Customer Reviews

Divine Appointments: A Novel (A Snowglobe Connections Novel)

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(35)
3 star:		(20)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Josie's in her late 40s, combating hot flashes and, for the first time, realizing that she didn't exactly picture herself alone at this point in her life. On top of that, this year's job, a one-year contract to clean up and slim down Diamond Mutual is more of a challenge than any other. Will she fulfill her contract on time?

I really liked how subtle the connection was between the first Snowglobe Connections book, Stray Affections (A Snowglobe Connections Novel), and this one.

This book (and the one preceding it, actually) doesn't have the pervading sense of wonder and mystery that I associate with elements of magical realism, but this story does have an object that behaves abnormally. The reason I wouldn't call it magical realism is because the characters think it's strange, crazy even, when such things happen, rather than taking it in stride.

The timing for this book's release feels apropos to me, in that it deals with a down economy.

Although published by a Christian publishing house, Divine Appointments has little talk of God. Only secondary characters actively believe or even wrestle with faith -- although their faith does seem to pervade the book.

One aspect of the book I didn't enjoy was the inclusion of pieces of one character's novel-in-progress; sure, it at least sometimes presented a different angle on a situation in the book, but I was distracted by the transition and annoyed by the poor writing.

Like Stray Affections, I quite enjoyed this story. Baumbich, I think, does a good job connecting to her readers. Her characters are relatable, down to earth.

I'll continue reading this series, and I'd like to get my hands on the Dearest Dorothy series.

I received this book from the author. This review was originally published on my blog.

In a delightful coming-of-age story at 47, I found Josie to be a feisty character with a tough shell in need of cracking. The mystical snowglobe is an added speculative twist that tickles the imagination. With characters including a melodramatic wannabe writer, one cheerful encourager, and a "bleeding-heart" hero, I thoroughly enjoyed Divine Appointments. Snuggled up with a warm throw and a cup of hot tea, Novel Journey and I recommend it for a great Fall read.

Often, God will bring an unexpected and happy surprise to me. That was the case when `Divine Appointments' by Charlene Ann Baumbich arrived in my mailbox.

Here is the synopsis of this novel:

With the Big 5-0 fast approaching, Josie Brooks begins to question her structured, picture-perfect (mid)life.
Josie Brooks, at the age of forty-seven, thought she was leading an enviable single life. A successful consultant, she calls her own shots, goes where the money is, and never needs to compromise. But her precisely managed world begins to falter during a Chicago contract when an economic downturn, a bleeding-heart boss, and the loyalty and kindness between endangered employees ding her coat of armor.
Throw in hot flashes, a dose of loneliness, a peculiar longing for intimacy, an unquenchable thirst - not to mention a mysterious snowglobe with a serene landscape, complete with a flowing river and lush greenery that seems to beckon her in - and Josie's buttoned-up life is on the verge of coming completely undone. Maybe her solitary existence isn't as fulfilling as she has convinced herself to believe.
It will take a few new friends, a mystical encounter, and an unexpected journey to set Josie on her own path to "right-sizing" and making the life changes that really matter. Filled with laugh-out-loud moments and a gentle dash of inspiration, Divine Appointments is another heartwarming charmer from a master storyteller.

Here is the biography of this author:

Charlene Ann Baumbich is a popular author, speaker, and award-winning journalist who is passionate about rejuvenating lives through humor. Her writings include the best-selling Dearest Dorothy series and Stray Affections, the first Snowglobe Connections novel, and several inspirational nonfiction books. Charlene lives with her husband in Glen Ellyn, Illinois.

An important and valuable character in this book is Barb DeWitt, whose spiritual gift was encouragement. Here is her advice/Godly wisdom to a colleague who was considering a career opportunity:

"I'll tell you what, since you're a praying woman, let's both pester God for a solid leading. Let's ask that the right opportunity just opens up, or you get the courage, or your sister does. Let's pray, trusting that if it's supposed to be, it will. But you have to promise me that if you feel that nudge again to ask her, you will. Sometimes when we're down, and out, I think God whispers in nudges, so pay attention. And sometimes I think that little negative, self-berating voice in our
heads is that old devil messing with us, making us feel insecure." (p. 157)

I couldn't agree more!

I really love Charlene's writing style - and I love the sentiments that her characters share with the reader. Here is an example from Lyle Waters - a really great piece of advice:

"The older I get," Lyle said, draining his glass of water, which Shirley immediately refilled, "the more I think doing what you love, following your passions, is an elixir for a lot of things. Just look at these two. Still singing, still happy, still living their dreams to own their own restaurant. My friend who died? She was gung-ho full of passion." (p. 258)

In less eloquent terms - money isn't everything!

This book arrived in my mailbox, unsolicited, from a publicist (thanks, Jeane!). I had not requested the book and was not expecting it. However, once it landed at the top of my book pile, I found it to be one of the most delightful books I have read in a good long while! The main character, Josie Brooks, and I are around the same age, and, like her, my life has been undergoing some metamorphoses of late. She lived her life for her work; I, likewise, did the same before I married for the first time six years ago (our anniversary is this week, June 10). Also, like Josie, I was not the typical little girl who pictured her wedding in her imagination; I was (pleasantly!) surprised when God brought Fred into my life. It was heartwarming to me to see how God, through the encouragement of others, softened Josie's heart to people and, ultimately, to herself. Again, like me, Josie learned the value of close girlfriends. There was a time, when I was so consumed by my career, when I thought cultivating female friends was a waste of time (I perish the thought now!). Now, I could not live with the wonderful Godly friendships with which I've been blessed! In fact, I am thinking of suggesting the first book in the Snowglobe Connections series, `Stray Affections,' to my friend, Natalie, when our Book Club resumes in the fall/winter.

There were so many neat elements in this book. The most unique one in my opinion is how the snowglobe figures into the storyline, and how it inspires and guides Josie's life. God gets our attention in the most creative ways sometimes!

Although Josie was not a Christian, she was surrounded by many people who were led by the Lord, including Barb, an employee at Diamond Mutual, Ginny, a new friend of her father, Victor, and Lyle Waters, also employed at Diamond Mutual. Although she never professed faith, she certainly seemed to be on her way to realizing that there is no such a thing as a coincidence!

This book warms your heart and tickles your funny bone! If you are looking for a fun summertime read - for all ages! - I encourage you to pick up `Divine Appointments'! You will be glad you did! And I hope Charlene has another Snowglobe Connections novel in her creatively fertile brain!

This book was published by WaterBrook Press and provided by Wynn-Wynn Media for review purposes.

Reviewed by Andrea Schultz - Ponderings by Andrea blog - [....]

The moment I met Josie Brooks I felt an instant dislike for her and vowed I could never enjoy this novel that shared her life.
Unfortunately it was at that moment that author Charlene Ann Baumbich had me hooked and I couldn't stop reading her novel "Divine Appointments" once receiving my 'for review' copy from WaterBrook Press .

Josie Brooks is a borderline OCD, midlife crisis, almost 50-year-old who lives what she believes is the perfect single life. 3 sets of the same pajamas (all blue) and workout clothing (all gray), exercise routine, the right amount of water each day, etc.

She's a corporate consultant who takes her hatchet job seriously and without emotion, thanks to an upbringing by a military father. However, this latest consulting job has her meeting her match in the polar opposite, Lyle Waters who is an emotional caring and supportive VP.

A cast of supporting characters had me laughing out loud at times. Marsha, the 'wanna-be' novelist using her life as the catalyst for the 'great American Novel', the caring Barb, and the cantankerous Frank. All have their place in this story.

"Divine Appointment" is a novel that name drops Yahoo, Google and Match.com. It's not one to read if you want to 'get away' to another time period as it has firmly planted itself into the current day.

As Josie's life takes unexpected twists and turns, you will no doubt feel the bond with her and see part of yourself in both Josie and Lyle (perhaps even the rest of the cast).

I just finished reading "Divine Appointments" by Charlene Ann Baumbich, and I really enjoyed it. The book is a lighthearted, entertaining novel with well developed characters. I had no difficulty keeping up with the plot or who is who among the characters. The story was fascinating and for the most part, I could not predict the outcomes...other than the obvious love story line, which was also very enjoyable. I found it to be one of those books I just did not want to put down. A Christian theme runs through the story with a very nice, gentle approach, so not to overwhelm the reader. One of the characters is a writer, and I found the snippets of her book added to the story. Initially that was a little bit distracting, but I became interested in the novel within the novel.

This book is apparently part of a series the author is writing around the theme of "Snowglobe Connections," however, the books are all standalone with unique characters and unique settings, so one does not depend on the other. I enjoyed this book so much, I will without a doubt be ordering the first book in this "series" immediately and anxious wait for it. Very highly recommended!

I really enjoyed the touches of humor that Charlene put in her book,"Divine Appointments", especially about the hot flashes. Been there, done that. She created some very interesting characters in this book. And then to include a magical edge to it really topped it off. It is a heartwarming story.

Divine Appointments: A Novel (A Snowglobe Connections Novel)by Charlene Ann Baumbich was a real surprise -- a well-written Christian chick-lit with great characters and a story that was believable and magical all at once.

The protagonist, Josie Brooks, is not a warm-and-fuzzy character. Josie, 47, is a tough, career woman ... never-married ... hard-hitting ... individualist ... corporate-ladder climbing ... well, she's a witch. She runs a consulting company where she comes in, fixes the problems, recommends lay-offs and goes to her next assignment. She never lets anyone close to herself ... never cares about the people involved ... only is interested in the bottom-line. A thoroughly unlikable character; the stereotypical career-woman gone rabid.

And yet, Baumbich's writing weaves a spell where you really like Josie; you feel for her when she has her hot flashes ... her stresses ... her worries ... and you're cheering for her by the end of the book.

The supporting cast of characters? A handsome, early-50s bleeding-heart manager; a 40-something divorcee who vents through writing everything in a notebook; a 60-something widow who is the strong religious figure, filled with love and care for all. These characters are wonderful, realistic yet exaggerated just enough to make them enjoyable to know.

Set in 2009, the overall story deals with the economic downturn and the need for companies to "right size" and the ramifications of such to the people axed or left at the company; the fear and anger and anxiety that sudden layoffs engender. This is a great analysis of why it's always important to remember the people when a company is "right sizing" and how critical it is to allow them to grieve and not whine but rather look on the layoffs as "divine appointments" to change focus, re-group, move-on. This book is realistic in that people are laid-off -- but for economic reasons and the overall health of the company; the book's focus is on how to help those who must go (as well as those who feel guilty for being the ones who stay).

I like this book and heartily recommend it ... a great read with a magical quality.

DISCLAIMER: I rec'd this book as a part of the Blogging for Books program thru the publisher, WaterBrook Press. The views expressed are my honest opinion of this work of fiction.

Divine Appointments by Charlene Ann Baumbich was an introspective, fun to read book. I found the characters to be realistic and well developed. I enjoyed the unusual plot.

The main character, Josie is referred to as Hatchet Hand by one of the other characters. That should give you a clue as to what Josie did for a living. In spite of her job, I grew to like her.

I think she is the character I most related to. We all know people who are driven by their careers and the pursuit of success. It was fascinating and rewarding to watch Josie discover there is more to life than just those things.

There was one jarring element to the realism in the story. I found the "supernatural" symbolic snow globe to be distracting. Although, it was an interesting literary device, I had a problem accepting it within Josie's otherwise pragmatic approach to life.

I did enjoy Ms. Baumbich's writing style and am looking forward to reading some of her other books.

I received this book free from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

Not everyone has the opportunity to grasp hold of a second chance in life, but Josie Brooks does. Though she might not realize it, and might not even want it, an unexpected message is held within the clear waters of a simple yet mysterious snow globe.

This is a charming story, full of engaging characters, wit, and the gentle reminder that sometimes we have to get shaken up to see what really matters.

I wasn't sure how I would relate to this book at first but came to the opinion that it is a sweet, delightful, lighthearted, and just plain fun read. I love how the author has woven the snowglobe into the storyline and uses it with the main character, Josie. The others characters are fun as well. It doesn't carry a heavy Christian theme in it yet their are references that lead you to believe that some of the characters are Christian and the overall storyline is a clean one. Set in modern times, even those that can't relate to the characters on a personal level, will probably enjoy this title.