by
2.98 of 5 stars

With the big 5-0 fast approaching, Josie Brooks begins to question her structured, picture-perfect (mid)life. 
 
Josie Br... read full description


reviews

Jan 27, 2011
Second book in the Snow Globe Connections series, Divine Appointments was an "average" read for me. I was pretty disappointed with it, after enjoying Stray Affections so much.

If you missed the first book in the series (Stray Affections), you can check out my review here:
http://redlilycafe.blogspot.com/2009/09/...

Some of the characters from the first book show up in this story, so it may be helpful to read this series in order just to keep up with the back More...
Dec 05, 2011
Kate rated it: 3 of 5 stars
The story centers around Josie and Lyle who work at Diamond Mutual. Josie whose job is to give fellow employees the "pink slips" seemed harsh and unsympathetic in her execution of her job. I would assume that would be the type of employee to have in that position, one who doesn't get too attached to her coworkers, and add on top of that hotflashes well I guess her character would seem more miserable, I know I would! Lyle who is kindhearted and hates to say a terrible word about anyone More...
Jul 13, 2011
Teresa added it
In the beginning I was sure I was going to like the book. Josie came off hard and was given the nickname of "dragon" which she well deserved. As I read the book further Josie had to have this type of personality in order to be able to perform the job she was asked to do. With her giving recomendations on who kept their job and who was to be let go did not make her many friends.

Although Barb was ultimately let go she started the Encourgement club to help the people who were More...
Feb 20, 2011
Tina rated it: 3 of 5 stars
Divine Appointments is book 2 of a 3 book series and for the most part I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I really liked the main characters of the book - Josie, Lyle, Barb and Marsha and their story was easy to read and follow. Marsha has a "twist" to her story that I personally felt could be left out of the book and I skipped those parts when I got to them and to be honest I wish the book hadn't closed with her as I felt kind of unsettled when I read it. Maybe it's a "cliff-hang More...
Jan 21, 2011
Chris rated it: 2 of 5 stars
This is the story of a 40 something business consultant named Josie who is going through menopause and starting to re-think her loner lifestyle. Josie is not the only main character. Several other people who work at the company Josie is helping to streamline during the hard economic times in 2009 are also featured prominently. Lyle is a Vice President who has left a career in non-profit work to work at Diamond Mutual, Barb is a department manager of 20 years and nearing retirement, and Marsha is More...
Jan 28, 2011
Janna rated it: 3 of 5 stars
This book is a step away from what I usually read. It is full of main characters which makes it a little disjointed, I had some issues keeping the characters and the time line straight (not usually an issue for me). The overall storyline was quite interesting - Josie is a freelance consultant that goes into big businesses and helps them streamline and cut where necessary. Many times this means cutting staff, and in this case she has to make some recommendations. Soon Lyle, Barb and many more are More...
Jan 27, 2011
Brenda rated it: 2 of 5 stars
From the back of the book - With the Big 5-0 fast approaching. Josie Brooks begins to question her structured, picture-perfect (mid) life.

I had problems keeping my attention on this book while trying to finish it. I finished the book but it was a struggle. I did finally finish it, as it picked up the pace a bit when I was just about ready to put it down and give up.

I'm sorry I can't tell you that this author wrote a fabulous book. It just didn't appeal to me. It might More...
Apr 06, 2011
Ellen rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Divine Appointments by Charlene Ann Baumbich carries you into the world of corporate restructuring through the eyes of a 47 year old consultant. Josie is smart, talented and at the top of her game - helping businesses restructure during thecurrent economic downturn. She is living a dream life of no financial concerns, no day-in day-out boss telling her what to do, the next work site just around the corner, and thriving on her independence. Yet, can anyone truly live happily in their well-ord More...
May 25, 2011
Amanda rated it: 4 of 5 stars

Divine Appointments is a relevant and thought provoking look at the issues many people face today. Economic downturns, job loss, as well as loneliness and second chances.

Meet Josie Brooks, one of the most self-assured and strong personalities I've ever 'met'. At the age of forty-seven, she thought she was leading an enviable single life. A successful consultant, she calls her own shots, goes where the money is, and never needs to compromise.
Enter Barb DeWitt, selfless encou More...
Apr 06, 2011
Carly rated it: 3 of 5 stars
Having really enjoyed Charlene Ann Baumbich’s last book, Stray Affections, I was really excited about her next book in the Snowglobe Connections series. Divine Appointments was a good story with a good premise and a positive, uplifting Christian message, but some of this book fell flat with me. There were some parts, mostly the more in-depth business parts of the story that caused the book to move very slowly. It actually got to the point where I had to put the put down for a little while and More...
Apr 06, 2011
Gmr rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Book 2 in the Snowglobe Series and my verdict...as good or even better than the 1st. The mysterious snowglobe still plays a role in the story but this time rather than hiding in the back corners, it sits in the passenger seat to help guide our leading lady. Overall, it struck me as a book about the heart warming changes that can take place if you just give life, in all it's vibrant colors, a chance. Josie was not the only one transformed in this book...far from it. Each character was changed More...
Mar 25, 2011
Brenda rated it: 1 of 5 stars
I've tried to get into this book twice, and haven't been able to make it very far. The book is overly descriptive and starts off quite slow. I couldn't really connect or get a feel for the main character, and felt that she wasn't particularly likable. I think fans of women's fiction might enjoy this, especially those who like a more descriptive style of writing.

With so many books on my shelves (not to mention books at the library, at the bookstore, books not yet written), I don' More...
Apr 02, 2011
Debbie rated it: 3 of 5 stars
This was an ok read. I had trouble connecting with the main character, Josie in the beginning of the book as she wasn't likeable. Towards the end of the book, she made some changes in her life and it was then easier to like her character.
Feb 09, 2011
Emily rated it: 3 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this book. It was not overtly religious but had spiritual and mystic themes which i enjoyed. It was a little slow to start and I would have liked the end to be drawn out more and not tidied up so fast, but it was a fun read.
Aug 05, 2011
Melanie rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Very inspiring. This author tends to tie everything up in a tidy, little package but it was quite the timely read for me so I appreciated what she had to say in this story.
Jan 17, 2011
Carrie rated it: 2 of 5 stars
Nice read from a local author
Dec 28, 2010
Joann rated it: 2 of 5 stars
Preachy.
Apr 06, 2011
Lyn rated it: 4 of 5 stars
If you're looking for something different to read, Divine Appointments fits the bill! The heroine is not a young "thing" but a woman who has spent her life in solitary achievement. However, God has more in mind for her. I endorsed this book and here's my endorsement. "This book intrigued me from the first page. A delightful, unique heroine and a story well told with twists and turns and layers peeled back. Insightful. Don't miss it!
Mar 20, 2011
Dorothy rated it: 2 of 5 stars
Not really my thing but it held my interest.
Feb 07, 2012
AM rated it: 3 of 5 stars
Jan 17, 2012
Carol rated it: 3 of 5 stars
Jan 14, 2012
Sherry added it
Dec 25, 2011
Jennifer marked it as to-read
Nov 29, 2011
Theresa marked it as to-read
Nov 19, 2011
Joanna rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Nov 07, 2011
Joy rated it: 2 of 5 stars
Oct 06, 2011
Waterbrook rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Oct 03, 2011
Trinka marked it as to-read
Sep 19, 2011
Jami rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Jan 30, 2012
Joy added it