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Exceptional Bloom: Coming Alive After Fifty
Exceptional Bloom offers wonderful insight to empower, refresh and guide women that may struggle with a sense of loss as roles shift and change. Author Paula Masters leads the reader down an extraordinary path to unwrap the sacred treasure of life after fifty. Through personal experience, Paula provides a vibrant understanding that every woman is more than an identity attached to a chapter in a story that has past: but rather, she is the main character in this fresh season of life. There is a new door that opens—one of great discovery to the soul. Award winning author Tullian Tchividjian says, "I talk to a lot of people who are disheartened because life has turned out to be different (more disappointing) than they thought it would be when they were young and idealistic. But Paula offers huge encouragement here." Exceptional Bloom is a must read for any woman who desires an adventure with God as he pens his plans in her heart during this most exceptional time of life. Your soul will bloom as you discover life after fifty!
- GenresNonfiction
87 pages, ebook
First published June 3, 2013
9 people are currently reading
279 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
March 9, 2018
This is only a short review to explain my 1-star rating for "Exceptional Bloom" which I won in a Goodreads giveaway. I really hoped this book would be what it promised to be in the description but instead I found myself dragged into church to listen to a sermon. If a book constantly quotes the bible, talks about God and brings the devil into the fold but does not mention any of this in the first few sentences of the synopsis then I call this deception. The book is only listed in the category "Non-Fiction", and one would hope that authors list their books in the respective categories. That being said, this is CHRISTIAN LITERATURE!
This is the second book this year that turns out to be Christian literature without listing it as such. I am asking myself if these writers are just oblivious to non-believers or if it's just arrogance that makes them think we would just chug it down.
This is the second book this year that turns out to be Christian literature without listing it as such. I am asking myself if these writers are just oblivious to non-believers or if it's just arrogance that makes them think we would just chug it down.
April 18, 2018
The older you get the better you get is what I add when I send a woman a birthday greeting on FaceBook. Although my dear OH and I have no children is common knowledge as children get older and eventually leave the nest it opens up a new set of wonderful possibilities for the woman of the house, especially if she’s not working.
The essence of this book by Paula Masters is to show women that even though, for example, all of their responsibilities associated with motherhood no longer exist, that their lives are still quite meaningful. Women need to acknowledge their nurturing capabilities for others are still required; and the only thing which is lacking is the receipt of reassurances and inspirations that this is actually the case.
Life is not always like a bed of roses as many women have also had to endure at times a multitude of traumatic life events such as divorce resulting in single parenting, death of one’s parents and occasionally a spouse. Life as one gets older is suppose to be getting more treasured, and even more so when one reaches life’s midpoint of 50 years.
Fifty is the time when a woman’s faith is supposed to begin to bring about a realization regarding God’s heavenly purpose for his children as they reach full maturity and an understanding that their lives are fraught with the discovery of all the things, especially new things, they’re capable of accomplishing if they set their minds into doing it. It the end, once this realization has been made, women should recognize that the older they get, the better they get.
While this book has been intentionally for women, there’s nothing which prevents it from being read by men. So, for having given her readers a highly inspirational and motivational reading experience, I’ve given Ms. Master and her book, the 5 STARS it so richly deserves.
The essence of this book by Paula Masters is to show women that even though, for example, all of their responsibilities associated with motherhood no longer exist, that their lives are still quite meaningful. Women need to acknowledge their nurturing capabilities for others are still required; and the only thing which is lacking is the receipt of reassurances and inspirations that this is actually the case.
Life is not always like a bed of roses as many women have also had to endure at times a multitude of traumatic life events such as divorce resulting in single parenting, death of one’s parents and occasionally a spouse. Life as one gets older is suppose to be getting more treasured, and even more so when one reaches life’s midpoint of 50 years.
Fifty is the time when a woman’s faith is supposed to begin to bring about a realization regarding God’s heavenly purpose for his children as they reach full maturity and an understanding that their lives are fraught with the discovery of all the things, especially new things, they’re capable of accomplishing if they set their minds into doing it. It the end, once this realization has been made, women should recognize that the older they get, the better they get.
While this book has been intentionally for women, there’s nothing which prevents it from being read by men. So, for having given her readers a highly inspirational and motivational reading experience, I’ve given Ms. Master and her book, the 5 STARS it so richly deserves.
July 29, 2025
I want the thank Paula Masters, author and Goodreads First Reads Giveaway for the eBook Kindle copy of Exceptional Bloom: Coming Alive Afte Fifty that I won in the Giveaway.
Having retired more than ten years ago, I am way past fifty. At fifty and half way through my sixties, I was spending my time as an early childhood educator so I didn't face that I was getting older until after that retirement day. What a shock it was not to get up at six and rush to get ready to get to school with a comute, bad weather and high energy children to face first thing in the morning. My last two experience in my career were the most rewarding. The first was as an administrator of early childhood programs with a staff of over fifty, planning programs, mentoring and being part of educating younger people in my field. The second was spent back in a classroom of four-year-olds with all the personalities, second language challenges, educating parents and dealing with school district supervision that was demanding, changing expectations of the children that they were not developmentally ready to learn.
After retirement the health issues started, several outpatient surgeries and taking care and loosing both of my parents. The stages of grief are very real and the light on the other side is peaceful (at least for me). I feel like finding peace (or bloom per the author) is an ever changing experience with both ups and downs and lots of joy.
Nice book pointing out this is a normal process for after fifty.
Having retired more than ten years ago, I am way past fifty. At fifty and half way through my sixties, I was spending my time as an early childhood educator so I didn't face that I was getting older until after that retirement day. What a shock it was not to get up at six and rush to get ready to get to school with a comute, bad weather and high energy children to face first thing in the morning. My last two experience in my career were the most rewarding. The first was as an administrator of early childhood programs with a staff of over fifty, planning programs, mentoring and being part of educating younger people in my field. The second was spent back in a classroom of four-year-olds with all the personalities, second language challenges, educating parents and dealing with school district supervision that was demanding, changing expectations of the children that they were not developmentally ready to learn.
After retirement the health issues started, several outpatient surgeries and taking care and loosing both of my parents. The stages of grief are very real and the light on the other side is peaceful (at least for me). I feel like finding peace (or bloom per the author) is an ever changing experience with both ups and downs and lots of joy.
Nice book pointing out this is a normal process for after fifty.
September 6, 2021
I won this in a Goodreads Giveaway.
I am in my forties, and thought that I would be able to relate to this book. I thought it would discuss the changes that women go through in this transition from cook-chauffeur-tutor-laundress-cheerleader-maid-friend-organizer-everyday parent to a new role as our kids leave home. I thought it would talk about the changes in your marriage as the kids leave, the difficulties with illnesses and taking care of elderly parents, career choices and regrets-- you know, the stuff that happens when you are around fifty.
Instead, there was a lot of scripture (which, even though I am not really religious, I don't mind, when it is used to refer to or reinforce a point). The author told us stuff changes, but that this is normal, and we should fear Jesus, go through the 5 stages of grief, and, to be honest, I am not really sure what else. There was just nothing concrete. I felt like I was reading a generic Sunday sermon. It just wasn't helpful.
I am in my forties, and thought that I would be able to relate to this book. I thought it would discuss the changes that women go through in this transition from cook-chauffeur-tutor-laundress-cheerleader-maid-friend-organizer-everyday parent to a new role as our kids leave home. I thought it would talk about the changes in your marriage as the kids leave, the difficulties with illnesses and taking care of elderly parents, career choices and regrets-- you know, the stuff that happens when you are around fifty.
Instead, there was a lot of scripture (which, even though I am not really religious, I don't mind, when it is used to refer to or reinforce a point). The author told us stuff changes, but that this is normal, and we should fear Jesus, go through the 5 stages of grief, and, to be honest, I am not really sure what else. There was just nothing concrete. I felt like I was reading a generic Sunday sermon. It just wasn't helpful.
July 10, 2018
I enjoyed the book for the scriptures from the Bible. I'm sorry but at 79, I do not call the time after 50 as by blooming years. The health problems, going to more wakes than weddings, can't call that as life's spring time, more like the dead of winter. In a dream world for most of us, after 50, we can only wish for the land of wonder that Ms Master, wrote in her book.
I did enjoy the reading about her dream world. It was a great place to dream.
I did enjoy the reading about her dream world. It was a great place to dream.
September 13, 2018
It is not what I expected and hoped for in this book based on the description.
October 18, 2013
Paula Masters' Exceptional Bloom is a book full of the promise and validation many middle aged women need to hear. With our youthful beauty fading, our childbearing years past, and our grown children leaving home, and our parents passing way, it's easy to feel as if our usefulness is over. American culture often doesn't value the wisdom and contribution of older people, and wrinkles are sign that we're past our expiration date - just watch any TV show or read a magazine and you'll see.
This upbeat book reminds the reader that God has a perfect plan for every phase of our lives. Paula explains that our suddenly free-from-responsibility lives are ours to enjoy. We have time for hobbies, further education, rekindling old friendships, travel, and for growing closer to God.
I enjoyed Paula's personal stories in the book, especially since I'm 50 and starting to feel some of the things she describes. I finished Exceptional Bloom feeling uplifted and reminded that this life is beautiful - but it's only a stop on the way to Heaven. What we make of our time here on earth is up to us.
I received a copy of Exceptional Bloom free from the author in exchange for writing an honest review.
This upbeat book reminds the reader that God has a perfect plan for every phase of our lives. Paula explains that our suddenly free-from-responsibility lives are ours to enjoy. We have time for hobbies, further education, rekindling old friendships, travel, and for growing closer to God.
I enjoyed Paula's personal stories in the book, especially since I'm 50 and starting to feel some of the things she describes. I finished Exceptional Bloom feeling uplifted and reminded that this life is beautiful - but it's only a stop on the way to Heaven. What we make of our time here on earth is up to us.
I received a copy of Exceptional Bloom free from the author in exchange for writing an honest review.
January 29, 2020
While not the content I expected, the Author did hit home with her descriptive references to the potential relationship of feelings as we age and biblical statements. The book may not be for everyone but for me it did provide food for thought.
Thank you to goodreads and the book's giveaway sponsors for the opportunity to obtain a copy of this book.
Thank you to goodreads and the book's giveaway sponsors for the opportunity to obtain a copy of this book.
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March 9, 2018Good morning all it's that time again for another wonderful family fun. We need to discuss the upcoming camping trip and also collect money. This event will be at our house at 11am. If you have not paid please bring your money to catch up the fund. Please bring your money for this event as well. See you there
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews