Darkness Before Dawn by Ace Collins - Book Review

Darkness Before Dawn

 

 

 

 

 

From back cover:

 

On the same night she discovers she is pregnant, twenty-eight-year-old nurse Meg Richards's husband is killed in an auto accident caused by a drunken tee. James Thomas comes from one of the most influential families in the community. He's a star athlete and glamour boy at the local high school. But the accident he caused will change his life-and Meg's future-forever.

 

Angered by her senseless loss and facing life as a single mother, Meg blames God for what has happened and considers a decision that could change her life even further. Enraged by the brutle trial and the court's decision, Meg starts down a frightening path of retribution. When the opportunity for revenge comes unexpectly, will Meg follow through? Or will the remnants of her faith lead her in a different direction?

 

My Review:

 

This is a powerful story which begins with tragedy and loss. Ace Collins describes his characters' emotions so well, bringing them to life on the page. What is a work of fiction could well describe real-life situations. In the the beginning, there was so much darkness, I eagerly awaited the coming of dawn.

 

The story made me wonder how I would react in a similar situation, and helped we to see some appropriate responses to those who are grieving.

I love how Ace kept the chapters short. This kept me flipping pages. Ace is a masterful storyteller. Keep up the good work, Ace. I look forward to your next book.



Ace Collins is the writer of more than sixty books, including several bestsellers: Stories behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas, Stories behind the Great Traditions of Christmas, The Cathedrals, and Lassie: A Dog's Life. Based in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, He continues to publish several new titles each year, including a series of novels, the first of which is Farraday Road. Ace has appeared on scores of television shows, including CBS This Morning, NBC Nightly News, CNN, Good Morning America, MSNBC, and Entertainment Tonight.

This book is published by Abingdon Press, and is available through Amazon.com and other bookstores. A copy for review purposes was provided by the Litfuse Publishing Group.

Darkness Before Dawn by Ace Collins - Book Review

Taylor's Gift by Todd and Tara Storch - Book Review

This true story is told by the parents of Taylor Storch.

It was the last run of their first day on the slopes, the beginning of another great family vacation  for Todd and Tara Storch and their three children. But when thirteen year old Taylor's life was tragically cut short in a skiing accident, the Storches were overcome by the dvvastating loss of their daughter. Still in shock, they were asked a question no parents ever think they will hear: "Would you be willing to donate Taylor's organs?"

Their answer would change their family's lives forever and provide comfort during their darkest moments. It would also save the lives anxiously awaiting a heart, a liver, a cornea, a pancreas, and a kidney.

This is a story of finding strength in God and creating good even in the darkest times. It's a story of hope.

- taken from back cover

My review:

This is a heart-wrenching story that will touch you deeply and not let go. Taylor's parents share their struggles in coming to terms with the death of their daughter. They show how differently people grieve. As they deal with their own emotions, they must still parent Taylor's brother and sister, as well as support her friends. Work must continue. How would they make sense of all of this?

The Taylor's Gift Foundation was set up to help families who have been touched by organ donation. Its mission is to increase organ donation to regift life, renew health, and restore families

Taylor's Gift puts faces to those affected by organ donation. I feel that this book will cause many to think what they would do if they were in the Storches place.

I recommend this book if you if you are open to being challenged to make a difference in your world.

www.TaylorsGift,org

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 

Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

 

You're Made for a God-Sized Dream by Holley Gerth - Book Review

Product Description

We all long to live with more purpose, passion, and joy. Yet in the middle of our hectic lives, the God-sized dreams that have the potential to lead us into all God has planned for us are the ones that tend to get lost. With her intimate, approachable style and constant encouragement, popular blogger and author Holley Gerth invites women to rediscover the big dreams God has given them--and then dare to pursue them.

With the enthusiasm and honesty that we all want from our closest friend, Holley encourages women to overcome excuses--too busy, too late, too far out of my comfort zone--and believe that their God-sized dreams can become reality. She takes readers by the heart and says, "Yes! You can do this! Let's go!" and then guides them forward with a loving hand. A licensed counselor and certified life coach, Holley insightfully combines inspiration with practical application in this positive book.

From the Back Cover

Hello, you . . .
The one looking for more purpose and listening for God's plan.
Here's what that restlessness is really all about: there's a God-sized dream knocking on the door of your heart.
Before you think that sounds too big, let me assure you, God-sized dreams aren't really about size at all. They're about the desires God places within you that perfectly fit your heart.
God-sized dreams are an essential part of who you're created to be and what you're called to do. They lead to more meaning, joy, and connection with the One who gave them to you.
In the busyness of life, it's easy to ignore them or let fear shut them out.
But this is your moment.
Now is your time.
The "more" your heart is longing for has been there all along.
Let's open the door to all God has for you together.

With this life-changing message, Holley Gerth invites you to discover the dreams God has given you--and then dare to pursue them. She takes you by the heart and says, "Yes! You can do this!" and guides you forward with a loving hand. Along the way, she provides insightful questions and offers action plans that will help you take the next steps toward making the deepest desires of your heart a reality.

 

 

My Review : I love this book. Holley writes in a clear, concise manner. She speaks to the heart of the reader as though she is your best friend. She helps us determine if we have a God-sized dream, and what it may look like.

Holley then describes the character of a God-sized dreamer, how to deal with fear, and other disclaimers. She tells us why our dream is worth is, and shares stories of God-sized dreamers.

 

Holley scatters notes of encouragement throughout the book, and concludes each chapter with Go Deeper questions and a Dream it. Do it action step.

I recommend this book.

 

 Holley Gerth is a best-selling writer, licensed counselor, certified life coach and speaker. She is cofounder of (in)courage, an online destination for women, which received more than one million page views in its first six months. She also reaches out to readers through her popular blog, Heart to Heart with Holley and through a partnership with DaySpring. Holley lives in the South with her husband, Mark.

 

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group". 



You're Made for a God-Sized Dream by Holley Gerth - Book Review

You're Made for a God-Sized Dream by Holley Gerth - Book Review