Diary of an (Extra)Ordinary Woman

A highly readable blend of a personal and humorous account of keeping going as a Christian over the course of a year, with Bible-based reflections on the overall theme of 'God taking the ordinary and making it extraordinary'. In the vein of Bridget Plass, 'the diary of Clare' is full of wry humour as the author lets readers into her daily life, the highs and lows, the everyday challenges and not a few life-changing experiences. Ideal for any woman looking for accessible spiritual writing, the Diary of an (Extra)Ordinary Woman coaxes us into remembering that faith in God makes all the difference to a life - ordinarily extraordinary.

Clare Blake has also written (Extra)Ordinary Women (BRF, 2003) which was shortlisted for the 2004 Christian Book Awards, as well as contributing to a range of publications including Woman Alive, Home and Family, and Christian Herald. She is married with two grown-up sons.

An interview with Clare
Find out what motivated Clare to write the book, and uncover the person behind the pages...

From: Home and Family - Summer 2006

A cursory glance at this book might make one think it is all 'motherhood and apple pie'. Some of it is, but whilst rooted in the ordinary life of a wife and mother it reveals much fascinating depth and insight.

In her diary Clare, wife and mother of two sons, takes us through four seasons of the year and combines each episode with wide-ranging biblical reflections. This is a kitchen table book to sit down with in the midst of the chores.

Reminding us that God created us with one mouth and two ears, the author helps us to listen to God in and through the ups and downs of life - from the mundanity of family and church life to the stresses of the 'empty nest' and the death of a loved mother and grandmother.

To prevent us getting too self-centred she also encourages us to say thank you to God: "Simple but powerful words that free us from the trap of negativity. Use them when speaking to other daily - and your heavenly Father who loves to hear them."

Yes, apple pie is there all right, but it is lean and fit and tasty. Try it.

Reviewed by Rachel Stowe

From: The Methodist Recorder - 23 March 2006

For those who value a touch of feminine humour and realism accompanying their prayer-time, Clare Blake's Diary of an (Extra)ordinary Woman is likely to be just the thing. Written from the perspective of a mother with two grown-up sons, the book combines vignettes from modern life with reflections on biblical references. Topics range from dieting, to a stolen handbag, to a son's departure for university, to giving are grouped under the seasons of the year, with a chapter for every six days or so and all suffused with acceptance of human foible s and gratitude for God's love. A winning mix!

From: The Church Newspaper - 17 March 2006

Clare Blake's new title, Diary of an (Extra)Ordinary Woman teases out lessons about entering into the Christian life from the experiences of the author.

Presented in the style of diary extracts, followed by a biblical examination of the events, this book comes commended by Fiona Castle, who says that the author "gives an insight into how she deals with the daily situations of her life, and relates it to relevant passages of the Bible, showing us how important it is not only to read the Bible, but to apply it to our lives, our failures as well as our successes, our sorrows as well as our joys".

• View other titles by Clare Blake