The trials that life sometimes give us not by choice but by circumstance
584688
You spend time with Sheila who is facing some of life's difficult choices, she triumph through devastation to find herself in the beginning of her new life. While reinventing  herself she thinks of love gone past her and of finding the perfect Mr. Right. The story takes you through the ups & downs of dating, of choosing the one you love and finding the  one who will love Sheila the rest of her life.
2581893
life takes on a life of its own sometime. i loved this book for the feelings it evoked and the visions it made me see. this is a story of life being what it is whether in pain or moments when it meets a world of wonder. i am sure i will read it again.... just not for a while.
1276185
Especially your own. In this life we all face unknown circumstances. Each leading us on paths. Some having lasting affects on how we deal with everything from then on. Yet we are each left with the responsibility of learning. Using our past as a guide not a measurement for our future choices.
2117885
Life is full of choices and most of them are neither black nor white.  There are many shades of gray in between.
3972352
One moment in time can affect the lives of so many. Even when we believe our choices and sacrifices are whats best, life, love, and circumstances will fight for the truth.

A beautiful, heartbreaking story of choices made, lives changed, and  love lost.
2797141
A story of a lifetime we can all relate to, her story is her own but her journey is something we all share. Some people go through life without reflecting upon their past and never truly learn the value of their experiences good or bad that have helped to shape them into the person they have become.

Then there are those precious few who can reach into their past and pinpoint their personal growth through a timeline of experiences. This story is a reflection of a lifetime, an average American lifetime, but through the spiritual lens of the author we realize that no lifetime is average.
3961857
So often we trudge through life because we don't take time to imagine that other possibilities exist.

Join this adventure as two people who are at a point in life where they need other possibilities realize their futures could be intertwined. A wonderful escape to a beautiful place where life is less complicated and people realize that relationships matter more than possessions.
3131259
Those words above are one of many life's lessons in which this author presents to the reader.  A engaging story based on constant bad circumstances and the bumps and bangs along the road of the authors life.  The author faces a mire of complex life struggling situations all rife with adversity.  His inner strengths and great ability to confront and  reflect upon his personal challenges saved him.  It is a book about lessons, a book about  personal tests and triumph. It is a story of hope, relentless perseverance, victory and gratitude.  There are many valuable lessons to be learned in an entire lifetime, the author offers many and all of  his "Life Lessons" are  well worth the read.
4356399
Sometimes it is just nice to have a story where the characters actually realize that striving to be a better person and walking their faith are not easy but worth the effort. Life is hard, decisions have consequences, and following theological teachings is uncomfortable to read about and live. Ellen was able to deliver a message of hope when bad things happen in life but people give it their best shot... Patrick K Dawson, Novelist - Lessons in the Journey
3212602
David Earle's unique style of personal essays mixed with poetry describes his personal journey in a way that enlightens my own. Life's lessons are not always learned easily. The concept that we can grow in understanding and fulfillment as human beings by accepting life's harsh lessons is powerful. David does an excellent job of illuminating this concept from the point of view of someone who has been there.
2761071
How many times have we railed at God and fate for the injustices and bad luck heaped on us? How much have we reeled from life's curve balls, and just wished it would end? The heroine in this story faces similar challenges, misery on top of misery, and she worries incessantly and is anxious all the time. But one verse from the Bible is offered to her by friends and family, and after resisting placing her trust in God, she eventually begins to believe in what it says, and letting go.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.

This verse really spoke to me. Cathy Bryant does a masterful job of weaving the story of a widowed mother's challenges - how abject poverty follows two deaths in her family - and how she struggles to just keep her head above water, and so why she distrusts a good man, and his offers of help.

It's hard for anyone going through rough times to let go of our anxiety and trust in Him. We lose sleep, we lose our health, and we lose all peace, while we obsess about our problems. And yet, Cathy shows, if we just trust Him, we can get through anything.

This story inspired me. I shared it with people going through rough times.  We look at troubles through the prism of our anxiety, despair or fear. But we need to start looking at it as a challenge God sends our way because He thinks we can handle it. And when we do that, we will start handling it better. And trusting Him.
2720798
I'm sure as you read you can relate to many of the choices that the characters make, this is life and we all must make choices that can change life.
342513
A heart wrenching story about choices we never wish to make, yet nonetheless are face with...only to be outdone and diverted by fate and that over which we have no control. This is our lives, it is what it is... and the road we travel takes us where we go, even when we don't realize it or have a different plan.  The characters are vivid, memorable, and will find a place deep in your heart.
1855896
Truth very bad things Do happen.  That life is worth living  and weather bad or good you still go through it ! Its amazing story!
3639372
At some point in most people's lives, they are faced with those turning points that require you to make a conscious choice to move forward or allow your past hurts to rule and ruin your life. This is the story of Victoria, who on reaching those moments of dissatisfaction with her life: successful and on track in the eyes of many, finds herself in a crisis of why.  On the death of her beloved Nanny, Victoria begins to feel more at odds with her life, without family after some unrevealed upheaval, and limited in friends.

Told in a combination of first and third person voicing, the story moves briskly from point to point, allowing the reader to see the generosity of spirit that Victoria displays, the frustration in her relationship with her mother, and her dissatisfaction with her single status.  Decisions need to be made, and Victoria resigned her position in the unit, and starts to examine her life more closely, airing out the skeletons in the family closet.  With a chance encounter with a former patient, and a blooming love; the story moves on much like a life's journey, allowing the reader to feel and see her growth and the freedom that letting the past go can bring.  A story that will encourage and enlighten readers to the cleansing powers of taking charge of your life, Sandy Appleyard has managed to combine several elements into a neat and easy to follow story that will consistently entertain and surprise through the last page.

I received an eBook copy from the author for purpose of honest review as part of the Indie Authors Rock promotion for I am, Indeed. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
3965796
This book is inspiring story with the hint of romance and tribulations. It is not easy for any of us to go through everyday life motions. The goal is to find the happiness within whatever it might be. Some choose at the time an easy path they might think, however, it turns out to be harder to follow. In the process you have to loose yourself and obey unwritten rules of dependent existence. The question remains if one is strong enough to follow their heart?
1325209
If we're really lucky, there's more than a little bit of Elizabeth residing in all of us when we go through tough times. After I read her gripping story I thought twice about complaining about the cards that were dealt me.