Beauty Beyond the Ashes: Choosing Hope After Crisis [Hardcover]

Cheryl McGuiness (Author), Lois Rabey (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2004

On the morning of September 11, 2001, Cheryl McGuinness kissed her husband good-bye as he headed off to work.

She never saw him again.

Tom McGuinness was the co-pilot of American Airlines Flight 11 -- the first airplane to crash into the World Trade Center. On that day, Cheryl's world fell apart.

But since that day, Cheryl McGuinness has learned how to hope again. Through her powerful story, the rest of us can find our way to hope as well. Cheryl's message of renewal, recovery, and faith is a message that resonates with every aching heart.

As you read through this intimate look at heartbreak and joy, you will discover an incredible sense of the good that is yet to be, and you will find in yourself a growing conviction that with God's help, you can face any sorrow or pain.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

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.
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Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Howard Books; First Edition edition (June 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1582293899
• ISBN-13: 978-1582293899
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,291,197 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars There Is A Tomorrow!, August 28, 2004

By 

Shirley Priscilla Johnson "Author/Reviewer -... (USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Beauty Beyond the Ashes: Choosing Hope After Crisis (Hardcover)

I was truly honored when asked to give my humble review on this work. My heart ached as I picked up the book and gazed upon the cover picture of a family that continues on after being touched by hell itself.

Cheryl McGuinness is the widow of Lt Commander Tom McGuinness, Co-pilot of American Airlines Flight 11. The pain of the memory of that day seared through my mind as I prepared myself for what words I may find written from this woman's heart. I have to tell you from the onset that after reading her book, I have a deep love and respect for her.

Mrs. McGuinness shares with the reader the events that happened on September 11th and all that followed, but she doesn't stop there. Instead of dwelling on the deep grief and pain that she and her family suffered; she shares the sweet story of her life with her husband before the tragedy hit and the victory she is determined to have now.

In reading her words you find deep commitment to a loving God, deep commitment to a grieving family, deep commitment to a supportive nation and unfaltering faith in her God for a bright future, not only for her and her family, but for the country she loves. That is a lot to come out of such a traumatic event.

She unashamedly shares her faith in God and tells how she clung to Him in each and every circumstance that she has had to deal with. The author shares insights for the reader that may be hurting, to help them overcome their crisis and bring encouragement.
I could never put into words in a short review what is inside this book. I believe what impressed me more than anything was the fact that the author does not just dwell on her loss, although you are well aware of the pain she has suffered, but understands everyday that someone, somewhere is experiencing pain and heartache; and because of that, she opens her heart to them, reaching out to help heal their sorrows.
It is said, you cannot truly understand pain unless you have felt it. Mrs. McGuinness understands the pain and through her words sooths the soul.

This book is more than a story of September 11th, it is a hand reaching out to those who hurt and saying, there is hope for tomorrow and we must never lose sight of that.
A must read! Thank you Mrs. McGuinness for your faith in God and in the future.
Shirley Johnson/Senior Reviewer
Denise's Pieces
MidWest Book Review

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beauty Beyond the Ashes, August 16, 2004

By 

C. Owen - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Beauty Beyond the Ashes: Choosing Hope After Crisis (Hardcover)

Beauty Beyond the Ashes is a great book with a powerful message..."with God there is always a way through even the most difficult circumstances." There are so many wonderful principles in this book that will challenge you to depend more on God and less on yourself. I admire Cheryl for the way she has allowed God to use this tragedy to help others who have also been victims of violence.

This is a wonderful book to read. I was both inspired and encouraged, knowing that God's love is evident even in the most difficult of circumstances.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars deeply inspirational!, September 20, 2004

By 

Rebecca Brown "rebeccasreads" (Clallam Bay, WA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Beauty Beyond the Ashes: Choosing Hope After Crisis (Hardcover)

Rebeccasreads highly recommends BEAUTY BEYOND THE ASHES as a profoundly moving personal journey of this woman's American Dream which curdled on 9/11 into a nightmare when her beloved husband, Former Lt. Commander Tom McGuinness, Co-pilot of American Airlines Flight 11, never came home.

Always a searching Christian, gladdened when Tom was called to Christ, Cheryl's spiritual life is transformed when she dedicates herself, now alone, to God's ministry knowing that that is exactly what Tom would have wanted. In that dedication, fraught with despair & succour, she experiences the trauma of sacrifice & the healing of forgiveness.

In addition to revealing her touching personal story, Cheryl McGuinness also shares twelve powerful Biblical principles that guide her through her loss & her life's journey. & as every life will contain sadness & loss, her suffering, devotion & surrender to God's love & purpose through Jesus Christ, is both inspirational & healing.