Allison Bottke is an inspirational writer, speaker, and workshop leader who shares her story of triumph over tragedy as she encourages others to accept the life-transforming power of God. At the age of 35, she traded a destructive lifestyle marred by domestic violence, substance abuse, and emotional turmoil for a life in Christ and the healing that only God can bring.

Raised by a single mother in the projects of Cleveland, Ohio, Bottke ran away from home at age 15 and married a man whose abuse nearly killed her. She gave birth to a son, escaped through divorce, and signed up for welfare as a single mom—all by the age of 16. Though she earned a GED and became a successful non-profit fundraising executive and the first plus-size model signed by the Wilhelmina Agency in Los Angeles, the allure of work, alcohol, drugs, New Age beliefs, fast-living and relationships couldn’t fill the emptiness within. Life was spinning out of control when she followed strangers into a neighborhood church in 1989 and heard a sermon that spoke so intimately of her circumstances and how God could heal her pain; she surrendered her life to Christ.

Allison realised that her story, while extraordinary and one-of-a-kind, was not the only story out there. Certainly God moved in others’ lives the way he did in hers. Since founding the international outreach ministry, God Allows U-Turns, Allison has been collecting stories from all over the world. There are currently sixteen books available under the recognised God Allows U-Turns brand.

The two newest books are God Answers Prayers and God Answers Mom’s Prayers, published by Harvest House and released in March of 2005. Harvest House will also release God Answers Prayers—Military Edition this fall.

These collections of human-interest stories affirm the ultimate purpose of prayer—to praise and glorify God in every trial and tribulation. Each story brings understanding to the spiritual discipline of prayer, how God responds, and the reality of His unlimited power and provision. By coming face-to-face with those who have put their trust in God, Bottke offers a look at the ways in which prayer inspires, encourages, changes, and heals. Many stories will make you laugh, and some will make you cry—all share the very personal message that God works every day in each of our lives.

“Allison Bottke’s new book is a treasury of truly memorable stories. It will fill you with hope and inspire YOUR prayers!” — Cheri Fuller, author When Mother’s Pray

“These stories, compiled like the famous ‘Chicken Soup for the Soul’ series, will light a fire of faith in your heart.” — Lowell Lundstrom, Pastor Celebration Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota

“Just when I thought another really good book about prayer couldn’t be written, Allison Bottke has compiled a group of inspiring stories sure to remind readers of the beauty, simplicity, and power of prayer.” — Eva Marie Everson, author What Your Kids Won’t Tell You

Bottke has written several other books through the God Allows U-Turns, including an adult compilation series featuring Journeys of Friendship, Journeys of Love, Journeys of Hope, and Journeys of Joy (Barbour); an illustrated series for children including Laughter and Love, Jingles and Joy, and Picnics and Peace (Cook); and an interactive adventure series for youth with fun titles such as Get Real, Pastrami Project, and Friend or Freak. (Cook) All available now, on line or at your favorite bookstore.

In what has become one of its highest rated programs, The 700 Club featured Bottke’s life story and she is also a frequent guest on national radio and television programs including Living the Life, The Harvest Show, Aspiring Women, Celebration, and At Home Live. In addition, she has appeared on the covers of Writer’s Digest, BOND, and The Christian Communicator.

Source: http://www.godallowsuturns.com/ap.htm