Some Small Magic

"Keep your eye on things that matter and don't, and learn to know the difference. Most people die every day in some way or another. It's the good ones who only die once."

If you have never read a novel from Billy Coffey, you might just be missing out on one of the most articulate southern gentlemen's artistry with words. You might even call him a true wordsmith, but that down-home humility of Mr. Coffey's is likely to make you think he doesn't recognize his own God-given gift to weave such belivability into these stories, you might forget your reading a fictional novel.

In Some Small Magic by Billy Coffey, he takes readers back to the small-town charm of Mattingly, Virginia and into the heart of a broken young boy named Abel Shifflett, who has found himself at the hands of the school principal once again on the final day of school for getting even with Chris Jones, his nemesis and school bully by feeding him what looked to be a chocolate bar, but was in fact a large dose of laxative. This would put Chris Jones as the butt of jokes to come from here on out, but one that requires that his busy momma Lisa to leave work at the diner to come fetch Abel.

Abel is considered broken by many due to a medical condition that renders his bones to be soft and subject to breakage at the slightest fall or bump. He's gotten used to it, the way people want to ignore him instead of befriending him, and that is why his only friend is a young man called Dumb Willie. He wasn't born dumb, more like his parents beat him senseless and now they are stuck dealing with him. Yet Abel and Willie share something that transcends what most don't see and that is their genuine friendship for one another, the kind that would have either of them laying down their life for the other. But now, threat comes to Abel this summer, as Chris vows to get even with him, and that is a threat that Abel has to take serious. If he were to get into a fight with Chris, who knows how badly he might be in the hospital or even worse.

When a traveling miracle man heads to Mattingly, the principal recommends that Lisa and Abel might want to see him. Miracles are promised to those the man touches and it might just be what they both need to rise above all the slights from people based on their current status in town, barely making ends meet and of course Abel being born to an unwed mother in a small town is just the kind for rumors to circulate. One thing is certain, that night will forever change the lives of every single person in town, might be for the better or might be for the worse. Just depends on whose side you might be on!

I received Some Small Magic by Billy Coffey compliments of Net Galley and Thomas Nelson Publishers. The best thing about any of Billy's novels is that you don't know what you are getting yourself into, only that is will be a remarkable and amazing ride. For me, this one was a bit of blend between Meet Joe Black and What Dreams May Come. You might not know how it plays out in the end, but you know you are forever changed somehow by this journey into the unknown. There are so many exceptional quotes from this book, I don't wonder if I have most of the book highlighted over what isn't. Well worth every single 5 out of 5 stars. "Doesn't everything and all hold its own small magic, waiting to be revealed to one who merely bends close enough to behold it?"

For more information about Some Small Magic, Billy Coffey or where you can pre-order a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Some Small Magic by Billy Coffey

You can find Billy Coffey on Facebook, to stay up to date on all his latest novels.

To read more reviews on Some Small Magic, please visit Thomas Nelson Publisher's website. 

When There Is No Miracle

"Why has God allowed this to happen to me?" is perhaps the hardest question Christians are asked. Whether it is from an unexpected death of a family member or friend, the loss of a job at the worst time of the year, cancer diagnosis for the first time or third time, or fill in the blank to any number of things you wish you had an answer for. So how do you answer any of those questions and still give someone hope?

In the book, When There Is No Miracle by Robert L. Wise is a great place to start. I know for me, I have had my own share of questions for God and often times, feel when there is no answer and just never ending silence, it can seem as if God doesn't care or your prayer simply wasn't filled with enough faith.

Yet as Christians we know that Jesus, as the very Son of God, had enough heartache to last an eternity. Not only did He witness it in the lives of the people He came into contact with day in and day out while He walked the earth, but even the brutality He, Himself, would face through beatings, the crucifixion and even His death on the cross. So where is God when bad things happen? Why do we automatically assume God is to blame for both good things and bad?

You might reason that since God is Creator He could heal someone if He chooses or stop a terrorist from killing innocent people, so why doesn't He? Is it possible there is someone else to blame than God? Is there an answer when a miracle doesn't happen for even the most dedicated person of faith? The answer is a resounding yes to all of these questions. For me, this book was a great resource for my own prayer life in helping me to pray for things along the lines of God's will but in also helping me to understand God's expectations of us and what the greater purpose might be in these situations. I believe it should be a resource in any believer's library. Using the Bible, I can now help those struggling to find answers in the world we live in today and to accept the uncertainty we will face in some of those times. One thing is clear, God is always present in all of those situations.

I received When There is No Miracle by Robert L. Wise compliments of Kregel Publications. My reason for wanting to read this book was a dear friend of mine was going through her cancer diagnosis for the third time. After battling this horrible disease twice and winning, it was heart-breaking to see this come a third time. Yet despite it all, the grief was real along with the many tears that followed, but the one thing that remains true is her undying spirit that God has NOT forsaken her, despite an incurable diagnosis. While she might not win this battle, she is looking for the purpose God is using this for. What a great example of getting through dark times, we simply need to turn to the Light and remember while we might not see the miracle this side of life, death is NOT the end for the believer. I easily give this book a 5 out of 5 stars and highly recommend this to anyone wanting to know the "Why's" of life purpose when bad things happen in our own lives.

For more information about When There Is No Miracle, Robert L Wise or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

When There Is No Miracle by Robert L Wise

You can find Robert L.Wise on Facebook to stay up to date with all his latest books.

To read more reviews on When There Is No Miracle, please visit Kregel Publication's website. 

Unstoppable - DVD Giveaway and Review

Have you ever stopped and wondered just why does God allow bad things to happen to good people? Is He capable of preventing it? Does He care? Does He even hear your prayers? Why is  this one question the reason so many Christians give up their faith when adversity falls into their own lives and death claims yet another great person, a believer in Christ? When cancer claims another victim and despite all the prayers, healing doesn't come?

Actor Kirk Cameron takes a hard look at just why this happens and finds the answers by going back through the Bible in hopes of providing some clarification as he examines the death of 15-year-old Matthew Sandgren, a close friend of his that losses his 10-year battle with cancer. Kirk takes viewers into the beginning with the creation of Adam and Eve, the fall in the garden of Eden, the flood of Noah, and the coming of Jesus Christ.

In the end, I think Kirk stimulates us to consider all the facts of why bad things continue to happen to good people and offers us hope that when this life is over, we will have everlasting life. It helped me accept things on a much broader scale and realized just how much God cares for all of us despite the circumstances in our lives that hit home when we least expect them. As believers in Jesus Christ, we all know that our life is limited and we will face death, but it doesn't end for us there. It still affects us when we lose someone we love, because of that loss of their presence in this life, here on Earth. We miss them and want to be with them again. That loss is what grieves us the most, not that death claimed them, and now they are restored in heaven. We know we will see them again and then nothing will separate us thanks to what Jesus did through the sacrifice of His death on the cross. Does it answer the why? Not entirely but then again only God knows the reasons why He does what He does and for us, in time, it will be enough for now.

In theaters for only two weeknights (Sept 24th and Oct 3th, 2013), UNSTOPPABLE: A Live Event with Kirk Cameron sold a staggering 260,000 tickets and reached a theatrical gross of over $3.2 million dollars. In just two nights this independent project sent a loud message – audiences want thought-provoking and meaningful entertainment.   

I received Unstoppable by Provident Films compliments of FlyBy Promotions for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed are strictly my own. This was an interesting DVD to watch and it's hard to define what it is, It's not really a documentary or a movie but more of a heart to heart look at sitting down with Kirk Cameron taking a hard look at why bad things happen to good people. I wanted to see this movie when it came out in theaters but missed the chance since it only had a single air date. Now I was thrilled to review this DVD and be able to share it with you. It really makes you consider things from the creation of the world to where we are at today and hopefully it offers a glimmer of hope in the midst of tragedy. I easily rate this one a 4.5 out of 5 stars.

About Kirk Cameron: 
Kirk Cameron is best known for his memorable role as “Mike Seaver,” a cultural icon of the 80's, with his mullet hairstyle, cool glasses, and wisecracking comebacks. More recently he enjoyed much success with the No. 1 grossing inspirational film of 2008, Fireproof, and his recent documentary, Monumental. Kirk and his wife, Chelsea, were on-screen sweethearts during their Growing Pains years and are the founders of Camp Firefly, where terminally and seriously ill children and their families are provided an all-expense paid retreat (www.CampFirefly.com). Together, Kirk and Chelsea live in California with their six children.

About Provident Films: 
Provident Films, a division of Sony Music Entertainment, produces, markets, and distributes faith-based films. The company is part of Nashville-based Provident Music Group, which has been one of the world’s leading Christian entertainment companies for more than three decades.  Films from the company have included Courageous, October Baby, Fireproof, and Facing the Giants. More info is available at ProvidentFilms.org.

For more information about Unstoppable, Provident Films or where you can pick up a copy of this DVD today, please click on the links below:

Unstoppable: The Movie

Now for the good part, thanks to Provident Films and FlyBy Promotions, they are offering a giveaway copy to one lucky follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart. Here are your details to enter:

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

2. Be a resident of the US or Canada or have a US or Canada shipping address. No P.O. Boxes please.

3. "Like" Unstoppable's Facebook page.

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

The giveaway will end on February 10th and the winner will be notified by email. Remember if you have already won this DVD in a giveaway, you are not eligible to win again. This giveaway will be subject to verification to prevent multiple winners of the same giveaway.

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

 Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

Room of Marvels

Once in a while you find a really great novel to read. One that changes your perspective on how you view this life, but the way we walk through it. Then there is the aspect of just what happens when we die. Do we see our loved ones again? How can we possibly grasp the wonders of what awaits us in heaven one day? How do we cope with the grief and loss of a loved one while we have to walk the rest of the journey through this life without them?

I think James Bryan Smith did an exceptional job at not only explaining the concepts of what Heaven may in fact look like, but more important explaining why despite all our faithful acts of kindness here on Earth and our prayers, that sometimes God takes people from us anyway. Doesn't seem like a caring God after all does it?

In the novel, Room of Marvels, Tim Hudson, a well known author of Christian Living books,  is a man who is struggling to find purpose in life and a reason to keep his faith in God after the multiple losses of first his only daughter, his best friend and then his mother. These all happened over the course of a couple years and even though Tim still has his wife and son, he struggles with coping with these losses. Despite all the good things he believes he has done, he still wonders how God can take people like his daughter when she had only yet to begin her life. How some days it's a miracle just for him to take a breath. How will he ever be able to move forward in his grief and retain what little faith in God remains.

Tim checks in to St. Stephans Episcopal Monastery for five days in attempt to find some answers to deal with his loss. When he meets with his assigned spiritual director, Brother Taylor during his stay he finds the questions he asks him about his purpose for coming to the monastery a bit challenging. He wants to know what is going on with Tim's relationship with God, and it brings to the surface the anger Tim is feeling about God taking away his loved ones before their time. Tim tells Brother Taylor that despite the fact he writes books telling people how good God, how they should turn their lives over to God, how merciful, just and fair God is, he doesn't believe it anymore.

The advice that Brother Taylor shares with Tim probes deep into the places of his heart and cause him to rethink his losses. He advises him to search his heart and spend some time in silence and wait for God to share some insights into his question of faith. When Tim heads back to his room and before he falls asleep, he asks God to speak to Him, to send him an angel, and then as he sleeps he dreams of being transported to a place on a train. Tim's dream takes him to Heaven where he sees what impact his life has had on the people he interacted with during the time he has been on Earth. He gets an opportunity to renew his faith by learning things from his childhood and even seeing how his life impacted people he had never met. The most impactful lesson I took away from Tim's encounter was dealing with our loss of those we love.

As Tim is talking with Jack and is struggling with the deaths of his loved one and his anger at God, and Jack tells him, "the pain you are feeling is the pain of loss. Your heart is crying out to have them back. This may sound harsh, but think about this Tim, because it is part of our healing. What sort of friend or father or child would you be if you thought so much about your affliction and so much less about their happiness? When we cry, 'Come back,' it is all for our own sake. We never stop to consider whether their return, if it were possible, would be good for them. We want them back in order to restore our happiness. But in truth, we could not wish for anything worse for them. Having once gone through death, to come back and then, at some later date, have their dying to do all over again."

Tim realized that a large part of his grief was really selfish. He wanted them to come back, to walk through the door and resume their lives, to let him have just one more day with them. He realized that his desire was for his own happiness and not theirs.

I received this book through my own purchase because I love books like The Five People You Meet in Heaven or Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom. This is the perfect book for someone who has recently experienced a loss and is struggling with their grief and in moving forward in dealing with life without them. I found even though I have experienced a loss, it wasn't like the loss of someone I was close to. This book for me, gave me a different perspective on the impacts we make in the lives of people by the smallest thing we do. It teaches us that we can't earn our way into God's grace and mercy by the things we do or struggle to live a perfect life. This is truly a life changing book for those times in your life when you question if there is something more to the life you're living. It's inspirational, its a healing balm to a grieving and hurting heart and one I can see talking about and rereading many times as I need a solid pick me up in my own walk of faith. I would rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and would high recommend that EVERYONE read this one! It really will change your life!!

For more information about Room of Marvels, James Bryan Smith, and where to pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the link below:

Room of Marvels by James Bryan Smith

The True Heaven - Review and Giveaway

Ever really wonder what heaven will be like? We will all come to the end of our lives at some point and only two choices will remain where we will go from there, either heaven or hell depending on your beliefs. But what do we really know about heaven and where do we gain that information from?
The people who die and return with glimpses of what the afterlife holds for us or do we look to God's Word, the Bible to see what His promises are?

Joe Beam and Lee Wilson took an extensive study into the Bible to look at what The True Heaven really looks like. Are they Bible scholars? By no means. Just a couple of guys trying to understand scripture and put it into effect in our lives. Do they have all the answers? Obviously not. They aren't shy about sharing their views, but they admit that they are just that - their views. Their goal in writing this book isn't to get you to agree with everything; it is to get you to think. Feel free to disagree, to ask your own questions. Their hope is that groups of Christians - or anyone interested in what happens after human death - will use this book as a starter for Bible study, discussion and lively debate. I personally think they have done an outstanding job!



In their book, The True Heaven: Not What You Thought, Better Than You Expected that tackle with scriptures such questions as "What happens when we die?" "Will we have bodies in heaven?" Are the dead aware of what is happening on earth now?" "Will we keep our memories in heaven?" "Do animals go to heaven?" and so much more.

I guess the biggest question and one that Joe and Lee addressed in the book was the fear that all we would be doing in heaven was sitting around singing worship songs for an eternity. That might be enough to scare some people who don't appreciate some worship songs. Imagine doing that FOREVER, yet is that really what God intends for us when we get there? You'd be surprised at just what the Bible reveals God's plans were and what he intends to do to restore those plans. I found great comfort in digging along with them through scripture and seeing God's voice speak to me through His Word, about being reunited with our loved ones and wondering just how we will spend our eternity. Will we eat real food? Will we have supernatural powers? Will we know everything once we get to heaven? What happens after we die, do we go straight to heaven, remain in a deep sleep or does judgement immediately await us?

I think this is a fantastic book to research things on your own through a personal study or even better as a small group study. They include some amazing study and group discussions in this book and I could see working through this book in a study a chapter at a time. The best part is that there is a real place that God has created for His believers for when we die and I, for one, am happy to know what it might be like according to God's word when I get there.

I received The True Heaven by Joe Beam and Lee Wilson compliments of Lee Wilson, himself for my honest review. I think this book puts to rest some of those deep fears we all have that after this life on earth, what happens next. It provides hope to those who are grieving the loss of babies and small children that didn't get to know about Jesus, and for me, what happens to my pets when they die. This book is about hope for something so much more. It's encouraging and shows us that God does really love us as much as we want to believe and that there will be a better plan for us, once this life ends. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars in my personal opinion and think it's a great place to begin a personal study on your own to find out what God has to say about it all.

For more information about The True Heaven, the authors, Joe Beam and Lee Wilson, and where to pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

The True Heaven: Not What You Thought, Better Than You Expected by Joe Beam and Lee Wilson

You can also learn more from their Facebook page, by clicking here.

To order your copy from Amazon, please click here.

Thanks to the generosity of Lee Wilson, he has provide me with a giveaway copy of this book for one lucky follower of my blog. Here are you details.

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

2. Be a resident of the US or have a US shipping address. Please No P.O. Boxes.

3. Leave a comment below telling me what question you want answered the most, along with your email address. You can use the words (at) and (dot) instead of the symbols.

4. Share this review with your friends, family, Facebook followers, bloggers, you name it. I think this makes for a great gift and a witnessing tool as well.

The giveaway will end on July 10th and I will notify the winner via email and post their information on my Facebook page, Reviews From The Heart.

Once Upon A List

Clara Black felt like her life had come to the end of the road. I guess for most of us, we would look at Clara, her situation and give her some time to grieve but then expect her to move forward. And she tried, really she did. She sought out professional ways to help her find her way out of the blackest, deepest pit of despair and depression but nothing seemed to work. Nothing would ever be the same again and just managing to take a breath alone was more work than it should be.

Just eight days before her life would change in ways she had dreamed of since she was a little girl, that dream turned into a nightmare. It began with a simple phone call telling her that her soon-to-be husband, Sebastian was dead, an accident had claimed his life and he wouldn't be coming home to her again, EVER!

She put up the walls and kept people at a distance, even so much that her boss told her to take some time off. He didn't want her jeopardizing any more clients with his firm as an Account Executive and to come back when she felt ready. Would she ever be ready for life again?

Answering a phone call from her brother Leo, he managed to persuade her to return home with him to their mom's home for Thanksgiving. Libby would be able to find a way to get her daughter out of her depression. She had written a jingle for almost every other product in the world and was hoping that between the two of them, they might find a way to reach Clara. However, Clara's help arrived in a surprising cardboard box awaiting her return home. In it would hold the answers that she would need to begin the rebuilding process. A project a 5th grade, Clara worked on and was being returned to her. A time capsule, that 2o years later, would be the turning point in her life. It contained a simple list of the things she had hoped to accomplish before she turned 35, and now just a few months remained before this list of unfulfilled wants and desires would be considered null and void.

That's when Clara decided to take a leap of faith and put her brother's challenge to the test and see just how many of these items she could complete before her 35th birthday. Will she be able to do it, or will her grief beat her to the finish line? To find out, you'll have to pick up Robin Gold's latest novel, Once Upon A List.

I received this delightful novel compliments of Harper Collins Publishers for my honest review and completely fell in love with Clara's character. I couldn't imagine the amount of grief she felt and could see myself responding in similar ways when people came around to help. Unless you've experienced it first hand, it's hard to know what to do or say to help. Robin Gold did an amazing job of putting you write in the heart of things and feeling all the emotions she had to endure during this book of putting her life back in order. I think it's genuine because it was no short order process and there were so many times that Clara fell back into her old ways and grew frustrated. She didn't want to be that way, but there were those old habits and feelings. I admire her courage to keep getting back up and trying again and think this list worked out perfectly for her along with her brother Leo to encourage her along the way.

This makes for the perfect summer read to experience life through Clara's eyes. It truly does put life back into perspective and shows us all how quickly it can change and there is nothing we can do to prevent that from happening. I rate this one a 4.5 out of 5 stars. It does contain some profanity and adult situations but given the subject matter of the book, I think Robin did an exceptional job at keeping this one real. For more information on Once Upon A List, Robin Gold or where to pick up this one today, please click on the link below:

Once Upon A List by Robin Gold

ISBN: 9780062193711; ISBN10: 0062193716; Imprint: Avon Impulse ; On Sale: 5/8/2012; Format: eBook; Trimsize: ; Pages: 324; $3.99/$6.99; Ages: 18 and Up; BISAC1:FIC027020; BISAC2:FIC044000

Proof of Heaven - Giveaway and Review

"Faith is the recognition of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen." - Hebrews 11:1

Colm Francis Magee had died seven times before his seventh birthday. Cardiac arrest. Not to be mistaken for a heart attack in which clogged arteries prevent blood from reaching the heart and then the muscle withers. There was nothing wrong with Colm's strength of heart. No, Colm Francis Magee's heart simply and inexplicably stopped beating at the most inopportune moments.

And that is the beginning of Mary Curran Hackett's latest novel, Proof of Heaven. Wow! What does a parent do when faced with those overwhelming situations? You do what Cathleen Magee does as a single mom, you do whatever it takes to find the answers to what you son, suddenly with very little warning, has his heart stop beating and dies until they can revive him. After visiting so many doctors and compiling a massive medical file, no one has been able to successfully diagnosis the reason why this happens. Cathleen fears that if she doesn't find an answer soon, one of these times, Colm may never wake up again.

When she is referring to Dr. Gaspar Basu, she immediately notices quite a few things are different about him. For one, he is very young, mid thirties at least, well dressed and above all speaks very little to her but mostly to Colm. He is very tuned in to what he has to say, how he feels before his attacks happen and what he feels upon waking up. He immediately suggests that Colm receive a pacemaker to help keep his heart beating when his body refuses to do so on its own. Confused and bitter after making this suggestion after just a few minutes, Cathleen is doubtful that he knows what he is talking about especially when he has ordered no tests like all the others.

Asking for time to consider this option, she heads to talk to her brother Sean. Being able to offer very little as far as advice goes, Sean suggests that she do it, at least it may help keep him alive and offer a sense of normalcy that neither of them have now. It's only when Colm has another attack that leaves him "dead" for 10 minutes, Cathleen is willing to do whatever it takes to keep him alive, only she's not sure is Colm will have much brain function after being clinically dead that long.

I received this book compliments of TLC Book Tours for my honest review and LOVED it. This book will completely grab the reader by the heart strings and never let go. You are caught between a mother's unconditional love to do whatever it takes to make sure her son doesn't die and Colm's strange notion that he understands more than he can tell his mom. He knows he isn't getting any better and is fearful of what will happen to him "after." Hands down this one rates a 5 out of 5 stars in my personal opinion but a word of caution, once you begin this one, you'll be committed til the very end.

For more information about this book, the author and where you can purchase a copy of this book, please click on the links below:

Proof of Heaven by Mary Curran Hackett

You can also find out more reviews on this book tour by clicking here.

Thanks to the generous folks at TLC Book Tours, they are offering a giveaway copy to one lucky reader of my blog, Reviews From The Heart. Here are your guidelines:

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

2. Be a resident of the US or have a US shipping address. Please No P.O. Boxes.

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

The giveaway will end on November 25th and I will notify the winner at that time.

Proof of Heaven

"Faith is the recognition of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen." - Hebrews 11:1

Colm Francis Magee had died seven times before his seventh birthday. Cardiac arrest. Not to be mistaken for a heart attack in which clogged arteries prevent blood from reaching the heart and then the muscle withers. There was nothing wrong with Colm's strength of heart. No, Colm Francis Magee's heart simply and inexplicably stopped beating at the most inopportune moments.

And that is the beginning of Mary Curran Hackett's latest novel, Proof of Heaven. Wow! What does a parent do when faced with those overwhelming situations? You do what Cathleen Magee does as a single mom, you do whatever it takes to find the answers to what you son, suddenly with very little warning, has his heart stop beating and dies until they can revive him. After visiting so many doctors and compiling a massive medical file, no one has been able to successfully diagnosis the reason why this happens. Cathleen fears that if she doesn't find an answer soon, one of these times, Colm may never wake up again.

When she is referring to Dr. Gaspar Basu, she immediately notices quite a few things are different about him. For one, he is very young, mid thirties at least, well dressed and above all speaks very little to her but mostly to Colm. He is very tuned in to what he has to say, how he feels before his attacks happen and what he feels upon waking up. He immediately suggests that Colm receive a pacemaker to help keep his heart beating when his body refuses to do so on its own. Confused and bitter after making this suggestion after just a few minutes, Cathleen is doubtful that he knows what he is talking about especially when he has ordered no tests like all the others.

Asking for time to consider this option, she heads to talk to her brother Sean. Being able to offer very little as far as advice goes, Sean suggests that she do it, at least it may help keep him alive and offer a sense of normalcy that neither of them have now. It's only when Colm has another attack that leaves him "dead" for 10 minutes, Cathleen is willing to do whatever it takes to keep him alive, only she's not sure is Colm will have much brain function after being clinically dead that long.

I received this book compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review and LOVED it. This book will completely grab the reader by the heart strings and never let go. You are caught between a mother's unconditional love to do whatever it takes to make sure her son doesn't die and Colm's strange notion that he understands more than he can tell his mom. He knows he isn't getting any better and is fearlfull of what will happen to him "after." Hands down this one rates a 5 out of 5 stars in my personal opinion but a word of caution, once you begin this one, you'll be committed til the very end.

Here's even more information about this book, the author and where you can come along for the journey by reading the first chapter.

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Proof of Heaven William Morrow Paperbacks (November 1, 2011) by Mary Curran Hackett



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Mary Curran Hackett is the mother of two children, Brigid Claire and Colm Francis, and is married to Greg Hackett. She received an MA in English Literature from the University of Nebraska and a BA from the University Honors Program at Catholic University in Washington, DC. Born and raised in Danbury, CT, she has traveled extensively and lived in various places throughout the U.S., but her favorite place in the world is home with her kids, husband, and her stacks of books. Like her character Colm Magee, Mary suffers various heart and brain ailments, but thanks in part to her brother, a physician, as well as her own doctors, she now has a pacemaker and a heart that beats on its own at least most of the time. This is her first novel.



ABOUT THE BOOK

A mother’s faith, a child’s courage, a doctor’s dedication—a moving and thought-provoking tale of hope, love, and family.



He might be young, but Colm already recognizes the truth: that he’s sick and not getting better. His mother, Cathleen, fiercely believes her faith will protect her ailing son, but Colm is not so sure. With a wisdom far beyond his years, Colm has come to terms with his probable fate, but he does have one special wish. He wants to meet his father who abandoned his beloved mother before Colm was born.

But the quest to find the dying boy’s missing parent soon becomes a powerful journey of emotional discovery—a test of belief and an anxious search for proof of heaven.



A magnificent debut novel, Mary Curran Hackett’s Proof of Heaven is a beautiful and unforgettable exploration of the power of love and the monumental questions of life, death, and the afterlife.



If you would like to read the first chapter of Proof of Heaven, go HERE.