letting God direct her paths instead of her just doing what she wants. After just a few years, Brenda's program is helping 450 women and children per day! What an incredible ministry!

From the moment I saw this book was available for review, I was interested in it. I found it to be a serious book, yet it was also full of humorous stories and conversations between the women. At times, the chapters were heartbreaking as they alternated between the points of view of Brenda and some of the different women including Shay (Shaved Head), Tiffany (Suga Suga), and Stephanie just to name a few. It was horrible to think about the abuse that some of these women suffered as children. It was interesting to see how many of those women were arrested in development at such a young age. So many of the women came to look at Brenda as their own mother because they had no relationship with their own.

It was encouraging to see how much God worked in each women's life while they were in the Lovelady House. Many of them were able to reestablish relationships with their children and in a way, were able to start all over.

I rate this book as 4 stars and would definitely recommend it. I received this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah  Publishing Company in exchange for my honest unbiased opinion.
815580
OMG!  I ordered her book as soon as I got home after she spoke at my place of employment today!  Margit is an incredible lady and I had the opportunity to spend the day with her.  I couldn't wait to get home to order her book as she stated in her lecture that there were certain things that she didn't want to talk about again and that after she wrote her book, she didn't go back and re-read it!  She said she wrote it for her children and grandchildren so they could know the history of her family.

If you have the opportunity to hear her speak about her experiences in escaping the Nazis, PLEASE DO SO!  She is an incredible speaker at 93 who knows how to use a PowerPoint presentation!  She is a wonderful person and I"m very HAPPY I was able to spend time with her today and meet her!  I can't WAIT to READ her book!

FYI...  She is a United States Holocaust Museum and Memorial volunteer and she will take you a personal tour of the museum!  I can't wait to go!
416349
This is one of my new favorite books.  I'm in the process of reading the book for a second time and must say that I feel a special connection with the author and her experiences in this book.  She has a very direct writing style and her honesty is very refreshing. She has successfully placed her knowledge on the subject of emotional freedom in its true context to be used to better the lives of other people going through hard times. I can only hope that her book becomes required reading for all so that people can receive the help and training they need to successfully free themselves from all of the negative emotions around us in this world today.

Judith - you are a sweetheart and amazing lady, and I'm really hoping to see another book from you!!!
333921
I have had the chance to speak with the author in person and she is an accomplished story teller to say the least.  She is one remarkable lady
4800667
I met Shirley Deane at an event where she shared some of her adventures that ended up in this amazing book, "An Unreasonable Woman", and immediately bought 3 copies, one for me of course and two for people I knew would LOVE knowing that this courageous, talented, and powerful woman lived and made such a difference in both our world and race relations in South Africa during Apartheid.

I MOST HIGHLY recommend this book and give it 5 stars!  Since meeting her and buying her book, I have had the distinct privilege of getting to know her better and must say she is in her own right as pivotal and powerful an individual as better known celebrities like Dr. Maya Angelou, Oprah Winfrey, and Ellen DeGeneres.  Do not wait another minute, buy this book and tell everyone about this humble and amazing person!
429845
This talented author really paints pictures with her words and makes you feel like you're there.  I was very inspired and blessed by the story of a young lady, Belle, who faced some bleak circumstances - so many things out of her control.  But her life blossomed as she gained strength and wisdom from God and those around her. She began to make difficult, yet wise choices that undoubtedly helped her become a strong, wonderful lady who touched many lives. What a role-model for today!  5 stars for an excellent book!!!
34839
Amazing book, amazing poems by and amazing person.
1717968
I love this book!! I couldn't put it down! Jeni leaves you laughing and enjoying the great things in her life. She is such an inspiration!! You will not be disappointed. I am so proud to call her my aunt! She is and will always be one of my favorite people! And like she said in her book, she is absolutely special! she had me laughing, crying and understanding how her life is with her and her boys. Her doing the impossible! I always tell people, if jeni can do it, I have no reason not too. And it is so true! Please get and read this book! It will help you too see through someone elses eyes the wonderful experiences life can give you. And how humor, love and patience can help you get through life.
33468
An amazing story by an amazing woman. You Must read this book.
3464116
I loved this book because of how much I learned about this magnificent woman, who is my age-mate. The stories of her experiences she had with sex discrimination resonated with me. Both she and Gloria Steinem's experiences validated mine, tho I do not put myself in their category! I closed the book and truly felt I had been reading about a sister! I could not respect any current figure in the public eye more! Have recommended to all my friends and now have a lending list for it.
4709224
A whole new level of love, respect and appreciation for this extraordinary woman. This isn't just a story about Robin, it's a story about all of us. Everyone can relate in one way or another to what this courageous human being was going through. Her grace and her strength and her love of life and family is in every page of this wonderful book! Highly recommend it!
3570880
I rated this book a five because she did a very good job and I think she is a bright and brilliant young lady with an astounding future ahead of her.

I have enjoyed reading Thats Just Madison. She has really taken the most complex aspects of life and broken them down into art, while taken some of the things we take for granted and given them life. Her ability to engage the reader this way is a gift and she has composed a fabulous peace of work that everyone can enjoy. The fact that she has honed in on this miraculous gift at such a young age is amazing. I wish her much success in her quest on future endeavors, and I look forward to reading more and sharing this book with others and with my children. Great Job Madison!!!!
1031559
An extraordinary woman and book!!!  I would really like to meet her!!!!  Maybe someday, I will!
1733036
This is a fascinating book about an incredible woman. I started reading it on a Monday and finished it Tuesday - I couldn't put it down as I got drawn into the many exciting adventures of Bobbe's life. This is a book about a woman who has lived life on her terms, about her thirst for adventure, her drive to physically push herself to be the best at what ever she took on - mountain climbing, sled dog racing, skiing. It is also tells about the exploration of her inner self and how her many outward adventures led her to many inward adventures as well - and how what she gained inwardly is now carrying her through the many challenges she daily faces battling Lymes Disease and cancer. This book had me laughing, shaking my head in wonder and admiration, and weeping more than once as I read of her life's journey, all her many adventures and the triumph of her spirit which now carries her daily through the challenges she faces. I highly recommend it and promise you won't be disappointed!
814363
This is a book I've always wanted, a very gifted woman in the Lord!
4098868
An amazing story written by an amazing woman.  She has overcome obstacles most of us would never have dared to challenge.  This sensitive, well-versed autobiography of her trials filled me with awe - her persistence in seeking ways to change her behaviors made me very proud to personally know this wonderful lady!
4050758
I bought this book while taking an all day class with Christi Friesen.  She is an amazing woman and my book is signed!  The reason I am commenting here is that I find it a little sad that people would mark the book with less stars because it did not have canes or miniatures or little animals.  It is names Flourish and is about leaf, flower and plant designs.

I am constantly learning from Christie's enthusiasm, talent and special permission to let things loose and have fun.  At the end of the day with her I was exhausted and had learned so many things.  I continue to learn from this book and her generous sharing of her knowledge and spirit.