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



a Rafflecopter giveaway



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.
-

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

Post a Comment

Comments are moderated and are published at the blogger's discretion.

Blog Archive

Show more

Popular posts from this blog

The Spirituality and Miracles of St. Clare of Assisi

Image
August 11 is the memorial of St. Clare, one of my favorite saints. She was the first woman to follow the life of radical poverty practiced by St. Francis of Assisi and is the co-founder of the Poor Clares. Although I am not a Franciscan, I have had Franciscan friends, clergy, and spiritual directors instruct me on the beauty of St. Clare's spirituality. I have also learned a great deal from reading about her over the years. Clare and Francis (2007) is a film which depicts the fascinating story of her dramatic conversion and surrender to the will of God. St. Clare is the patron saint of television. She is also the patron of eye disorders, embroiderers, good weather, and telephones. The Contemplative Life The Lady Clare was born into a noble family in Assisi in 1193 and was admired for her great beauty. When she heard Francis of Assisi preach his Lenten homilies at the Church of San Giorgio, she was captivated by his words. At age eighteen, she heard him say: "When the
Read more

Saint Michael de Sanctis: Patron of Cancer Patients

Image
Today is the feast of Saint Michael de Sanctis, also known as St. Michael of the Saints, a Spanish Discalced Trinitarian priest, the patron of cancer patients. Michael Argemir was born on September 29, 1591 at Vic, Catalonia, Spain. At age 6, he told his parents that he planned to become a monk and began modeling his life after Saint Francis of Assisi. Michael’s parents died when he was about ten years old. He then served as an apprentice with a local merchant. During this apprenticeship, he continued his fervent devotion to the Lord, especially to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. At the age of 12, he joined the Trinitarian Friars at Barcelona, taking his vows at St. Lambert’s monastery in Saragosa four years later.  Shortly afterwards, Michael expressed a desire to join the reformed group of Trinitarians and was given permission to do so. He went to the Novitiate at Madrid and, after studies at Seville and Salamanca, he was ordained a priest. Twice he served as Superior of the hou
Read more

St. Raymond Nonnatus, Patron of Expectant Mothers, Midwives, and Newborn Babies

Image
The saint of the day for August 31 is St. Raymond Nonnatus. He is the patron of expectant mothers, midwives, obstetricians, infertile couples, and newborn babies. Raymond was born at Portella, Catalonia, Spain in 1204, the son of wealthy parents. He was delivered by cesarean section when his mother died in childbirth. Hence his name non natus (not born). In his childhood, he seemed to find pleasure only in his devotions and serious duties. His father, sensing that Raymond was drawn to religious life, ordered him to manage one of the family farms. Raymond readily obeyed but spent his time with the shepherds and workers, studying and praying until his father abandoned the idea of making his son a worldly success. Raymond later joined the the Order of Our Lady of Mercy or the Mercederians, which was founded by St. Peter Nolasco, who devoted to ransoming Christians captured by the Moors. He succeeded Peter as chief ransomer and went to Algeria to ransom slaves. He remained as hosta
Read more