GraceLaced: Discovering Timeless Truths Through Seasons of the Heart Hardcover – Illustrated, September 1, 2017

I have followed Ruth’s art and words on Facebook for a several years. I moved overseas a year ago and have purchased a handful of her prints to be mailed to friends. And when I learned that she was writing and illustrating a book, I have been keeping a close watch on its progress!Have you ever discovered an author that you feel just understands the thoughts you feel, but can’t always formulate into words? This woman has done this. Her book, Gracelaced walks through ‘seasons of the soul’ and records her recollections and experiences. She shares what she learned through her poetic language and beautiful art and photographs. The book is divided into short 2-3 page devotionals. Ideal for the busy women, but also refreshing when you just need to sit for a bit and be still. The cover art is beautiful and has a lovely texture. This would be ideal for a coffee table, bedside table or waiting room. Or as a gift to every person you know.I preordered this book from Amazon as soon as it was available for preorder. I was also privileged enough to receive an advance copy to review prior to release. I received the book for no charge, but since I live overseas I paid for the express shipping(let’s just say I was thankful for a refund from something else, because, yikes!) But the book was worth the cost of shipping and I look forward to going back through slowly and gifting this book to many friends. Thank you Ruth for your beautiful words and beautiful art. I am happy to hold a bit of your heart in my hands. It is gorgeous!

I've followed Ruth Chou Simons via Gracelaced on Instagram for a couple of years now. Her artwork has inspired me and encouraged me to surround myself with Scripture. Gracelaced- the book allowed me to break down a trial I've been walking through for over year. Complicated health stuff that has completely changed the direction of my life. The devotions in this book are straightforward, almost simple - because they are based on the Bible. Not on "being your best self" or "believing in yourself" but reminding me of my dependency on God and His absolute love for me. And that my purpose is to glorify Him and love Him forever. Good, solid, simple truths that will utterly change your heart. Because that's how He works. He has used Ruth, her artwork and what she has learned from Him as a tool to remind us of how we can Rest in Him (Winter) Rehearse (Spring) what He has taught us, Respond (summer) to what we've learned and encourage and teach others, and Remember (Fall) His faithfulness, because remembering is what gives hope and courage as we walk tough the seasons of life.I highly recommend Gracelaced book as beautiful way to remind yourself of truths that can seem to be buried by the hype and watered down theology of our day (social media, quick band-aid fixes, etc). It is more than a pretty book (and it is pretty, beautiful, and restful to the soul to look upon), it is a book that will us Scripture to speak His truth to you and remind you of how much He loves and cares for you.I received an advanced copy of Gracelaced book and agreed to write my honest opinion.

Great to give as a gift!

In Gracelaced, Ruth Cho Simmons has written a book that travels through the seasons of ones faith. There are times we each struggle through a situation or feel like we are walking through a valley in our faith and Gracelaced begins at the hard place, “Winter” and what we find in each short devotional is a verse that acknowledges where we might be and then a devotion that is grounded in truth and personal reflections. As I read the authors reflections I found myself identifying and whispering, me too…Just as winter is not the only season neither is it the focus of the book. Each season is celebrated and acknowledged just as they are in our lives.So many books seem to have “Ten Easy Steps…” or the devotions so shallow that I’ve been left having read something but pondering nothing. No deep insight, no thought to chew on, nothing that I can bring into my own life and be better for having read it. That is not what I found in Gracelaced. As I read each page I found myself journaling my own thoughts and reflections. There is spiritual meat in this book, not just fluffy pronouncements and I was in a place where I needed exactly that.As a side note, I also found this book visually appealing. In an age of cheap paper and flimsy paperback Gracelaced is the exact opposite of that. The hard cover is deeply textured and the paper, print and colors are high quality. The book is full of frame worthy water colors all painted by the author. She shares her thoughts, her own journey (without making the book about that) and her beautiful family and by the time I closed the back cover I was better for having read the book.I’ve now bought several copies of Gracelaced to give as gifts-the one I received was an advanced copy allowing me to give an early and honest review-I’m excited to share the copies I purchased with the loved ones I purchased them for because I believe they too will be better for the reading of it.