Book Review

“Prior to December 17, 1998, I was certainly not newsworthy. I wouldn’t describe my life as either a great success or a great failure. I was a wife, a mother, an active church member, a friend. But I wasn’t particularly interesting. In fact, I remember telling my husband, ‘I would love to speak and write for women, but there’s just nothing interesting or unusual in my life to talk about” (Headlines, Bylines and Lifelines introduction).

After December 17, 1998, Carol found her “ordinary” life awash in the relentless spotlight of multiple newspaper articles and newscasts. The headline in the Springfield News-Leader read, “Springfield man found alive.” After a dramatic disappearance and a citywide search, Carol’s husband had been found hundreds of miles away from home living a new life—one that did not include her or their children.

In Headlines, Bylines, and Lifelines Carol Carpenter shows how God’s love can work in the midst of turmoil, lies, disillusionment, and heartbreak to bring a person to a place of grace. Using reproductions of actual newspaper articles, she invites the reader to journey with her through the incredible story of devastating loss, hopeful recovery, and shocking disillusionment to a place of profound peace that rests outside of circumstances.

Throughout her story, Carol weaves in the threads of hope that became for her a tapestry of God’s grace. Women who have suffered the pain of divorce will find comfort in her words. Others will see how God can give strength and hope to the weak and hopeless. All women who dream dreams for life and ministry will be encouraged to see God’s ability to transform tragedy into opportunity.

The book is difficult to put down. One will easily be caught up in the events that took place during the winter of 1998. When the last page is turned, however, the headlines will make way for the lifeline that is found only in Christ.

Headlines, Bylines and Lifelines can be found at Christian Publisher’s Outlet in Springfield, Missouri (417-891-2200) or by contacting Carol directly through her website at www.heartsfocus.com.

Reviewed by Jennifer Gale, associate pastor, Evangel Temple, Springfield, Missouri