Rachel Cross-Grothe uncovers the hidden pains of life and love in her powerful new collection, Insights from #12.
Cross-Grothe, the twelfth child in her family, observed her parents' and siblings' struggles. Since the age of eleven, Cross-Grothe has documented these challenges and her family's moments of triumph over them in poetry. She has released this collection in tribute to her sister Dawn, who was always her biggest fan and supporter.
Cross-Grothe's poems represent many different themes. The award-winning "Risen above It All" shows the strength Cross-Grothe's spirituality has given her. "Walking in Love" challenges you to contemplate the many different kinds of love you can express. "Just Wanna Live" reveals the deception of the American Dream.
Cross-Grothe writes candidly about the dark moments in her life, including failed marriages and unhealthy relationships. She credits her faith in God for helping her through the difficult times, and many poems joyfully celebrate his presence in her life. One of her most powerful poems, "Be Your Own Star," tells you that "Our life is a vapor act before it's your time to go." Cross-Grothe has created a collection that will encourage, challenge, and inspire.
About the Author: Rachel Cross-Grothe started writing poetry at the age of eleven. She grew up in Waterbury, Connecticut, with eleven older siblings. Cross-Grothe attended Enlightenment School and credits the alternative school program for turning her life around. She won a writing contest at the school and graduated in 2000.
Cross-Grothe graduated from nursing school on the Dean's List and received her bachelor's degree in psychology.
Cross-Grothe has also participated in professional modeling. She placed in the top twenty in a national model search and received a college scholarship. She was Mrs. July for a cosmetic calendar in West Hollywood, California, and represented Burt County in the Mrs. Nebraska pageant.
Cross-Grothe was appointed by the governor of Nebraska to serve on the Nebraska Coalition of Juvenile Justice. She lives with her husband, Michael, and her two youngest children in Nebraska.
For more information about Cross-Grothe, visit her website, www.rachelcrossgrothe.com.
