Muncie Times, Muncie, Delaware County, 15 November 2001 — Page 37

The Muncie Tunes. November 15, 2001, page 37

BOOK REVIEW

Faith, desire clash in Murrays Joy Novel

Joy By Victoria Christopher Murray Published by Warner Books, Inc. with Walk Worthy Press Inc. Anya Mitchell has it all. A deep and abiding faith in God, a loving family, a highly successful business and the man of her dreams, to share it all with. Yet, a nagging and persistent question looms large in her mind. Not quite fear, but almost as powerful, she wonders about the direction of her life and impending marriage. Anya is faced with formidable challenges. There are internal conflicts within her financial services agency. She is concerned about the emotional and spiritual well-being of a recently divorced cousin and, despite the fact that she and her fiance share a common Christian faith, he tends to justify his desire to be intimate—while Anya is fighting to remain celibate. Just when Anya thinks that the counseling she and fiance Braxton Vance receive through their pastor is helping to sort things out, Anya is brutally attacked. Now drawing on a reservoir of strength, which comes from her intimate relationship with God, Anya is forced to make decisions where she can allow no compromise. Riveting and inspiring, this second novel from the author of Ifemptation appeals to the sense of a greater purpose in life, in spite of adversities and trials. In its 373

pages are revealed many of the intricacies of life: laughter and sorrow; hope and despair; love and hate; desire and release; but most of all is the faith that overcomes each challenge. This is a must read for singles, dating and married couples. Check your local library and/or bookstore about its availability. —By Judy Mays

Prof: Retailers will cut prices to lure Xmas shoppers

The economic slowdown may cause retailers to slash prices to entice shoppers to the malls in the coming weeks, says a Ball State professor. Consumers can expect deep price cuts in response to fears that retail sales may fall short of expectations, said James Lowry, a retail industry analyst. The psychological effects of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the United States and major layoffs in several industries will have a

negative impact on the upcoming holiday season, he said. “In late summer we were expecting sales to grow by 4 percent over the last year,” Lowry said. “Now, it should really be around 1.5 to 2.5 percent. That growth may depend on what happens as America battles terrorism. More bad news may cut into sales further.’ Consumers spent about $195 billion during last year’s holiday shopping season, a 5.3 percent increase over the

previous year, according to the National Retail Federation. • Lowry anticipates many national retailers to begin the shopping season earlier than expected to lure customers into stores. The season traditionally begins the Friday after Thanksgiving, but retailers often begin holiday sales as early as Nov. 1. Instead of waiting until a week or two before Christmas the economic lookout was not as sluggish,” Lowry said.

“They may be scared to have a lot of inventory sitting on shelves for several months. “Instead, they’ll dramatically reduce prices to move merchandise. It will eat into their profits, but at least they’ll have customers in the store buying merchandise. They must move those items before the spring merchandise arrives in January or February.” Lowry said many malls will upgrade their security forces during the holiday season in

response to customer fears about terrorism. To counter the stress created by heightened security, some retailers will revamp their stores by offering soothing music, setting up television sets in men’s clothing areas and increasing offerings of comfortable clothing. “People want to feel comfortable and safe, but all the security makes them uneasy,” he said. “By adding cheery music and pleasant salespeople, they can make people feel at ease.”