Why trust a God who disappoints?
A serious medical diagnosis took Lori Ann Wood on a faith detour she never saw coming. As a lifelong believer, she felt profound disappointment in the God she thought she knew. Divine Detour is the result of Lori Ann’s risky decision to embrace difficult questions.
- Is this life all there is?
- Is God always good?
- Is God’s plan enough?
Come along on a forty-day journey deep into the heart of a God who often doesn’t behave as we’d like. You’ll learn to embrace the three questions every life encounters so your faith can thrive along your own inevitable detour. (BookFest Awards winner 2023)
ENDORSEMENT:
“Divine Detour is a supportive companion for all whose hearts have the courage to ask aloud the ultimate life questions we all carry silently, fearfully, and unnecessarily alone.”
— Ross Cochran, Ph.D., Professor of Practical Theology and Author of Not Off Limits: Questions You Wish You Could Ask at Church
hdw55 –
This book is real, raw, and inspirational. Designed as a 40 day journey but the essays are too engaging to set aside. Lori Ann guides you through the questions that we all need to answer to deepen our faith. Read Day 4, Sinking into the Mud, and you will be hooked on the author and the message of hope. Not just for someone on a medical detour, but for anyone who has ever felt disappointed in life and in God. You will find hope here.
Chuck Rogers –
This is an amazing story that brings us insight to the age old question – “Why God?” Lori Ann Wood is living proof that the question can be answered if we only take the time to listen. Anyone who has ever found themselves being placed on a path not of their choosing (which is all of us) can gain insight, strength, and peace from Lori’s story. I only hope this, her first book, is not her last.
Jill Hrencher –
“Our job is to never stop asking the hard questions, to engage in the faith struggles, and to trust the detours to the God who can handle it all.” Lori Ann Wood
What a wonderful book that I will keep nearby and reread. It will be a book I will also gift to friends and family. Lori Ann Wood’s words were so heartfelt, powerful and thought provoking! It allows the reader to delve deeper into their faith journey during their own life struggles.
Sherri Garner –
I am an avid reader of all genres and often have several books going at the same time. Divine Detour has been my one and only go-to since I started reading it. I found myself rereading passages, taking them apart and finding connections with my life. Lori has taken a debilitating illness and used it to help guide others through life’s twists and turns, all the while, bringing us closer to God – recognizing His direction for our lives, and using our faith in Him to trust in all circumstances. It is an absolute MUST READ for everyone, regardless of what road you are traveling in this life.
Charlotte –
The author takes you on a 40 day faith journal which bears her innermost thoughts
after learning of her heart failure in Divine Detour. . She takes each of her journal entries making each one come to life with real life stories from her childhood. Lori Ann is a very talented writer so much that it would be hard to put it down. It is a
must read. I think It would be a great small group or ladies class study because we all have asked the question of why?
Bethany Baker –
Divine Detour has truly touched my heart. It is full of encouragement, giving a hope filled perspective in the midst of your hardest trials. I believe anyone would benefit from reading this book.
Beth Pesnell –
Are you looking for a spiritual refresh or food for your weary soul? Look no further! Lori Ann Wood has crafted a book that weaves her story of heart failure together with stories of faith to help us as we navigate worry, doubt, and control. It’s formatted in a way to support daily revival of your faith.
While I’ve had the privilege to know Lori and watch her live this journey, I learned so much about her struggles and faith questions that I never saw. We all have trials and question our worth, our purpose, and why life hands us pain and disappointment, and Lori openly shares from her experiences to help us better understand the unfailing love and pride of a Heavenly Father through our detours.
You will walk away transformed and blessed!
Loretta Kerschen –
I love the way the author has turned her life altering Chronic disease into strength and finally let go and let God take over her life. God had a better purpose for her life! “Our God first walks on the rough water he asks us to navigate”.
I love how she connects her childhood memories/struggles to Bible teachings. What an amazing writer! Anyone struggling can relate to her struggles and definitely be encouraged by reading “Devine Detour” I know I was! A must read!!!
Tonya –
Excellent book. Beautifully written and full of practical yet profound spiritual wisdom from the author who battles an ongoing chronic illness. She uses personal anecdotes in addressing questions of faith with which we all wrestle, sharing what God has taught her through this unexpected detour in her life. This is a great individual read, but, because of the 40 day format, would also be a great resource for a Bible study and as a devotional guide.
Walton Hook –
Divine Detour is not only a journey through Lori Wood’s health struggles. It is more about her struggle to a real and abiding faith. It is the journey every person must take when they lose something they value and it drives them to value their relationship with God above everything else.
Amanda –
I have so enjoyed reading! I have already recommended this book to many of my friends. I really like how the author has made her life experiences so relatable. This book is not just for someone who is experiencing major life changes. You will enjoy laughing and crying with this sweet mother as she shares her heart with her readers.
-Amanda
Michelle Johnson –
As we all struggle with own “detours” in this life, I loved this book as it is a transformational and faith building read for all! Devine Detour is a honest, heartfelt account of author Lori Ann Wood’s trials with a life- threatening heart disease and a sharing of the invaluable nuggets of wisdom (written as 40 short essays) she gained along that hard path. “I put my hand over my failing heart, and I remember how short and unpredictable life can be. I remember the gift that it is. I remember the thin line we walk between the grocery store and eternity” is a quote from the book that is so impactful….it really hit me. You won’t want to put this book down.
Kim Bradley –
raw, honest, faith filled account of Lori’s life after receiving her heart failure diagnosis. She takes you through her detour of ups, downs, heartache, celebration, doubt, faith, control & letting go,
Her book left a lasting impression on my soul, increased my faith & trust in God above.
Trust me. vou will be blessed bv her words.
Dr. Donna D. Kincheloe, CHFN, CMSRN –
No one partners with a chronic disease voluntarily. Once present people often question God’s goodness, purpose, and plans. A sacred gap occurs between hopeful life expectations and current reality. Lori Ann Wood understands. Walking beside readers, her essays of honest transparency provide a strong bridge of hope when faith seems to be suspended. Enjoy the wisdom, learn life lessons, and embrace the love of God from a woman living with heart failure.
Donna
Wendy Neill –
I’m finding that reading Lori’s book is a similar experience to reading David’s Psalms. Both contain bite-sized nuggets of truth that allow the reader to wrestle with God, to praise God, to submit to God, to question God. Both works were born from adversity. And both gift us with special moments when we feel seen in our own struggles. We are not alone.
Cindy Singleton –
hen my husband was diagnosed with cancer, I pondered most of the life questions Lori Ann wrestles with in “Divine Detour”. From the beginning of the book to the end, my faith was strengthened by Lori Ann’s thoughtful approach to the questions we ask when life pulls the rug out from under us. “Divine Detour” is a beautifully written book that helps resolve gut-wrenching questions about life, faith, and what really matters.
Christa Spaeth –
Lori Ann Wood in Devine Detour immediately draws you into her incredible health journey. Lori Ann shares her raw emotions through her scary moments. She beautifully weaves in stories throughout her life where she leaned on God and times when she felt further away from God. Her openness to sharing her deepest trials will help many on their health journey. I highly recommend this book, you won’t be able to put it down.
Jerry Marti –
Intended to make this a 40 day devotional read and finished it in about a week. I found the life lessons she shared caused me to think of some of my own experiences over the years.
Jamie –
Lori Ann Wood has a wonderful way of creating thought-provoking narratives in which she ties in her health journey, relatable memories from childhood, and God’s truth. I have laughed, I have cried, and I have been so very encouraged! Gift yourself (and others) with the blessing of this book.
Jamie Hernandez –
Lori Ann Wood has a wonderful way of creating thought-provoking narratives in which she ties in her health journey, relatable memories from childhood, and God’s truth. I have laughed, I have cried, and I have been so very encouraged! Gift yourself (and others) with the blessing of this book.
bwhite –
This book deals with questions of faith that are common when the unexpected happens. Lori Ann Wood shares her life after she was diagnosed with heart failure. She shares her frustrations, prayers, and her faith. This book helped me cope with my own questions and sorrow after recent deaths in my family.
Robin Benson (verified owner) –
Divine Detour is truly a treasure. I soaked in each word and found myself wanting to extend my time in its pages. I connected with the author frequently as she shared her hard-earned wisdom, perspective and faith through relatable stories and experiences. Lori Ann Wood has a way of aligning the struggles of life with her faith in a deep and meaningful way. I know I’ll be returning to this book often as I encounter my own detours in life.
Michelle Curren –
My husband and I have really enjoyed this book! It’s well-written, Biblically-based, reassuring, and even funny at times. I think anyone would enjoy it, but it will be a life line for people whose lives have taken an undesirable turn.
Jan –
Lori has such a beautiful way of writing while weaving in her faith journey through her health challenges. It is a wonderful book not only for those facing health challenges, but for all of us facing life’s disappointments and detours. Her depth and honesty, and humor bring such insight and hope to deepen your faith, and I would highly recommend this book which you will not be able to put down.
Debbie –
I am currently reading Lori Ann Wood’s book and find it to be so inspiring. It takes the reader on a journey through her medical diagnosis of heart failure but it is so much more…it is a spiritual journey of faith as well. She wrestles with hard questions about God, and takes you along with her in trying to find answers. I would recommend this book for anyone going through a health crisis and questioning their faith. But it really is a book for anyone dealing with “detours” in life… whether physical, mental, or spiritual. Highly recommended.
Gladys Childs –
Lori’s book is a must read. Honest and strength giving. You will go on a journey through her detours and won’t regret it.
Brenda –
This book deals with questions of faith that are common when the unexpected happens. Lori Ann Wood shares her life after she was diagnosed with heart failure. She shares her frustrations, prayers, and her faith. This book helped me cope with my own questions and sorrow after recent deaths in my family. I highly recommend Divine Detour.
Kim Haar –
Lori Ann Wood beautifully captures and puts into words what so many of us struggle with. In Divine Detour, Lori Ann shares her own personal journey of a medical diagnosis that left her grappling with her faith. I love the way she normalizes doubt and questioning and encourages the reader to be honest with God and draw to Him when asking questions rather than run from Him. Divine Detour is a must read for everyone!
Desiree Taylor –
From the moment you pick up this book, you will be drawn in by Lori’s beautiful, authentic, and heart-poured-out words. She will take you on a journey, her own and one that is personal to us as God speaks through the pages. You will walk away knowing this isn’t just true for Lori’s life, but it is true for ours as well! I encourage you to grab one for yourself and a friend! I am reminded once again that God wastes nothing in our lives and is bringing beauty through ashes in this book.
Missy DeLoach –
This book is a must read for anyone struggling with the question of “ Why?” in the midst of life’s storms. If you’ve found yourself distrusting God’s plan for your life or been unhappy on the path you’ve been set on, then this book will offer you a new perspective and hope for a deeper relationship with God.
Barbara Wood –
Unexpected Life Detours
Lori Ann Wood takes you on her journey through her failing heart crisis and shows us how to walk with God through our dark days. She asks the tough questions we all want to ask. She is so honest and open with her thoughts and feelings it makes one think they are with her at every step. Lori has a way of weaving her childhood memories into her current health situation and the lessons she has learned. Written in short essays as 40 daily readings, she shows how God is growing and shaping her along the way.
Sherri –
Divine Detour is authentic, raw, and beautifully written as the author, Lori Ann Wood, takes the reader on her journey of an unexpected diagnosis of heart failure. She expresses her deeper questions of faith as she struggles to understand. Drawing from poignant stories from her life and her personal journal the first page will have you hooked.
Judy E. Spencer –
Divine Detour is food for the soul. A must read! Lori Anne Wood shares her story of heart failure and her journey of discovery that “God is at his best when we are at our worst”. Lori dares to ask the questions that we have thought but been afraid to ask. She mixes emotions, Scripture, and down-to-earth real life stories to share her insights along her divine detour. It does not take long to realize that Lori’s heart is alive and well and it is us who have heart failure.
Sarah M –
I am grateful for the book. It came at a challenging time and gave words to some of the hard emotions. Each reader will find encouragement and be able to apply concepts to their own lives. The new companion journal is a great place to process and record our own journey.
Nikki Herrmann –
I loved the book, Devine Detour! It has really helped me to see that there is a reason for the extremely tough times that I am going through. And that God has a GOOD plan for me.
Instead of feeling depressed about my life, I have hope after reading Lori Ann’s book.
I would recommend this book to everyone. Everyone goes through difficult times in their life. Devine Detour gives hope and inspiration when life gets tough.
Kari H –
Love this book! Lori Ann shares her life experiences in an easy to read, thought provoking, don’t want to put it down kind of way. If you’ve ever been taken aback by a life detour, you’ll appreciate how she invites the reader to come alongside her journey; her honesty, asking the hard questions and ultimately deepening her faith in an omnibenevolent God.
Beverly R –
This is for everyone that has ever struggled with their faith and felt God has deserted them. This is beautifully written and down to earth and full of spiritual wisdom.
Michelle Mandrino –
What a wonderful journey Lori Ann Wood takes you on. After being diagnosed with heart failure she had her share of struggles, but through that diagnosis this book was written to help others who have or are experiencing detours in their own lives. Lori Ann has provided real life applications to see you through. I will definitely be recommending to others as well as our ladies LIFT group at church. Thank you Lori Ann for your insight and beautiful words.
Pam –
This book has been spot on and very helpful. Lori Ann Wood has skillfully woven thought provoking essays with profound spiritual truths. Her essays in Divine Detour will help you walk through the unexpected detours that are an inevitable part of life. It is a powerful resource and a great read.
Kari H –
Love this book! Lori Ann shares her life experiences in an easy to read, thought provoking, don’t want to put it down kind of way. If you’ve ever been taken aback by a life detour, you’ll appreciate how she invites the reader to come alongside her detour with honesty, asking the hard questions and ultimately deepening her faith in an omnibenevolent God.
Randy Holman (verified owner) –
I’ve always known that God’s word provides us with everything we need to deal with this life. Lori’s personal story in her book Divine Detour not only breaks down the difficult questions we all struggle with in our relationship with God our Father, but also provides a biblical perspective in answering those questions in a way that is both healing and life changing.
I found my spiritual yearning and need for my God growing. Also, a desire to share that faith and trust with others I may see on a path they did not choose.
I have always admired Lori’s gift for teaching and this book I believe is her greatest accomplishment . I feel confident that anyone who takes the time to read this book will gain new perspective on life’s most important questions, and of course those being on the Spiritual level and aimed at an eternal relationship with God.