Clairmont (God Uses Cracked Pots), an evangelical speaker on the national "Women of Faith" circuit, again addresses the topic of human brokenness and God's healing. This time she draws upon examples from the biblical book of Nehemiah (conveniently located in full text at the end of her book) to illustrate principles such as "lies that will do you in" and "everybody needs walls." Her writing, like her speaking, is lively, self-deprecating and humorous, though the comic asides that enliven her speaking are sometimes distracting in her writing: "How long has it been since you knelt to pray? Try it; you'll like it (even if you, like me, need help to get back up)." Clairmont relates anecdotes from her own life and the lives of her friends, as well as from the lives of Nehemiah and modern figures such as Eleanor Roosevelt. Chapters are easily digested snippets of under 10 pages. They begin with a short reading assignment from Nehemiah and end with a prayer, a prompt for reflection and application, and a lead-in to the next chapter. The link to Nehemiah is sometimes tenuous (chapter 12, on "wells," for example, is based on all of three verses). Still, Clairmont's friendly honesty about her own need for "mending" should resonate with readers who are still learning that "healing and journey are synonymous," and her lighthearted tips may help along the way. (Sept.)
Forecast:Clairmont is a regular player on CBA bestseller lists, so she is a natural choice to help launch Warner's new Christian line. Print ads are planned for
Today's Christian Woman,
Christian Retailing and
CBA Marketplace. Clairmont will promote the book on Christian radio and television stations, as well as onstage in 27 "Women of Faith" events across the country.
