BEAUTY BEYOND THE ASHES: Choosing Hope After Crisis

McGuinness has quite a story to tell. Her storybook life (a marriage to her high school sweetheart, two beautiful children, a vibrant faith and loving family) took a drastic turn on September 11, 2001. McGuinness's husband, Tom, was the copilot on American Airlines Flight 11, the first plane to crash into the World Trade Center. In the midst of the devastation, her faith provided gentle, gradual healing and courage to move forward. This book tells McGuinness's story, from growing up in an Italian Catholic family, falling in love with Tom in high school, balancing kids and career and recovering and rebuilding after tragic loss. Each chapter is divided into two sections, the first recounting the story and the second expounding on biblical principles the story demonstrates. Early chapters introduce readers to basic Christian principles, while later chapters provide guidance for growth in Christian faith. Without plumbing the depths of despair, McGuinness hints at the darker moments in her recovery process, offering readers hope without sugarcoating her story. She admits that she is "learning to forgive" and aims not to "give pat answers to difficult questions," though her faith may seem simple to some. Many readers, Christian and non-Christian alike, will admire the courage and grace with which McGuinness has chosen to respond to her tragedy. (Aug. 11)