Books
Introduction
Books That Inspire Reflection, Growth, and Purpose
Every journey has moments that shape who we become. Through personal stories, practical insights, faith-filled reflections, and leadership lessons, my books are designed to encourage, challenge, and inspire readers navigating life’s transitions, pursuing personal growth, and seeking greater purpose.
Whether you’re looking for encouragement, practical wisdom, or a fresh perspective, I hope these resources serve as companions along your own journey.
Divine Detours™
Sometimes God’s Greatest Blessings Begin with an Unexpected Turn.
Life rarely unfolds according to our plans.
Divine Detours™ explores how unexpected interruptions, setbacks, delays, and changes often become the very pathways God uses to shape our purpose, strengthen our faith, and prepare us for what lies ahead.
Written with honesty, humor, and hope, this book encourages readers to trust God’s guidance even when the road ahead looks unfamiliar.
Perfect for:
• Anyone experiencing transition
• Individuals seeking spiritual encouragement
• Readers navigating grief, change, or uncertainty
• Faith-based book clubs
Available on Amazon
Journaling Divine Miracles: Companion Workbook to Divine Detours: Embracing Life's Unexpected Pathways with Faith, Humor and Purpose
A Guided Companion to Continue the Journey
Designed as a companion workbook to Divine Detours™, this guided journal provides space for reflection, prayer, personal application, and documenting God’s faithfulness throughout your own journey.
With thoughtful prompts, scriptures, and journaling exercises, readers are invited to slow down, reflect deeply, and recognize God’s presence in everyday moments.
Perfect for:
• Individual devotion
• Bible study groups
• Personal reflection
• Prayer journaling
Available on Amazon
5,000 Smiles to Happiness: 5 Steps to Renew Your Mind, Revive Your Joy and Unleash Your Leadership Potential
Renew Your Mind. Revive Your Joy. Rediscover Your Purpose.
What if happiness isn’t something you find—but something you cultivate?
Through inspiring stories, practical exercises, and leadership principles, this book encourages readers to develop habits that create lasting joy, resilience, and personal growth.
Perfect for:
• Emerging leaders
• Personal development enthusiasts
• Individuals navigating change
• Anyone seeking renewed purpose
Available on Amazon
9 Travel Tips for Adventures Around the World
Available on Amazon
Travel with Purpose. Explore with Perspective.
More than a travel guide, this book shares practical lessons, memorable experiences, and insights gathered from adventures around the world. Discover how travel can broaden your perspective, deepen your appreciation for different cultures, and inspire personal growth.
Perfect for:
• Travelers
• Students
• Adventure seekers
• Anyone who loves exploring the world
Available on Amazon
What Readers Are Saying
Nothing is more meaningful than hearing how these books have impacted readers.
Here are a few of the reviews shared by readers who found encouragement, hope, renewed perspective, and practical wisdom through these books.
Crystal
Divine Detours: Embracing Life's Unexpected Pathways with Faith Humor and Purpose
"Beautiful read!!"
- Reviewed in the United States on August 24, 2025
"Divine Detours has blessed me in ways I didn’t even realize I needed! With heartfelt wisdom and spiritual depth, this book gently reminded me that God is present not just in the major milestones of life, but in the small, seemingly inconvenient moments too, and that He is quietly at work shaping, refining, and orchestrating something greater than I could imagine. It left me encouraged, grounded, and more aware of God’s constant, loving hand in every season.
Great book for those who are/have questioned their purpose in life or the purpose behind life’s detours, and even for the curious readers!"
Brian Innerfield
Divine Detours: Embracing Life's Unexpected Pathways with Faith Humor and Purpose
This book is for you
Reviewed in the United States on July 15, 2025
"If you have been walking with the Lord for years or if you just are beginning to know Christ as the Savior of your life, this book is for you. This is a wonderfully written work with the love of the Lord at its center. I found “Divine Detours” to be so relatable, inspiring and well-written. I found it to be exactly where I’ve been, having just experienced a divine detour of my own. The book is so beautifully written because Mrs. Carter grants readers the opportunity to be inspired by personal testimonies of other believers while confirming these unsure parts of walking with the Lord that are not always as commonly discussed. I’ve read my fair share of Christian based books, but the rawness and vulnerability sets Divine Detours apart from the rest. I’m so thrilled to share this book with my family and friends. Highly recommend."
Keith W.
5,000 Smiles to Happiness: 5 Steps to Renew Your Mind, revive Your Joy and Unleash Your Leadership Potential
"Change your mindset on volunteering and giving time to others….."
-v Reviewed September 1, 2019
“This book was impactful in many ways. The way Gail expresses her personal travel experiences and relates them to real life situations that others like myself go through was enlightening. Her vision to how to make subtle changes that will drive significant change and happiness were riveting. From a Caribbean girl to a corporate woman to changing lives by volunteering and sacrificing time, energy, and effort all to make a lasting impression in others lives really hits you by reading this book. It’s a short and quick read. I finished it while on the plane. It’s more than worth the money. You’ll definitely walk away with vital and insightful knowledge.”
Doug S
5,000 Smiles to Happiness: 5 Steps to Renew Your Mind, revive Your Joy and Unleash Your Leadership Potential
"Serving Abroad and How it Changes Everything."
- Reviewed September 19, 2019
“Insightful, entertaining, inspirational. Gail encourages others to reimagine their professional and personal lives by doing something out of the ordinary, living and serving abroad. She paints a vivid picture of exactly what getting out of your comfort zone looks like, and the rewards of doing so. I was able to relate to Gail’s experiences in several ways, including the feeling there must be more to life than just work, and the way that international travel and service work changes your worldview. Recommend for anyone needing a nudge to make a change in their life.”
Soundarya
5,000 Smiles to Happiness: 5 Steps to Renew Your Mind, revive Your Joy and Unleash Your Leadership Potential
"Positive and Inspiring to live and love your life."
- Reviewed April 5, 2021
“I was introduced to this book when I was feeling stuck in my life. It was interesting to see how differently and positively she views empathy and service. Not only has she written from her heart but also shared a lot of practical notes on how to research, handle unexpected situations and seek success in challenging situations. I would definitely recommend this book as it gave me a boost of positivity and challenged me to get out of a rut.”
Lizzy
Divine Detours: Embracing Life's Unexpected Pathways with Faith Humor and Purpose
"Inspirational."
- Reviewed in the United States on August 28, 2025
Divine Detours is an inspiring and faith-filled book that reminds us how life’s unexpected twists are often part of a bigger plan. Gail M. Carter shares personal stories and spiritual insights that show how disappointments, delays, and challenges can actually be stepping stones toward our true calling.
What I appreciated most is her honesty—she doesn’t sugarcoat the struggles, but instead shows how God can use setbacks to redirect us toward something greater. The book is encouraging, easy to read, and full of wisdom for anyone who has ever felt discouraged when life didn’t go as planned.
This is a wonderful read for anyone seeking hope, motivation, or reassurance that their detours may actually be divine directions.
Lorri Dresbach
Divine Detours: Embracing Life's Unexpected Pathways with Faith Humor and Purpose
Loving every page! Inspirational, Motivational - A must read…
Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed this book of adventures - such an interesting and easy read… and so encouraging! It’s comforting to know that all of the little things - when added up - become a volume of God’s providence. No matter how small (or large!) these encounters are huge to Him, and build something in us and in His Kingdom that no one could imagine! This book beautifully illustrates how God uses each event of obedience to build a magnificent testimony of faithfulness that we can clearly see (often times in hindsight). Highly Recommend
Kate Richardson
Divine Detours: Embracing Life's Unexpected Pathways with Faith Humor and Purpose
"God is always speaking and moving."
- Reviewed in the United States on September 22, 2025
Such an inspiring read! God is always moving and there are divine detours He has prepared for each one of us if we listen to His voice! Be encouraged and expectant on the Lord. He is faithful! If you are in a crossroads season or just want to hear His voice clearly, highly recommend. He will speak and you will be greatly encouraged by the words in this book and journey.
Pedro Pena
5,000 Smiles to Happiness: 5 Steps to Renew Your Mind, revive Your Joy and Unleash Your Leadership Potential
"Definitely recommend reading it!!! "
- Reviewed May 27, 2019
“I have to say I really enjoyed this book. The way she described her experiences made me feel like I was right there with her. It also gave me good food for thought and made me analyze my life and think if I’m doing what I really want and should be doing right now.”
Christi B.
Divine Detours: Embracing Life's Unexpected Pathways with Faith Humor and Purpose
"Inspiring and uplifting!"
Reviewed in the United States on July 20, 2025
"This book “Divine Detours” is well written and an easy, enjoyable read.
It brings a pleasant awareness of how God’s love works through the Holy Spirit to weave life’s events and interactions together to create beautiful blessings. Awareness of the inter-connectivity of our lives and purpose helps navigate life’s detours with joy and confidence. To God be the glory!"
Felipe Sanbria
Divine Detours: Embracing Life's Unexpected Pathways with Faith Humor and Purpose
"Helpful and Enjoyable"
Reviewed in the United States on May 4, 2025
"This book is an essential reading for my spirit. Gail conveyed relatable experiences that truly helped me lighten my heart. Its font was easy to read and the content was enjoyable. I am looking forward to more of her written works."
Laura Delaney
5,000 Smiles to Happiness: 5 Steps to Renew Your Mind, revive Your Joy and Unleash Your Leadership Potential
"Challenged my thinking"
- Reviewed June 30, 2019
“Gail’s life experiences certainly speak volumes about how we live our lives, and what we ‘think’ makes us happy. It was interesting to follow Gail’s stories as she describes the happiness realized in the most unexpected ways."
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Join the Gail By Design™ community for new book releases, articles, reflections, speaking events, anthology opportunities, and exclusive resources designed to help you grow with greater clarity and purpose.
Join the Community
Enjoyed these books?
Join the Gail By Design™ community for new book releases, articles, reflections, speaking events, anthology opportunities, and exclusive resources designed to help you grow with greater clarity and purpose.
