Rhythms of Rest: Finding the Spirit of Sabbath in a Busy World

by Shelly Miller, Mark Buchanan (Foreword)

This book is for anyone who is weary--who longs for rest but doesn't know how to make it a reality. Shelly Miller, a sought-after mentor on Sabbath-keeping, shows how even busy people can implement a rhythm of rest into their lives--from small windows of time to a whole morning or day. With encouraging stories from people in different stages in life, Miller shares practical advice for not only finding physical refreshment but also restoring your soul. You will learn:

· Simple ways to be intentional about rest
· Ideas for tuning out distractions and tuning in to God
· How meals and other times with friends and family can be Sabbath experiences

Sabbath is a gift from God to be embraced, not a spiritual hoop to jump through. Discover how genuine rest is possible today.

Praise for Rhythms of Rest:

"Into our culture of chronic tiredness comes a fresh voice in Shelly Miller. This book breaks all your preconceived notions about Sabbath. She makes rest not only obtainable but also the option you'll pick first from a full agenda."
-Mark Batterson, New York Times bestselling author of The Circle Maker and lead pastor of National Community Church

"Shelly Miller writes from her soul--one that has been seeking rest in the midst of heavy transition and the busyness of life. She shares with honesty and beauty what she has discovered. What you learn will help you love God more deeply."
-Margaret Feinberg, author of Live Loved and Fight Back With Joy

"I didn't realize how thirsty my soul was for rest until I read this stunning book. Shelly Miller has found a secret door that leads to true rest--a door discovered right in plain sight--and with exquisite prose, she invites you to walk inside. Don't miss this book."
-Jennifer Dukes Lee, author of The Happiness Dare and Love Idol

"Learning to practice Sabbath has been transformational in my life. It has led me out of striving and simply surviving into deeper grace, joy, and peace. Shelly Miller is extending an invitation straight from the heart of God himself that we all need more than ever in our busy world."
-Holley Gerth, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of You're Already Amazing

"For a generation fatigued by the abuse of hurry, Shelly Miller casts a hopeful vision of what life could look like if we learned to receive Sabbath as a gift rather than a rule. Rhythms of Rest offers a relieved exhale for the weary, worn-out soul. I'm deeply grateful for this message."
-Emily P. Freeman, author of Simply Tuesday: Small-Moment Living in a Fast-Moving World

"This book is a labor of love and a gift to all who desire deeper engagement with God's blessing of rest through Sabbath. Weaving personal story with scriptural insight, Shelly writes with a rhythm that gently guides your soul to slow down . . . notice . . . breathe . . . be. Through the years, Shelly has cultivated an online community of faithful friends who practice Sabbath with intentionality. This book brings that community to you and invites you in, with arms wide open."
-Deidra Riggs, author of Every Little Thing and One: Unity in a Divided World

"Set aside your to-do list. Put off the errands. Ignore the pile of laundry and the dusty mantel. Shelly Miller's Rhythms of Rest offers both a delightful respite and life-transforming wisdom you can't afford to miss. Awaken to the gift of Sabbath--God's invitation to rest in him. Let Rhythms of Rest be your first step in answering yes."
-Michelle DeRusha, author of Spiritual Misfit and 50 Women Every Christian Should Know

"In Rhythms of Rest, Shelly Miller invites us into more than a Sabbath. She invites us into Jesus' heart. She reminds us that rest is really a state of being: of belonging, of knowing we are loved. In a culture wearied by the rat race, Miller's poetic voice is a much-needed breath of life."
-Emily T. Wierenga, founder of The Lulu Tree, a nonprofit based on radical rest, and author of Atlas Girl and Making It Home

"Shelly Miller is the rest mentor you didn't even realize you were looking for."
-Myquillyn Smith, author of The Nesting Place and co-founder of Hope Writers

"Rhythms of Rest is a lyrical, beautiful invitation to experience the peace of heart so many of us desperately crave but can't seem to find. I thought a book on the subject of Sabbath might be a sleeper, but Miller manages to captivate the reader in refreshing and surprising ways. I loved this book!"
-Heather Kopp, author of Sober Mercies: How Love Caught Up With a Christian Drunk

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Faith, Christian Living, Spirituality, Christianity, Christian Non Fiction

224 pages, Paperback

First published October 4, 2016

About the author

Shelly Miller is a veteran ministry leader and sought-after mentor on making rest a rhythm of life. She leads the Sabbath Society, an online community of people who want to make rest a priority, and curates Sabbath Society Circles, small groups that meet in neighborhoods and cities around the globe.

Her first book, Rhythms of Rest: Finding the Spirit of Sabbath in a Busy World, released with Bethany House Publishers in October of 2016. Sabbath Roots is the first volume of several upcoming resources for personal reflection and group study.

Shelly is a personal development coach and speaks at venues in Europe and the United States. She is married to H, an Anglican minister who resources church planting in the UK. Together they have two children, Murielle and Harrison. Having lived across the U.S. she moved to London in 2015 to start a new adventure in the land of her ancestors.

Find out more at ShellyMillerWriter.com and @ShellyMillerWriter on Facebook and Instagram; ShellyMillerWR on Twitter and Pinterest; and #SabbathSociety,#RhythmsOfRest, and
#SabbathRoots where she loves to share photos of the beautiful places she visits.

Reviews

[Lynette Karg · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book, I even expected to like it, but I was disappointed by it's lack of biblical focus. Instead of basing her exhortations on the whole of Scripture, this work is based on the author's own experience, which she elevates above the Scriptures. She often quotes Emerging church leaders and mystics, repeatedly advocates for contemplative or listening prayer, and even seems to advocate for extra biblical revelation (writing epistles to others). Throughout the book there are "Sabbath is...." statements, but these are never defined from Scripture, but rather from this writer's isogesis (reading into Scripture) and experience. I think the church could use Biblical instruction in this area, but this book is not it, and in my opinion does more harm than good by pointing people away from Christ and Scripture.

[Lyli Dunbar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shelly Miller invites her readers into rest. Her book is not a manual on how to Sabbath, rather her words draw you in and wrap themselves around you with life and peace. Ms. Miller has experienced life at full-throttle busy, and she decided to get off the hamster wheel. However, Sabbath for her is not a legalistic doing of nothing. It's a a rhythmical dance with her God that makes her heart come alive. Having tasted His goodness, the author invited friends to join her and launched a weekly Sabbath Society of friends who share their experiences of slowing down and savoring God's goodness. The chapters are filled with stories of people who've tasted and seen that God is good.

As a member of the Sabbath Society, I was excited about reading this book. Shelly did not disappoint. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to be still and know that He is God.

[Kelsey Park · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rhythms of rest is a book that poetically walks you through the ideas of Sabbath. For the weary soul, it comes as a welcome break and a hard look at the rhythms you keep. This is not a book meant to be rushed through, but one worth meditating over.
For me personally, it was sometimes hard to focus my thoughts and genuinely read. But that seems to be the purpose of the book, to really capture your mind and heart as you dive into the keeping of Sabbath.

[Sharon Hall · Rating 2 out of 5]

Still searching for a great book on rest! The last chapter with reflective questions was the most helpful part of the book.

[Hallie Waugh · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the ideas presented in this book, but her writing felt unnatural to read and a tad repetitive.

[Letitia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Couldn’t wait to keep ready to glean more wisdom but was so sad when it was over. I am a Sabbath devotee of many years but this book took me to a whole new level of understanding and appreciation. Will be recommending it to everyone!

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had to take what the author said with caution, as she quotes from Brene Brown (if a Christian author is as loved by non-Christians as Christians, alarm bells!!) and seems to take The Message with equal weight as Bible translations. That said, I can’t take these things to mean she knows nothing and I can’t learn from what she has to say.

Some good points, and things to think through and aspire to. Undoubtedly, sabbath each week and rhythms of rest as good things. Preparing throughout the week for rest is something I noticed in the scripture before (collecting two days of manna to then collect none) but giving examples of how to do this was helpful.

There’s a lot in the book which comes from personal experience rather than scripture, which isn’t a bad thing, but a better balance could have been good.

A bit self-helpy but actually helpful in some ways. Missed a lot of the worship side of sabbath in my opinion, focusing on the (physical) rest side.

The audiobook was a bit annoying, especially the different accents for different people writing in to the author.

[Tommy Wreay · Rating 1 out of 5]

Shelly Miller bastardizes the word sabbath to mean merely physical and mental rest. Rather than relying on the ample scriptural evidence and explanation of the sabbath this book focuses on personal stories about sabbath rest and misses the true heart of sabbath, namely spiritual rest in God. While there are good things in this book I cannot in good conscience recommend this book.
I think you would do better reading a secular book on rest than this book, at least then you won’t be convinced that you are honoring the Lord in observing the sabbath with the tips Miller recommends.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this audiobook and it gave me lots to think about in how I approach Sabbath so that Sunday can truly be a day of rest, to cease striving and worship God and relax with my family. I had to take everything she said with a grain of salt though since we differ on some theological matters since she’s Anglican and quotes some people I don’t agree with. But overall, it was a good listen.

[Joseph Lillie]

I highly recommend this book to anyone who struggles with finding a moment to rest in the workaday world. I feel like this should be required reading for every church leader.

[Jane Rattray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book! The need for Sabbath, Sabbath rest and and a Sabbath spirit are illustrated beautifully through the author's own life story.

[Darren Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book for reminding us that Jesus is our rest.

[hannah cottrill · Rating 4 out of 5]

|| 4 ⭐️ ||

One of my goals this year is to take the Sabbath seriously and cultivate exactly this: a rhythm of rest.

Shelly Miller approaches the topic of Sabbath and rest in such a gentle, poetic way, that even reading this book was rejuvenating. She offers an approach to Sabbath that is attainable in the real world, even for busy people who may feel like they don’t have time for it. She offers practical tidbits of advice on making rest a reality, as well as re-centres our focus with what Sabbath is actually all about: resting in the knowledge that God is enough, and He will supply all of our needs even when we aren’t striving. A great reminder that our works don’t bring us salvation: He still loves us the same when we aren’t constantly doing.

While I wasn’t a fan of her quoting The Message so often, or the occasional “prophetic words” from friends she talked about, her perspective was mostly biblically grounded and insightful.

[KentValerie Laws · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although in the by the end, I was happy I read this book, most of the time I was dissatisfied. For me, it lacked practicality and theology- both of which I like in a book about this kind of topic. I think this book would appeal primarily to women who enjoy reading about other peoples experience of keeping Sabbath. Easy read- just not my favorite.

[Silvia Maria · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. I loved most of the content, but the structure of it made it hard to follow at times. Also, I don’t agree with doing the work that you would’ve done on Sabbath on other days throughout the week to “make it up.” To me, that defeats the purpose of Sabbath🤭🤭🤭🤭

[Alexandra Engelmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good

I think she does a great job of making Sabbath feel attainable and why it is necessary in our lives.

[Ashlee Gadd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need to read this book once a year. Wow. Convicting, convicting, convicting. Underlined a ton and plan to have my husband read so we can figure out how to implement sabbath in our house.

[LeahBethany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rhythms of Rest had some great insights into the Sabbath: what it is (and isn't), why God created it, and practical ways to implement it. A lot of food for thought that I've discussed with my husband and look forward to discussing with others. 3.5 stars.

[S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding a few moments in a day to rest is tough, let alone an entire day. The concept of Sabbath has been wrought with struggle for as long as Sabbath has been around. Established by God and designed as a way to regenerate-or rest-at the completion of creation, He gifted it to us knowing it would be good and necessary. He didn’t create it as a way to frustrate us or add another list of commands to follow-he created it so we could rest. Plain and simple.

In Rhythms of Rest, Shelly Miller reminds us that “Sabbath isn’t an allowance for rest when the dishes are done, projects are complete, or when your volunteerism is on hiatus”. Sabbath is an invitation to enter into a space that is holy and consecrated; a time set apart for us to reconnect with our creator. God longs for us to spend time with him, not just in the halls of church, but in his very presence.

Miller unpacks Sabbath in a way that makes it more accessible, attainable and realistic. Rhythms of Rest isn’t a laundry list of things you have to complete in order to rest; it is a guidebook through the quagmire of expectations in order that you may find Sabbath in unexpected ways as well as in well thought out preparation. Shelly Miller has created a wonderful book that will be a resource for your Sabbath journey, not just today, but for years to come.

[Meighan Kapke · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was so hard to get through. For some, her writing could be considered a treat and relaxing to read, but I found myself having to reread sentences over and over again just to understand the points that she was making.
This being said, her book did have a lot of good information and tips, but it was a major chore trying to get to those points. I felt like a lot of the book was filler and it was hard for me to care about her desire to live in England.
For those with a desire to learn more about sabbath, I would suggest maybe trying to find an outline of this book? Or find a blog post with her main points? Or looking somewhere else altogether.

[Katherine Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rhythms of Rest came to me as an invitation: to slow down, to relax, to savor. To let go of legalism and expectations and simply rest — on Sundays and otherwise.

Rest. Doesn’t that sound lovely? It is, friends, and it’s yours for the taking. As Shelly Miller shows us through example, we need only to claim it. And then, to enjoy it and the fruits of our non-labor.

While I was already on the Sabbath road before picking up Shelly’s book, I sought further encouragement and found it here. It inspired me to think differently about Sabbath, not just as a one-day-a-week observation, but as a mindset. To seek and find Sabbath moments every day throughout my days.

Rhythms of Rest invited me to slow down — even in the reading of the book itself. Many times when I begin a book, I feel a subtle pull to hurry through it in order to get on to the next. Not so this one. I found I didn’t want to rush it but simply to savor its lovely prose, much as I would a drawn-out conversation with a favored friend over a cuppa.

Speaking of friends…I’ve also appreciated how Rhythms of Rest — along with Shelly’s blog and newsletter for The Sabbath Society — has connected me to other women around the world who purpose to Sabbath differently. This is perhaps Shelly’s greatest gift to her reader: the sense of connection. To give others the knowledge that she is not alone in the pursuit of something that, in today’s hurried society, feels slightly radical. Certainly countercultural.

What I’ve learned is that often the most profound change we seek is gained by a simple shift in outlook and lifestyle. A new lens through which to view the world and our role in it. Shelly’s book reveals that the best way to find the peace our souls naturally crave is not to try to fashion it ex nihilo, out of nothing; but to simply return to the beginning, when God Himself modeled what it means to Sabbath. He created it and lovingly invites His people to partake. Not for His ultimate good, but for ours.

Thanks to Bethany House Publishers for providing me this book free of charge. All opinions are mine.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many good highlight-worthy parts in this book. (I made them all public)

In our busy world, Sabbath is a gift from God that many (maybe even most) people think they just can't accept, participate in, and enjoy. But still there seems to be a deep longing for the very experience and blessings of Sabbath.

The author chronicles her journey to find the rhythm of Sabbath in her busy life while also encouraging others in their journeys. There were some really good things in here - all Sabbath positive, and even though I've been remembering the Sabbath all my life, it has me thinking about how I can be more intentional about getting the most out of it each week.

What brings you joy and peace and closer to the heart of God? Your answer will help to define what rest looks like for you.

The biggest problem I have with this book - and most like it - is the disconnect. The author continually talks about Sabbath - creation, God, the commandment, rest, etc., so many Biblical truths -

“So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation” (Genesis 2:3 ESV). The seventh day remains holy regardless of where we find ourselves, regardless of feelings about time and space. Sabbath remains holy and set apart because he is holy, different, other than. How did I miss this for decades?

- but doesn't QUITE get there and actually commit to the Sabbath. God's Sabbath. Instead choosing to pick her own Sabbath. There are blessings even in that. I'll give her that...

How do we create time that is sacred in Sabbath-keeping? We make it different from the other six days of the week. The Sabbath remains holy even when we don’t choose to observe it.

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book about the Sabbath. It’s an encouragement and guide for people who are done with the constant striving. It’s full of anecdotes about different ways to be intentional about rest while also weaving Miller’s own story of how God spoke to her and her husband about moving
transcontinentally to London. I read this book as a follow-up to John Mark Comer’s 'The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry' because I wanted to read more about Sabbath and rest and I’ve always believed that if an author recommends someone else’s work - you should listen! It’s also always wise to read around a subject - especially one you might struggle with and get alternative perspectives. Miller’s book while not as punchy as Comer’s is full of depth and wisdom and ultimately grace. I think a few of my takeaways are:

Rest is whatever brings joy and peace and closer to the heart of God. So if for me - that means reorganizing my spice cabinet because God imbued me with a deep love for organization - that is okay. Rest isn’t a one-size fits all thing and that freedom was vital for me.

Sabbath isn’t about law-keeping - it’s the realization of the fact that time set-apart for God is vital for our lives and it’s fun. Who doesn’t want to spend time with the creator of the universe who also happens to love us immensely?

Sabbath isn’t about us - it’s about Him and glorifying Him with our lives and if that means interrupting our work-obsessed hurry culture with “wasting time” then that is what we do. It will not be easy at first but like all sacrifices we make - God is faithful to us even when we give Him our time.

While slower to read - I do recommend this book for anyone who got swept into the importance of Comer’s book or anyone who feels exhausted and needs an alternative perspective to life than the one culture is throwing at us.

[Sara Budarz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I admittedly really did not really enjoy the first half of the book and was very tempted to stop reading.
It started off with the forward, in which the claim is made that a true sabbath can only be found in Jesus. Given that sabbath is a Jewish ritual that christians appropriated, making claims like this is just so problematic. I read on anyway (especially since the forward wasn't by the author herself). But the first several chapters just don't seem to say much beyond that you just need to make time for a day of rest, even if you don't think you can. The long examples and quotes from emails she received also just felt like filler.

But then the second half of the book changed in terms of tone, and suddenly became a book I so absolutely loved, in part because it had a lot more hands-on advice, mixed with reflections on why stillness matters. By the end, I was so glad I had read on after wanting to quit.

I'm not sure I've ever really read something that feels this uneven, that started out as a 1 star, and kept moving up until I ended somewhere around 3.5-4 stars.

Overall, the book (and especially the questions at the end) helped me reflect on my goals for a sabbath practice.

Takeaways:
Move away from the idea of what you shouldn't do on a day of rest, and instead move towards what you would love to do in order to feel light and happy. Then try to do these things.

If something is fun, do it, even if it would be work for someone else (like gardening).
If something makes you feel heavy, don't do it, even if it would be qualify as rest for others.

There are two types of sabbath: taking time for silence and looking inward, and taking time for fun and exploration. We need a mix of both. (This might admittedly be more my reflection than anything in the book.)

[Codi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Time. That elusive concept that there never seems to be enough of. And lack of time directly equals the lack of rest we give ourselves to recharge and refocus.

There were many elements of this book that really resonated with me and others that missed the mark. But I can probably chalk up the ones that didn’t to my Southern Baptist leanings that are scared off by terms like “The Venerable” and the many unfamiliar faith rituals that her family incorporates into their lives.

The word Sabbath is really what stuck with me and made me take a good look at what that looks like in my own life. It’s easy to take that word and turn it into a day of the week, or a reward for finally getting the dishes or laundry done. It’s especially tricky to define when your husband is a pastor and Sunday’s feel more like work than rest or a time of refreshing.

I’m still figuring this word out in my life but what I’m hearing is grace and holy permission. Grace for what didn’t get done on my list, and holy permission to ignore it all to spend time with God. That means prepping for what I can on Saturday and ignoring the rest until Monday. Or sometimes turning down an invitation with friends to spend time as a family at home on a Saturday night. But I’m trying to be more intentional with truly having a Sabbath ❤️

[Meagan | The Chapter House · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miller's writing style reminds me of Ann Voskamp and Ten Thousand Gifts. Thoughtful, gently challenging, and encouraging, Rhythms of Rest challenges the reader to implement change straightaway. Not necessarily huge change - baby steps are encouraged! - but change nevertheless.

Remembering the Sabbath is a tough commandment to obey. There's always one more thing to do, another load of laundry that "will just take a sec to throw in", etc., etc. But what load of laundry, or email, or {fill in the blank here}, is truly so important that it can't wait till the next day? Rest - both spiritual and physical - is just as important as "productivity". And we are only as productive as we are rested ... the less rested we are, the less genuinely productive we are.

Miller examines the biblical setting of Sabbath, its theological and linguistic roots, and more in Rhythms of Rest, and provides plenty of practical application the reader can implement right away. Definitely recommended and I look forward to making changes in my own Sabbath practices.

I received a free copy of the book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Kacie Woodmansee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been wanting to learn more about the rhythm of sabbath since I heard several podcasts on the topic. It's such a foreign concept in our busy world, and it was something I felt convicted to incorporate into my lifestyle of worship. As an analytical person, I fall into the trap of wanting step by step details on how it should be done and this book does a good job of really getting into the heart of why we Sabbath instead of looking at a checklist of what to do and what not to do. After all, isn't that part of what Jesus did as Lord of Sabbath, freed us of the need to do.
As an analytical person I did struggle a bit with the author's method of storytelling. I could tell she was a talented writer, but parts of it didn't resonate with me. And part of me would have appreciated a bit more detail on ways Sabbath could be done because it can sometimes be difficult in my season of life to figure out how to Sabbath with young kids. All in all, the book was a great reminder on the importance of resting with God and resting in God. It definitely made me want to develop this important rhythm in my week.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I appreciate the wisdom on how to Sabbath, something in the tone didn't quite feel right. It's a similar feeling I got from the women I met at "high church" in Boston. Educated, prosperous, articulate, and spiritually discerning, but at a slight emotional distance.

How can you live somewhere for over a decade and not have any (many?) close friends? How will moving to a new country fix your longing and your loneliness? (I tried that, it doesn't work.) Why, if you are celebrating trusting and weakness, does your story abruptly end with a fairy tale ending, "See, it all works out if you wait on the Lord"? What about the rest of us that are still stuck in circumstances we wouldn't choose (and will be for the foreseeable future)? Why do you set yourself up as a spiritual teacher on playing and resting when you yourself struggle to do things that aren't productive? And yet, I suppose we often study the very things we need help with... the idea of the wounded healer and all.

These questions feel harsh to me. I believe God speaks to the author. I believe God is using the author to teach the life-giving practices of Sabbath. There was just something that didn't quite land right.

[Susan Shipe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started out slow and I ended slow, and, savored every morsel in-between! There are many reasons I love this book at least 5 to match the 5-star rating but I am going to leave those reasons for you to find out for yourself.
Ms Miller has an engaging writing style. Personal yet perfectly articulated. One of the 'things' I liked so much are these:
Her love of still water (their Canadian cabin retreat).
Her and H's desire to relocate to someplace totally new to them.
Her love for her family and her desire to see them independently flourish.
Her way of getting lost in the kitchen when she needs a distraction.
Her attempts at being content when her heart is being stretched and pulled with discontentment.
Her discipline and devotion to Sabbath rest.
Her love of doors (I don't think this was in the book!).
I am going to miss these pages but it will be a book I pick up from time to time to remind myself that God IS faithful and He DOES give us the desires of our heart when we abide in Him.

[Teresa Staton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was given to me as a sweet gift during an intensely busy season, one in which I had thrown out all notions of keeping what little I knew about Sabbath. Sometimes we end up with the right book at the right moment, and this was one of those books for me. I really liked Shelly Miller’s voice in this work. She has authored the Sabbath Society blog for several years and has worked during that time to continually implement “rhythms of rest” in her life, yet she doesn’t come across as authoritative. It’s more like the reader enters into a conversation about Sabbath. I don’t think Miller is passive, but she leaves a lot of the interpretation of the fourth commandment to the reader. It was a refreshing read- someone agreeing with God that we need regular rest, and it’s okay to take it.

I would recommend this book to anyone who has questioned what to do with the commandment to observe Sabbath, and especially to those who feel too busy to observe Sabbath.

This was a quiet, enjoyable read, and I’m hopeful Shelly Miller will pen more books.