Amara Palmer

Well written and tremendously engaging

Revisado: 12-23-23

I loved the easy style with which this was written and the content, which the mind might otherwise discount, the heart and inner knowing could not. Grateful for this courageous and inspiring work. Loving the reframe toward the Divine/inter-dimensional. Makes perfect sense. What we truly see is usually superimposed by what we expect to see. Our current frame is deeply conditioned materialism with technology so the ephemeral becomes metallic and mechanical with those eyes. As is ever the question, “What is my true, direct experience, without the superimpositions of the mind?” And, “Am I willing to experience the discomfort of seeing something I can’t explain?”

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Two very beautifully conveyed concurrent stories

Revisado: 10-18-23

Two very compelling and beautifully conveyed concurrent stories …

One track offers fascinating glimpses into the mysterious (to me!) sisterhood of a cloistered order of nuns whose current observances date back to the mid 1500’s with St. Theresa of Avila. And the other, one of surrender, of faith and vision, offers an uplifting illustration of the immense capacity for grounded human generosity.

I grew up in Savannah, Ga, and near my home, established near the marsh across from Rose Dhu Island, was a fascinating walled monastery where an order of Carmelite nuns resided. I always wondered at what life must be like behind those walls — perhaps a romantic rumination, but at the same time I somehow felt akin to them even though they seemed unreachable. I’ve felt a connection with this particular order sense. Through this book, my glimpse inside the Carmelite monastery was a long awaited one and I wasn’t disappointed in the author’s telling. So many vignettes, intimate in detail, brought a sense of nostalgia somehow, while others brought contemplation. One of the things I most appreciated, having purchased the audible version, is that I was treated to the traditional chants in Kimberly’s own beautiful voice as they arose naturally in the story. What a treat!

As for the story of faith, vision and surrender … We’ve all had those times in our lives when flow just happened and it seemed we were being carried along by grace and could do no wrong. Now imagine that multiplied a hundred-fold - or more … over years! We get to ride along on this journey of high-stakes surrender as a young nun heads up a massive project to build her order’s permanent monastery in a traditional Southwest mission-style. Each story of a kind heart coming forward to contribute time, money, resources or talent to the project was pure sweetness. So many synchronicities and downright miracles. Amazing. What a fun ride! Highly recommend.

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Can a book be important and fun at the same time?

Revisado: 10-05-21

I so enjoyed this book, from start to finish. The pace was quick and steady and turns were taken that I didn’t anticipate which made it especially fun (and I'm usually a few turns ahead with most books). The wide variety of well-defined characters were a joy to take in and to let live inside me -- there was just an immediate rapport and trust with the authors somehow. The telling was so visual – I experienced it as if I were watching a movie (wouldn't that be great?!).

Can a book be important and fun at the same time? I do hope this is a growing genre, because it’s what we need right now - story that addresses our very dire planet-wide circumstances, but also brings forward the more promising potential slumbering within humanity. The message is, overall, very uplifting but not in an airy fairy way. It’s uplifting because there is a real sense that the principles underlying the fictional tale are what is actually playing out in our time. It’s as if the authors are saying, “Yes, don’t deny our circumstances, but don’t be daunted either. Look what’s also happening – and you’re a part of that. Lean into it!” And with that message, was a kind of compassion which made it easier to let in as well and so didn't come down like a hammer.

With all of this, I always felt respected by the authors. My trust as a reader was never betrayed and I even felt included as an element contributing to the story somehow. I was a bit sad to reach the epilogue. I wasn’t ready to put away the characters, the rich visuals or the story and how it had made me feel. I was very pleased to see there will be more to come!

Oh, one more thing ... I feel compelled to comment on the quality of the narration. I can't imagine their finding a better voice talent for this book. Perfectly matched! He added so much to my experience of the book. I'm glad there's a way to rate performance because this was definitely five star!

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Would give ten stars if I could!

Revisado: 05-22-21

Brilliantly written, beautifully read by the author. I wish everyone on the planet could take this work, this message, fully into themselves.

I loved all the threads with which Martha (can I call you Martha?) weaved her message. Dante’s Divine Comedy - not the hero’s journey, but the human journey in its divine potential; her great metaphor for integrity; stories from her years of guiding others on this journey; and then most impacting, the several threads from her own life so vulnerably and authentically offered up to the cause ... all provided a fullness and sense of ground. Each time a familiar thread was pulled back in, it brought a comfort that helped it all land that much deeper.

And there is no more worthy a message, IMO. I’ve never seen the path of awakening to our true eternal nature made so graspable and understandable and grounded in experience - all our experience. Martha is so very relatable in her struggles, yet so obviously committed to this massive piece called integrity. In her sharing her hard-won life experience with us, integrity is not just a word floating in the ethers, but seen as an imperative for our species.

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