Welcome to the blog tour for this AMAZING book!
Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace is a compilation of essays by some of the biggest names in Christian publishing, as well as some up and coming talent, who have all banded together to share how God's grace has covered the difficulty and pain in their lives. To share how God has taken that unexpected irritant in their lives and turned it into a pearl.
About the book:
Perhaps you have heard the story of the oyster that unexpectedly gets a piece of sand stuck inside its shell. Nacre coats this irritant and creates a pearl. Like the oyster, we encounter unexpected grit in our everyday lives—illness, loss, disappointment, pain, changes . . . and the list goes on. However, God’s nacre of love and grace covers our pain and transforms us into precious pearls. Pearl Girl.
You will read true stories from some amazing women who have unexpectedly encountered grit and experienced grace through the difficult times. You won’t want to miss one of these inspiring narratives! Perhaps you will recognize your own situation or know someone else who is facing similar circumstances. The prayer of Pearl Girls® is that you will find comfort and assurance of God’s grace and love during life-changing moments and during the everyday challenges. You are not alone.
Please remember that 100% of the book's royalties go toward building wells in Uganda for school children and to fund a safe house in Chicago for women and children who are fleeing from domestic abuse. To find out more about Margaret, Pearl Girls®, or about the charities Pearl Girls® contributes to check out the website at www.pearlgirls.info or Margaret's blog From Finance to Fiction.
The purpose of Pearl Girls is two fold:
1) Connecting and
2) Collaborating for charity.
This collection of "pearl" stories by women from all walks of life will encourage the reader. In these short essays we see the evidence of God's grace in their lives. All proceeds will benefit a safe house in the Chicago suburbs and women and children with AIDS in Africa.
Stay informed about new Pearl Girls projects and books -- sign up for the Pearl Girls Newsletter here. (left hand side - middle)
NOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED!
- Announcing Post-a-Pearl!
Inspired by the many women who opened their lives and shared their stories in Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace, Margaret has created Post-a-Pearl.
Post-a-Pearl hopes to continue the connection and encouragement the book began. Please take this opportunity to connect. Please post your own Pearl story and encourage your blog readers and friends to do the same during the tour.
Collaborating is an important purpose of Pearl Girls - connect to make a difference in the world.
Reach out. Tell a friend. Be encouraged.
The tour will extend from September to November!
Read what others are saying!
September 19
Melissa at 5 Minutes for Mom
I found these stories to be inspiring and encouraging reminders that God can take even the dirtiest and toughest thing in our lives and make something beautiful from it if we allow Him.
Christy at Christy's Book Review
Pearl Girls edited by Margaret McSweeney is an moving book filled with stories to encourage your heart. A pearl girl is any woman who has turned the grit of her life into something beautiful, and each one of the authors of the stories within this book is a true gem. The stories run the gamut from hilarious to heart-breaking to hopeful. It's not the kind of book you want to zip through in one reading, but to take time to savor each story and take in its full message. Stories of rape, abuse, and depression all offer hope to readers that there is beauty on the other side, beauty offered by God, friends, and family. Some stories will give readers perspective on their own lives, others offer comfort in the knowledge that we are not alone, but all will touch the heart.
September 29
Jennifer at So Many Books
October 1
Wendy at Theology for Women
October 8
Amy at In Pursuit of Proverbs 31
Some of the greatest gifts in my life came from disappointment and sorrow. I can't explain it but without those experiences I would not have the fulfilling life that I live today. That is what the premise is behind the book, Pearl Girls.
October 10
Nicole at Gidget Goes Home
These stories are short and sweet, a perfect little bit to read right before bed. As someone who has gone through some gritty times, I am thankful for encouraging stories of how God has used difficulties, tragedies and even repented sin for the good of these women.
Sunny at That Book Addiction
I appreciate the wide variety of experiences covered in this book that reach out to the many different aspects of life. And if you’ve ever listened to a fantastic speaker or read books from amazing authors and thought, “If only my life were so put together like that,” then you’ll be blessed to hear from just such women who have struggled with hard times and sadness and see that you’re not alone and that good really can come out of difficult situations.
Pat at Sometimes I Feel Like a Piece of Bologna
I’ve been reading a wonderful book that offers insights into those grains of sand as they slowly form pearls in the hidden places of our hearts. So if you need a bit of inspiration along the way, join me in reading Pearl Girls. You'll gain new perspective on that annoying or even tragic situation in your life.
October 16
Nicole at Gidget Goes Home
These stories are short and sweet, a perfect little bit to read right before bed. As someone who has gone through some gritty times, I am thankful for encouraging stories of how God has used difficulties, tragedies and even repented sin for the good of these women.
October 20
Amy at Amy’s Random Thoughts
This is the kind of book you take everywhere with ya, because you just want to finish it and see what other encouragement you will find..Check the book out, if not for yourself, it would make a sweet gift.
Angie at God Uses Broken Vessels
Stories you need to read told by women whose writing uplifts and inspires you. Each one a few minutes to enrich a moment, a day, and open doors to healing and growth. I love this book because it layers significance into the pages and beyond into the real world through the 100% of the royalties going to support women's safety and building a well in Uganda. Significant because personal growth = powerful living! When we lead lives that use our brokenness to help others, we are living out God's grace and purpose. It's in that grace and purpose that we are most fulfilled.
October 23
Suzanne at There's No Place Like Home
With so many fabulous authors (many of which are my favorites!) sharing stories from their own lives this is surely one book you need to go out and get. I love, love, LOVE this one! Most stories are just a page or two long but each one has a Scripture verse to go along with it and will inspire you in your walk with the Lord.
October 24
Charlotte at Charlotte's Heart
October 29
Michelle at From His Heart to Mine
In life, things do not always go as we think they should, nor does it feel all prayers are answered (even though they truly are). As I kept reading, I came across those who are still waiting in hopeful expectation of God to turn a situation around, to bring home a lost child, to heal, to move. I was moved by the honesty of each contributor, how open they were to sharing their experiences, and by their trust in our heavenly Father. No, life does not always go as we hope, expect, or pray for. However, each story is beautiful, and part of this rich tapestry of life. Whether the prayer has been answered or not, we need to hear these stories. This book is filled with story after story of how God is working and how his people are living in faith. Pearl Girls will give readers glimmers of hope, peace, and the assurance that God has not forgotten his people.
October 30
Pat at Sometimes I feel like a piece of Bologna
So if you need a bit of inspiration along the way, join me in reading Pearl Girls. You'll gain new perspective on that annoying or even tragic situation in your life.
Amy at The 160 Acre Woods
I love these [types of] books as a mother because sometimes I can only get two or three minutes to myself during the day. There are oodles of authors, so there are lots of ladies you can relate to and feel connected with. You’ll find God throughout these pages and be touched by a lot of the stories. I found myself smiling and teary-eyed in the same breath! It was easy to love this book because it touched on so many levels of life and had so many wonderful authors involved in it.
October 31
Jennifer at Jennifer's Snapshot
One of the secrets of life is using the grit that life gives us -- those unexpected and/or unfortunate circumstances of life. In fact, sometimes living life is enough to produce a little grit. I've really enjoyed reading the essays
Dena at Mother Inferior
From Pain to Pearls: A Movement is Born!
November 5
Erin at Connected to Christ
I enjoyed and was encouraged in reading the stories included in Pearl Girls. All sorts of woman from many different lifestyles took a step of faith to share stories of the grace of God and hope they’ve encountered throughout their lives, and nothing can touch the heart more in knowing that. This book would make a wonderfully encouraging gift to anyone whether they are going through a gritty situation at the time or not. God’s grace is sufficent unto us and this book displays that beautifully.
Tiffany at Amber Stockton
A fantastic grass-roots endeavor to uplift, encourage, inspire and touch hearts from women to women.
November 6
Danica at The Journey of Writer Danica Favorite
I just love this book and the stories that come out of it. I think they speak to so many of the things in our hearts and I love the sharing spirit of this book. Each story is a precious pearl, and I love how they all come together. I hope there will be more Pearl stories, and more of this encouragement being passed from woman to woman.
November 7
Kayla at Kayla Finely
I enjoyed reading what these women had to offer, especially the ones that I’d heard of. It feels like a peek into someone’s life and it’s so special to be allowed to know what they’ve experienced. Some of them were quite painful, but they have all come out of them with a special understanding of life and grace and it illuminates the point that we have to find the lessons in the hard things that we endure in life.
November 10
Annette at Annie's Eyes
As I drank in the pages of Pearl Girls, I heard the voice of faithful Christian women spanning the ages humming a low, soulful “Amazing Grace.” It sends a powerful message that with God’s tender mercies, we have hope during and through every trial. Pearl Girls contributor, Maureen Lang notes, “It is the hard moments in life that are undeniably tied to those things that make us strong.” Each story holds its own amazing gift of courage, and as a whole, Pearl Girls weaves a mighty story of faith and sisterhood. This book is a drink of Living Water for the tired and thirsty soul.
November 12
Leticia at My Daily Trek
This book was so wonderful and inspiring. It is a compilation of true stories written by strong woman who overcame difficult obstacles in their lives. It is through their sharing that you find hope and love in the Lord, who never forsakes you but keeps you in His hands through the good and the bad.
November 17
Susanne at Truly Captivating
I love this little book! I have been using it as a companion to my daily devotional for extra inspiration and encouragement. The essays are really short, and can be read in just a few minutes each. All of us girls can use extra encouragement at any time in our day… this would be great to help pass the time in car-line, too!!
November 20
Sarah at Reborn Butterfly
Alaina at Dinker and Giggles
The book with it’s beautiful cover and crisp pages is exactly what I needed. While the pages aren’t so crisp now and the binding has that broken in feel the stories are still the same each time I read them. Yet, every time I read a Pearl Girl story it touches me in a different way - soul deep.
November 21
Stacie at the Hobbit Door
It is a fantastic book full of real stories from real women about what God has done in their lives through some of the hardest times of their lives. I will warn you, read this with a box of tissues handy! It's great for busy mom's because each short chapter is someone's story. I've read it at the doctor's office, at lunch at work, etc. There are so many stories that remind me of women I know.
November 23
Jennie at a Bookish Mom
This is such a heart warming book. I love reading stories about the miracles that God gives to us. Some can be small and others amazingly large, but still the effects are the same.... complete and total awe. My personal favorites are The Miracle at the Post Office (made me cry), Releasing the Rope, and Future Perfect- Who,Me?. These stories will really remind you of what a mighty God we serve. It is a tear jerker to be sure.
Holly at 2 Kids and Tired book reviews
Camy at Camy's Loft
Margaret asked me to be one of the contributors and I was thrilled and honored to add my piece in this compilation. My article is a short personal piece about my growing up in Hawaii and the things God did in my life when I moved to California.
Marietta at Mari's Morning Room
This is one of the most encouraging books I've ever read. To read about the challenges these authors have faced, frankly, blew me away. What strength!! And now I can see even more clearly why their writing is so good, so grounded and encouraging. I strongly encourage you to read this book! It will truly bless you! It surely blessed me.
Deena at A Peek at My Bookshelf
December 1
Urailak at Homeschool Blogger
I really believe real lives are more interesting than fiction. Pearl Girls confirms that. God is the God of transformation (Romans 8:28). Women from different backgrounds share in this book how God turned their pain, suffering, and trials into beautiful pearls...blessings to the world. I truly enjoyed reading all the essays and find them encouraging and inspiring. If you are facing challenges and are discouraged, please read this book ; you'll realize that you're not alone.
Decemmer 4
Kaylea at My Scrappy Life
I devoured this book when it arrived in my mail box. I read the first story, and then began to flip through, first looking for nuggets by authors I recognized, then those by others. McSweeney has gathered together a variety of stories that carry with them numerous life changing moments - all showing how God worked in their lives, despite of circumstances. I loved this book! It's full of encouragement, hope and inspiration. I'm so glad it dropped into my life.
Kristy at I need to Read
This is a lovely inspiration book full of true short stories shared by many different people from many different walks of life. I particularly liked getting to see stories by and about names that I know through book-reviewing and blogging! If you're not a big reader, this book would be great for you as each story stands alone and is only a few pages long. It might take you the year to finish the book but you would easily get at least a story finished every time you pick it up. :)
Jennifer at Rundpinne
Pearl Girls made me laugh, cry, and give thanks for what I have and what I have not had to endure. These beautiful pearls should be read and I would not hesitate to recommend Pearl Girls to anyone, for I cannot fathom someone not relating to and gaining from these pearls of wisdom.
Beth at Journey Bound
Reading Pearl Girls is like kicking back in your chair at church, grabbing a warm cup of joe, nestling in with your favorite blanket, and hearing testimony after testimony of women who have been through it- whatever "it" life threw their way- and how they came out on the other side of it. Each essay I read was a balm to my soul. As I read, I felt the community and camaraderie of these women in a way that made my spirit take a deep breath, sigh, and say, "It is good. It is very good. All will be well.."
December 9
Lori at Laurel's Reflections
December 10
Brooke at Brooke Turner Photography
I have been so encouraged and inspired over the past several weeks as I have read a compilation of true, real life, short stories of exceptional women in this book of essays.
December 11
Kelly at Scrambled Dregs
A book full of encouragement and inspiration for the recipient and all royalties going to help others might be the thing for that hard to buy for person on your Christmas list.
December 14
Tammy at Three Different Directions
I started reading this book on a Sunday morning when Amber had to be at church early, I had hardly begun the third story and I was already in tears. The pouring out of feelings by the many authors in this compilation will definitely move your heart, melt it if it's cold, strengthen it if it's weak or just confirm to it that God is always there, using the pain to bring out a lustrous, glory-hued pearl.
December 15
Laura at Lighthouse Academy
PEARL GIRLS is a book that is beautifully published, an ideal book to give to a loved one for Christmas. The stories are all short enough to read in one sitting, and you might even learn something. This book contains a message that every woman needs to learn. So come to the place where grit encounters grace. And discover that God isn’t finished with you yet.
December 18
Shanna at The Beauty of Surrender
December 19
Christy at Critty Joy
From heartbreak to disappoint this book takes you to hard places….but it does not leave you there…it also talks of experiencing the beautiful grace of our Father.
December 28
Lynn at Heading Home
Each woman’s story of overcoming a trial is a testament of how she turned her grit into a pearl of a testimony with God’s help and all to His glory. Some share the comfort they’ve received as they await their pearls.
December 29
Nora at Psalm 5:16
December 30
So many inspiring and encouraging stories!
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