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Everbloom: Stories of Deeply Rooted and Transformed Lives
Be inspired by the transforming power of story.
Through the pain, loss, beauty and redemption in these pages, you’ll find freedom in Christ and the courage to embrace your own story. The women of Redbud know the importance of spiritual shelter, and how easy it becomes to feel alone and misunderstood. In the Everbloom collection they offer essays, stories and poetry: intensely personal accounts of transformation, and the journeys to find their own voices. Best of all, they invite you to join them, with writing prompts that encourage a response of honesty, faith and imagination. Accept the invitation: set out on the journey to find your own voice.
Through the pain, loss, beauty and redemption in these pages, you’ll find freedom in Christ and the courage to embrace your own story. The women of Redbud know the importance of spiritual shelter, and how easy it becomes to feel alone and misunderstood. In the Everbloom collection they offer essays, stories and poetry: intensely personal accounts of transformation, and the journeys to find their own voices. Best of all, they invite you to join them, with writing prompts that encourage a response of honesty, faith and imagination. Accept the invitation: set out on the journey to find your own voice.
- GenresNonfictionChristian
249 pages, Paperback
Published April 25, 2017
9 people are currently reading
203 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 9, 2017
I mean, I have to give five stars since I have an essay in it, right? Worth getting the book for essays by Alia Joy and Ashley Hales, and poetry from Tammy Perlmutter.
May 10, 2017
I am a faith blogger, meaning I blog about the Bible, theology, and the intersection of faith and life. I also review books (which you know if you're reading this). I discovered the Redbud Writers Guild several years ago and immediately wanted to join. Then I discovered I couldn't, all because it is a group of women writers and I am ill-equipped to join such a group.
¹
That didn't stop me from reading their blogs and following their authors on social media.
I am not that broken up about not being able to join. I don't actually need to break the faith blogger gender barrier, and the blogosphere is replete with other writers groups that my voice fits well in; however, I was impressed by the quality of writing I repeatedly encountered from members of the guild, bloggers and authors I've appreciated, women like: April Yamasaki, Margot Starbuck, Leslie Layland Fields, Jen Pollock Michael, Emily Gibson and others. This is a diverse bunch of women (not all of whom would feel at home in a Woman of Faith tour with geraniums in their hats). These are pastors, theology students, homemakers, activists, poets, novelists, theologians—women of color and anglos, Boomers, Xers and Millennials.
A new book project, Everbloom (Paraclete Press, April 2017), compiles stories, poetry and reflections from the women of Redbud (quite a few who were new voices for me). These stories speak of grief, anxiety, pain, loss and redemption. These women share personal stories of difficult and grace-filled moments and the freedom found in Christ. The book is at turns vulnerable and full of good humor. Each author shares their story, closes with a brief prayer and a writing prompt for personal reflection.
This book is written by women, rooted in their experience, and the intended especially for a woman audience. Some of the writing prompts make this explicit: "What has been painful and necessary for you to grow as a woman and in relationship with God?"(16); "Reflect on your own ideas of motherhood using this statement: mother knows best." (140); "Describe a strong influential woman in your life." (202), etc.. But honestly, this is just a solid collection of writing, full of varied and poignant stories and guys would be encouraged by it too. I always feel sad when I visit a Christian bookstore and thoughtful women authors are quarantined in the 'woman's interest' section (lest they have authority over a man or something). Sometimes us male readers will have to adjust these reflections to our experience, but women readers are accustomed to making adjustments for male authors everyday (or anytime their pastor throws Braveheart into their sermon). So guys: this is well written, man up and don't be scared!
But with Mother's Day just around the corner, this is a great gift idea for a mom or special woman in your life, It is a rich storehouse of stories, prayers and opportunities for reflection. I give this four stars.
Notice of material connection: I received this book from Paraclete Press in exchange for my honest review.
I am not that broken up about not being able to join. I don't actually need to break the faith blogger gender barrier, and the blogosphere is replete with other writers groups that my voice fits well in; however, I was impressed by the quality of writing I repeatedly encountered from members of the guild, bloggers and authors I've appreciated, women like: April Yamasaki, Margot Starbuck, Leslie Layland Fields, Jen Pollock Michael, Emily Gibson and others. This is a diverse bunch of women (not all of whom would feel at home in a Woman of Faith tour with geraniums in their hats). These are pastors, theology students, homemakers, activists, poets, novelists, theologians—women of color and anglos, Boomers, Xers and Millennials.
A new book project, Everbloom (Paraclete Press, April 2017), compiles stories, poetry and reflections from the women of Redbud (quite a few who were new voices for me). These stories speak of grief, anxiety, pain, loss and redemption. These women share personal stories of difficult and grace-filled moments and the freedom found in Christ. The book is at turns vulnerable and full of good humor. Each author shares their story, closes with a brief prayer and a writing prompt for personal reflection.
This book is written by women, rooted in their experience, and the intended especially for a woman audience. Some of the writing prompts make this explicit: "What has been painful and necessary for you to grow as a woman and in relationship with God?"(16); "Reflect on your own ideas of motherhood using this statement: mother knows best." (140); "Describe a strong influential woman in your life." (202), etc.. But honestly, this is just a solid collection of writing, full of varied and poignant stories and guys would be encouraged by it too. I always feel sad when I visit a Christian bookstore and thoughtful women authors are quarantined in the 'woman's interest' section (lest they have authority over a man or something). Sometimes us male readers will have to adjust these reflections to our experience, but women readers are accustomed to making adjustments for male authors everyday (or anytime their pastor throws Braveheart into their sermon). So guys: this is well written, man up and don't be scared!
But with Mother's Day just around the corner, this is a great gift idea for a mom or special woman in your life, It is a rich storehouse of stories, prayers and opportunities for reflection. I give this four stars.
Notice of material connection: I received this book from Paraclete Press in exchange for my honest review.
May 11, 2017
I felt welcomed and encircled reading Everbloom. These women wanted to share their stories with me. For me. They wanted me to find the same hope and truth they did. No one was teaching at me with a pointed finger. No one wrapped their stories up with a bow. No one was waiting for thumbs up at the end of her piece. They were offerings for me to do with whatever I wanted.
I think that comes from the Redbud Writers Guild's deep purpose to create authentic community among women. As a Guild they equip and inspire all levels of writers, without competition or comparison. It sounds hokey and hippy, but as a new member of the Guild I can say they are pulling it off. That warm intention is evident throughout Everbloom.
This would be a great book for anyone in transition. Because we know transition often leads to transformation, and that what Everbloom is all about. And we know transition often makes us feel alone and unsteady. High school graduates, college graduates, summer travelers, empty-nesters, mid-life wanderers, young mamas - it would be fresh for all of them.
When I give this book to my friend I'm going to say:
"Hey, I know you're trying to figure a lot out right now. I think this Everbloom book would bring sweetness to you. There are 41 pieces in here. You don't have to read them in order, you don't have to read them all, you don't have to like them all. But I'm certain there are words in here that will echo your heart, and you will feel known and understood. I think you'll find hope. I love you"
[Note: I received a copy of Everbloom from Paraclete Press in exchange for an honest review.]
I think that comes from the Redbud Writers Guild's deep purpose to create authentic community among women. As a Guild they equip and inspire all levels of writers, without competition or comparison. It sounds hokey and hippy, but as a new member of the Guild I can say they are pulling it off. That warm intention is evident throughout Everbloom.
This would be a great book for anyone in transition. Because we know transition often leads to transformation, and that what Everbloom is all about. And we know transition often makes us feel alone and unsteady. High school graduates, college graduates, summer travelers, empty-nesters, mid-life wanderers, young mamas - it would be fresh for all of them.
When I give this book to my friend I'm going to say:
"Hey, I know you're trying to figure a lot out right now. I think this Everbloom book would bring sweetness to you. There are 41 pieces in here. You don't have to read them in order, you don't have to read them all, you don't have to like them all. But I'm certain there are words in here that will echo your heart, and you will feel known and understood. I think you'll find hope. I love you"
[Note: I received a copy of Everbloom from Paraclete Press in exchange for an honest review.]
March 29, 2021
I was introduced to this book by one of the authors - thank you Taryn Hutchison https://tarynhutchison.com/ - who is a member of the Redbud Writers Guild, a group of Christian women writers. This collection offers essays, stories, and poetry - all personal accounts of the group's faith, transformation, and journey to find their own voices. I enjoyed some of the entries more than others. Some were moving and made me cry, others were humorous, painful, affirming, or touching. All were thought-provoking and each included a prayer and a discussion question or writing prompt for those who wanted to delve deeper into the topics. I read one chapter a day, and had to set it aside for a few weeks in order to read something else. It would make a nice daily devotional reading. I especially liked being introduced to some new-to-me writers of books that I am now hoping to explore.
August 15, 2017
The stories of our lives can be simple and complex, deeply felt and passed on to others, or are those we hold tightly, waiting for the just the moment to be released because at some point, we must. Reading the essays contained in Everbloom, I’m reminded of the stories I need to share and the healing and growth that comes from the telling, the reading, the praying. Vulnerable windows into lives of the uniquely created human living uniquely created lives, these essays will surprise you by what they reveal in yourself, with a prayer and opportunity to respond to what God is stirring in you. This collection will inspire and challenge you to consider the richness of life and life together.
June 2, 2017
This is a stunning collection of essays written by the incredibly talented women of the Redbud Writers Guild. The stories of rootedness and faith, of solidarity and doubt have made me read these essays slowly. I want to savor the words and I think anyone who is looking for a powerful series on faith will enjoy this collection. Bonus? Each essay ends with a reflective question, which as allowed me to continue the conversation, in a way.
**I received an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.**
**I received an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.**
September 20, 2017
Not many books are willing to create space for women to honestly, passionately tell their stories—unless those women are celebrities. Even fewer of those books are breathtakingly vulnerable and written from a faith perspective. Everbloom is all of this and more. 41 women. 41 different stories. All of them compelling and brave. You will find yourself in these pages and you will also find courage and hope. (Disclaimer - I am one of those 41 women. I did not get paid or benefit inane way by writing this review.)
October 1, 2017
Stories and poetry by women of the Redbud Writers Guild. Some of the entries have me nodding in recognition, others make me wince, and all invite me to continue raising my voice. It's a privilege to be one of the contributors.
June 24, 2017
Very inspiring and well-written stories of faith.
February 18, 2021
Good devotional type book but not my favorite.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews