There are books that I enjoy just for fun and then there are those that I read with pen in hand, making marks up and down the sides, underling words, and making notes to myself to come back and re-read sections. “Embracing Your Second Calling” by Dale Hanson Bouke, is the latter. This book came into my life at such an important time. Crossing that 50-year mark is a difficult one for most women, and it was for me. Her book was such an encouragement to me to not just coast through the last half of my life, but a challenge to find my passion and serve the Lord more fully.

She has cleverly intertwined a study of Naomi from the book of Ruth through her text; such a fitting study. Her book is really something for women of all ages and not just for those moving into their “second half”, as she deals with issues we all can relate to. Such as prayer life, idols in our life, mentoring others, and friendships. My favorite part of her book was her “act and reflect” boxes on the page margins. These gave an extra little thought, or suggestions of a book to read to go into more depth with the study. I also loved her humility in sharing personal stories; I was able to relate to so many of them.

In this day when we are told to reduce our carbon imprint on earth, Dale Hanson Bourke encourages us to leave an imprint on others’ hearts; to worry less about what we have, and more about the good we leave behind. I thoroughly enjoyed her book.