Description
In the aftermath of spiritual abuse and toxic leadership, one woman’s shattered life is restored by the faithfulness of God. Athena’s driving desire for affirmation and attention pulled her away from her family, husband, and children into what she thought would bring happiness. Deceived by Scientology, forays into mysticism, and twelve years in a restrictive and legalistic cult, she lost everything her marriage, relationships, home, business, money, and reputation. This is the candid and inspirational story of how her eyes were opened, how God restored what had been lost, and gave her the desires of her heart, including a new love.
I’ve been around Christian publishing since 1987 when I helped our ministry self-publish an important resource for Vietnam veterans and their families. That book went on to be picked up by a royalty publisher and has since sold over 250,000 copies with a million in print.
Archive Comment –
Mary DeMuth
says: January 18, 2017 – 10:33am 5
Full Circle is a story of one woman’s struggle to understand her incomparable worth in Christ. Through rejection, rebellion, and fear until she found herself in the clutches of a cult author Athena Dean experienced true redemption, freedom and renewal as she surrendered to Jesus. An important story for anyone who has wandered lost, longing to be found.
Mary E. DeMuth,Author of Worth Living: How God’s Wild Love for You Makes You Worthy
Archive Comment –
Dennis Hensley
January 20, 2017 – 10:46am 5
“Throughout all the ups and downs Athena has experienced, the faithfulness of God shines through. Seeing the Lord’s redemption in every area of her life will inspire and encourage you to yearn for the same divine touch for yourself and for everyone you hold dear.”
Dr. Dennis E. Hensley Author, Jesus in All Four Seasons
Archive Comment –
Cynthia L. Simmons
January 20, 2017 – 10:47am 5
Athena’s story is incredible. She displays such courage as she opens her heart to share. I highly recommend ‘Full Circle’.
Cynthia L Simmons, Heart of the Matter Radio, Author of Pursuing Gold
Archive Comment –
Ronna Snyder
January 20, 2017 – 10:48am 5
Acclaimed publisher, blogger, radio show host and pastor’s wife Athena Dean Holtz’s memoir, Full Circle, absolutely shreds the mistaken concept that good can not possibly come out of evil; that abuse–from physical to, yes, even spiritual abuse–can not possibly beautifully birth strength, wisdom, discernment, peace and pure Godly-grit that brings all of life wonderfully full circle.
Ronna Snyder, award-winning freelance magazine writer; former contributor, Today’s Christian Woman magazine; and Author of Hot Flashes from Heaven
Archive Comment –
Jennifer Kennedy Dean
January 20, 2017 – 12:42pm 5
Brave, honest, raw. Full of wisdom forged in the fires of experience. Every reader will be enriched by Athena’s open and revealing account of her journey into wholeness.
Jennifer Kennedy Dean, Executive director of The Praying Life Foundation Author of Live a Praying Life(r) and numerous books
Archive Comment –
Kathi Macias
January 21, 2017 – 1:23pm 5
Full Circle by Athena Dean is a must-read for any woman who, like me, grew up struggling with the need for attention. I was a Christian and well into middle-age before I realized that need continued to influence me in my decisions. This book is well written and practical in its design, which enables readers to personally apply the life applications found there. Highly recommended!
Kathi Macias, Author & Speaker
Archive Comment –
Dr. Sheryl D. Giesbrecht
January 21, 2017 – 1:25pm 5
reply Personal, poignant and yet professional, Athena Dean Holtz’s Full Circle offers not only her life story but Biblical answers to the raw questions she asked during the peaks and valleys of her rugged life. Early on, as a teen ager, Holtz shares how she was, “Deeply hurt, I felt taken advantage of and used. I didn’t allow myself to feel the depths of the pain of the broken relationship, or the abortion, but hardened that place in my heart. To protect myself from more hurt, I vowed, I will never let anyone use me again.” From the depths of these emotions and many more, theAuthor gives handles to the ways she sought and found God to be faithful. Failed marriages, fear-driven cult practices, financial ruin, frustration with church leaders are a few of the difficulties Holtz saw redeemed as she kept returning to God’s word and His people. Redemption, renewal and restoration are themes woven throughout the pages of this book evidencing theAuthor’s constant life choices to keep turning back to God who is always faithful. Full Circle is one woman’s story showing how anyone who believes God and invites Him to join in their trials welcomes the result of His triumph. And yes, this is a modern ‘happily ever after.’
Dr. Sheryl D. GiesbrechtAuthor, Speaker, Radio/TV Personality, Global Influencer
http://www.FromAshesToBeauty.com
Archive Comment –
Anna Quesada
January 21, 2017 – 1:31pm 5
Athena’s story is truly like no other. You can see God’s hand on her life in every page of this book. The adventures she’s been on with the Lord will leave you amazed and inspired by His faithfulness through it all.
Anna Quesada, Founder of Christian Women’s Small Business Association
Archive Comment –
Michelle Hollomon, MA, LMHC, CPC
January 21, 2017 – 1:39pm 5
A whirl wind story of love, deception, darkness and triumph, Athena’s memoir is touching and full of hope. Her honesty and self disclosure makes it easy to identify with her and see ourselves in her journey of self discovery and healing.
Michelle Hollomon, MA, LMHC, CPC,Licensed Mental Health Counselor,Certified Professional Coach
Archive Comment –
Gay Lewis
January 23, 2017 – 6:59pm 5
I was drawn into the book immediately, and there I stayed until the very end-all in one day. I didn’t expect it to be quite that compelling, since I know Athena well, and already knew her story. But hearing it all again in more detail, I experienced incredulity and horror, then amazement and thankfulness, as well as everything in between. Only God could orchestrate such a transformation. Talk about beauty for ashes!! And that transformation continues as Athena walks out the hills and valleys of her new life.
Gay Lewis, Author of Bittersweet: The Restoration Continues, host and prayer facilitator at The Hill