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She Does Not Fear the Snow
From the very start of her faith autobiography, ‘She Does Not Fear the Snow’, author Bobbie Ann Cole reaches out across the page and endears herself to her reader. You will very quickly feel that you know her, and will be richer for the knowledge.
She comes to Israel, seeking meaning and purpose for her life, following breast cancer and the demise of her long-standing marriage. There, God claims her and lays a trail of miracles that lead her from her native England to a new husband of faith in Atlantic Canada.
Though she is upfront about her ending, you’ll find yourself longing to learn the next step in her discovery of new love and deeper faith journey. This is one of those books you just can’t put down. Potentially, you’ll be following the twists and turns of her journey into the wee small hours.
‘A mysterious rug with a life-changing message, a Ruth-type love story, fascinating interactions with other believers, poetic descriptions of landscapes many native Canadians take for granted—and a message of God’s love and salvation,’ writes critic Margaret Welwood. ‘Bobbie Ann Cole’s story is a little too strange and untidy to be fiction. As a true story, it will leave you satisfied, yet wanting to know more.’
‘Often times, life will take us to the end of our rope, leaving us helpless and at our wit’s end. Yet, even in such dire situations, our God is not helpless. He will bring in plentiful harvest – a harvest of renewal, hope, joy and happiness in our life,’ says Khamneithang Vaiphei. ‘She Does Not Fear the Snow is an incredible testimony that will have a profound impact on you.’
If mystery, romance, women’s faith issues, the Jewish roots of Christianity, Christian living or outreach appeal to you, you will find much to enjoy.
She comes to Israel, seeking meaning and purpose for her life, following breast cancer and the demise of her long-standing marriage. There, God claims her and lays a trail of miracles that lead her from her native England to a new husband of faith in Atlantic Canada.
Though she is upfront about her ending, you’ll find yourself longing to learn the next step in her discovery of new love and deeper faith journey. This is one of those books you just can’t put down. Potentially, you’ll be following the twists and turns of her journey into the wee small hours.
‘A mysterious rug with a life-changing message, a Ruth-type love story, fascinating interactions with other believers, poetic descriptions of landscapes many native Canadians take for granted—and a message of God’s love and salvation,’ writes critic Margaret Welwood. ‘Bobbie Ann Cole’s story is a little too strange and untidy to be fiction. As a true story, it will leave you satisfied, yet wanting to know more.’
‘Often times, life will take us to the end of our rope, leaving us helpless and at our wit’s end. Yet, even in such dire situations, our God is not helpless. He will bring in plentiful harvest – a harvest of renewal, hope, joy and happiness in our life,’ says Khamneithang Vaiphei. ‘She Does Not Fear the Snow is an incredible testimony that will have a profound impact on you.’
If mystery, romance, women’s faith issues, the Jewish roots of Christianity, Christian living or outreach appeal to you, you will find much to enjoy.
- GenresMemoir
212 pages, Paperback
First published April 8, 2013
8 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
Bobbie Ann Cole
8 books22 followersA trail of miracles led me from a Jerusalem church and brokenness in my native UK, to meet and marry my "Boaz" in Atlantic Canada.
This is my life and also my story: She Does Not Fear the Snow, an Amazon #1 bestseller and a Munce 2012 prize winner (Westbow, a branch of Thomas Nelson)
My latest book is its sequel, “Love Triangles, Discovering Jesus the Jew in Today’s Israel.” This is my personal story of making Aliyah to Israel with my husband, Butch, where I embarked upon a quest to find Jesus in modern Israel. This book interweaves Israel’s ancient and modern history with biblical references. I reveal the challenges that have faced Jewish believers from Peter and Paul on down to the present day, including my own. The underlying antagonism of my beloved Israel towards Messianic Jews left me sneaking around, keeping my true identity secret.
As a Messianic Jew, I speak and write widely on meeting Jesus in His everyday world to help Christians appreciate the rich Jewish symbolism that would have been obvious to His listeners, and other believer Jews to understand the challenges we have always faced.
A qualified teacher in creative writing, I am author of the “Disciples Indeed Workbook” and creator of the Disciples Indeed Program which teaches folks how to tell their faith stories with confidence: http://testimonytrain.com.
Butch and I divide our time between my native UK and his native Canada.
This is my life and also my story: She Does Not Fear the Snow, an Amazon #1 bestseller and a Munce 2012 prize winner (Westbow, a branch of Thomas Nelson)
My latest book is its sequel, “Love Triangles, Discovering Jesus the Jew in Today’s Israel.” This is my personal story of making Aliyah to Israel with my husband, Butch, where I embarked upon a quest to find Jesus in modern Israel. This book interweaves Israel’s ancient and modern history with biblical references. I reveal the challenges that have faced Jewish believers from Peter and Paul on down to the present day, including my own. The underlying antagonism of my beloved Israel towards Messianic Jews left me sneaking around, keeping my true identity secret.
As a Messianic Jew, I speak and write widely on meeting Jesus in His everyday world to help Christians appreciate the rich Jewish symbolism that would have been obvious to His listeners, and other believer Jews to understand the challenges we have always faced.
A qualified teacher in creative writing, I am author of the “Disciples Indeed Workbook” and creator of the Disciples Indeed Program which teaches folks how to tell their faith stories with confidence: http://testimonytrain.com.
Butch and I divide our time between my native UK and his native Canada.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 8, 2015
She Does Not Fear the Snow is no ordinary book. It is gut-wrenching and intensely inspirational. It is the touching memoir of the author, Bobbie Ann Cole, which traces her life journey from the depth of despair to hope and redemption in Jesus Christ.
Broken by two of life's greatest pains - physical sickness in the shape of cancer and emotionally stressed by the failure of her marriage, Bobbie Ann Cole went on a pilgrimage of healing to Jerusalem. There, it was not the temples, but a little known church where she has a profound spiritual experience.
The book has great lessons if one is willing to learn:
One, God can speak to us even in the most unlikeliest of places. It is pertinent to point out that the author is a Jew and she sought refuge and healing in Jerusalem. But there, God spoke to her not in the Jewish temples but a little known church.
Two, often times, life will take us to the end of our rope, leaving us helpless and at our wit's end. Yet, even in such dire situations our God is not helpless. He will bring in plentiful harvest - harvest of renewal, hope, joy and happiness in our life.
The book is an incredible testimony and it has a profound impact on me.
But it is not without its setbacks in terms of layout and design, which, if rectified, could make the book much more attractive. But if you look past these obvious deficiencies and at the larger picture of the book, you'll find harvest of gold for the soul!
Broken by two of life's greatest pains - physical sickness in the shape of cancer and emotionally stressed by the failure of her marriage, Bobbie Ann Cole went on a pilgrimage of healing to Jerusalem. There, it was not the temples, but a little known church where she has a profound spiritual experience.
The book has great lessons if one is willing to learn:
One, God can speak to us even in the most unlikeliest of places. It is pertinent to point out that the author is a Jew and she sought refuge and healing in Jerusalem. But there, God spoke to her not in the Jewish temples but a little known church.
Two, often times, life will take us to the end of our rope, leaving us helpless and at our wit's end. Yet, even in such dire situations our God is not helpless. He will bring in plentiful harvest - harvest of renewal, hope, joy and happiness in our life.
The book is an incredible testimony and it has a profound impact on me.
But it is not without its setbacks in terms of layout and design, which, if rectified, could make the book much more attractive. But if you look past these obvious deficiencies and at the larger picture of the book, you'll find harvest of gold for the soul!
September 1, 2013
Once I started reading She Does Not Fear The Snow I couldn't put it down. I really enjoy a well written story and that's how this book starts. But beyond a good story there is a powerful message of hope. This story will inspire you, encourage you and entertain you. The truth is overwhelming in a good way.
November 20, 2013
First off, let me say that I love the story of Ruth and Boaz. Any story that parallels this beloved biblical romance will catch my attention 100% of the time. Bobbie Ann Cole's memoir was no exception. She is truly an amazing writer, but even more amazing is the story of how God drew her to Himself in such miraculous ways. The recount of her husband's attitude toward her in her weakest state of health drew me in immediately, and I was compelled to keep reading to the neglect of all my chores in order to see what would happen next.
Throughout the book I travelled to Israel, England, and Canada. The author skillfully paints the scene in the reader's mind to the point that you really do feel you're there (I would now like to visit/revisit all three places). I especially love writings in which the complicated aspects of human relationships are central to the story. She wrote of friendships and familial ties I could relate to in so many ways, as her friends could be my friends and her kids could be my kids. Of course I was anxious for Boaz to enter the picture, and the romantic aspect of the story most certainly did not disappoint.
I was especially intrigued by the insight I gained into the arduous struggle a person of the Jewish faith must face after meeting and believing upon Jesus as the Messiah. I felt very deeply the angst she experienced prior to her conversion to Christianity, and I marveled at all the wonderful ways in which the Holy Spirit of God wooed her to Himself on the journey.
To me the most engaging aspect of SHE DOES NOT FEAR THE SNOW is the precious way in which God so lovingly used a series of divine appointments, words, and symbols to entice the author down the path He Himself ordained for her to tread. I so enjoyed watching the events unfold as she made her way toward her desired life of romance, rest, and redemption.
I would actually love to see Ms. Cole author a sequel. Amazing read!
Throughout the book I travelled to Israel, England, and Canada. The author skillfully paints the scene in the reader's mind to the point that you really do feel you're there (I would now like to visit/revisit all three places). I especially love writings in which the complicated aspects of human relationships are central to the story. She wrote of friendships and familial ties I could relate to in so many ways, as her friends could be my friends and her kids could be my kids. Of course I was anxious for Boaz to enter the picture, and the romantic aspect of the story most certainly did not disappoint.
I was especially intrigued by the insight I gained into the arduous struggle a person of the Jewish faith must face after meeting and believing upon Jesus as the Messiah. I felt very deeply the angst she experienced prior to her conversion to Christianity, and I marveled at all the wonderful ways in which the Holy Spirit of God wooed her to Himself on the journey.
To me the most engaging aspect of SHE DOES NOT FEAR THE SNOW is the precious way in which God so lovingly used a series of divine appointments, words, and symbols to entice the author down the path He Himself ordained for her to tread. I so enjoyed watching the events unfold as she made her way toward her desired life of romance, rest, and redemption.
I would actually love to see Ms. Cole author a sequel. Amazing read!
April 20, 2014
A Fascinating, Inspirational Read She Does Not Fear the Snow is part journey of discovery, part love story and part Christian testimony. It all makes for a fascinating, inspirational read.
Bobbie Ann Cole tells the story of her battle with cancer, the dissolution of her marriage and her search for "something more". She stumbles upon Christianity and, as a Jew, struggles with whether she will be disowned by her friends and family for her new beliefs. I admire her strength to tell her friends and family the truth, even though some of them were not as receptive as others.
This is also the story of Bobbie and Butch - how they found each other and how they overcame their apprehension from previous failed relationships in order to trust God that this one was right. I especially enjoyed Butch's perspective at the end of the book.
Since Bobbie's life is still a work in progress (as are all of us), the book did leave me wondering where some things ended up. Did all of the prophecies Bobbie was told come true? What happened to her friend Terry (Butch's sister)?
Bobbie Ann Cole tells the story of her battle with cancer, the dissolution of her marriage and her search for "something more". She stumbles upon Christianity and, as a Jew, struggles with whether she will be disowned by her friends and family for her new beliefs. I admire her strength to tell her friends and family the truth, even though some of them were not as receptive as others.
This is also the story of Bobbie and Butch - how they found each other and how they overcame their apprehension from previous failed relationships in order to trust God that this one was right. I especially enjoyed Butch's perspective at the end of the book.
Since Bobbie's life is still a work in progress (as are all of us), the book did leave me wondering where some things ended up. Did all of the prophecies Bobbie was told come true? What happened to her friend Terry (Butch's sister)?
September 5, 2013
A mysterious rug with a life-changing message, a Ruth-type love story, fascinating interactions with other Believers, poetic descriptions of a landscape many Canadians take for granted—and a message of God’s love and salvation. Bobbie Cole’s story is a little too strange and untidy to be fiction. As a true story, it leaves me satisfied, yet wanting to know more. If mystery, romance, Christian living or outreach appeal to you, you will find much to enjoy in Bobbie’s story. And you may also find a friend in Bobbie; I feel that I know her, and am richer for the knowledge, since reading her book.
September 7, 2013
I started out reading the book yesterday because I know the author and her husband. I had heard a bit of her story, but not many details. However, once I read the first chapter I couldn't stop until I finished this morning. It's a story of life, sorrow, mystery, love lost and found, but mostly hope. Even though I knew the ending, I had no idea of the twists and turns along the way. Thanks for weaving all this into a fascinating story.
September 23, 2013
This was a wonderful book! I was drawn into the story and felt like I was living it alongside Bobbie and her friend Terry. I also learned so much about the Jewish roots of Christianity. It truly helped to enlarge my understanding of Old Testament things that meant so much to Jesus that have long since lost their meaning to the body of Christ. Bobbie taught so much and yet it didn't feel dry and boring; it was fascinating! I highly recommend Bobbie's book!
September 3, 2013
'She does not fear the snow' feels like an afternoon with a dear friend. From the first page Bobbie reaches out a crossed the page and endears herself to her reader, I was unable to put the book down as I longed to hear the next bit of her discovery of new love and deeper faith journey. Her intimate account of heartbreak, new love and faith story had me turning the pages looking for more.
October 8, 2013
This is a memorable story with real heart. It is a story of redemption and love. It is the true story of a woman who discovers what happens when she surrenders herself to God completely. Bobbie skillfully weaves beauty and love amid great losses. She includes romantic passion and Biblical truth. You will love this book!
March 13, 2014
She does not fear the snow is an excellent read. Bobbie Cole's writing captivates you from start to finish. If you are going to start reading it make sure you don't have too much to do, you won't want to put it down. The book contains teachings about God's love and faithfulness, romance and forgiveness and so much more, She also has a humorous side to her writings as well. Truly inspirational!
March 1, 2014
This was a delightful find. The story reads like great fiction, but it is Bobbie Ann Cole's real story. I was captivated by the series of turns and twists in her life and the unfolding of events. It is a truly remarkable story - loved every minute of it. Well written and inspiring.
March 14, 2017
Bobbie Cole's spiritual autobiography is engaging and inspiring. I enjoyed the irony of a Jew visiting Israel and converting to Christianity at a church there. I appreciate the way the author sees God's hand in ordering her life, in large ways and small.
She told us upfront that since this is a true story, all the loose ends aren't tidily tied up at the end like a novel, and that is certainly the case.
However, I really want to know what happened to her friend/sister-in-law Terry. She was convinced that the prophecies they heard in Israel and other signs they received meant that Bobbie and Terry would have a huge ministry to Israel. As Bobbie was falling in love and marrying Terry's brother, Terry seemed to become more and more unstable. I found it sad that what both saw as prophecies and signs and wonders made Bobbie stronger and Terry weaker.
Also, I wanted to know Butch's reaction to Bobbie's scars from breast cancer. Before they were married, she was worried about his reaction since her first husband thought her illness made her unattractive. Later she started feeling more comfortable--even feeling beautiful because of Butch's love. However, after they were married, I wanted a sentence or two confirming that new feeling.
This book is very interesting to view Christianity through the lens of a Jewish person--a practicing Jew who became a Messianic Jew.
She told us upfront that since this is a true story, all the loose ends aren't tidily tied up at the end like a novel, and that is certainly the case.
However, I really want to know what happened to her friend/sister-in-law Terry. She was convinced that the prophecies they heard in Israel and other signs they received meant that Bobbie and Terry would have a huge ministry to Israel. As Bobbie was falling in love and marrying Terry's brother, Terry seemed to become more and more unstable. I found it sad that what both saw as prophecies and signs and wonders made Bobbie stronger and Terry weaker.
Also, I wanted to know Butch's reaction to Bobbie's scars from breast cancer. Before they were married, she was worried about his reaction since her first husband thought her illness made her unattractive. Later she started feeling more comfortable--even feeling beautiful because of Butch's love. However, after they were married, I wanted a sentence or two confirming that new feeling.
This book is very interesting to view Christianity through the lens of a Jewish person--a practicing Jew who became a Messianic Jew.
September 15, 2023
Bobbie Ann Cole tells her story in such an authentic way! It is certainly a page-turner, I can hardly wait for the next chapter. Her style of writing is brilliant and this story is captivating. I am not an avid reader, yet I can't put this book down. It held me from the first chapter. This is a must-read, life-changing and beautifully written.
January 18, 2014
Bobbie Cole and her friend Terry were both on a quest to find new purpose and meaning when they toured Israel together in the spring of 2007. Bobbie wasn’t expecting anything from her visit to the King of Kings Church in Jerusalem. She was there simply because Terry really wanted to go and had cheerfully gone with her to her place of worship—a Jerusalem synagogue.
The almost electric current of love she experienced during the singing caught her entirely off-guard. Later, when several of the photos Terry took of the service turned out to capture not the congregation, stage, band, and overhead screen she had focused on, but a series of golden images resembling wings and flames, both women were puzzled and awed. Had there been angels in that service? Was God answering their prayers?
How God searched her out, planted her in a new home, and fulfilled deep desires she hadn’t even articulated is the moving story Bobbie Cole tells in her spiritual memoir She Does Not Fear the Snow. In it we meet a cast of characters as colorful as those in any novel. And we watch the unfolding of two love stories (one human, one divine) even as we see her grow as a Christian and navigate around the objections her family and friends put up to keep her from remarrying.
I loved this book and had a hard time putting it down! Cole’s writing was a highlight for me. The heart she puts into her vivid descriptions and detailed narratives made me feel like I was living the events: seeing the mysterious Iranian rug for the first time; peeking over her shoulder at emails as she and Butch began writing; feeling the resistance of her adult children to even meeting man she was falling in love with; struggling with her as she tried to forgive, love, be gentle, patient.
I like how the chapters are divided into numbered mini-sections, each of which is a vignette or story on its own. There are lots of good places to stop if you don’t have long to read. And by employing these mini-stores she does a masterful job of showing what’s happening (vs. telling) leaving readers to draw their own conclusions about people and circumstances.
The message that comes through is of a God who sees, cares, and communicates His love in ways that many of us may not even recognize as divine communication. Anyone open to giving Him a try would be encouraged and inspired by Cole’s story.
I received She Does Not Fear the Snow as a free gift from the author for the purpose of writing a review.
Other book resources and more stories are available on the author's website Testimony Train.
The almost electric current of love she experienced during the singing caught her entirely off-guard. Later, when several of the photos Terry took of the service turned out to capture not the congregation, stage, band, and overhead screen she had focused on, but a series of golden images resembling wings and flames, both women were puzzled and awed. Had there been angels in that service? Was God answering their prayers?
How God searched her out, planted her in a new home, and fulfilled deep desires she hadn’t even articulated is the moving story Bobbie Cole tells in her spiritual memoir She Does Not Fear the Snow. In it we meet a cast of characters as colorful as those in any novel. And we watch the unfolding of two love stories (one human, one divine) even as we see her grow as a Christian and navigate around the objections her family and friends put up to keep her from remarrying.
I loved this book and had a hard time putting it down! Cole’s writing was a highlight for me. The heart she puts into her vivid descriptions and detailed narratives made me feel like I was living the events: seeing the mysterious Iranian rug for the first time; peeking over her shoulder at emails as she and Butch began writing; feeling the resistance of her adult children to even meeting man she was falling in love with; struggling with her as she tried to forgive, love, be gentle, patient.
I like how the chapters are divided into numbered mini-sections, each of which is a vignette or story on its own. There are lots of good places to stop if you don’t have long to read. And by employing these mini-stores she does a masterful job of showing what’s happening (vs. telling) leaving readers to draw their own conclusions about people and circumstances.
The message that comes through is of a God who sees, cares, and communicates His love in ways that many of us may not even recognize as divine communication. Anyone open to giving Him a try would be encouraged and inspired by Cole’s story.
I received She Does Not Fear the Snow as a free gift from the author for the purpose of writing a review.
Other book resources and more stories are available on the author's website Testimony Train.
August 15, 2014
She Does Not Fear The Snow by Bobbie Ann Cole is about her journey of getting to know God intimately--starting as a Jew and ending a Messianic Jew, finding Jesus as the Messiah.
Mrs. Cole's random, creative, writing style weaves a prophetic thread thru her life with God's love and affirmation. For example feathers fall out of the sky, dreams speak to her, people come into her life with words from God that speak to her core, even clouds speak in pictures communicating along her way.
Family and friend transitions abound, and when her "fanciable" man is met, continue to evolve through her getting married. Everyone has an opinion about him and her move to Christianity.
I believe that Mrs. Cole's relationship with God does grow. Her heart longs to follow God. To quote her, "I cannot say with any honesty that I do not fear the snow . . . but I enjoy making footprints."
What is apparent is the journey of a woman who starts out feeling devalued and in the end is divinely connected with a very emotionally intuitive and connected man. She begins to feel vital. They fall in love. Her perspective changes dramatically, which is what stands out in her autobiography.
Mrs. Cole's random, creative, writing style weaves a prophetic thread thru her life with God's love and affirmation. For example feathers fall out of the sky, dreams speak to her, people come into her life with words from God that speak to her core, even clouds speak in pictures communicating along her way.
Family and friend transitions abound, and when her "fanciable" man is met, continue to evolve through her getting married. Everyone has an opinion about him and her move to Christianity.
I believe that Mrs. Cole's relationship with God does grow. Her heart longs to follow God. To quote her, "I cannot say with any honesty that I do not fear the snow . . . but I enjoy making footprints."
What is apparent is the journey of a woman who starts out feeling devalued and in the end is divinely connected with a very emotionally intuitive and connected man. She begins to feel vital. They fall in love. Her perspective changes dramatically, which is what stands out in her autobiography.
October 12, 2018
A memoir that reads like a novel.
Written in an easy-to-read, conversational style, this memoir tells the story of a Jewish woman, divorced and weakened from health trouble, who travels to Jerusalem in search of spiritual connection. It's only polite to attend a Christian service with the friend who went with her to the Synagogue, but the overwhelming sense of God's presence in the church sparks a radical change in the two friends' lives.
A series of charismatic experiences in Israel and back in their home countries of England and Canada feel like the beginning of an adventure—a calling. It's also a bit of a warning for readers. In England, author Bobbie Ann Cole gets involved in a church and tests her experiences against the counsel of teachers and a Christian friend, while in Canada, her fellow traveller, Terry, cuts herself off from any accountability and becomes increasingly erratic.
She Does Not Fear the Snow is one woman's story of faith, well-told. Some readers may dismiss parts as unbelievable, or disagree with her choices, but it's her testimony. It reminded me to listen more expectantly for what the Lord might want to say to me. And I'm glad it has a happy ending.
Written in an easy-to-read, conversational style, this memoir tells the story of a Jewish woman, divorced and weakened from health trouble, who travels to Jerusalem in search of spiritual connection. It's only polite to attend a Christian service with the friend who went with her to the Synagogue, but the overwhelming sense of God's presence in the church sparks a radical change in the two friends' lives.
A series of charismatic experiences in Israel and back in their home countries of England and Canada feel like the beginning of an adventure—a calling. It's also a bit of a warning for readers. In England, author Bobbie Ann Cole gets involved in a church and tests her experiences against the counsel of teachers and a Christian friend, while in Canada, her fellow traveller, Terry, cuts herself off from any accountability and becomes increasingly erratic.
She Does Not Fear the Snow is one woman's story of faith, well-told. Some readers may dismiss parts as unbelievable, or disagree with her choices, but it's her testimony. It reminded me to listen more expectantly for what the Lord might want to say to me. And I'm glad it has a happy ending.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews