Betty Collier, who is a noted talk show host, authors this well-written book about Sjogren's Syndrome, a grossly misunderstood women's disease that attacks the body's organs and central nervous system causing overhwelming fatigue and joint pain.First identified in 1933 by Dr. Henrik Sjogren(pronounced Show-grin), this chronic disease has no cure and takes five to seven years before being diagnosed.Women who are afflicted with Sjogren's Syndrome are often labelled as hypochondriacs as they look much better than they feel.Betty Collier writes of Venus Williams, the famed women's tennis star, who has Sjogren's Syndrome and was forced to drop out of tennis competition when she was stricken with its symptoms.The Sjogren's Symdrome Foundation has a goal of shortening the diagnosis of this painful, debilitating disease by 50% in five years and to diagnose properly the three million women who are afflicted with this disease so they can join the four million properly diagnosed and can have a chance to live a healthy life. The author tells the stories of five women, Cathy Taylor, Estrella Bibbey,Judy Kang,Lynn Petruzzi, and Paula Sosin, who suffer with Sjogren's but as Paula Sosin says "All it takes is the knowledge of what you are dealing with, plus the effort and desire to endure."

"SHOWGrins: Women Who Walk on Water" is a wonderful addition to Betty Collier's series "Living Inside the Testimony". The five women whose lives Betty Collier writes of so effectively all have different stories of their affliction with Sjogren's and are an inspiration to anyone reading this book. Their very different stories will impress and also inform the reader who may or may not have heard of this chronic, enfeebling and highly painful disease."SHOWgrins:Women Who Walk on Water" deserves a wide readership for the information it imparts.

"Show Grins, Women Who Walk on Water" is a beautifully written book about a disease that very few people know about. Sjogren's syndrome is the second most common autoimmune disease and has impacted lives of many. This disease wasn't identified until 1933 by Dr. Henrik Sjogren, of which so many have suffered without knowing the root cause.

Tennis Pro Venus Williams experienced this disease and had to leave the circuit because of how it impacted her body. Author Betty Collier does a wonderful job of weaving five different stories throughout this book. While presenting the reader with this terrible disease, Betty writes it from a very inspiring and uplifting way to encourage ladies that may be experiencing some of these symptoms and don't have a clue what is happening to their body.

Within these five stories the reader will see that this disease reaches across the borders of age, ethnic groups and social economic status. It is how a person reacts to the news of this disease that has entered their body that will truly make a difference within their lives. While experiencing things they have never had to deal with, sheer determination and support of one's family makes a huge difference. They may have to slow down with certain things, but they don't have to stop living. That is a very encouraging point that I was able to lift from this book. Even when trouble comes, face it head on and be an over comer.

I would recommend this book to anyone that is experiencing a change within their body that seems very different and unusual. It would be better to know than live life without the knowledge of how to face Sjogren's syndrome head on.

"SHOWgrins: Women Who Walk on Water" is a touching tale of author Betty Collier’s journey to find out if she has Sjögren’s Syndrome. Along her quest to find answers for the symptoms afflicting her, she looks for inspiration from other women who have battled the disease. Against the backdrop of tennis star Venus Williams' public announcement that she has the disease, Betty Collier takes a look at the lives of five women who have all managed to live amidst the difficulties caused by Sjögren’s Syndrome.

The book is a touching and inspiring collection of tales that give readers an idea of what Sjögren’s Syndrome is and the impact it can have on those who have it. The author, Venus Williams and the five women featured in this book have all had their lives changed due to an encounter with this strange medical condition. The book is easy to read, with a flowing narrative that fully shows the author’s storytelling abilities. The stories themselves are emotional roller coasters. As a reader, I felt the women’s pain, their frustrations, their hopes and their determination to push against the pressure Sjögren’s syndrome has put in their lives. All of their stories are well-told by the author, portraying their life before their diagnosis, as well as the challenges they faced when they knew they had the condition. Their bravery and the love and support of their family against the medical, social and mental stress Sjögren’s syndrome can bring are inspiring and heartwarming. Estrella, Judy, Lynn, Paula and Cathy have all managed to make the best of their situation, and have dedicated their lives to promoting awareness of this condition. Their stories, together with the author’s own journey, inspire not only those with Sjögren’s Syndrome, but everyone who has had life-changing challenges and problems.