Book Review and Giveaway: Women in High Def by Diane Markins


Women in High Def cover
SynopsisWomen are as unique as snowflakes or butterflies, but after surveying hundreds of them, writer and radio host Diane Markins learned that the top needs they feel are the same. She also began hearing a recurring theme: I want more! I want to be better! I want to be bold!

Women in High Def aims to propel women out of a low-def, foggy life of going through the motions in a blur. The profound stories, intercessory prayer prompts and coaching elements work together to catapult womeninto living fearlessly for God…being bolder moms, having purposeful passions, pursuing marriage excellence, loving themselves with gusto, laughing with abandon, transforming mistakes into blasts of blessings and bravely seeking the Lord in all His majestic glory. The bonus Bible study at the back of the book points them to scripture to gain Biblical insight and direction for each need and role they play. It can be used alone or in a group.

Women in High Def is not passive reading. It cries out to the spirit of readers to be unafraid as they actively reach for clarity, vibrancy and intensity in all the meaningful areas of their lives.
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Book Excerpt:
Falling Down Gorgeous
(Excerpt from Women in High Def: Boldly Living Your Purposes with Vibrant Clarity)

Time takes its toll on all of us. Parts of me that were once up here are now down there. My face, once smooth and fresh was becoming a bit weathered and wrinkled. Other areas that used to be firm are now wiggly. As I turned fifty I began to notice that I was becoming invisible, based on my appearance. That’s a big fat horse pill to swallow for my ego. But that’s okay. The good news is that when people start to see less of me, they see more of Jesus. He’s much more appealing and has no hidden agenda.

I hate to admit it, but I still enjoy being noticed on occasion. My husband and I went on a date to a very fancy mountaintop restaurant overlooking the city. I dressed for the occasion in my fitted black slacks, silky blouse and high heels.

I followed the maitre de to our table, my husband right behind me. I was feeling pretty good about myself and strutted a bit as we crossed a large open expanse of the room. As my stilettos went from carpet to wood floor something strange happened…I began to skate, stumble and flail about, for what felt like ten excruciating minutes, before finally landing flat on my keister. For endless moments all sound ceased except the quiet music in the background. Diners, servers and kitchen staff gaped at me, frozen in mid-action.

Graciously, I was helped up, escorted to and seated at our table, where they elevated and iced my swollen ankle. Then—to my horror—the paramedics arrived, causing an even bigger stir. Servers and managers came by frequently to check on me. Finally, our fellow diners made their way to our table as they departed to share their own “fall down” tales.

Earlier that evening, I had hoped for a little extra attention. But this wasn’t what I had in mind. Now I was just grateful I hadn’t chosen the skirt I had considered that was still hanging on my closet door. My experience that night was a great reminder that the only beauty that matters is what the Lord puts in our hearts. Everything else “falls” short in the end.


flourish


Review: Diane covers Beauty, Health, Humor, Security, Love, the Nest,Restoration, Respect, Friendship, Me Time, Purposeful Pursuits and Intimacy (marriage and God), in this book. Whew! That's a lot of topics to cover! She, and other authors, spin stories based on their experiences, based on the topic at hand. Diane adds an appropriate bible verse and prayers after each tale, relating to the moral/teaching of the story. At the end of each section, she gives you 'self-coaching' questions, to think about your life, and how the teachings of the topic can change your view. She also offers up a conversation for you to have with God- part prayer and part dialogue.

This would be a great book for a women's bible study- each topic could offer prolonged conversations of faith, emotions, and beliefs. It would also be a great book for a new Christian, looking to find their way in their new faith.


About the AuthorDiane has always aspired to live in High Def. She uses her radio show, writing and speaking to inspire women to transform their lives from mediocre and complacent to bold and vibrant. She settles for nothing less in her own life as a wife, mom, grandmother, friend and colleague. Diane writes two blogs, WomenInHighDef.com and WordsInHighDef.comis a regular contributor to the Presidential Prayer Teamwebsite and CBN.com. She and her husband of 33 years work and live close to their children in Arizona.

Ready for an EXCELLENT giveaway?



prize photo
"Going Boldly" Blog Tour Grand Prize
 – Retail Value: $70
  • Book (Women in High Def: Boldly Living Your Purposes with Vibrant Clarity)
  • Bright and Vibrant Earrings
  • Sparkling Cider (to celebrate life)
  • Sumatra Coffee (Bold, Earthy Flavor) 
  • Into the Wild body wash and spray fragrance from Bath and Body Works
  • Custom coffee mug: Women in HighDef (front), BE YOUR BOLD SELF! (back)
Instructions to Enter the Grandprize Drawing:
  1. Leave a comment about the book or author on this, and any of the other blog posts, during the book blog tour.
  2. Each blog tour host will draw one name from those comments to send to the tour coordinator by September 21- I will pick one on Sept 19th!.
  3. The coordinator will put all the names into a drawing, and select a winner, using an online randomizer. 
  4. The coordinator will notify the blog tour host who submitted the winning name. 
  5. The blog tour host will notify the winner and collect the mailing info so the author can send out the prize. 


And don't worry if you don't win the big pack! To celebrate the “Going Boldly” Blog Tour Women in High Def  is available for free from September 10-September 14 on Kindle at:http://amzn.to/Oey7Sa and my copy of Women in High Def will be going onto the Top Shelf giveaway next month!

What are you waiting for?  Leave that comment, then click on the other blogs and enter on their posts too!


Disclosure / Disclaimer: I was sent this book, free of charge, for review purposes, from Kregel Books. No other compensation, monetary or in kind, has been received or implied for this post. Nor was I told how to post about it.  

Comments

  1. Wow--your review is so affirming to me that I hit the mark I was shooting for. I'm actually leading a group Bible study from the book right now and the depth of sharing has been incredible. Thanks for encouraging women to get the book.
    Bold Blessings,
    Diane

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  2. This book is an important ingredient in every woman's life. I enjoyed the excerpt and learning about the author. Many thanks for this feature. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  3. What an interesting book! This one will go on my "must read: list!


    Nancy
    allibrary (at) aol (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  4. This book sounds absolutely wonderful. Thanks for sharing!
    Tomi
    tclarkusa at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  5. This book sounds absolutely wonderful. Thanks for sharing!
    Tomi
    tclarkusa at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete

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