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Ruth, A Portrait: The story of Ruth Bell Graham
Ruth Bell Graham is known as the wife of evangelist Billy Graham. It was Ruth who influenced Billy, as his most trusted life-partner. In Ruth, a Portrait, we meet this fascinating and remarkable woman. Brimming with anecdotes, this is a breathtaking journey, with stops at many of this century's epoch-making events.
The childhood years of the future Mrs. Billy Graham were spent light-years away--in the China of the 1920s and 1930s. The daughter of medical missionaries, she and her family were caught in a crucible of unspeakable hardship; in addition to pestilence and plague, there was the unstable political and military turmoil surrounding the Nationalist government, the Communists, and the Japanese invaders. These hazardous realities shaped Ruth Bell and her family, a family inured to difficulties, but buoyed up by their deep belief in God's abiding will.
Virtually raised by the Grahams, the author is a repository of Ruth Bell Graham's stories and has seen firsthand the spirit of this courageous woman. Patricia Cornwell not only gives readers a full, rounded, and intimate portrait of Ruth Bell Graham, but also insight into the life of the Graham family and particularly Billy Graham.
The childhood years of the future Mrs. Billy Graham were spent light-years away--in the China of the 1920s and 1930s. The daughter of medical missionaries, she and her family were caught in a crucible of unspeakable hardship; in addition to pestilence and plague, there was the unstable political and military turmoil surrounding the Nationalist government, the Communists, and the Japanese invaders. These hazardous realities shaped Ruth Bell and her family, a family inured to difficulties, but buoyed up by their deep belief in God's abiding will.
Virtually raised by the Grahams, the author is a repository of Ruth Bell Graham's stories and has seen firsthand the spirit of this courageous woman. Patricia Cornwell not only gives readers a full, rounded, and intimate portrait of Ruth Bell Graham, but also insight into the life of the Graham family and particularly Billy Graham.
304 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1983
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About the author
Patricia Daniels Cornwell
8Ìýbooks949Ìýfollowerssee: Patricia Cornwell
Patricia Cornwell's first title: Postmortem was published under Patricia Daniels Cornwell
Various editions of her other titles are published under Patricia D. Cornwell, which are also found here.
Patricia Cornwell's first title: Postmortem was published under Patricia Daniels Cornwell
Various editions of her other titles are published under Patricia D. Cornwell, which are also found here.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
February 13, 2013
I doubt that many people know this, but one of the best biographies I have ever read was written by Patricia Cornwell. I’m not talking about the book she wrote about Jack the Ripper. The biography I’m excited about was about Ruth Bell Graham.
Graham and Cornwell have been friends for many years. This is evident in the wonderful book that Cornwell has written.
Ruth Bell Graham starts life as a child of missionaries in the Far East. She is sent to boarding school when still quite young and had to learn self-sufficiency at an early age. Eventually, life happens and the Graham family ends up back in the US. Ruth attends college and meets and marries young minister named Billy.
As the young wife of a traveling evangelist, Ruth proves again and again that she can be a loving wife and mother � even though she is mothering alone much of the time.
I’m not generally a fan of biographies, but this particular book held my interest and actually made me look for more current information on this wonderful lady. I hope others will read and enjoy this title as much as I did.
Graham and Cornwell have been friends for many years. This is evident in the wonderful book that Cornwell has written.
Ruth Bell Graham starts life as a child of missionaries in the Far East. She is sent to boarding school when still quite young and had to learn self-sufficiency at an early age. Eventually, life happens and the Graham family ends up back in the US. Ruth attends college and meets and marries young minister named Billy.
As the young wife of a traveling evangelist, Ruth proves again and again that she can be a loving wife and mother � even though she is mothering alone much of the time.
I’m not generally a fan of biographies, but this particular book held my interest and actually made me look for more current information on this wonderful lady. I hope others will read and enjoy this title as much as I did.
June 6, 2018
People have spiritual hero’s. You don’t have to have ever known them, but you feel like you do because you have read about that person so much. Ruth Bell Graham is one of my spiritual hero’s. I look up to her. This women who was married to the greatest evangelist of the 20th century, who took up her cross daily to follow Christ, who made her home her pulpit, who was perfectly happy to be behind the scenes of her husbands ministry. She went to heaven 11 years ago now, but her influence will live on. I highly recommend this book! Ruth Graham was a remarkable women, she reminds me of the women in Proverbs 31,
“A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.
She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life...
She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy..
She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:..
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Honor her for all that her hands have done,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.�
“A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.
She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life...
She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy..
She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:..
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Honor her for all that her hands have done,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.�
June 4, 2021
I read this book because I was interested in Ruth Bell Graham. One of my all-time favorite books is Ruth's One Wintry Night. I had never heard of Patricia Cornwell, as her genre of crime fiction isn't one I follow. So, reading this book about the wonderful Ruth Bell Graham, was painful. The writing sounded like fiction, but Ruth's real life is way more fascinating than all the 'dressing up' needed. I found the chapters disjointed, tripping from one decade to another and back. Many inspiring stories were begun, but left hanging. I think the bottom line for me was you just knew that Cornwell herself doesn't understand the love of Jesus Christ and what His saving grace does to a person.
I pray Cornwell today will come to know the Jesus that Ruth must have told her about. I know Ruth is having the time of her life in glory with her dear husband and parents. I look forward to meeting her there!
I pray Cornwell today will come to know the Jesus that Ruth must have told her about. I know Ruth is having the time of her life in glory with her dear husband and parents. I look forward to meeting her there!
February 26, 2018
Ruth Bell Graham was born to medical missionaries serving in China, and she spent her formative years there. She met Billy Graham when they were both students at Wheaton College, before he became Billy Graham, the famous evangelist.
I found this biography of Ruth Bell Graham fascinating. Prior to reading it, I knew next to nothing about her life, other than a few magazine articles I read. She was a true woman of faith and definitely not just an echo of her husband. She was a strong woman and passionate in her beliefs.
As you might expect, from reading other works by Patricia Cornwell, this book is well written, interesting, filled with information and anecdotes. You feel as if you're experiencing life right along with Ruth Bell Graham, herself.
I found this biography of Ruth Bell Graham fascinating. Prior to reading it, I knew next to nothing about her life, other than a few magazine articles I read. She was a true woman of faith and definitely not just an echo of her husband. She was a strong woman and passionate in her beliefs.
As you might expect, from reading other works by Patricia Cornwell, this book is well written, interesting, filled with information and anecdotes. You feel as if you're experiencing life right along with Ruth Bell Graham, herself.
May 31, 2018
lives were changed, indeed
May 20, 2021
I think the story of the Grahams is just amazing. I've read books both by and about Billy Graham, so I knew some of Ruth's story, but this book filled in a lot of gaps and shows what an amazing woman she truly was. This book is written in such a way that I feel like I know the family after finishing the book.
June 1, 2024
A fantastic biography! Well written and a compelling read. Ruth was not what I thought she might’ve been, but it’s amazing how God uses people in ways they never expected!
October 21, 2012
A biography of Ruth Bell Graham written by crime writer Patricia Cornwell? It was a pairing I couldn't pass up.
Turns out Cornwell grew up in the small NC town where the Grahams lived. She writes about Ruth: I thought she was the loveliest, kindest person ever born. I still do. I thought there must be something special about me, too. Why else would she notice that I played baseball and tennis better than the boys, or wrote poetry and songs and was lonely?"
I think there must be many people in the world who've been made to feel special by Ruth Bell Graham.
This account begins in a childhood spent with medical missionary parents in China, and traces a life that didn't go according to expectations. Rather than serving as a missionary on a mountain top in Tibet, her path took her into rural NC - with frequent detours to international capitols. She encountered the world's leaders.... and the world's forgotten. Operating as much as possible behind the scenes, she poured out her life for them.
This biography was inspiring in many ways. I'll probably read it again.
Turns out Cornwell grew up in the small NC town where the Grahams lived. She writes about Ruth: I thought she was the loveliest, kindest person ever born. I still do. I thought there must be something special about me, too. Why else would she notice that I played baseball and tennis better than the boys, or wrote poetry and songs and was lonely?"
I think there must be many people in the world who've been made to feel special by Ruth Bell Graham.
This account begins in a childhood spent with medical missionary parents in China, and traces a life that didn't go according to expectations. Rather than serving as a missionary on a mountain top in Tibet, her path took her into rural NC - with frequent detours to international capitols. She encountered the world's leaders.... and the world's forgotten. Operating as much as possible behind the scenes, she poured out her life for them.
This biography was inspiring in many ways. I'll probably read it again.
September 7, 2016
A rare find - a non-fiction biography I enjoyed! The authoress had several advantages. First, she knew Ruth Graham since childhood, growing up in the neighborhood. Which probably led to her second advantage, that she had access to diaries and other personal sources. The anecdotes and details made the reading disjointed at times. Sometimes I couldn't see how a particular tidbit was even relevant.
One last advantage the author and is that she actually has some story telling skills. She's best known for her crime novels. I might have to read more of her work.
Of the subject, Ruth Graham, she was more interesting than I expected. She lived in the shadow of her famous husband, but had her own stories. She managed to be a submissive wife and yet have a mind of her own. He actually valued her opinions. She exercised her will more when he wasn't around. I'm thinking of how I can apply her story to my own marriage.
One last advantage the author and is that she actually has some story telling skills. She's best known for her crime novels. I might have to read more of her work.
Of the subject, Ruth Graham, she was more interesting than I expected. She lived in the shadow of her famous husband, but had her own stories. She managed to be a submissive wife and yet have a mind of her own. He actually valued her opinions. She exercised her will more when he wasn't around. I'm thinking of how I can apply her story to my own marriage.
July 8, 2012
Somehow this book wound up on my shelf and sat for some time. Picked it up a couple of weeks ago and found myself delighted. I enjoy a book that brings a person to life in such a way I feel I have come to know her. This is the case with Ruth. Ms. Cornwell did a terrific job in revealing Ruth. I enjoyed the book a lot and certainly have a new view on what it must be like to be in the public eye, especially one who brings spiritual concerns to those around her, an easy target for criticism. I am glad to have read this book.
January 15, 2015
Never knew much about Billy Graham and certainly not about his wife, Ruth Bell Graham. This book was the first biography ever written by my favorite murder mystery author, Patricia D. Cornwell, who grew up following Ruth Graham around until they were fast friends for life. Really enjoyed learning about this phenomenal Christian powerhouse and her famous evangelist husband. More than kept my interest!
October 20, 2018
I really enjoyed this book; my admiration for Ruth Bell Graham increased as I learned more about her godly character, coupled with the difficulties she faced living in the eye of the public. The only drawbacks were that the author had a tendency to dwell too much on some subjects and that she followed a loose chronology, often jumping forward or backward in the timeline, which sometimes made it difficult to keep track of what was going on.
January 28, 2008
I loved that fact that Patricia Cornwall told her story of her relationship with Ruth Graham. She painted the utmost picture of grace and humility - a woman of courage and a wonderful sense of humor. One of my greatest dreams was to meet Ruth Graham - so sorry for our sakes that she is gone to heaven - but oh, what a homecoming that was!
June 19, 2011
Very interesting book. I did not know much about Billy Graham, and this book tells of Ruth's life as his wife, with very little mention of her famous husband. The forward sets the tone, and Cornwell did an excellent job. While I love the Kay Scarpetta stories, I loved the Ruth Bell Graham stories just as much.
September 19, 2011
The life story of Ruth Bell Graham from her early childhood in China with her missionary parents to become the wife of Billy Graham. She always thought she'd be a missionary until she met Billy. In many ways this was more challenging than being a missionary because Billy was gone so much and she had 5 children to raise. A beautiful example of Christian womanhood.
November 6, 2020
Colleen Dodge
I have always loved Patricia Corn wells books,and was excited to discover she had written a book about Ruth Graham. I have been a Catholic all of my 64years and have begun my own awaking to another form of worship. I did not leave my church it left me. This book and Ruth have given me strength and inside on my journey. Thank you so very much.
I have always loved Patricia Corn wells books,and was excited to discover she had written a book about Ruth Graham. I have been a Catholic all of my 64years and have begun my own awaking to another form of worship. I did not leave my church it left me. This book and Ruth have given me strength and inside on my journey. Thank you so very much.
July 29, 2023
I really enjoyed Cornwell’s writing style. I knew nothing about the Grahams and this story was from Ruth’s perspective. What an interesting life!
Born in pre Communist China as the daughter of a missionary doctor, she grew up to help others in so many ways, with her own flourish. Some parts were sad and others laugh out loud funny.
Ruth would have been a joy to meet.
October 16, 2012
Never before has the saying, "Behind every successful man is a powerful woman" been more true! This was Patrica Cornwell's FIRST book!! THAT alone had me intrigued... It was amazing to get to know Ruth Graham... WOW....she was something else!!
October 31, 2014
I found this book in my church library. I was amazed to see that Patricia Cornwell was the author. I had read a couple of Cornwell's books and didn't think she would know Billy and Ruth Graham but she does! This biography is very well written and was a pleasure to read.
June 17, 2015
If you like biographies and have any interest in Billy Graham's wife's story, you will love this book. It is well written and I enjoyed it and read through it without picking up a fiction book which is unusual for me. She is also the mother of Franklin Graham from Samritan's Purse.
July 11, 2017
This caught my attention because you would not naturally link Patricia Cornwell, creator of the Kay Scarpetta books, with Billy Graham's wife.
I enjoyed the book and seeing a book regarding someone we don't hear much about. The personal connection makes this book.
I enjoyed the book and seeing a book regarding someone we don't hear much about. The personal connection makes this book.
November 16, 2017
A wonderful biography about an amazing lady. We hear a lot about her husband, but she was such a force behind the scenes of his ministry. I loved hearing about the experiences that God used to shape her into an amazing woman.
January 21, 2020
Beautiful woman and beautiful biography
Thank you for sharing your remembrances, the poems she wrote, her life. What an amazing life it was! I laughed, cried, and smiled and was wowed through it all.
Thank you for sharing your remembrances, the poems she wrote, her life. What an amazing life it was! I laughed, cried, and smiled and was wowed through it all.
December 4, 2015
I haven't read a biography in many years and I'm thankful to have read this one. I found out so many things about the Graham family I wouldn't have known otherwise. Definitely worth the time spent.
July 16, 2010
Very well written and I loved the person being written about as well as the writer.
September 3, 2012
Beautiful book about Ruth Bell Graham. The author was a friend since she was a child, and greatly admired Ruth. A fine tribute.
September 14, 2012
Three chapters in I realized I had read this book, Looked it up in my records and I read it in 2009
January 28, 2014
Very independent lady. Not sure how Billy could have done his work without her.
February 1, 2015
I really enjoyed reading about Ruth. What an exceptional woman!
June 26, 2015
A lovely book about a great lady.
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