Startling Beauty - My Journey From Rape To Restoration: Amazon.ca: Heather Gemmen: Books

Product Description

Raped in her own home, Heather's terror went beyond her own safety: Were the kids sleeping soundly in the next bedroom, or did their silence mean something else? Would her husband save her, or would he face the same knife she did? And Heather's agony did not end after the rapist left: Against all odds, she became pregnant as a result of the rape. Would she and her husband remain united as they faced the tyranny of the choice before them? Would they endure the strain of anxiety as they waited for HIV test results and answered strange telephone calls?

This gripping true-life story walks readers through Heather's journey--from rape to restoration. Startling Beauty is undeniable proof that God can bring blessings out of the worst situations in our lives.

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Customer Reviews

22 Reviews

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
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Average Customer Review

4.6 out of 5 stars (22 customer reviews)

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5.0 out of 5 stars A compelling story but not for the unemotional, Jun 10 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Startling Beauty - My Journey From Rape To Restoration (Hardcover)

Amazing story of a woman and her families brave journey through sexual assault, forgiveness and the brave choice to life over an easy way out.... there are several ignorant reviews from people who have not read the book - this book is not about race - this book is about having the courage and faith to overcome hardships in life - this is not a sympathy plea book - for the millions of women who have encountered sexual assault this is a journal of comfort and hope. From the opening chapter when Heather gives birth to a still born baby you realize this woman has more strength than you could ever imagine... God can use any situation for good -if we let Him lead.

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5.0 out of 5 stars Written with stark honesty and a poetic voice ..., May 29 2004

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Christian Bookshelf "Christian Bookworm Reviews" (usa) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Startling Beauty - My Journey From Rape To Restoration (Hardcover)

Heather Gemmen and her family attended a church whose mission was to achieve racial reconciliation among the predominantly Caucasian congregation and the predominantly African American neighborhood. Often times this seemed like an impossible mission as Heather and her family struggle to cope under dismal living conditions. Heather herself feels self-conscious about the way she truly feels about her neighbors. Instead of reaching out, she wishes for alternative circumstances that would move her family away from it all.

One night Heather wakes to find an African American man in her bedroom. He ultimately rapes her, while her children lay asleep in their bedrooms. Despite her devastation, Heather becomes convicted in her heart about the morning after pill that is prescribed to her. "Wasn't this abortion?" was the question that plaqued her mind. After seeking the prayers and guidance from trusted church members and friends, Heather takes the pill. Unjustly Heather finds out she is pregnant - no doubt the baby in her womb - the result of her rape. Ironically, prior to the rape, the Gemmens wanted a third child, hopefully a girl.

With stark honesty and a poetic voice, Heather shares her story of restoration. After struggling and pondering over options, the Gemmen's decide to keep their biracial child - a beautiful brown baby girl. Heather's experience is a testament to the awesome power of forgiveness and love that can only be found through faith in God.

-- reviewed by Tyora Moody for Christian Bookshelf

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5.0 out of 5 stars The recent reviewers, May 24 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Startling Beauty - My Journey From Rape To Restoration (Hardcover)

[...] I thought it was a very inspiring story about how people CAN pull through utter hell-- but it also illuminates the fact that many rape victims can NOT.

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Most recent customer reviews

1.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful web of lies
What is the guarantee that Heather Gemmen was not having an illicit relationship with that Black man. Read more

Published on Jun 4 2004 by Mano

4.0 out of 5 stars Courageous
After reading all the reviews I am amazed how each person draws something different from this book. Rape + baby does not have to equal abortion. Read more

Published on April 10 2004