Goodnight, Brian ~ Review and Giveaway

Sometimes the very best advice anyone ever gives us comes from our mothers. It may be because they brought us into the world, they have insight no others have, or it quite possibly come from the unconditional love mothers have for their children and truly want nothing less than the best for them. In this case, a life lesson is materializing right before everyone's eyes in the life of a little boy name Brian Mauretti. When he was born his mother did every thing right for Brian and yet, God had another purpose in mind for Brian's life. His life would become something extraordinary and one that will inspire hope in all of us.

In the latest novel from best selling national author, Steven Manchester, Goodnight, Brian is an inspirational story of the determination and perseverance of Brian's grandmother, Angela DiMartino whom everyone lovingly refers to as Mama! When Brian is diagnosed with a brain disorder caused by a formula his doctor prescribed that prevented his brain from forming during his critical infant years, the doctors tell his parents that he will be forever disabled and will never walk or talk. While his parents absorb the devastating news, Mama, nonetheless refuses to accept that Brian will be any different from any other child. All he needs is love, and she has more than enough to give and incorporates the entire family in the plan to give Brian all the love he needs to prove every doctor wrong, including his own parents.

It truly is an inspirational book that teaches us all the lessons in perseverance, hope, faith and love and will forever change how you may look at your next darkest valley in your own life. I found myself highlighting so many of the seemingly simple lessons that Mama dispenses through her conversations and outings with her grandchildren. In one case Mama encourages Brian to learn to crawl and places him on a blanket with his favorite stuffed puppy far enough away to work for. After several failed attempts to move anywhere, one of the cousins tells Mama that its too hard for him and offers to move the toy closer. She tells Heidi, "Nonsense, it looks like he isn't getting anywhere, but he is actually learning about perseverance." There is more to that particular situation but I don't want to spoil it all for you by giving away Mama's best kept advice, but trust me, you'll want to know how it all turns out in the end.

Like most parents dealing with traumatic illnesses it creates a strain on the family and marriage which adds to the believability of making this story one you question whether it's based on fiction or a true story. It will move you to tears alongside the characters and have you truly cheering for Brian from the beginning. I think the best part about the book is it shows just how powerful love and faith can be when applied in the right doses in any situation. It provides hope in the darkest of places and one I can see passing along to people going through uncertain times in their own lives. This is one you will want to read again and again and keep on your own personal library shelf.

I received Goodnight, Brian by Steven Manchester compliments of Providence Book Promotions, Partners in Crime Tours, and The Story Plant for my honest review and have it now proudly added, even though it has been highlighted throughout on my personal library shelf. It is a story that each person will find their own treasure within its pages and one you'll find Mama's advice long remembered. I highly recommend this one if you're looking for something more than just a feel good story and instead want something that could in fact change your life forever for the better. A compelling 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion and the second exceptional book I've had the opportunity to read and review by Steven Manchester. For more information about Goodnight, Brian, Steven Manchester, or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Goodnight, Brian by Steven Manchester

You can also find Steven Manchester on Facebook to stay up to date on all his latest novels.

Thanks to the generous folks at Partners in Crime Book Tours and Providence Book Promotions, they are generously giving away a copy of Twelve Months, Steven Manchester's first book to one lucky follower of my blog. Here's what you need to do to enter:

1. Be a follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart.

2. "Like" Steven Manchester's Facebook page.

3. Leave a comment below along with your email address and tell me why you'd love to win a copy. You can use the words (at) and (dot) instead of the symbols.

The winner will be notified by email from Partners in Crime when the giveaway ends on February 9th. So don't forget, keep on leaving comments and tell your friends.