Josie Brooks, at the age of 47, 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. But her precisely managed world begins to falter during a Chicago contract when an economic downturn, a bleeding heart boss, and the loyalty and kindness between endangered employees ding her coat of armor.

Throw in hot flashes, a dose of loneliness, a peculiar longing for intimacy, an unquenchable thirst-not to mention a mysterious snowglobe with a serene landscape, complete with a flowing river and lush greenery that seems to be beckoning her in-and Josie's buttoned-up life is on the verge of coming completely undone. Maybe her solitary existence isn't as fulfilling as she has convinced herself to believe.

With the big 5-0 fast approaching, Josie Brooks begins to question her structured, picture-perfect (mid)life. 
 
Josie Brooks, at the age of 47, 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. But her precisely managed world begins to falter during a Chicago contract when an economic downturn, a bleeding heart boss, and the loyalty and kindness between endangered employees ding her coat of armor.
 
Throw in hot flashes, a dose of loneliness, a peculiar longing for intimacy, an unquenchable thirst—not to mention a mysterious snowglobe with a serene landscape, complete with a flowing river and lush greenery that seems to be beckoning her in—and Josie’s buttoned-up life is on the verge of coming completely undone. Maybe her solitary existence isn’t as fulfilling as she has convinced herself to believe.
 
It will take a few new friends, a mystical encounter, and an unexpected journey to set Josie on her own path to "right-sizing" and making the life changes that really matter. Filled with laugh-out loud moments and a gentle dash of inspiration, Divine Appointments is another heartwarming charmer from a master storyteller.

Charlene Ann Baumbich is a popular author, speaker, and award-winning journalist who is passionate about rejuvenating lives through humor. Her writing includes the best-selling Dearest Dorothy series and Stray Affections, the first Snowglobe Connections novel, and seven inspirational nonfiction books. Charlene lives with her husband in Glen Ellyn, Illinois.

“Sprinkled with wit and spiritual insights, Divine Appointments plots a delightful journey where a midlife crisis and the magic within a snowglobe lead toward self-discovery. Charlene Ann Baumbich has crafted a heartwarming story that reminds us of what really matters.” — Beth Hoffman, best-selling author of Saving CeeCee Honeycutt

“Charlene Ann Baumbich’s Divine Appointments is a book that 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.” — Lyn Cote, author of Her Abundant Joy

“Corporate America seems to run on appointments. Divine Appointments, a character-driven page-turner, keeps the reader guessing who next will get kicked out of the corporate loop to meet their ultimate appointment. Baumbich knows how to make things happen in her wry mixture of humor and surprise. Above all, the characters—and readers—discover that life is to celebrate via appointments with God.” — Eric Wiggin, author of The Hills of God and The Gift of Grandparenting

“Inspirational novelist Baumbich (Dearest Dorothy series) presents readers with a lovely story of forgiveness, restoration, and a dash of hopeful whimsy thrown in for pure pleasure. Baumbich reaches deep into the heart’s recesses, but does so with the precision of the most skilled emotional physician. For that, her readers will feel nothing but gratitude.” — Publisher’s Weekly

“Stray Affections is a story so joyous and so magical that it should come with a warning label: Do not pick up this book unless you, like Cassie and the unforgettable characters who are a part of her world, are prepared for a journey that will change your life.” — Cassandra King, author of The Sunday Wife

“A tender story by a writer who understands the magic of second chances and the redeeming power of unconditional love.” — Lisa Wingate, author of Tending Roses and Word Gets Around

Charlene Ann Baumbich’s Divine Appointments follows four employees at a Chicago-based insurance company as they tread the murky social waters of aging, death, relationships, and uncertain futures. After the company breaks the news of employment changes that throws everything into chaos, Josie, Lyle, Marsha, and Barb wonder if they will come through unscathed.

Josie, a consultant for the insurance company, has been single her whole life, without even one serious friend. When she begins her work at the company, she makes more enemies than friends. Lyle, the company’s vice president, finds out Josie’s assignment involves cutting an entire department from the company, including firing Barb, who has worked at the company for more than 20 years. Meanwhile, as employees are cut, Marsha begins to deal with more responsibilities at work and with her bitterness toward her ex-husband, and Lyle and Josie find their mutual attraction confusing.

Divine Appointments, while an entertaining story, might be hard to finish due to its lack of focus on one particular character. Four protagonists make the reader feel split for most of the book, although their interactions and involvements are both believable and tied up smartly at the end. The novel isn’t overtly Christian, meaning the characters don’t become converted. God is mentioned, as is religion and church, but the fundamentals of Christianity, such as forgiveness and trust, are examined as generic qualities. The issue of unyoked believers is mentioned subtly, as well.

Baumbich will keep you entertained, but she might leave you questioning the book’s intent and focus. This book would make a good discussion starter for small groups, families, and spouses who are facing layoffs, financial setbacks or career upheavals. – Caitlin Wilson, www.ChristianBookPreviews.com

"Sprinkled with wit and spiritual insights, Divine Appointments plots a delightful journey where a midlife crisis and the magic within a snowglobe lead toward self-discovery. Charlene Ann Baumbich has crafted a heartwarming story that reminds us of what really matters."
—Beth Hoffman, best-selling author of Saving CeeCee Honeycutt

"Charlene Ann Baumbich’s Divine Appointments is a book that 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."
—Lyn Cote, author of Her Abundant Joy

"Corporate America seems to run on appointments. Divine Appointments, a character-driven page-turner, keeps the reader guessing who next will get kicked out of the corporate loop to meet their ultimate appointment. Baumbich knows how to make things happen in her wry mixture of humor and surprise. Above all, the characters—and readers—discover that life is to celebrate via appointments with God."
—Eric Wiggin, author of The Hills of God and The Gift of Grandparenting

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