I should have known -- when the lines are so spaced apart, the print large, and the book still thin, there may not be much in the book. There are exceptions, for sure, but not this one. I agree 100% with the resentful reviewer -- and am most grateful I got the book as a bonus and didn't pay retail for it. Doesn't even seem like a "rehash" to me -- sometimes they make you rethink some things -- this one does only skimming on the surface. Skip it.

Cheryl Richardson defines "grace" as "a kind of spiritual intelligence, a form of energy that comes from the Divine Source. This energy is available to each and every one of us at any moment. When we connect with and trust this Higher Power and follow its lead, we step into alignment with a larger vision for our lives." In "The Unmistakable Touch of Grace," Richardson reveals the ways in which grace has touched her own life, as well as the ways we can open our own lives to this power.

Grace is always available to us. A free gift from God, we merely need to open ourselves to its influence. We need to be awake and alert to see grace at work in our lives. As we surrender our lives to God, we will become more aware of the ways God is shaping our path and helping us to fulfill our life's purpose.

Richardson encourages her readers to keep a journal to help them figure out what is and what is not working in their lives. Each chapter in this book concludes with an activity to do in this journal, providing a self-help course right within these pages. She insists that such a journal need not be limited to written words, but may also include photographs, drawings, or meetings with friends. Whatever works to help you become more aware of your life is welcomed here.

Richardson also emphasizes that grace often works through other people in our lives. She suggests taking stock of our relationships. Both those who support us through thick and thin and those that challenge us have something to bring to our lives. "Sometimes the people who have the most powerful effect on our lives are the ones who cause us the most pain." Every conversation can become an opportunity for growth.

In addition, she encourages us to trust our inner gut, because that is where God speaks to us. Through prayer and meditation, we can come to center our lives, and become more aware of the steps God wants us to take.

Richardson acknowledges that opening ourselves up to grace will not always be easy. There will still be pain and disappointment. There will be times when the way will not always seem clear and we may end up in a place that we did not expect. God and God's grace will not steer us wrong, however. Ultimately, if we open ourselves up to God's influence, we will be exactly where we are meant to be.


Patrice Fagnant-MacArthur is editor of The Spiritual Woman Newsletter [...]