True Radiance: A Book Review and Giveaway


Lisa Mladinich is a lovely lady with whom I have been acquainted for many years. When I heard she had written True Radiance: Finding Grace in the Second Half of Life, I knew I had to read it. Lisa is exactly the kind of woman you desire to emulate – she is beautiful, intelligent, graceful, wise, congenial, passionate about her faith, and gifted in many areas. A former actress, she is a Catholic wife and mother, a catechist and workshop leader, and the author of three books.

Even before opening this book, I had high expectations. After reading it, all my expectations were not only met, but they were exceeded. True Radiance is a beautiful book written for women  in the second half of their lives, which is intended to: guide them to gratitude, help them appreciate their inner beauty, and renew their spirit by developing a deep faith in God.  The chapters focus on: authentic feminine beauty, the sacramentality of our changing bodies, understanding and caring for our aging brain (which includes practical advice on Alzheimer’s prevention), ways of blessing others through the witness of our spiritual lives, making lasting friendships, nurturing our vocations, avoiding vices and replacing them with virtues, finding peace in our chaotic culture, and moving forward to the next phase of our lives in radiance.

All the personal anecdotes in this book captured my interest and I was truly amazed by all the inspiring stories about women that Lisa had to share. I was also surprised and satisfied to hear the testimonies of so many women sharing intimate stories of their spiritual life. I felt as if I were a cherished member of this extraordinary group of women who were striving, as I am, to grow in my faith and to make the most of all that God has blessed me with at this point in my life.

 True Radiance is an uplifting book that spoke to me on both practical and spiritual levels. On a spiritual level, it reminded me of the many gifts God has blessed me with as a woman and the purpose of these gifts. On a practical level, it provided useful tips in many areas: diet, health, and relationships. What Lisa has to say about friendships is both sensible and spiritual. She emphasizes how it is important to focus on what is best in others, stating that “St. Therese of Lisieux believed that the best parts of a person are the most true parts, since they are of God.” She highlights the intrinsic worth of our friends: “Each of my friends has a purpose, a dignity that is a gift – not just to me but to the Divine plan of salvation for the Church and the world. Each is a glimpse of the Divine Friend, each relationship a foretaste of the heavens to come. Through the various qualities, lessons, and graces that these relationships bring into my life, I experience subtle opportunities to enter into conversation with God.”

This is just a sampling of what you can expect to find in this insightful book. True Radiance: Finding Grace in the Second Half of Life is a treasure chest of wisdom and guidance for all mature women who are increasing in authentic feminine beauty as they bloom and grow closer to God, reflecting the radiance of His grace-filled glory in their lives.


Lisa Mladinich is a Catholic wife and mom, the founder of AmazingCatechists.com, and an author and speaker whose dynamic presentations on faith, catechetics, and women’s issues can be heard at events around the country.

True Radiance: Finding Grace in the Second Half of Life can be purchased HERE.

 ~ copyright November 2015 Jean M. Heimann



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About the Author (of this article):


Jean M. Heimann, M.A. in Theology, is a freelance writer, a psychologist and an educator, a parish presenter and diocesan speaker, and an oblate with the Community of St. John, who is the author of Seven Saints for Seven Virtues. She has been an active blogger for twelve years at the award-winning blog, Catholic Fire. She has also written for six other blogs. She has been a member of the Catholic Writers Guild since its founding. Her articles appear in the National Catholic Register and in numerous other Catholic periodicals.
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Comments

  1. Magdin1111/19/15, 2:37 PM

    I'd love to win a copy of this book because I am in desparate need of this kind of writings. Thank you so much and God bless you for this opportunity

    ReplyDelete
  2. Betsy Acciani11/21/15, 5:45 AM

    This book sounds great. I never would have heard of it if it were not for following your blog.

    ReplyDelete

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