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07 February 2017

Diana's Fond Farewell! A "Retirement" Party!

Diana L. Flowers
I can't believe it has been SIX YEARS since my first invitation of Diana L. Flowers to do a guest review on the blog. I'd been blogging by myself for a number of years already -- over on ShoutLife (no longer around) and on My Book Therapy blog. But I didn't really get blogging until I started what was Overcoming Through Time blog, which later got renamed Overcoming Through Time With God's Help, and finally Overcoming With God blog! Whew!  A lot of names for a blog that I'd initially started to share how God helps us overcome (I was still working as a psychologist at that time) and how that reflected in fiction. But it got lonely!!! I didn't like blogging by myself.  And there was a fabulous reviewer out there who was such a nice person -- Diana Flowers. So I asked this amazing Christian fiction reviewer if she'd guest post.  And she did! Finally I got to meet her in person in the spring of 2011.



Praise God, Diana has had almost 180 reviews since coming on OWG blog in 2011. Thirty book reviews a year on average! That despite having gone through major surgery and having struggled with ongoing health difficulties.
The above picture was taken in Diana's lovely home in South Carolina last spring, 2016.  We here at OWG blog will MISS "Malibu Barbie" (that's who I thought she looked like when I met her in person!) and our "Senior Reviewer" and AKA "Angel Girl" but she's certainly earned her retirement!


Favorites: 
Some of her favorite authors, whose books she has faithfully reviewed have been: Laura Frantz, Julie Lessman, MaryLu Tyndall, Coleen Coble, and Maggie Brendan and so many more!!!

Here's a message from Bonnie Roof: Diana, I'll miss seeing/reading your beautiful reviews on OWG blog, but am comforted by the fact that I'll still see/read a few, now and then, on Amazon and other sites. I'm even more joyful that I'll continue to see your posts on Facebook, etc. I can't thank you enough for patiently helping/guiding this senior, but newest, member of the OWG team in "learning the ropes." I'm blessed by your friendship, love your sense of humor, and am inspired by your godliness. I can't wait to see what future plans and blessings God has in store for you, and am praying and believing for your total healing. Love, hugs, and prayers!

Here's a message from Teresa S. Mathews: 
Diana to say that words fail me today is almost laughable because we both know how I can talk, but it's so difficult to express the sadness my heart is feeling. 
I can still remember your excitement that night at church when you told me you had become a part of OWG. I was so happy for you and a tad jealous! lol Then the Lord surprised me with the opportunity to join you and Carrie and what a glorious time it has been. You, my precious friend, will be missed immensely but thank the Lord I am blessed to live close enough to you that I can visit from time to time. May GOD bless your future endeavors as only He can do! Love you so much angel girl!


GIVEAWAY: Surprise box of books for one of our party guests! And a tea party gift bag with treats (candy and chocolate!) and earrings for one of our guests, too! Leave a comment for Diana below to enter.

150 comments:

  1. What a beautiful picture of all three of you! My goodness you 3 could be modeling in that picture! I know all three of you have been through a lot in the past few years and I am blessed by your faithfulness to this blog, your followers, and authors. Diana, your reviews are awesome and I know you have blessed many authors by those reviews and have helped many readers find books they never would have picked up. God bless you sweet lady!!

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    1. Thank you, DEBBIE! I really prize that pic and hope we can get together soon for another! I have had such a fulfilling time "leading" peeps to great Christian books, and I will still be doing so just on a lesser scale. God bless you, your writing, and family! What a blessing you are!

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  2. We've been so blessed to have you be a contributor on this blog, Diana! Praying this next year you'll be feeling much better and enjoying lots of blessings in your life!

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    1. Oh, CARRIE! Thanks so much for this beautiful party and all that you have done for me! I didn't even know how to blog and I remember you trying to help me learn blogger and you told me to type in GOD IS GOOD. I still remember that (and He is!) and He has blessed me immeasurably by being on OWG blog! I have made so many new friends - readers and authors alike! I'll miss being here, but must concentrate on regaining my health in a certain area! Love you, Carrie~

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    2. God is STILL Good, my friend!!! God is so good and I thank Him that He allowed you to blog on OWG for these past six years! Now you get a year of Jubilee and let's pray your health is fully restored! Hugs and love!!!

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    3. Praying and agreeing together for that, CARRIE! God is still good! Hugs and love back!

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  3. Diana! You're such a beautiful person, inside and out! I pray for healing for you. You'll be missed around here! I know you've been a huge help to Carrie and you'll still help her behind the scene. It's been a blessing getting to know you and to read your reviews. I know this isn't goodbye forever and we will be seeing you around the web. Huge hugs!

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    1. Thank you for your sweet words, REGINA! You've been a blessing to me and Carrie as well. I will still be on Goodreads doing reviews and Amazon (just shorter reviews and less) and FB, of course! So I'm not going, going, gone. lol Huge hugs back!

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  4. Lovely post, Carrie! Diane... How I've loved your reviews on OWG!! They, and yourself have been an enormous inspiration to me over the years. It's been so much FUN working with you here, my little blog buddy. ;) That's an impressive review rate that Carrie shared too, girl. We'll done!!!

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    1. Thanks so much, NOELA! How many books did you cause me to buy with your lovely reviews?! Ahem! We have had a blast, haven't we, my little cohort? God bless and see you in FBland!

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  5. Diana,you have written so many insightful, lovely reviews that have blessed authors like me and helped countless readers, too. Thank you and God bless!

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    1. JULIE, thank you so much! What a sweet thing to say and I want you to know that I still plan on reviewing my fave authors' books (of which you are definitely one!) on Goodreads, Amazon, CBD, etc., so don't forget me! I just have to write reviews on a lesser scale and they will be shorter. But as another Julie once told me (Lessman), "My friend, it's the stars that count!" lol Your books have blessed me so throughout the years. Thank you!

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  6. Beautiful picture and post! Shelia Hall sheliarha64(at)yahoo(dot) com

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    1. SHELIA, didn't Carrie do a wonderful job? I'm so grateful and feel very blessed!

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  7. Diana, you will be missed. I know God will continue to bless you. Thank you for sharing your love for God and for others. :-) Hugs

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    1. MELISSA, you're so sweet. Thank you! I'll miss not being here, too!

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  8. I love the pictures that were shared, I'm a picture person, though I rarely take them myself. Diana, I'm so glad you were part of growing this blog. I'm relatively new to this blog so not as familiar with your name, but the love you all have for each other is obvious. Wishing you the best and prayers for a healthy time ahead for you.

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    1. ANDREA, thanks so much for coming by and for your well wishes and prayers! God bless you!
      And, yes, we love one another here like sisters!

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  9. Diana, we are going to miss you so so much, girl! How can I possibly thank you for all the wonderful, beautifully written, well thought out reviews you've done on my books and on other author's books. You have partnered with us to get the love of God out into the hands of those who need encouragement and hence, you will receive your reward from the Lord. You are a such a treasure. Please take care of yourself and know that you will be in my prayers! Hugs and love!

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    1. MARYLU, you have been such a blessing to me and so many others! Thank you for your sweet words that have made me tear up. Your prayers mean everything to me and please don't forget me as I will still be influencing my fave authors! Love and ginormous hugs back!

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  10. Diana, I don't always comment, but I love reading your reviews. I will be praying for you.

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    1. WILANI, thank you for following my reviews! It means alot and so do your prayers!

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  11. Diana, I'll miss seeing your name on the blog. Happy retirement.

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    1. God bless you, SUSAN! Thank you so much, my friend!

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  12. Diana...I am going to miss your posts! Praying for your health to be fully restored...and to see you back behind your pen. Blessings and joy to you in this season of quiet. XO Suzanne

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    1. SUZANNE, I have loved you from the very first book you ever wrote, and when FB wasn't even in my vocabulary. Thank you for your prayers! I just wrote a review for The Newcomer on Amazon, Goodreads, CBD, etc. Will continue to review, just on a lesser scale. Bless you for coming by!

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  13. Wow, the years have flown by!! You've done an amazing job reviewing, Diana! Your love of the genre has been greatly appreciated, and you'll be missed here on the blog!

    Roseanna - your "Shine" girl ;-)

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    1. Hey, ROSEANNA, my shine girl! Thanks so much! I don't know where the years went but I DO know I have had a blast! I'll miss being here, but will still be on social media! God bless you and your writing! He already has! :)

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  14. Such a great picture of the three of you. You have written wonderful reviews. Hope your health continues to improve. Have a blessed day. dhazelton(at)myfairpoint(dot)net

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    1. Thanks so much, DEBBIE (sp?)! Please keep me in your prayers!

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  15. Happy retirement, Diana! Thanks for your faithful years of work! I was so blessed by your review of Such a Hope.

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    1. Thanks, Sondra! Please keep me in mind as I will still be influencing books -- just on a lesser scale such as Amazon, Gooddreads, etc!

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  16. May God bless you, Diana! You're such a wonderful person and a great reviewer! Thank you for all the support you've given to the authors. I'll miss reading your reviews tremendously.

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    1. Thanks so much, ALEXA! You're such a sweetheart! I still will be posting on Goodreads, Amazon, etc. I'll go into book review withdrawals if I quit promoting Christian fiction cold turkey! lol

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  17. Goodbyes are always so hard. But it looks like great friendships were born and good books read and reviewed. Best of luck in retirement, Diana! :)

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    1. SYDNEY, you sure have that right. Goodbyes are hard, but my friendships here on the blog everlasting. Thank you so much!

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  18. Hope your retirement is everything you're hoping, Diana and that you will conquer, with the Lord's help, any health difficulties. You are such a good friend of Christian writers and I've appreciated every review, both for my books and for those of others. You shared your love of reading and let your light shine in so many ways. Thank you so much and I knew we will still be glad for every uplifting word we see from you in the future.

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    1. Ann, you're one of the kindest authors I've ever had the pleasure of meeting! Thank you so much. I still will be posting on Goodreads, Amazon, etc. And we'll see one another on FB for sure!

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  19. You are definitely one of the nicest reviewers I've ever worked with. But I feel we're more than author/reviewer. I consider you a friend. I pray you'll be blessed beyond measure doing whatever it is you're going to do now. Love you, girl!

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    1. Thank you, NANCY! I'm very touched by your comment and I feel the same about you. Hope we get to meet one day in person. I still will be posting on Goodreads, Amazon, etc. I'll go into book review withdrawals if I quit promoting Christian fiction cold turkey! lol Love you, too, sweet lady!

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  20. Enjoy your retirement Diana. I have so enjoyed reading your reviews on Overcoming With God.
    Blessings

    CherylB1987 AT hotmail DOT com

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    1. Thanks so much, CHERYL! Will still be posting reviews elsewhere -- just on a lesser scale.

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  21. Thank you, lovely Diana, for your faithfulness to the Christian reading community and especially to authors. I am so thankful that you've read and reviewed my books! Your tireless efforts are so appreciated, and I hope you have rest, peace, health, and joy ahead.

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    1. SANDRA, you're such a brilliant author but one of the sweetest down-to earth ladies I have ever met. I'm the thankful one for being allowed the opportunity to lose myself in your fabulous books. Thank you so much for your kind words. I'm very touched.

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  22. Diana, you will certainly be missed here on this beautiful blog! Praying for you and your health and wishing you all the best!

    texaggs2000 at gmail dot com

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    1. BRITNEY, you're such a sweetheart! We certainly appreciate your faithfulness to OWG. Thanks so much!

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  23. Diana, I've loved reading your reviews and posts here and on Facebook. Thank you for your faithful support of Christian fiction! We authors appreciate the time and effort you always put into your thoughtful reviews! You have a way of seeing the heart of the story and sharing that so reading friends are drawn to our books. I'll miss seeing your posts here on OCWG, but I'll be watching for you other places online and hope we can stay connected. God bless you and keep you! With a grateful heart, Carrie

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    1. CARRIE, you are such a classy, warm lady, that does so much for so many people. I really don't know how you do it all, but you're such a blessing to many. I appreciate the time and effort you authors put forth writing these wonderful novels that take us away from it all for awhile. Thank you for your kind words and indeed we shall stay connected!

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  24. Diana, the contribution you and all the ladies at OWG have made to Christian Fiction will go on. Just think of the many fans you made for Christian authors, readers who were snagged by your reviewer bait and lured to buy a book. It's an incredible service to authors and one I've always appreciated so much from you wonderful group of women. I sincerely wish you well and pray for your health and happiness. Enjoy your retirement!

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    1. MARCIA, you are such a gem and one of the first books I ever reviewed on OWG was yours. I love that! Snagged and lured! haha And I hope someone got saved or came back to the Lord by reading a Christian fiction book they just couldn't put down in spite of themselves. I'm sure it's happened more than we know. Thank you for your prayers - I need them!

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  25. Diane, you've been such an encouragement and loving support of Christian fiction through the years. Thank you, thank you for all your wonderful words and insights. You'll be missed! (And thank you, but no need to enter me in the drawing.) Love OWG!

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    1. Thank YOU, Tamera, for all the encouragement and joy you have given me and other readers with your wonderful books throughout the years. I will surely miss being here, but I'm by no means finished with promoting Christian fiction! It's in my blood. :)

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  26. Diana, I'm so sorry you're leaving! Praying that your health is restored and that we will still see you around cyber world! Thank you for your wonderful reviews, your support and encouragement have meant so much to me! You were one of the first people to rave about Urish Meadows and I'll never forget it!! God bless you!

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    1. Thank you, SUSAN! Oh, yes, I'll still be around and still raving about your books, I'm certain! Irish Meadows was one to brag about and since I probably have the biggest mouth well... LOL! Blessings right back your way, lovely lady.

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  27. Love and hugs of appreciation to you, Diana!!! God bless you in all your future endeavors! I know the blog readers will miss you!

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    1. Thank you, MELANIE! Hugs of appreciation back for all that you do, and for the many hours of enjoyment you have given all of us readers of CF. I will miss them, too!

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  28. I'll miss reading your thoughtful reviews here at OWG! Best wishes on your future endeavors!

    colorvibrant at gmail dot com

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    1. HEIDI, thank you for the well wishes. I will miss OWG for sure and people like you!

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  29. Diana, I will really miss you and your reviews on this blog. I love your attitude and support of Christian writers. I'm confident that God will bless you in the future. Know that you are often in my thoughts and prayers. Blessings...

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    1. Oh, KAY. Thank you so much for your touching words. And to know that I have been in your thoughts and prayers means the world to me. God bless you abundantly!

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  30. Bye blondie. Enjoy your retirement and keep reading those toe-curlers. ;-)
    Luke

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    1. Bye over here, LUKE. Thank you and I promise you I will continue to do so! ;)

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  31. DIANA, I have loved reading your inspiring reviews on OWG and will miss them, and you, here. You are beautiful inside and out, God's love outflows in all you do, including your reviews. I am honored to call you friend and happy we will stay connected on many other sites. Prayers for your health and many blessings.
    Love and blessings, Tina

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    1. TINA, what kind words, my friend. Thank you so much for your support of my posts and your loyal friendship. I so appreciate your prayers and I don't take them for granted. I'm the one who's honored to call you my friend. Blessings in all that you do.

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  32. Diana, girl you know you will be missed on here. You were the one that caused me to work harder on my reviews but mine never came close to the standard you set. :-) I love you so much and can't wait to see what GOD has planned for you! (((BIG OLE TEARY HUGS)))

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    1. My eyes have just stayed filled with tears today, my sweet friend, TERESA. I just loved reading your reviews! I would constantly think, "Now why didn't I think of that?" after reading them. They were so original and witty so don't sell yourself short. I just read what you wrote above on the post and I'm so touched. Thank you. It is a sad time, but looking forward to see how God is going to work in my life. I love you lots, my twin!

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  33. I've loved having Diana as a reviewer, and I'm blessed that we are friends. I'm glad you can't retire from that, Diana. I'm praying for you, dear friend.

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    1. No, LENA, I would never want to retire from that! Thank you for your prayers, sweet words, and the blessing of your precious friendship. I need them all.

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  34. I read your reviews as I came across them and wish you the best in whatever endevours you move on to. Sometimes we do need to do different things, try different paths. The best to you.

    eveningstar888@aol.com

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    1. Thanks so much, LORETTA. It has been a joy working with these ladies on this wonderful blog!

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  35. O, my dear Diana!! I will miss you! I love your reviews - your insight and your humor. I'm going to miss you! though I knew about it from you on FB, but seeing this made me teary-eyed. I've been so busy lately that I've missed some of your posts on OWG. I know we'll still be seeing you, so it's not goodbye, but see you later! =) God bless you!

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    1. ANNIE, bless your heart. Thank you for your sweet words. You're not the only one who is teary-eyed today. I'll miss you, too, and all of our lovely viewer friends, but as you so aptly put it - it's not goodbye ... it's just see you later.

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  36. PRINCESS DIANA!!!! You are a royal princess in God's kingdom! You have been a beacon of light to all who have graced the 'doors' here on OWG. Your faith, encouragement, and kindness know no bounds. The Lord has continued to use your life as living proof that He will never leave us nor forsake us. I am privileged and honored to call you a friend but even more so to call you my beloved sister-in-Christ. I am not saying farewell, only we'll talk soon :-) Big giant hugs to you, my dear!!!

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    1. ANNE, what can I possibly say to that? I'm moved to tears and actually quit responding for awhile bc your words touched and blessed me so. I feel so undeserving of such praise, but I thank you for your precious words. I'm honored to have met you and to be your sister in Christ and sister of the heart. Warm hugs, dear Anne!

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  37. Not goodbye ~ but "See you later." You have had 206 posts. That is amazing! I have enjoyed your reviews and giveaways. Thank you for your insights. Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net

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    1. Thanks, KATHLEEN! I have so enjoyed doing those 206 posts and am thankful for loyal viewers such as yourself. Without you there would be no blog and you're appreciated immensely!

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  38. Praying for you, dear Diana. New seasons are a gift from God. Thank you for being such a big part of so many authors' writing seasons. What a blessing you have been to me on the road to publication.
    Sending all my love,
    Dotti xoxo

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    1. DOTTI, bless you. I pray this new season will be as good for me as the past 6 years on the blog have been! Thank you and sending loving hugs back your way!

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  39. So grateful for all your wonderful reviews, Diana. Praying your retirement is wonderful and hopefully you will visit with a review now and then.
    bettimace(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Thanks so much, BETTI! I'm thankful for such loyal readers as yourself! God bless you!

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  40. I had just stumbled upon your reviews a few months ago! Good luck in your next phase and thank you so much for all the reviews that you have given. I have enjoyed reading them these past few months!

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    1. Thank you so much, J DENNIS! I wished you had stumbled sooner (lol), but better late than never, right? God bless you for your kindness and well wishes!

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  41. A lot of wonderful reviews and great reading over the years thank you.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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    1. Oh, MARY! Thank you for your support and encouragement. God bless!

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  42. **CARRIE, thank you firstly for the beautiful post! And thank you for giving me an opportunity to do what I love doing most...besides spending time with God. Talking about Christian fiction and exhorting others to read it. You believed in me when I didn't think I could do this. I owe you a debt of gratitude for all you've done for me and the friends (both readers and authors) I have made bc of OWG blog. I will always love and appreciate you, Angel Mama! BONNIE and TERESA, thank you for the beautiful words you shared on the post. You are both a joy and source of encouragement to me! NOELA, you're so funny, smart, and you write like an angel! And thank you for all the support you've given me! Oh, how I'm going to miss the memories we all have made here the past 6 years. But our love goes beyond the bounds of OWG and forever we all will remain...sisters of the heart! The OWG angels!**

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    1. Well said Angel Girl because I could say that right back to you and now I don't have to!!! I absolutely knew you could do this because GOD IS GOOD!!! All the time! But when He tells us to do or not do something we have to obey. And I commend you for being faithful to His directives! Hugs and love Malibu Barbie!

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    2. Oh Diane, what a sweet post. We are all truly indebted to our wonderful angel mama Carrie for listening to God and bringing us all together on this special blog. The fruits of that have been far-reaching, and only God knows the full extent! I'm glad that I was able to be there for you as much as you were for me gf. We've made memories to last a lifetime, but the great thing is that there are so many more yet to be made! Much love to you, Carrie, Teresa, and Bonnie!

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    3. Thank you both! Yes, many more memories to be made and I love my MB, Carrie! Hugs and love, Carrie and Noela!

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    4. DIANA: Thanks for your sweet comments, and amen to "Our love goes beyond the bounds of OWG and forever we all will remain...sisters of the heart. The OWG angels!

      CARRIE commented: "When He tells us to do or not do something we have to obey."
      So true, that's where true lasting happiness is found. He will equip us for that which He calls us to do.

      NOELA: Love to you also, sweet friend!!

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  43. Diana I will miss your reviews. I pray for God to rain health and blessings on you. I wish you the best in all you do. Much love and hugs.

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    1. LUCY, bless your heart! Thank you so much - am waiting for that rain! Love, hugs, and blessings, sweet lady!

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  44. Oh sweet Diana! We will miss you terribly, your reviews were always beautiful. Thank you for the years you have blessed us with your presence!

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    1. SUSAN, you girls are just keeping me in tears today with your precious and kind comments. How I'll miss you here, too, but will be on Goodreads, Amazon, etc. Thank YOU for all the years of blessing me with yours!

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  45. What a lovely picture of the group at Diana's home! It has been enjoyable following Diana's and all the reviews, in fact, as a means of education, sharing and fellowship. Best wishes! dixiedobie at yahoo dot com

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    1. It has been a wonderful time of book talk, sharing, and praying together, CATHY! Thank you for stopping by!

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  46. :) I'm gonna miss your reviews and posts here my sweet friend!!! Here's to you!

    Many Blessings! ~Amada

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    1. AMADA, my precious friend. You have been a delight to all of us here at OWG and your support of this blog has been overwhelming. I'll miss you here, but will see you in cyberland. Many blessings back your way!

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  47. I have enjoyed reading your reviews and will miss them. I pray that your retirement will be all you want it to be and even better.
    fishingjan(at)aol(dot)com

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    1. Thanks so much, JAN! I just need some rest and healing for my body. But will include books as part of that rest, for sure! lol

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  48. Wishing you a happy retirement. Thank you for the reviews. You will be missed.
    JoanEC128[at]AOL[dot]com

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    1. What a kind thing to say, JOAN! I will miss not being here!

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  49. Enjoy your retirement. May it be everything you want it to be and more.
    MarionMPC[at]AOL[dot]com

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  50. Hope your retirement is one filled with happiness,love,peace,health and blessings.
    MarilynDKC[at]AOL[dot]com

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  51. Happy retirement, and thank you for blessing us with so many wonderful reviews. May God bless you as you continue to move forward with life.

    chillirosen(at)hotmail(dot)com

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    1. Thank you so much, MALLORI! It's been a joy to do so. God's richest blessings on you and yours.

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  52. Thank you for all your wonderful reviews, Diana. I'm sure my TBR pile has grown because of some of your recommendations. Blessings to you.

    pmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com

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    1. I'm so glad, PAM! Money well spent. haha Thanks so much and many blessings back your way!

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  53. Diana, may you have many, many wonderful moments ahead of you. Happy retirement!

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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    1. MELANIE! God bless you and thank you ever so much for reading my reviews and being such a faithful follower of the blog!

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  54. Diana, what a beautiful legacy! You and your friends have been such a blessing to us readers. Thank you for sharing your time and talents with us, and I wish you peace and happiness in the next part of your journey! 😊
    mylittlebirdie (at) yahoo (dot) com

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    1. I really appreciate your kind words, KAREN! I have thoroughly enjoyed sharing my favorite books with you all! I wish the same for you and yours.

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  55. Diana, I am thrilled to have connected with you via this blog, other various blogs, and social media, in general. As much as I sometimes abhor being "connected" 24/7, I feel blessed that God has opened the doors wide open to meet other believers who love to read as much as I do. Yet, as much as I thought it was about a good book, it was actually so much more. He has used you, this blog, along with all the other contributors as a source of life-giving joy and encouragementh. You will be missed, but I know where to find you. Thank you for sharing your faithfulness and blessings to what's ahead.

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    1. TERRILL, you hit the nail right on the head! It is so much more than talking about books. It's a powerful ministry that I took very seriously. There is not one review that I ever wrote for the blog that I did not pray before I wrote it and while I was writing it. So it's Him that shines through and I truly believe that is where the life-giving joy and encouragement comes in as you so aptly put it. Thank you so much for your beautiful words and yes, you do know where to find me.

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    2. Thank you for that affirmation. You never fail to make me smile.

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    3. As do you. :) Thank you for that.

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  56. Thank you Diana for all your wonderful reviews you've been a wonderful guide to many wonderful Christian Romance/Fiction books. (Thanks ,too for the help you gave me when I had won one of the giveaways once) Will miss you! May God bless you,hope you enjoy your retirement!!

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    1. You're so very welcome, LYNNE! I will miss you, too, and all of our faithful viewers. Thank you so much and may God bless you right back!

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  57. Diana, I really have enjoyed your blog posts and will miss them! So thankful to have 'met' you via all this and will continue to be able to interact with you via Facebook! Praying for you!

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    1. Thanks, NANCY! It's such a joy to fellowship with other readers of CF, isn't it? Bless you for coming by!

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  58. DIANA, NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! DON'T LEAVE US, PLEASE!!!

    I know that's selfish, but how I wish the OWG team could stay as they are -- some of my most VERY favorite and beloved blogger/reviewers of all time. And, yet, I am truly happy for you, Diana, that you will not have deadlines nipping at your heels and you can read and review at will.

    PLEASE forgive the delay in my response and THANK YOU for sending an email my way because I would never, EVER miss the farewell party of one of MOST favorite blogger/reviewers, not to mention a dear friend. I don't get on FB too much anymore, so it's generally quite a few days in between my responses there, which is why emails are best.

    LOL ... "Malibu Barbie ... I love it!! That's SUCH a perfect description that Carrie coined for you because you truly are "a doll" to everyone who knows you, my friend. I will miss seeing you on OWG, but am SO grateful you have consented to continue reviewing my books because you never fail to bless the socks off of me when you do!

    Love you to pieces and wish you a year of much joy, peace, and REST!!!

    Hugs and more hugs,
    Julie

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    1. LOL Julie, always love your comments! DIANA is the one who imposes her own deadlines on her posts on the blog but she's harder on herself than anyone because she has a super strong work ethic and doesn't want to let anyone down! I'm hoping with less time on the blog she's gonna get to feeling super duper really soon! Thanks for coming -- it wouldn't be the same without you, Julie! Hugs!

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    2. Carrie's right, Julie! I am the one that has been hard on myself because I so wanted to have everyone's book reviewed by release date. Which is sort of impossible when several release at the same time. But the perfectionist in me, well...anyway.

      I haven't seen you on FB so assumed you were the one with a deadline nipping at your heels. lol I knew I couldn't say goodbye w/out you being here and am so glad you got the email! I so appreciate your dear friendship, Julie! To know you is to love you, and I think everyone here would agree with me on that! I appreciate your prayers so much, your books, just everything about you!

      And yes, Malibu Barbie kinda stuck and I actually own one. I won't tell you who sent it to me, but (hint) she's one of the most generous, loving people I know!

      Love and hugs, Julie! You're the best!

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  59. I will miss your wonderful reviews Diana. I wish you special blessings on your future endeavors. :)

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    1. LORAINE, I will miss you! And all of the friends I have made on this wonderful blog! Thank you so much for the blessings!

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  60. Congrats on your retirement diana. May it be as wonderful to you as you are. You have been truly an inspiration.
    Diane Rivera
    quickchangeus@yahoo.com

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  61. Beautiful post celebrating a special friendship and YOU, Diana! Isn't it amazing just by scrolling through these comments to see all the lives you've touched, including mine. <3 That's priceless and immeasurable. THANK YOU for taking time for Christian fiction and authors. You are a book missionary extraordinaire! We will miss you but know God is calling you to a new, exciting season. Prayers and hugs!

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    1. It's overwhelming reading these comments, LAURA. I'm so humbled and grateful and so undeserving. Thank you for your beautiful words that touched me so deeply. I still plan on being a book missionary. lol With authors like you, how could I not?! So thankful for our special friendship and good things are still going to happen! Like getting to meet you in person one day! Thank you for your prayers and many warm hugs and love being sent your way!

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  62. Congratulations on your retirement, Diana! Wishing you only the best. In a little over four months I plan to retire too--and begin to write full-time. God bless you and praying you have a long and healthy future! Hugs and love.

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    1. Thank you, Miss Ruth! Congratulations to you, too! God's blessings on you and your writing! Hugs and love headed right back your way.

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  63. God Bless you Diana. I believe its time for you to write your own book...
    "Confessions of a Book Reviewer" LOL.... Sounds like a best seller. xxxxx

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    1. LOL! Hmm...I should have taken notes, CRYSTAL. I truly don't have the imagination you authors have to write a full length book. It's much easier to write about one someone else has written. Thanks for making me smile. God bless!

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  64. I will miss your lovely reviews on here Diana, but I know I will see you on a regular basis on Facebook. Ya can't get away from me ;-) Congrats on six years of reviews! That represents a whole LOT of books and a whole lot of authors. Enjoy your "retirement", at least on this site. I don't see you ever NOT writing book reviews :-) Blessings to you!

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    1. Trixi, thank you so much! I wouldn't want to get away from you, my puny buddy. haha Sooo many books...what fun! And getting me to hush talking about CF? Not a chance. Blessings to you, sweet lady!

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  65. You're a special friend, great interview and picture. May God Bless you and guide you to do His will!

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    1. Sarah, you're such a sweetheart! Thanks so much and God bless!

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  66. From a fellow Carolinian, blessings in all your future endeavors!

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Yay, PATTY! I'm assuming you're enjoying the same nice and very unusual weather for February. Blessings to you as well!

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  67. Sweet Diana, it has been a pleasure getting to know you through OWG. I will miss reading your exquisite reviews. You are a TREASURE! May the Lord pour out His blessings on you and your family! Please stay in touch. (((((HUGS))))

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    1. CARYL, the pleasure has been all mine! Thank you so much. If I'm a treasure, you're a thousand lovely gems. Your Godly spirit shines through and OWG is all the better bc of your loyal support and prayers. Hugs!!!

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  68. Diana, thank you for all your beautifully written reviews throughout the years!

    Wish you all the best and congrats on your retirement!

    Janella

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    1. Janella, thank you! You've been such a blessing to me. I'll see you on FB, my friend!

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  69. Diana, Have always enjoyed reading your reviews, and have read new authors from those reviews. Congratulations on your retirement. May God richly Bless You.

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    1. Am so glad you discovered some great new authors by reading my reviews, DEB! That makes me feel good and I appreciate you letting me know. God bless YOU!

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