The love Jodi feels for her son is so powerful and ...
933945
I was absolutely blown away by this book!!  I read the entire thing on a 4 hour flight....it engaged me from the first page!  The love Jodi feels for her son is so powerful and prevalent throughout the entire book and her journey is just awe inspiring to me.  If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction or mental illness, this is a MUST READ!  Jodi, you amaze me.
1764999
This little story is so touching it makes you want to cry- a happy cry. It exemplifies the strong will of a child and the love of a mother perfectly. Love conquers all.
4582089
Rhodes was an unanticipated thunderstorm. And I danced in his rain.

Its quotes like the one above, that have me always coming back for more of Kandi Steiner.

I have been following Kandi since her debut release and shes never done me wrong. But Weightlessis in a league of its own.

This beautifully written story torn at my heart. Natalie is a character that I unconditionally adored. Because shes not perfect. Slightly overweight, shes on a mission to find herself again. For herselfand maybe a bit for her ex-boyfriend, who screwed with her head and her heart.

In trying to re-invent a new Natalie, Rhodes, her personal trainer helps her on this journey.

And in meeting him, thats where this story picks up and totally carried me away, dragging me into Nat and Rhodess world.

Rhodes is hot, and a loner, and has his own agenda. And so misunderstood. But I absolutely understood him.

Weightless is full of angst, and heart ache. And so much more. Kandi always delivers in the angst department. But the feels!!

The way in which shes crafted such an emotional story; her words are breathtaking. Although Kandi gutted me. Had me crying big fat tears.

All these plot twists that you never see coming. Just when I thought I had it all figured out? BOOM! Im thrown.

This is a MUST read. The kind of story that stays with you. A definite 5 Star.
And 100% #TrishMintApproved
4531742
I still remember hearing the news, that Jack Donaldson had died in a strange and terrifying accident on a rainy September night. I didn't know Jack. I didn't know his mother Anna. And yet, when I heard the news, I felt compelled to fall to my knees and pray like Id never prayed before for comfort for the family of four that was now heart-achingly missing one member. He was twelve years old. He was only twelve years old.

Throughout the past three years, Ive kept up with the Donaldsons story through Annas blog and through facebook. Though Ive never met her, Ive felt so connected to her and her family that when I heard she was releasing a book about her Jack, I pre-ordered it and insisted my friends do the same because she felt like family.

And then Rare Bird arrived on my Kindle.

Oh.

Oh friends.

This a book to cherish.

These are words to wind around and through your heart again and again until you bleed with the sheer cutting wisdom and love. Because this is a book so full of love that it spills out and around the virtual pages until you can barely see through the tears. I never before realized how much tears taste like love. This book has moved me in ways I cant begin to describe because though it is a book about a mothers grief it is more. It is a book about a mothers hope a mothers love a mothers heart. This is a love story from a mother to her two children and it is hauntingly beautiful. When I was barely half way through, I pulled my son from his bed and snuggled with him to read the rest. When I dropped him off at school this morning, I didn't care if I was embarrassing him when I hugged him close and kissed the softness of his cheek. Because I am his mother and I love him with a ferocity.

Anna loves her son with a ferocity.

Anna loves her God with a ferocity.

And this book reconciles her loss of one and her belief in another in a way that is timeless and breathtaking.  And yes sad. And yes also brilliantly honest and real.

This is a book about love and it is the most devastating of love stories. I can not tell you that you won't cry because you will. I can not tell you that you won't be afraid and broken alongside this mother, because you will. But you will also be filled with so much love that you will absolutely not be able to keep it from exploding out of you into the world. Because even in her grief, this is first and foremost a book about love.  And I am honored that Anna shared her love of her son with the world because it inspires me to love better, to love bigger, to let go and to remember that we just don't know how long we have to love these precious gifts. And so we should love them the best and the biggest while we can. Annas thoughts on life after life the inexplicable life that comes after the biggest hurt of all are healing in a way I never knew I needed to be healed. There is a God. Even when we think there isnt. Even when we hurt so big that there is nothing safe from our pain. There is a God.

And he loves us. And he loves Anna. And Jack. And Tim. And most especially Margaret.

I don't really do book reviews. I don't go into the words or the story or how the author chooses to put things in writing there are professionals who can break and parse and tell you all of that. What I know is my heart and my heart loves this book. So if you want to know what love tastes like, go read this book, inhale the love Anna has for her children, and then share it with the world the way she has.
1185537
I cannot say enough good things about this book or this series. I think it restored a lot of my beliefs in goodness after a very jaded life. This story was powerful and beautiful and it had me in tears more than once. SJ West captures your attention with totally fleshed out characters and riveting action. This is the last book in the Redemption series and even though it opens the way to the new Anna and Malcolm series, you also have a finality to parts of this story. I will be starting the Alternate Earth Series soon as I just totally LOVE these characters and they feel like family to me. I hope SJ West is a fast writer because I don't know if I can wait to see what happens to Anna, Malcolm, Lucas and the twins.
768204
The book is so hear felt I wanted to cry the family has such a strong bond I was so touched eight his book
2552817
I was fortunate enough to receive a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

 An amazing book as well as heartfelt, I cried and felt my heart break with Chloe.  It's amazing how these tragic moments in our lives shape our futures, and this wonderful grandson of Ms. Dean's gave her the strength, courage and words to let others know about grief as well as Trisomy 18.  Since initially reading the synopsis, I've been wanting to read about this journey of love and loss, agony and hope, and would like everyone to know how amazing this book turned out.

After finishing this novel, I had to immediately sit down and email Ms. Dean about how powerful the responses were that she invoked with her words.  As a mother of two, I felt every deep emotion that Ms. Dean was portraying, and my heart went out to the characters Chloe and Mark for their loss.  I won't reiterate the synopsis because I do not like to leave spoilers, but I do feel that this is an ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY book for those who love romance, strong emotions, and hope when one reads as well as for those who have experienced loss.

Bravo, Ms. Dean!

I'll definitely be recommending this book to others.
1308853
Wow, just wow! This book is about a child named Jodie, and we follow her from a childhood full of tragedies into adulthood, marriage  motherhood, and into old age. Then first chapter had me in tears. Im not a crier, so  my first thoughts were no way could this author keep this up through the whole book, but she does. Jodies life is just so horrific!
First she is subject Jodie to a predator, then in the seventh grade she is exposed to death which is shortly followed by a horrendous accident. She becomes a slave to the unending pain and guilt.  Next is more death. She then leaves home in a bid to escape her life but she does this in an extreme way and selfish way. When she returns her life is in smaller pieces  but she meets a loving kind man who helps her heal and put herself back together. She marries him, Flynn is his name. Thats when I thought things would turn around for her but believe it or not but nope! More unbelievable pain and death, this women might as well be a grim reaper. She is surrounded by bodies.
 Finally they have a baby, which they had try to conceive for years and Jodie falls madly in love at first sight with her son Paul. But when Paul starts having problems you can see that she starts coming apart by the seems, she takes her family motto  We Protect the ones we love. To an extreme and descends into a level of madness they have no name for. This women is cursed!
This book is so twisted, you will understand how a knot is truly made. It touches on some really hot topics so beware but it was a fantastic amazing read. Out of 5 stars this book earned 50!
763048
I give this 5 stars Jodi beautifully crafted a realistic end. Such emotion and love these two share. It truly was a joy to read.

I look forward to more from Jodi in the future
1111072
When I picked up Dear Dad, did you know I was a Princess?, I had no idea what to expect.  Therefore, it's no surprise I was blown away by Sundi Jo and her journey to the truth.  Written in the form of letters to her dad with prayers to her heavenly Father intermittently inserted, this book covers the time period shortly after Sundi Jo's earthly father passed away.

Unknown to her, Sundi Jo had many issues in her life that God was about to flush out.  Her father's death was a catalyst which landed her, begrudgingly and at the insistence of her closest friends, in a year of rehab.

I have never gone through anything like what Sundi Jo experienced, and her reflections were like an open door drawing me into a hidden realm of hurt, pain, despair, addiction, and even homosexuality.  After immersing me in the darkness that surrounded her, she triumphantly showed me the way out.  What a beautiful story of love and redemption.  The power of God so moved in her life that the princess inside emerged in victorious glory.

Early in her letters she shares the cry of her soul.  It is one with which we all, if we live long enough, can identify.  "I am done just surviving.  I want to live." Eventually, Sundi Jo receives a revelation of the workings of fear, and the control fear can have on one's life.  She discovers God's power to set her free from the fear that had paralyzed her heart and does indeed learn to really live.

This book is the kind of book that leaves you feeling like you've made a new and very dear friend.  Although Sundi Jo has never met me, I feel like I know her well.  Her journey will touch everyone who shares it in a lasting and beautiful way, and I am grateful it is now a part of my life.
2029453
Whether or not you are close to a troubled child, you will not fail to experience the acute emotions and feelings of this heroic mother and son as they struggle to deal with his strange affliction.  With beautiful writing skill, Ms. Larsen delivers a gripping chronicle of the day to day triumphs and tragedies they experienced over several years of his childhood.  You will laugh and cry along with them, and emerge with a new appreciation of the human spirit.
4740664
For those of us who've wrestled with the anguish of loving a child bent on self-destruction, this mothers story is a must read. Sandra Swensons oldest son, Joey, is such a child. Like many of us, Sandra missed the signs of addiction in her young son. She attributed his loss of interest in school, his growing hostility, volatile anger, and hateful behavior to teenage angst. Like most of us, she struggled to help her son deal with what she believed were simply behavioral and emotional issues without realizing that beneath Joeys behavior lurked the twin monsters of alcohol and drugs. Even when Joeys actions strained the familys emotional stability and drained their resources, Sandra kept trying to help her son. She stuck with him as he crashed cars, ODd, and attempted suicide. For years, she believed that with the right placement and understanding, Joey would rise from his self-imposed hell. It took years for Sandra to realize that she could not save her son. That loving him meant letting go. She concludes the book without knowing what lies ahead for her son. This is not a happy story, but it carries a powerful message. While our children might move into a place where we can no longer follow, we must not blame ourselves for our failure to save them. Our children, much as they might blame us, must assume responsibility for their choices. Their lives depend on it.
4139468
Mazie Baby by Julie Frayn

Mazie Reynolds is in an abusive marriage. One day she fears her husband Cullen will kill her or harm their daughter Ariel. She doesn't want to live this way anymore, and her mission is to save herself and her daughter.

A well written powerful, emotional story. We see how Mazie is treated, how she feels physically an emotionally. Sadly and devastatingly we see the physical and psychological damage that is done to Mazie, and how it affects young Ariel.

I really liked Mazie, her courage and strength, and determination to overcome a tragic life. Ariel is likable as well, and her love for her Mother is a bond no one can break. I liked the message that is told.

I strongly recommend Mazie Baby to all. A memorable, emotional read that will last for a long time.

This book was given to me as a gift
2773981
This is Marques Lewis' mother and I have just finish reading his novel "It's Love For Her". This is my first time reading one of his books and I was very impress. This is an emotional book it will really make you want to cry for Sanaa. SHE found herself in a delicate stage in her life. She doesn't no love from lust! Sanaa goes through difference stages. It is a book that every single woman should compare to Sanaa and say to yourself "you are somebody and you should know your worth. I will not make these mistake in my life and if you do you can get up again".
812214
The day of Annie and Oliver's wedding was the most perfect day for Memory House. Annie saw only the happiest days ahead of her. Now Oliver has been in an wakeful accident and Annie has to find a memory to bring Oliver back to her. Ophelia Browne has moved into a retirement center, but all those powerful memories have stayed with her and the house. Annie is a strong woman, and it is her love and power that will bring Oliver back. What an emotional story. I loved getting back to the characters of Memory House. This book shook all of my feelings and emotions. What a powerful story!!
3910291
At first I had a hard time getting into it.  I laid it down and came back to it later.  I am glad I did.  As in the This Man series, Jodi writes us a story of a beautiful but troubled man.  But, this time not only is our man troubled, but so is our lady.  When two very troubled souls meet, with each carrying very dark secrets will the feelings between them be enough to lead them to see the light?

I found myself wondering what direction we were going to take. The twist that haapens is so not what I had expected and it has truly left me shocked and wondering what will happen next.  What happens when your secrets and fears become your reality?  Emotions are a dangerous thing and again Jodi keeps us waging a war insidewith that of her characters.  I can not wait for her next book.
2574533
This is another one of those books I can't read without having to dab at my eyes. Any loving parent, or child of a loving parent, will recognize the overwhelming love the mother in this story feels for her son. When her son  is a newborn, she rocks him and sings to him, "I'll love you forever,  I'll like you for always, As long as I'm living my baby you'll be."  When he's asleep, she rocks him and sings him that song through each stage  of his childhood. When he's a grown man with his own home, she drives over  to his house with a ladder, makes sure he is fast asleep, climbs through  his bedroom window, then rocks him and sings to him (my husband thinks this  is a little strange, but I'm convinced that there are plenty of mothers out  there who would do the same if they thought they could get away with it).
  The tears come when the mother gets sick, and can't finish the  song. Her son then holds her in his lap, rocks her, and sings to her. Then  he goes home, picks up his newborn daughter, and sings.  The  illustrations are a beautiful complement to the story. Not only does the  son grow up, but the mother slowly grows older. Her house keeps its  old-fashioned look, even down to the rotary phone on her bedside; his house  is more modern, with up-to-date kitchen appliances. The mother has a  striped cat that appears in several illustrations of the boy growing up. In  his house, there is a kitten, that grows into a cat, that turns into a  rather large, well-fed cat by the end of the story.
  Not only am  I sharing this book with my kids, but I gave my mom a copy for Mother's  Day.