Reviews of Candy's non-fiction book,
Fruitbearer: What Can I Do For YOU, Lord?

recommended reading for ALL Fruitbearer clients

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Editorial Reviews

Kim Eckman, Coatesville, PA
"This book is extremely powerful and practical. My mom read it and said, 'It's the first book that compelled me to have my Bible open and ready to read suggested verses.' And I tried the journaling God really spoke! In slowing down and writing out what I thought I heard, I was able to hear more clearly and to distinguish 'me' from 'He'."

Linda Eckman, TNT Ministries, Kennett Square, PA
"I like how Fruitbearer reads; it is open and transparent and the reader feels very safe. I think my favorite part is where the author records the words of prophecy the Lord has given her. These are extremely powerful and will speak volumes to Christians not yet acquainted with the works of the Holy Spirit. The "Seeds for Thought" give the book the individuality it needs to be remembered. And the prayer at the end of every chapter allows time for personal reflection. Indeed, God's Spirit seems to have breathed upon the pages."

Marlene Bagnull, Author and Founder of Greater Philadelphia Christian Writer's Conference
"I've read Fruitbearer three times with the critical eye of a professional writer and critiquer. Each time, I've found myself drawn into Candy's story and have been ministered to in a deep way. God has used Candy's experience with the Holy Spirit to rekindle my hunger for a deep relationship with Him and to encourage me to persevere in my own ministry."

Gail Black Kopf, Author of Rubicon
Fruitbearer is an intimate, revealing account of one woman's incredible spiritual journey as she asks the question, 'What can I do for You, Lord?' As the Holy Spirit reveals himself, Candy Abbott shares her personal discoveries and provides an in-depth guidebook to fruitful living. For those of us who dare to accept His challenge in these closing days of the twentieth century, she provides not only instruction, but inspiration."

Author Interview

Daily Whale, November 28, 1994, and Sussex Post, November 30, 1994
From Greek mythology to medieval morality plays to modern self-help books, man has been absorbed in the examination of personal relationships. The interaction of child to parent, sibling to sibling, and man to woman offer an endless variation of combinations. In her newly released book Fruitbearer: What Can I Do For You, Lord? Candace F. "Candy" Abbott has chosen to write about another relationship her personal relationship with the Holy Spirit.

"It's in John 10:3," she explained, quoting the scripture, 'The sheep listen to His voice; He calls His own sheep by name and leads them out.' That's exactly what He's done with me," she said.

Although always strongly religious, Mrs. Abbott said she had been unable to express herself effectively as a witness for her faith. Then 10 years ago, she received the inspiration to begin writing her personal testimonial, a guidebook for exploring one's relationship with God and the Holy Spirit. She said she heard the call on Thanksgiving Day in 1984. As she sat waiting for family members to dress for the drive to holiday dinner, she toyed with a jigsaw puzzle. She experienced what she terms "a revelation."

"I felt the call from the Lord to write a book," she said. "The whole book has to do with our lives fitting together like that puzzle."

Using pencil and lined paper, she wrote 300 pages in three months. The title came through her goal to reach "people who want to bear good fruit in a rotten-apple society." Three times the manuscript was submitted to publishing firms, and three times it was rejected. After each rejection, Mrs. Abbott completely rewrote her "guidebook." Moving from pencil and paper to a computer, she used desktop publishing and graphic software packages to design the entire book herself. Although the first copies are self-published, she hopes to find a publisher who will offer the book in secular, as well as Christian markets.

Mrs. Abbott expressed amusement that the finished book should be on bookshelves at Thanksgiving, exactly 10 years after she began. Beyond the sense of accomplishment at finishing, the book has brought other rewards.

"Until now it's been extremely personal and private. I was always afraid to speak in public," she said, "but I'm not now, because now I have something to say. There are so many people in this world trying to cope without an anchor, people who feel something is missing in their lives."

Her message is arranged in easily digestible chapters, each prefaced with a scripture, appropriately called "seed for thought." She stresses the importance of private communion with the Holy Spirit in the discovery process.

"It's quiet time alone, waiting to see what He wants to say to you," she said. "It's special, unique, for each person."

Through anecdotes from her own daily life, she reveals what she has learned through Bible teachings, Christian writers, and "tuning in to the Holy Spirit."

She laughed good-humoredly about potential detractors, especially when the book touches upon Bible prophecy and her belief that Christ's return is imminent.

"Don't get so caught up in achieving the goal that you don't enjoy the steps along the way," she advised with a smile.

Mrs. Abbott has been invited to speak before many women's groups and hopes to organize women's seminars in the future. She expressed willingness to answer any questions about the self-publishing process and to share her experiences.

Consumer Reviews

Unbelieveable Book, June 26, 2001

Reviewer: pmpgroup from Alexandria, VA

I picked this book up and thumbed through a few pages. With just that I bought 1 copy, then went back and got another for my sister. It's unbelievable and can't say much more about it. It will change your feelings about your life in Christ and give you encouragement like you won't believe. Candy's writing style is so simple, it's as if you were sitting in a chair listening to her. She is real and so is her approach to life. It's practical and the format at the end of each chapter, challenges us to read and apply God's word to our own life. She's telling us what we need to hear and I plan to buy copies for our next ladies retreat.

Strong Faith and Candid Sharing, February 1, 1999

Reviewer: Tom Lagana (lagana@juno.com) from Wilmington, Delaware, USA

Candy Abbott is a superb Storyteller. Her writing style is truly professional. I admire Candy's strong faith and her candid sharing. Her section "Love in a Medicine Cabinet," on page 188, should be prerequisite reading for all loving couples. Spiritually Strong and Inspiring!

This book is a satisfying spiritual guidepath., June 3, 1998

Reviewer: Mhoppy1@aol.com from Sorrento, Florida

I was, at first, simply curious about Candy Abbot's book. Candy and I attended the same high school many years ago, although we did not know each other, and we will soon be attending a long-awaited reunion. When I heard that she had written a book, I just had to see what it was about. What I found in Fruitbearers has been life-changing. Reading it has been like carrying on a heartfelt conversation with an intimate friend. Candy tells the story of her spiritual journey in such a way that any of us can relate to the trip. In reading the book, you will feel more comfortable with your own spiritual journey and will be able to take comfort in the knowledge that you are not alone in the bumps, ruts, scenic views and comfort-stations that you will encounter along the way. For those seeking a closer relationship with the Lord, or for those who already have a close relationship and simply want to review the trip, this book is a must-read!

Great back to faith basics book, February 9, 2006

Reviewer: Daryl L. Halter (Pennsville, NJ United States)

Candy Abbott shares her heart and her faith in Fruitbearer, What Can I Do For YOU, Lord? This book reminds the believer to stay rooted in Christ and refreshes the first love you had for the Lord. With vivid description and emotion, Candy draws you into her life and experiences and shows how much the Holy Spirit is woven into all aspects of a believer's life. The book is charismatic in nature, honest in it's story and full of the glory of God.

Pam Halter
Children's author