Heartfelt and honest story
350261
Grab your box of tissues before starting this book. Cancer is such a scary word, yet alone obstacle that many people sadly encounter in their lifetime. I, myself have experienced a scare with it and have seen many life's end before their time because of cancer.
The author opens up about her journey and struggle and how she turned horrible news into something others could relate to and to find hope and faith along the way. Seriously, grab tissues!
1572284
a moving and touching story that shows that kids are always willing to be honest and open even when you don't expect it
1545109
It's a very honest and personal story.  I loved that she continued to go back to scripture to encourage and empower her to deal with life's difficulties.
357084
This is such a heartfelt and honest reflection of a difficult journey. This will be a great resource for those individuals and couples facing medical/physical challenges. The author, Joe, who was the caregiver/spouse, helped me understand better ways to reach out to those who are on this type of journey. To often we are paralyzed into non-action because we don't know how to respond in life challenging situations of our friends at a time they need us the most.
2287178
This book was both amazing and heartfelt.  Having lost several close family members after long illnesses, I know how confusing, heartbreaking, difficult, isolating, and emotionally and financially devastating this journey can be not only for the patient but also for the primary caregiver and the entire family.  Ms. Cooper showed great courage in re-visiting her daughters' illness and death in the hopes that it would bring about something positive for someone, might possibly make their journey just a little bit easier.  This book is written in an easy style, giving people practical information and tips, as well as emotional support.  Ms. Cooper provides insight to anyone who finds it necessary to navigate the health system, and coordinate the many necessary appointments, while also navigating the family dynamics that go along with it.  You can't help but feel how personal this story is, along with all of the raw emotions that were experienced as Bethany's illness progressed.  I am so glad that I read this book.  It reminded me that your life can change in an instant, and you need to have courage, faith, compassion, and humor to face the unimaginable.  Ms. Cooper has blessed us with Bethany's story, and I will be a little bit better because of it.
2461253
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Kathleen Pooler grew up watching her parents have a happy marriage and one day wanted to have the type of love they shared. But she soon realized life isn't a fairy tale.

Ever Faithful to His Lead chronicles Poolers life growing up in a loving family, earning her nursing degree, and surviving two abusive marriages. Through her words, Pooler paints a picture of what it was like living in a house with an emotionally abusive husband. As you read her recollections of events, you feel the pain she went through, the red flags she ignored, and the courage it took for her to step up and leave her husbands.

What I loved most about Poolers book is how real it felt, Ive read a couple of memoirs where the events seemed over the top and dramatic. With Pooler, it isn't like that, her written account of events was candid and you could feel her emotions during those events.

Poolers story is one about strength, courage, self-discovery, and faith. Its a book, I highly recommend for all women.
2792765
This book is a beautifully honest window into the day-to-day challenges of caring for children with special needs; however, it has the capability to bless anyone that picks it up. It is a story of hope, faith, and perseverance in the face of daunting challenges. It will bring tears and laughter  sometimes in the same chapter - but most importantly, it will inspire you.

The book can be read straight through or even a chapter a day for strategies, pick-me-ups, and gentle reminders to never give up on yourself or those you love.  I loved the quotes at the beginning of each chapter  they are simple, yet beautiful mantras to live by.  This story truly embodies Dan Reeves quote: Difficulties in life are intended to make us better, not bitter.

The author has poured her heart into these pages and courageously shared her struggles and triumphs. She has opened the floor for honest discussion and hopefully change in a subject that demands our attention.  It is past time we start understanding and demonstrating the love and acceptance that children of special needs require  whether it be in our families, our schools, or the general public.  This amazing story is an excellent step in that direction and a refreshing account of unconditional love.
4774252
Second Chance Summer was a surprisingly honest and heartfelt story about the love and loss of someone that many people can't imagine living their lives without.  From the moment Taylor finds out that her dad has terminal cancer and won't survive until the end of summer, the family makes a point to spend the next few months together in a lake house that they haven't stepped foot inside for years.  Unfortunately, at Lake Phoenix, Taylor can't escape her past and is forced to face a lot more than her father's impending death.

It's obvious  that the Edwards family isn't used to spending a lot of time together.  They all have different interests, but any reader will see that they're trying their best during their last few moments as a family. Upon making her dad's last summer memorable, Taylor also spends time slowly rekindling friendships she left behind five years ago.  Though things didn't end well with her best friend or her ex-boyfriend, I found the bonds that tied them back together again to be quite realistic and exciting.

The relationship between Taylor and her father was what touched me the most, as I know what it's like to lose my own. It's easy to take others for granted, but once they're gone, you realize how much you truly care.  Thankfully, Taylor still has time and she spends it listening to him, trying to soak in as many of his stories as she can.  There's just something about knowing you won't ever hear the stories told the way he tells them again, no matter how many times you're heard them before.

The unique and breathtaking moments that the author included in this story were what made it worthwhile.  Second Chance Summer was so much more than another heartbreaking story about loss, but about another chance at the life that Taylor left behind.  There are no other words to describe this book than achingly beautiful.

(Review from thehollowcupboards.blogspot.com)
2088002
It is an honest story about a young girl suffering the pangs of learning about life in the sixth grade.  The soft wording of Christianity does not detract from those that do not believe.  I can't express how much this book touched my heart.  I also had tears; not from fear or anger but from the sweetness and love that flowed from the characters or I should say most of the characters.  It is so worth the read.
1265796
When I first purchased this book the picture on the cover reminded me of a therapy  dog who helped me during my stay at a rehab center for back surgery. Captain Montalvan wrote a book so touching and honest that sometimes it was jarring to read and comforting at the same time. I am interested and concerned about the welfare of veterans as I used to work for the VA but am now unfortunately disabled. His words led me to look at my dog differently. He is honest and genuine in his account of his journey. My literary skills pale in comparison to his but I can say that this is a book that should be put in many hands. He started me on a journey with his words in a direction that is new for me. I am not a veteran but have PTSD. In this book I cought a glimpse of a kind and beautiful soul both his and Tuesday's. I thank him for writing this book. He put me in touch with pain that I didn't know how to look at and gave me some hope. Thank you Captain Montalvan-Luis and Tuesday.

Love and Dog Kisses,
Rose
2424865
"Slightly Bruised and a Little Broken" is the extremely honest story of one womans long journey of abuse.  Although at times it seemed to jump around, I could feel the pain from Petite through every word on the pages. I read the book from start to finish over several hours...missing nothing, and I found tears running down my cheeks when I was finished. Her story was mesmerizing and at times, I wished I could have reached through the pages and given her a hug. This memoir is honest and open and Petite gets right to the point with each abusive incident.  She tells her story in an impersonal and detailed wayalmost detaching from the pain that she is really going through. You will, however, feel all of her pain as you read her memoir. The way Petite recalls small details and events, and the flashbacks and images from each abusive occurrence reveals how painful and lasting these injuries are for her. I was inspired by her resiliency and willingness to keep moving on after each abusive event in her life.  I am happy that Petite was able to work through the abuse that shaped her life. Her openness, sincerity, and honesty are beyond inspiring and her story is worth reading.
3174960
Julie Hunt tells her story of finding life and hope again after the tragic, sudden death of her husband. Her faith, though challenged, is indomitable as God coaxes and comforts her to move forward. Her account of her journey is honest and will encourage anyone who is needing to hear the story of someone who "gets it."  Her journey will inspire you to say no to grief whenever it tries to define you, your future, or your faith.  "...my loss would not define me, but it would definitely shape me." - Julie Hunt
3499905
Ms. Blakey tells her story raw and honest.  I was moved as she described her family and early childhood. Her life as a much loved little girl, with an over protective big brother and adoring grandfather in Kentucky, change drastically when she and her brother reunite with their mother and her new husband in Chicago.

This is a powerful story.  Her pain is so vivid.  That she came through the experiences described, is pretty amazing.  That she came through the experiences described, and reached to help others, is absoulutly inspiriational.
944804
Kelly's story provides an inner glimpse of the struggles of a family during infertility, premature birth, and depression that will touch anyone. Although it may be especially poignant for families that share this struggle, I was moved by Kelly's honesty and passion even though I have not had the same experiences. As a similar personality type, it was especially meaningful for me to understand the process Kelly went through to overcome her depression and how she found joy and hope through these adversities.
3438209
An honest story is hard to come by, I think Ms Kelly's book is such a story.  The author tells her difficult story in a way that brought out in me a deep compassion for her, myself, and others - for that I am grateful.  Her straight forward style is grounding; it gives the reader the opportunity to see into the way life sometimes is, and to see people as they sometimes are. It also speaks to hope and growth, and shows us that when we live in a trap that we built for ourselves we can do the work to free ourselves. This is a book worth reading.
615522
Nicole has written a heartfelt, honest account of the complex needs, tensions, and feelings of all the members of a biological family involved in adoption.  As an adoptive mother, I especially appreciated the open and sensitive account of an adoptee's search and her emotional roller coaster as she sought to connect with her biological family.  I highly recommend this book to all those already involved in adoption, or who are considering an adoption.  Adoptees' needs are an important aspect of the situation, and Nicole presents this perspective simply and eloquently.
2745755
What a heartfelt, honest story. This book really lays out the trials of working through the adoption process, and the struggles helping older children heal the emotional scars and developmental issues they bring with them to their new family. With the focus on sibling adoption, this book is a must read. What an eye-opener.