Member Reviews

James L. Rubart’s intriguing and thought-provoking novel was much different from anything I have read before. I have heard many people recommend his books, so I decided to read The Pages of her Life. My favorite genre is contemporary romance, so this book definitely took me out of my comfort zone. I am very glad I had the opportunity to read this novel. James L. Rubart eloquently tells the story of how a mystery journal helps serve as a tool for self-discovery and allows each owner to discover their inner strength and their own self-worth. He also expertly weaves the spiritual content throughout the book in a way that allows the reader to reflect on their own thoughts and beliefs. I would recommend this book!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Pages of Her Life by James L Robart is a beautifully written novel the transports readers and characters alike on a journey of self-discovery. We meet our protagonists as they face some of the most difficult hardships of their existence, in dealing with their past, living in the present, and not looking forward to a future. Through a series of events including a mysterious journal and others they meet along their journey they discover some crucial things about themselves and others. I requested this book based on the description and cover having not been familiar with the author previously. This is normally not a genre, I read however I enjoyed this book immensely. I've decided I'm going to buy it for a few people as I think they too will enjoy it. If you're adventurous and want to try something different I highly recommend this book. I think anybody that reads it will take something away from it.

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Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book.

The Pages of Her Life by James L Rubart was a religious novel set in modern times. Allison finds a journal and upon its blank pages begins writing, only to find that what she has written changes over night. It follows her journey of self discovery and helps her find her way in life.

This book was too religious for my liking. I didn't grow up in a religious family so I find it difficult to read books that are centered around this.

I did enjoy the story and I think it would appeal to a lot more people if it remained more mysterious and didn't focus so much on the religious aspects.

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I attempted several times in journeying through this book. It wasn't my cuppa joe at all , I fell instantly in love with the blurb, and was looking forward to reading it. Half way through, I wasn't connecting. and it was a struggle for me. Excellent writing but I didn't have the spark to continue. Beautiful cover too!

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The book was promising to be interesting, certain elements of the story such as a journal and a potential mystery introduced in the ad were intriguing. However, the story just feels undeveloped, there is so much filler dialogue, and it is mostly really meaningless. It was a bit of a torture reading it. It is predictable and super simple. Why does Christian fiction have to be so boring?

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I am a member of the Avid Readers of Christian Fiction Facebook group and since I joined at the beginning of 2018, one author I have seen mentioned constantly was James L. Rubart. He is a highly recommended author of well written books. So, of course, when I see one of his books pop-up on NetGalley I instantly request a copy to read and review.

Before I started reading Christian fiction, I was very fond of Cecelia Ahern's books. From what I remember, all her stories (or rather most that l have read) have this sort of unrealistic magical element to them that transports you along on the main characters journey.
When I started reading The Pages of Her Life, I immediately got that same feeling that something magical (or regrettably something unrealistic) is going to happen here. However, as the story progresses, you are so wrapped up in both Allison as well as Peter's journey. Journeys that we are all faced with in our lives. The need for validation, for feeling wanted, for feeling needed.


The Pages of Her Life is a beautifully written story about finding one-self amongst all the hardships life throws at you and being true to yourself. James L. Rubart transports you on a journey of faith and self-discovery. Reminding us that we all have our own identity and we should embrace who we are.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this book. I am looking forward to reading all your books.

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I’ve never read anything from this author. The Pages of Her Life is a thought provoking novel. The story revolves around two characters. Allison Moore struggles with dealing with her family’s issues while hiding from her own. A mysterious journal becomes a tangible reflection of her internal struggles. Her brother, Parker, has his own set of struggles and has cut himself off from the world rather than deal with his issues stemming from his father’s rejection. Both Allison and Parker face their fears and realize who they are.

I didn’t read Rooms, but it may help to read this first as there are several crossover characters. The spiritual journey of the two main characters is worth reading this. I liked the idea of a journal that manifests as a physical representation of Allison’s heart. A bit supernatural, this book is well done in bringing real and heavy spiritual themes to life. I’m giving this four stars as I thought a few of the minor characters seemed to be over the top and distracting. Also, the current book description has nothing to do with the actual content of the novel. But overall, this is an intriguing read and I highly recommend.

I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

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Another gem by Rubart! Rubart’s books are beautifully and timely written, leaving the reader pondering long after the final page. I read Rubart’s first book, Rooms, back in 2010 and have eagerly awaited each and every subsequent book! Pages is filled with deep spiritual insight, and yet, is not heavy handed. A captivating adventure of self-discovery, forgiveness and the ultimate truth. It's easy for the reader to get caught up in Rubart’s words and to journey right alongside each character in every situation. This thought provoking book is full of promise and hope of the life in Christ we are meant to have. How am I living my life, where am I now, and where do I strive to be? Instead of pointing fingers at others, what are the things in my own life that need to be changed? I loved that this book circled back to Rooms and reintroduced Micah and Sarah Taylor and Rick. It takes a great storyteller to reincorporate previous characters several years later, in a totally new story, and to do it so seamlessly. Rubart’s books are sure to leave a lasting impact on all who read them, they certainly have done so for me!

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Allison Moore's life is in turmoil; conflict with her business partner, a crisis with her mom, a brother who's been out of touch for months, she doesn't know where she's going or how she's going to get there. She turns to prayer, and seemingly gets immediate responses, yet even those answers bring more problems, forcing her to figure out who she really is and how she's going to handle the chaos. Along the way, she overhears a conversation in a coffee shop about a strange journal that she finds herself inexplicably drawn to. Soon after, the coffee shop owner tells her that a man left the journal there for Allison, and she begins a strange journey of discovering herself through a journal that may be edited by angels.

As with the previous book by this author that I read, Rooms, Pages looks at unusual ways that God might choose to communicate with us today, to draw us back to Him. In this book, He uses a journal to call Allison's attention to who He's made her to be, and to get her to question her choices and goals in life. She continues to doubt whether this is even possible, but when she says to her mom "'God writing in there? That's crazy. God doesn't do things like that anymore.'" Her mom responds with "'God is the same yesterday, today and forever. If he did it thousands of years ago, why couldn't he do it today.'" Allison then finds herself trying to rely on the journal for specific instructions and becomes frustrated when she can't use it like a magic genie. As she reflects on its place in her life with Richard, a mysterious friend whom she tracked down after seeing him with the journal's previous owner, she says, "'I need change in here.' Allison pointed at her chest. 'It has to be more than pretending I believe in myself. More than positive thinking. It has to be real.'" She begins to see that more than God wanting to direct her life, He wants her to seek Him and make the changes that make her life more meaningful.

In general, I really enjoyed this book. The idea of an angel speaking for God through a journal and well-placed strangers was an intriguing concept, and it was satisfying to see Allison learn and grow through the process. There were, however, two characters whose sole purpose in the book seemed to be to frustrate Allison out of her complacency, and they were so devious and hypocritical that it raised my stress level to read their sections. They did serve their purpose, but it's frustrating to watch a character repeatedly fall for traps that the author has clearly set up as such. I really wanted to see them get theirs, or for them to change from Allison's persistence, but that didn't happen, and I just ended up still feeling angry at them.

I give the book 4 stars; it was well-paced, I enjoyed the secondary characters, and aside from the naivete or trustfulness of Allison and her mother towards untrustworthy characters, it was thought provoking and tied up well.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Allison's Moore life is turned upside down when she goes to work at an architectural firm with the impression that she would be made a partner in the business. She thought this opportunity was an answer from God to help her mother get out of debt. Things do not go as planned. A beautiful journal falls into her lap and she is instructed to journal her feelings. This is no ordinary journal. Strange things happen with this journal. I was drawn into the story rather quickly. I felt the book was well written. People who have read James Rubart's previous book Rooms will enjoy seeing Micah Taylor make an appearance in this book. I enjoyed reading this book and could not put it down. I do disagree with the theology in this book in that I believe God speaks to his in his written word which is the Holy Bible. I don't think he reveals himself through journals.



I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. This book is due for release on May 21, 2019.

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I like this book about exploring the characters own complexities and how the interact with the world around them.
The characters were wonderfully drawn and complex like real. Life

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THE PAGES OF HER LIFE by JAMES L HUBART is a really thought provoking book, which takes us on the journeys taken by Allison Moore and her brother Jasper, in which they each come to grips with who they really are and Who is really in control of their lives. There is a strong contrast between faith and fear, of standing up for oneself rather than backing down and hoping everything will turn out all right. It leads us to do our own soul searching. It is full of spiritual truth and leads us to examine our own relationships with the Lord and with one another.
Allison's life changes when she starts writing in an ancient journal, especially when she finds her words changed the next day. She is encouraged by her new friend Richard to see herself as God sees her and to stop backing down, especially at work.
Jasper's life changes when he meets Abe on the fishing boat where he is working to make money to get his mother out of financial trouble. He is encouraged to stop defining himself by what his father thought of him, and be the man God made him to be. With a huge act of courage he is finally set free.
It is a complex story but well worth reading.
I can really recommend it as a very good and inspirational read.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Thomas Nelson. The opinions in this review are competely my own.

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