About the Book

Book: The Pages of Her Life
Author: James L. Rubart
Genre: Christian fiction – suspense
Release Date: May 21, 2019
Award-winning and bestselling author James L. Rubart explores the way our memories shape us . . . and how they affect our beliefs.
Allison Moore has no idea why she got out of her car on that rainy March afternoon and picked up the soaked journal laying on the side of the road. Brought it home. But she did. It was empty. Except for two lines scrawled in the front, too washed out to read. And a Jesus emblem inside the back cover. Something about the journal compels her to start writing in it, capturing thoughts about her newly acquired job that she thought would be heaven, but has turned into hell. Then one day, she finds words in the center of the journal. Words she didn’t write: Mene mene tekel upharsin. After her heart stops hammering, Allison Googles the phrase, and reads the story of Belshazzar’s Feast, where a hand from God writes on the wall, and the king is slain. Fear grips her, certain God is coming after her for what she did twelve years back. What she’s done wrong her whole life. She vows to make things right. Then she discovers more phrases appearing underneath each of her journal entries. Those phrases take her on an emotional roller coaster that forces her to look at everything she believes about her past in a new light, and opens her eyes to a supernatural realm of staggering consequence.

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In My Opinion

I’m ducking my head as I admit this, but The Pages of Her Life is the first James L. Rubart book I’ve read. Ok, head’s up now and I’m looking you straight in the eyes when I tell you it will not be the last.

This story is so hard to describe (mostly because you have to experience it for yourself), but I’m going to give it my best shot. It’s both literary and speculative, both internal and external, and both a cautionary tale and one of growth and change.

Externally, Allison’s family discovery requires some immediate changes—a new partnership, a move for her mother, and a trip to talk to her brother. Internally, Allison struggles with standing up for herself and not feeling like she’s good enough. Both of those things stem from her disappointing relationship with her father. Rubart uses the journal—one that changes words and meanings when written in—to detail Allison’s doubts, fears, trials, and more.

While Allison embarks on her journey of discovery, her brother is also on his own. And the cautionary tale? Sometimes when we pray and an immediate answer comes, it is wise to wait, to listen to wise counsel, and to continue praying before jumping into a worse situation out of our desperation.

For me, the best thing about The Pages of Her Life was how authentic the characters are. Throughout the book, I found myself getting angry on Allison’s behalf, cheering when she defends herself, hurting for her and Parker’s past, wanting to talk to Parker about his behavior, and pleased when blessings found either of them.

If, like me, you haven’t read any James Rubart yet, do yourself a favor and pick up one of his books soon.

My Rating:

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

About the Author

James L. Rubart is a professional marketer and speaker. He is the author of the best-selling novel Rooms as well as Book of Days, The Chair, Soul’s Gate, Memory’s Door, and Spirit Bridge. He lives with his wife and sons in the Pacific Northwest. Website: www.jameslrubart.com Twitter: @jameslrubart Facebook: JamesLRubart