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Startling Beauty: My Journey From Rape to Restoration

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Startling Beauty: My Journey From Rape to Restoration (Hardcover)

~ Heather Gemmen (Author)

4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (34 customer reviews)

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Hardcover Available from these sellers. Published February 24, 2004	Hardcover, February 24, 2004	--	$0.98	$0.01
Paperback Available from these sellers. Published November 22, 2004	Paperback, November 22, 2004	--	$15.99	$5.17

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Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Raped in her own home, Heather's terror went beyond her own safety: Were the kids sleeping soundly in the next bedroom, or did their silence mean something else? Would her husband save her, or would he face the same knife she did? And Heather's agony did not end after the rapist left: Against all odds, she became pregnant as a result of the rape. Would she and her husband remain united as they faced the tyranny of the choice before them? Would they endure the strain of anxiety as they waited for HIV test results and answered strange telephone calls?

This gripping true-life story walks readers through Heather's journey-from rape to restoration. Startling Beauty is undeniable proof that God can bring blessings out of the worst situations in our lives.

From the Publisher

This book gives empathy to victims of violence and to those who tend to compromise their values when faced with moral decisions—especially those that affect them personally. But God gives more grace!

Product Details

Hardcover: 240 pages
Publisher: Cook Communications (February 25, 2004)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0781440289
ISBN-13: 978-0781440288
Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.3 x 0.9 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds

Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (34 customer reviews)

Amazon.com Sales Rank: #644,455 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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More About the Author

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› Visit Amazon's Heather Gemmen Wilson Page

What Do Customers Ultimately Buy After Viewing This Item?

	88% buy the item featured on this page: Startling Beauty: My Journey From Rape to Restoration 4.7 out of 5 stars (34)
	6% buy The Rape Recovery Handbook: Step-By-Step Help for Survivors of Sexual Assault 4.2 out of 5 stars (5) $12.21
	5% buy Telling: A Memoir of Rape and Recovery 5.0 out of 5 stars (9) $11.11

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Customer Reviews

34 Reviews

5 star:		(27)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

Average Customer Review

4.7 out of 5 stars (34 customer reviews)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Startling Beauty, August 28, 2005

By	R. Westmoreland - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have to agree with Zarah on the fact that the way the rape story was written threw me at first. But, I know that she is writing this AFTER she has come to terms with it. I was raped 25 yrs ago. I concieved a child during the rape. My daughter is now a lovely young woman. Recently her father became a Hospice patient. I had been praying for him for only two years. My prayer was that I could forgive him; he would be saved; and that he would be free of drugs. I was not sure if I had truely forgiven him. I was praying about this, when I got his paperwork to admit him to our company. I had not seen him in 25 yrs. Be very careful & specific when you pray...you just might get it. I did the admission. God showed me that I had forgiven him...but I could NOT be his nurse. I purchased this book for the healing of my daughter. I have much more gentle feelings for him. But it is only because I love her so much. This book served the purpose for which I purchased it. My daughter read it after I did. She said it helped in some small way, but she is still plagued with the thought that I could not love her due to the circumstances of her conception...She is the only beautiful thing to come out of that day at work! I still could not describe my rape in such a gentle way...there was nothing gentle about it. Maybe she was trying to reduce the 'triggering'? Who knows. But, one thing I don't do is tell a woman that I don't believe she was raped...that has happened to me. I think is was a very good book.

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7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Riveting, March 29, 2004

By	Jeannie (Portland, Oregon) - See all my reviews

I found the story of Heather Gemmen's rape and her decision to keep and raise her daughter riveting. The book inspired me. The poetic writing held me spellbound. I lived in Heather's skin through the entire story. I wept when she wept; laughed when she laughed. I don't know if I would have had the strength to do what Heather did before I read the book, but because of the beautiful way she presented the story, I might be able to do it now -- with God's help. Thank you, Heather, for being so transparent with us.

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12 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A compelling story but not for the unemotional, June 10, 2004

By A Customer

Amazing story of a woman and her families brave journey through sexual assault, forgiveness and the brave choice to life over an easy way out.... there are several ignorant reviews from people who have not read the book - this book is not about race - this book is about having the courage and faith to overcome hardships in life - this is not a sympathy plea book - for the millions of women who have encountered sexual assault this is a journal of comfort and hope. From the opening chapter when Heather gives birth to a still born baby you realize this woman has more strength than you could ever imagine... God can use any situation for good -if we let Him lead.

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Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Startling Beauty
This book is both interesting and inspirational how she could find beauty and restoration after experiencing such evil. Read more

Published 8 months ago by Debbie Del

5.0 out of 5 stars Startled Reading
Gut-wrenching honest writing rivets you to every page of this book. Heather opens the wounds of her struggles and lets you peer into the wrestlings of Christians dealing with the... Read more

Published 16 months ago by S. Siepel

5.0 out of 5 stars More than you can imagine
Heather Gemmen's book, Startling Beauty (my journey from rape to restoration), is so much more, if you can image that, than the title infers or conveys. Read more

Published on October 20, 2007 by G-Bob

5.0 out of 5 stars Another page turner from Heather Gemmen
I find I'm never disappointed when I open a book written by Heather Gemmen. Regardless of the topic, her books inspire me to read the entire work in one sitting so I can find out... Read more

Published on August 21, 2007 by Dana E. Porter

5.0 out of 5 stars Startling Beauty
Heather Gemmen was raped at knifepoint in her own home while her two young sons slept down the hall. The subject matter is real and not sugar-coated. Read more

Published on March 1, 2007 by Lisa B. Buffaloe

4.0 out of 5 stars Inspirational!
I bought this book after hearing Heather interviewed on a radio programme. She sounded so friendly, serene and content with her life. Read more

Published on August 31, 2006 by Helen Simpson

5.0 out of 5 stars Startling Beauty out of Stark Reality.
As a reader of Heather's blog, I couldn't wait to read her book. I've always been impressed by how 'real' she is - no holds barred, tell it like it is, but gently. Read more

Published on July 29, 2006 by Catherine J. West

4.0 out of 5 stars Inspirational!
I bought this book after hearing Heather interviewed on a radio programme. She sounded so friendly, serene and content with her life. Read more

Published on May 12, 2006 by Helen Simpson

5.0 out of 5 stars A Well-written Memoir with a Life Application for Every Reader
The first time I heard about this story, I was stunned. As a colleague, I had worked with Heather Gemmen for several years and she consistently exhibited personal joy and peace... Read more

Published on May 6, 2006 by W. Terry Whalin

1.0 out of 5 stars Rape story lacks plausibility
I was inspired to purchase this book after seeing Heather Gemmen on the Montel Williams show. However, after reading the book I came away convinced that the author fabricated the... Read more

Published on July 6, 2005 by Zarah Mayes-Orowitz

› See all 34 customer reviews...

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