'From Black & White to Colour' is one of those delightful books that I found really hard to put down! From the very first page I felt drawn into the life of this first-time author, who has a real flare for life and for writing.

Through her simple yet strong and consistent faith, she seems to have the ability to find Gods hand of blessing in every part of her life. And what a remarkable story she has to share.

God-incidences

It is somewhat ironic that she came to write her story at all, owing to a limited ability to read because of dyslexia. She could perhaps have written more on this; but Karen doesn't major on negatives – ever looking to the Lord and His willingness to provide all her family’s needs. And He certainly did.

So, in no time, we find this former dyslexic running a printing business with her husband! And - without giving too much away - this proves to be the very means of her conversion (which actually came about through reading the 'Journey into Life' booklet - many a copy of which l well remember handing out in my early days as a believer).

From this starting point, Karen takes you through her amazing and varied Christian journey. Not averse to difficulties and heartaches, for the most part Karen’s life has been filled with incredible answers to prayers, one ‘God-incidence’ leading to another. Through it all, her love for the Lord and His Word is constant.

Discerning His voice

Part of Karen’s ‘secret’ to discerning God’s voice is that she has ever been truly desirous that any decisions her family make are His will and not just their own thoughts or desires.

The author’s greatest longing has always been to learn and study God's Word – and then put it into practise. At one point she and her family set off to South Africa, after the Lord opened the way for her to study in a Bible College there. Karen carried with her a passion to witness wherever and to whoever the Lord led her.

Karen carried with her a passion to witness wherever and to whoever the Lord led her.

Simple trust and faith shines out from every chapter. Even in the midst of disappointments – and the author has had her share of them – her vision and faith materialised in amazing ways; for instance, towards the latter part of her written account, buying a shop for next to nothing – and all for God’s work.

Challenging & faith-building

As Karen grew in her faith, there came a very different trial – one that could have shaken her trust in the Lord to the very core. But in the midst of it she cried out to Him - and He blessed her in a most unexpected way.

Overall, I found the book to be warm, inspiring and encouraging. But I also found it challenging; her answers to prayer seemed so clear and distinct - challenging my own uncertainties in hearing His voice at times.

'From Black & white to Colour' is a beautiful book with a characteristically positive ending. I very much recommend it for the encouragement of believers of any age or at any stage in life.

'From Black & White to Colour’ (177pp) is published by Malcolm Down Publishing, and is available from Amazon for £10.99 (inc p&p), or free on Kindle unlimited.