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An invitation to preview my new book

The pre-publication PDF is now ready for WHY THESE WOMEN, Four Stories You Need to Read Before You Read the Story of Jesus! When first I sent out the good news of the book's coming, there was a cadre of folks who immediately volunteered to do a preview read and offer a review. They are the start of Advanced Review Copy (ARC) Team. I am now officially extending the invitation to you to join that team if you are interested.

What is the ARC (Advanced Review Copy) Team?

The ARC Team is made up of people who are interested in reading the book ahead of time and are willing to write a review when the book is launched. The PDF version reads much like a book, laid out in pages as it will appear in print. You can send it on to your e-reader if you like reading on one. The book is currently undergoing a final, professional edit so any hiccups you encounter should be long gone by the time of publication. Typos and proofreading errors are to be expected. If this spoils your enjoyment of a book, being an Advanced Review Copy reader may not be for you! (The PDF in not meant to be shared).

Just what it is I am asking you to do

Please read the book for the purpose of providing a review when the book is launched. We are still fine-tuning the date but expect it to be in Feb/Mar of 2022 and I will alert you as that approaches. A review on publication day is the best outcome! The sites that would be great for posting your review are Amazon, Goodreads, Barnes and Noble, etc. I will let you know when the book appears on these sites or others so that your review can be posted and I'll give you further directions on how to post. Of course, I'd be happy with the review appearing on social media or other sites where it will reach interested readers. The review need not be long. A sentence or two is common. Your personal note or takeaway is often most noted by readers (and appreciated by the author).

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Why what you are doing is so important

The impact of reviews at the launch of a book provides uplift for the awareness and sales of the book. Timing is important. As you read this book now, you may want to make notes or write a quick draft of what you might say for the release. There is no endorsement more important than word-of-mouth. This is the power of your words and it makes all the difference. In addition to web review sites, recommendation to friends, libraries, church groups, etc. is appreciated. WHY THESE WOMEN is not strictly in the bible study genre as were my first two books. It is more suitable for book clubs, including church book clubs. I work at the intersection of women's studies and scripture, so anyone interested in either of these might appreciate learning about the book.

It was the coming of Advent a year ago which stirred in me the questions that resulted in WHY THESE WOMEN. Here we are at Advent again as this book is coming to birth. It was not intended as an Advent devotional, but I delight in this timing which I take as a sign of the Holy Spirit. I pray you will find it a worthy companion to your Advent journey.

TO JOIN THE TEAM, simply click the button below, put ARC in the subject line, and write "yes" (or whatever you want to say). I will sign you up and send you the PDF.

Thank you!

NOT TOO LATE for Blessed is She Who Believed. You can still join us for a Saturday morning together in some very good company--you, me, and a few dear friends, including Mary and Elizabeth!

Together let us celebrate the friendships of women of faith, the ways in which we support one another, and how God is still stirring in our lives

Invite a friend to come with you--even if she lives far away.

An Advent Retreat inspired by Mary and Elizabeth*

Saturday, December 18, 2021

9 am – noon (PST)

Zoom format hosted by St. Placid Priory, Lacey, WA

*NOTE: This gospel story will be proclaimed on Sunday, one of the few times women are featured in that way. Let's be ready to celebrate! 

Cost: $45 OR 2 for $75 if you bring that friend.

To register and for more info go to

As always, I love hearing from you. Questions or comments: contact me.