Published by Counterpoint , The Perseus Books Group 
Hardcover April 2006 / $24.00/ ISBN: 1-58243-348-8
Paperback April 2007 / $15.00 / ISBN: 1-58243-361-5

I read Bissell's book when it first came out and was moved and inspired by not only her writing, but her story. I wrote to the author immediately upon finishing the book and she graciously replied and has encouraged the ministry of beauty.  Bissell not only writes vividly and passionately about God's beauty in the world, but she manages to depict its subtle nuances in nature, silence, and even patiently awaits its emergence from loss and tragedy. Her life is a contemplation and vision of God's beauty in the world. A book worth reading and rereading and hope for those who have been hurt by the Church they love.

 REVIEWERS SAY

"The apparent schism between the life of the spirit and that of the mind presented her with some extremely difficult decisions, and working through them clearly gave her a unique and beautiful perspective, one that served her well when cancer struck in her family. Bissell seems to find inner joy even during life's most difficult trials, and she writes about spiritual matters with a marvelous clarity of vision." -- The Washington Post

"A deeply moving tale of a woman torn between her love for God and her love for one of his emissaries." -- Publishers Weekly

“It is rare to read a memoir that isn't at least occasionally self-aggrandizing and narcissistic, but this one is never so. Instead, Bissell's humility and blatant honesty are refreshing, invigorating, and inspirational. Recommended for all libraries.” -Library Journal

"THE SCENT OF GOD is an ode to passion both spiritual and sensual. Meticulously researched and skillfully written, it is the story of a woman who twice gave up everything for love — first for God, then for a man.” -- The Minneapolis Star Tribune"