I first encountered the words and work of Christie Purifoy when she did a podcast interview on "The Simple Show" (episode 32--go listen; it's a good one!). I was so captivated by her words that I checked out her book "Roots and Sky" from the library. It drew me in so quickly and thoroughly that I immediately ordered her book because it was one that I needed to own. She came through the pages as a kindred spirit, one who I could count as a friend even though she has no idea who I am! When I found out that she was releasing another book, I jumped at the chance to be on the launch team for her newest work, "Placemaker".

"Placemaker" beautifully shares the love that Christie has for home and trees. She shares the stories of the widely differing places that she has called home. She doesn't gloss over the challenges of many of those places, but she continually draws the reader back to the beauty and peace of each place. Woven throughout is the story of the trees that define each place. I loved the way that nature holds such a prominent place in this book.

As I read this book, my little corner of Minnesota was hit with a blizzard (culminating our snowiest February on record!). The month felt like it had sucked the soul and life out of everything, but this book helped me so much to see the beauty of my outdoors and to look forward to the promise of spring. I loved this book and can't recommend it highly enough!

(I’ve received this complimentary book as part of the launch team for Christie Purifoy's new release, "Placemaker". A positive review was not required and the views expressed in my review are strictly my own.) ( )

We are all placemakers: those who have gone before and those who are to come. According to Christie Purifoy in "Placemaker," we can cultivate dwellings of peace for ourselves, for others, and for the glory of the One who first made us..." (p. 10). It is a journey. Follow Christie in her journey with nature and family and making a dwelling a home. This is not a book to be read in one session. No, this is a book to taste in small, mindful bites; to stop and look and smell the beauty of God's handiwork. I can see myself coming back to this book and reading it again and again. Each time picking up new insights. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Handlebar Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. ( )