Twilight Times Books Category:  Literary Fiction Publisher: Twilight Times Books ISBN-10:  1606190229 Type: Fiction Pages: 102 Copyright: October 15, 2007 In this book of journal entries, essays and poems, we embark on one woman's journey that is at first bitter and agonizing. Then, as we travel through her outbursts of disbelief, denial and resentment; while we empathize with her as she delves into childhood memories she'd rather forget, we begin to see how she's learning to move on to build a new life out of the fragments of the old. The Winnowed Woman speaks to those who have faced similar circumstances. It will help them to discover self identity and find inner peace, rather than continue on the soul-destructive wheel of continuous mourning. This book was first compiled in 2002. Parts of it were written before then and have been incorporated into the work, which although has some basis of truth, is a work of fiction. It has been called a book that every woman should read.     Excerpt Spring What does it matter what month it is? Except, I think it could be April. I'm so numbed, I can't think. When we were sitting on the porch today, a beer cradled in your hand, two in your belly already, you said, "I've been living a lie. I never meant to marry you, I only wanted an affair, but it went too far. I didn't know how to get out of it. Now there are things I want to do and they don't include you." My heart stopped. I swear it did. And then, recovering itself, it began to pound. The pain in my chest was so bad, I was momentarily crippled. I wanted to ask: What do you mean? Why are you hurting me? Me, who has done everything possible to keep you alive? We've struggled through months of hope. I thought, I hoped, that as you got well you would want me again. But this? As we sat there, something inside me slid away. I saw a part of me, slinking into a cave to hide in a dark, safe place. Cave Woman. Her name is Cave Woman and I heard her say: I'm going to protect myself. We can't let him hurt us both. The husk that was me: the pathetic, emotionally floundering creature, torn between anger, indignation, sorrow and disbelief, just sat there. I didn't understand--I was nowhere near accepting. I thought: after all we have meant to each other in the past, do you really mean to throw me away? But quicksilver was my mind. I didn't ask that because it would have killed me further to hear the answer confirmed. You said I didn't know how to get out of it. Well. You're getting out of it now, aren't you? Is this what this illness is all about? To get rid of me? Consumed by sudden anger and pain, I got up and walked away. Once you would have come after me. Said you were sorry; assured me you didn't mean it and that you loved me. But you watched me in silence; lifted the detestable beer to your lips and sucked it back. And I knew I'd lost.

Winner of the WordWeaving Award for Excellence
Celia Ann Leaman's poignantly powerful voice brings any genre vividly to life whether to she chooses to pen fiction, short stories, or an essay. Yet never has her voice proved as profound as in The Winnowed Woman, a collection of essays, commentary and poetry.

The Winnowed Woman reflects the thoughts and reflections of a woman in her maturity who has come beyond the vanity of youth to confront the challenges of middle age. Through the challenges of divorce, in the face of death and disillusionment, Leaman recounts a spiritual journey of healing that reflects every woman who has struggled and overcome.

A powerful and beautifully written book, The Winnowed Woman earns the WordWeaving Award for Excellence.

Reviewed by Cindy Penn, Senior Editor, Wordweaving.com, Amazon top 50 Reviewer and eBook Specialist, Midwest Book Review.  

Maureen McMahon, author of Shadows in the Mist and Return of the Gulls.
The Winnowed Woman is a true gem. It is a journey through a labyrinth of emotional and physical trials that bring about a deeper sense and understanding of life and the universe.

The Winnowed Woman is about a woman facing crises, losing love and then embracing temporary solitude. It is about one woman's struggle to find herself after years of reliance. It is about pain, fear, hope and the eventual acceptance of loss. But mostly it is about discovery; the discovery of that integral aspect begging for release in each and every one of us: spirituality.

Ms. Leaman has masterfully presented this journey into spiritual awakening. Using a combination of essay, poetry and journaling, the story flows so smoothly that I found it impossible to put down. The author's insight is uncanny, and her word pictures truly stunning.

If you have ever experienced heartache or pain and would like to experience hope, The Winnowed Woman is a book you should not miss!


Christine Spindler, author of the Inspector Terry Mysteries.
"When you are unsure of the future, keep doing what is in front of you, and with love, and what is meant for you will find you." (Gurumayi Chidvilasananda). This is the essence of Celia A. Leaman's masterpiece, The Winnowed Woman, a touching, surprising collection that aim straight at the core of emotions, be they desperate, grievous, fearful or blissful. It shows how softly unfolding spirituality will completely change a woman's life.

Celia A. Leaman keeps surprising me. I knew she could write terrific books - both funny and romantic. With this one she has outdone herself.