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Before I Was Jesus
Twenty-Five Secret Identities of Jesus
Gerald D. Robison
2026 Finalist
118 Pages
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Christian - General
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Have you ever wondered what Jesus was up to between the time of Creation and the time of being born in Bethlehem? Who was Jesus before he came to be known as the Savior of humanity? According to Gerald D. Robison, there's plenty of evidence of Christ's pre-incarnate appearances throughout the Old Testament. Before I Was Jesus is narrated as if Jesus Christ were telling His own story, so His followers develop a deeper appreciation for Him and learn how close He has always been to His people. In this book, Jesus discloses many of His secret identities throughout history. You will discover how Jesus/God's presence was recorded in the scriptures by the likes of John, Moses, Joshua, Luke, Isaiah, and Paul. The book also touches upon Jesus' encounters with Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, and many more.
Before I Was Jesus is an in-depth study of the "theophanies" of God in recorded history before He revealed Himself as Jesus Christ on Earth. I am convinced that this is a gem of a book for Christian scholars and theologians in general. Gerald D. Robison cites biblical passages to emphasize the idea that Jesus Christ Himself is the Creator of everything there is and everything there will be. I really liked how the author chose to write the narrative from the perspective of Jesus Christ. I felt it made the book even more engaging and illuminating. The other highlight for me was how Robison included theophanies to show readers the subtle influence of the Lord in shaping the course of humanity's future. All in all, I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Christian theology.
Have you ever wondered what Jesus was up to between the time of Creation and the time of being born in Bethlehem? Who was Jesus before he came to be known as the Savior of humanity? According to Gerald D. Robison, there's plenty of evidence of Christ's pre-incarnate appearances throughout the Old Testament. Before I Was Jesus is narrated as if Jesus Christ were telling His own story, so His followers develop a deeper appreciation for Him and learn how close He has always been to His people. In this book, Jesus discloses many of His secret identities throughout history. You will discover how Jesus/God's presence was recorded in the scriptures by the likes of John, Moses, Joshua, Luke, Isaiah, and Paul. The book also touches upon Jesus' encounters with Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, and many more.
Before I Was Jesus is an in-depth study of the "theophanies" of God in recorded history before He revealed Himself as Jesus Christ on Earth. I am convinced that this is a gem of a book for Christian scholars and theologians in general. Gerald D. Robison cites biblical passages to emphasize the idea that Jesus Christ Himself is the Creator of everything there is and everything there will be. I really liked how the author chose to write the narrative from the perspective of Jesus Christ. I felt it made the book even more engaging and illuminating. The other highlight for me was how Robison included theophanies to show readers the subtle influence of the Lord in shaping the course of humanity's future. All in all, I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Christian theology.
Recommend this book:
Walk By Faith
With God as Your Compass
Debra Lee Fader, Vst Images
2026 Honorable Mention
180 Pages
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Christian - General
Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite
Debra Lee Fader's Walk by Faith with God as Your Compass is a memoir that details her extraordinary arc as a Las Vegas singer and Broadway veteran who faced a devastating physical collapse at the moment her political career just began. The book opens with a terrifying fall in 2006 that left her paralyzed on her bedroom floor. The narrative follows a harrowing medical journey that lasted a decade, with misdiagnosis, dismissive specialists, and the growing symptoms of Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis. The author captures glamorous recollections of performing in the Lido de Paris at the Stardust Hotel, where she trumped the requirements of height through sheer chutzpah, and her roles as Montevideo's “Singing Mayor” and chaplain, to infuse life into her story of faith and entertainment. This is a spiritual manifesto that shows how the author’s faith became her sole anchor when her career and health failed.
Walk by Faith with God as Your Compass drew tears from me at times, and sometimes I felt uplifted by the author’s faith. The prayers that are included are beautifully written and inspiring. In addition to laying bare her soul and honoring her relationship with God, Debra Lee Fader showed me the power of grit, the miracle of not giving up, and what it means to stay the course when everything seems to be falling apart. Her discipline and spiritual lessons gleaned from Dr. Larry Keefauver's 10 Laws of Change inspired me. The honesty in the storytelling, whether it is about the trauma of medical gaslighting or backstage dangers in Frank Rosenthal's Vegas, she writes with clarity and unusual grace. This book taught me to put God first, to value forgiveness over bitterness, and to deliberately practice “mind-over-matter” philosophy using the tools the author shares in this inspiring work.
Debra Lee Fader's Walk by Faith with God as Your Compass is a memoir that details her extraordinary arc as a Las Vegas singer and Broadway veteran who faced a devastating physical collapse at the moment her political career just began. The book opens with a terrifying fall in 2006 that left her paralyzed on her bedroom floor. The narrative follows a harrowing medical journey that lasted a decade, with misdiagnosis, dismissive specialists, and the growing symptoms of Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis. The author captures glamorous recollections of performing in the Lido de Paris at the Stardust Hotel, where she trumped the requirements of height through sheer chutzpah, and her roles as Montevideo's “Singing Mayor” and chaplain, to infuse life into her story of faith and entertainment. This is a spiritual manifesto that shows how the author’s faith became her sole anchor when her career and health failed.
Walk by Faith with God as Your Compass drew tears from me at times, and sometimes I felt uplifted by the author’s faith. The prayers that are included are beautifully written and inspiring. In addition to laying bare her soul and honoring her relationship with God, Debra Lee Fader showed me the power of grit, the miracle of not giving up, and what it means to stay the course when everything seems to be falling apart. Her discipline and spiritual lessons gleaned from Dr. Larry Keefauver's 10 Laws of Change inspired me. The honesty in the storytelling, whether it is about the trauma of medical gaslighting or backstage dangers in Frank Rosenthal's Vegas, she writes with clarity and unusual grace. This book taught me to put God first, to value forgiveness over bitterness, and to deliberately practice “mind-over-matter” philosophy using the tools the author shares in this inspiring work.
Recommend this book:
Anxious with Jesus
A Memoir from the Messy Intersection of Faith and Mental Illness
Tiffany Ciccone
2026 Bronze Medal
232 Pages
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Christian - General
Reviewed by Danelle Petersen for Readers' Favorite
Anxious With Jesus by Tiffany Ciccone is about living with Generalized Anxiety Disorder as a Christian and learning to live with it. When her pastor of twenty years said mental health disorders stemmed from sin, Tiffany knew he was wrong and decided to explore the topic herself. One day, after leaving a fellowship gathering early due to a crippling anxiety attack, Tiffany got on her knees, asking God why she had to suffer this inner turmoil, and, wonderfully, received the most comforting message: God never leaves. Generalized Anxiety Disorder is not some heavy cross that we have to bear alone; God is prepared to weather that storm with us, always. Tiffany believes in being honest with ourselves and our capabilities and trusting God to guide us.
Tiffany Ciccone’s faith is tangible from the moment she begins her story. Funny, sharp, and emphatic, Tiffany is like the friend you always knew you needed. Tiffany says that 60% of people suffering from anxiety have at least one other mental disorder, which was interesting. I loved her personified examples, referring to her active days as sunny seasons and her off days as stormy seasons. I liked that perspective because it was so relatable. I also liked that she used Paul’s struggles to reflect our own, following it up with a comforting verse. Anxious With Jesus provides a Cognitive Journal template and a set of questions, which I found very helpful. Tiffany’s story really helped me understand Generalized Anxiety Disorder and the importance of building a strong support system. Anxious With Jesus is a motivational and inspiring story of faith and a reminder that God’s love is eternal.
Anxious With Jesus by Tiffany Ciccone is about living with Generalized Anxiety Disorder as a Christian and learning to live with it. When her pastor of twenty years said mental health disorders stemmed from sin, Tiffany knew he was wrong and decided to explore the topic herself. One day, after leaving a fellowship gathering early due to a crippling anxiety attack, Tiffany got on her knees, asking God why she had to suffer this inner turmoil, and, wonderfully, received the most comforting message: God never leaves. Generalized Anxiety Disorder is not some heavy cross that we have to bear alone; God is prepared to weather that storm with us, always. Tiffany believes in being honest with ourselves and our capabilities and trusting God to guide us.
Tiffany Ciccone’s faith is tangible from the moment she begins her story. Funny, sharp, and emphatic, Tiffany is like the friend you always knew you needed. Tiffany says that 60% of people suffering from anxiety have at least one other mental disorder, which was interesting. I loved her personified examples, referring to her active days as sunny seasons and her off days as stormy seasons. I liked that perspective because it was so relatable. I also liked that she used Paul’s struggles to reflect our own, following it up with a comforting verse. Anxious With Jesus provides a Cognitive Journal template and a set of questions, which I found very helpful. Tiffany’s story really helped me understand Generalized Anxiety Disorder and the importance of building a strong support system. Anxious With Jesus is a motivational and inspiring story of faith and a reminder that God’s love is eternal.
Recommend this book:
The Hallway Miracle
Cara Shine
2026 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Christian - General
Reviewed by Luwi Nyakansaila for Readers' Favorite
The Hallway Miracle by Cara Shine is a memoir about transformation in the midst of chaos. After the horrifying experience of the September 11 attacks, Cara and her family had to face the terror of the 2002 Beltway Sniper attacks in the Washington, D.C. area. Although raised a Jew, Cara started finding comfort in Bible verses and encouragement from her Christian colleagues. She could not understand why Jesus was calling to her because she'd had a negative experience being bullied in her childhood by Christians for being a Jew. However, the peace that came from God’s words began to heal her wounds and anxiety. She decided to explore this new faith. She attended church with her family, studied the Bible, and eventually got baptized. Follow Cara’s journey and discover the love and enduring presence of God that changed her life.
The Hallway Miracle is a powerful testimony about how Jesus finds His flock and gives them comfort in the darkest moments. The story is not like any Christian memoir I have ever read. It is suspenseful since Cara Shine is dealing with her students, her daughter’s allergy problems, personal fears, and also trying to understand the messages from God, amidst her lack of knowledge of Christianity. I really liked the way she bonded with her husband, her Muslim friend, Sheku, and all her friends at work; they were encouraging and supportive to her. By simply listening to her and praying for her, even in the hallway of the school, they were able to draw her to God. The book covers their side of the story, showing how they were unknowing vessels for God and were also transformed through Cara’s experience. This is such a wonderful story of the importance of interfaith friendships, prayer, healing past traumas, having the courage to spread the gospel of Jesus, and also forgiveness. I truly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone who loves Christian stories about transformation and finding peace in God’s presence.
The Hallway Miracle by Cara Shine is a memoir about transformation in the midst of chaos. After the horrifying experience of the September 11 attacks, Cara and her family had to face the terror of the 2002 Beltway Sniper attacks in the Washington, D.C. area. Although raised a Jew, Cara started finding comfort in Bible verses and encouragement from her Christian colleagues. She could not understand why Jesus was calling to her because she'd had a negative experience being bullied in her childhood by Christians for being a Jew. However, the peace that came from God’s words began to heal her wounds and anxiety. She decided to explore this new faith. She attended church with her family, studied the Bible, and eventually got baptized. Follow Cara’s journey and discover the love and enduring presence of God that changed her life.
The Hallway Miracle is a powerful testimony about how Jesus finds His flock and gives them comfort in the darkest moments. The story is not like any Christian memoir I have ever read. It is suspenseful since Cara Shine is dealing with her students, her daughter’s allergy problems, personal fears, and also trying to understand the messages from God, amidst her lack of knowledge of Christianity. I really liked the way she bonded with her husband, her Muslim friend, Sheku, and all her friends at work; they were encouraging and supportive to her. By simply listening to her and praying for her, even in the hallway of the school, they were able to draw her to God. The book covers their side of the story, showing how they were unknowing vessels for God and were also transformed through Cara’s experience. This is such a wonderful story of the importance of interfaith friendships, prayer, healing past traumas, having the courage to spread the gospel of Jesus, and also forgiveness. I truly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone who loves Christian stories about transformation and finding peace in God’s presence.
Recommend this book:
The Preacher's Son
T.R. Brown
2026 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Christian - General
Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
The Preacher’s Son by T.R. Brown explores faith, family, and the complexities of relationships. Set in the Carolinas, the novel follows Caleb Boone, the son of a Southern Baptist minister, as he returns home after his father, Elijah Boone, dies. What begins as a journey of grief and closure evolves into a profound confrontation with his beliefs, his father’s legacy, and tensions within the church community. Brown draws from his own experiences as the son of a preacher. His ability to capture the subtleties of Southern life and the burden of inherited faith provides a poignant backdrop for Caleb’s journey. His interactions with his family, particularly his mother, are tender and raw, offering glimpses into the challenges of navigating grief and identity.
T.R. Brown’s writing is thoughtful, emotional, and brutally honest, encouraging readers to reflect on their own beliefs and how faith can serve as both a comfort and a catalyst for change. The novel’s pacing lets the story develop naturally, and Brown doesn’t push an agenda but offers a candid perspective. The themes of love, grace, and community are prevalent throughout the book as Caleb struggles to reconcile his doubts with his upbringing. The Preacher’s Son is a gentle reminder of love's healing power, the importance of kindness, and the courage needed to face the cracks in our lives and communities. Brown’s debut novel is a beautifully written story that offers a quiet but powerful reflection on what it means to seek truth and grace in a world that often feels divided. I hope to see more from this author.
The Preacher’s Son by T.R. Brown explores faith, family, and the complexities of relationships. Set in the Carolinas, the novel follows Caleb Boone, the son of a Southern Baptist minister, as he returns home after his father, Elijah Boone, dies. What begins as a journey of grief and closure evolves into a profound confrontation with his beliefs, his father’s legacy, and tensions within the church community. Brown draws from his own experiences as the son of a preacher. His ability to capture the subtleties of Southern life and the burden of inherited faith provides a poignant backdrop for Caleb’s journey. His interactions with his family, particularly his mother, are tender and raw, offering glimpses into the challenges of navigating grief and identity.
T.R. Brown’s writing is thoughtful, emotional, and brutally honest, encouraging readers to reflect on their own beliefs and how faith can serve as both a comfort and a catalyst for change. The novel’s pacing lets the story develop naturally, and Brown doesn’t push an agenda but offers a candid perspective. The themes of love, grace, and community are prevalent throughout the book as Caleb struggles to reconcile his doubts with his upbringing. The Preacher’s Son is a gentle reminder of love's healing power, the importance of kindness, and the courage needed to face the cracks in our lives and communities. Brown’s debut novel is a beautifully written story that offers a quiet but powerful reflection on what it means to seek truth and grace in a world that often feels divided. I hope to see more from this author.
Recommend this book:
Room 320 at the Wilson World Hotel
Scott Douglas Vaughan
2025 Finalist
103 Pages
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Christian - General
Reviewed by Frank Mutuma for Readers' Favorite
The prologue of Room 320 at the Wilson World Hotel by Scott Douglas Vaughan starts with discussing the nature of sin, which is a rebellion of acts or thoughts against God. Arrogance and pride, part of human nature, lead to things like alcoholism, gluttony, and other human vices. Sin is not just about our attitudes but also about what we do to lift ourselves up and push others down. Part one discusses Kemmons Wilson, who was faithful to Jesus and his church. He had been raised by his mother, but despite the challenges, he worked hard and ended up creating a very successful chain of hotels called Holiday Inn. After he sold Holiday Inn, Kemmons founded Wilson World Hotels, which later impacted Frank's life. Initially, Frank was a shy person, but as his confidence started soaring, he became arrogant and proud. How will things turn out?
Room 320 at the Wilson World Hotel by Scott Douglas Vaughan is wonderfully written and gets one thinking about what it means to live a saved life. I loved how the work is grounded in the scriptures, with numerous verses that can form a base for further reading. Scott provided numerous relevant examples, which made the work effective in passing on the intended message. The narration was excellent, which added to the overall beauty of the work, and the reader will also appreciate the easy-to-understand language used, which makes it accessible to all audiences. This thought-provoking work also covers various topics such as working hard and parents' impacts on their children, which will resonate with many readers.
The prologue of Room 320 at the Wilson World Hotel by Scott Douglas Vaughan starts with discussing the nature of sin, which is a rebellion of acts or thoughts against God. Arrogance and pride, part of human nature, lead to things like alcoholism, gluttony, and other human vices. Sin is not just about our attitudes but also about what we do to lift ourselves up and push others down. Part one discusses Kemmons Wilson, who was faithful to Jesus and his church. He had been raised by his mother, but despite the challenges, he worked hard and ended up creating a very successful chain of hotels called Holiday Inn. After he sold Holiday Inn, Kemmons founded Wilson World Hotels, which later impacted Frank's life. Initially, Frank was a shy person, but as his confidence started soaring, he became arrogant and proud. How will things turn out?
Room 320 at the Wilson World Hotel by Scott Douglas Vaughan is wonderfully written and gets one thinking about what it means to live a saved life. I loved how the work is grounded in the scriptures, with numerous verses that can form a base for further reading. Scott provided numerous relevant examples, which made the work effective in passing on the intended message. The narration was excellent, which added to the overall beauty of the work, and the reader will also appreciate the easy-to-understand language used, which makes it accessible to all audiences. This thought-provoking work also covers various topics such as working hard and parents' impacts on their children, which will resonate with many readers.
Recommend this book:
Where Was God When I Needed Him Most?
Finding Daily Connection With Christ
David R. Clark
2025 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Christian - General
Reviewed by Essien Asian for Readers' Favorite
In 2007, when the government deployed David R. Clark to Iraq, he viewed it as an opportunity to deepen his understanding of his faith. His role as a prosecutor allowed him to serve his country while enriching his spiritual growth. A series of unfortunate events during his time there led to a loss of mobility in his limbs, resulting in him becoming bedridden seven years later. He felt abandoned by his maker and believed he had no one to turn to as he grappled with the dark thoughts in his mind. At this pivotal moment, he turned to the word of God to understand why he felt forsaken in his hour of need. This effort led him to discover a treasure trove of life-altering knowledge. He shares these gifts in Where Was God When I Needed Him Most?
David R. Clark draws inspiration from his life journey to create a thought-provoking guide to establishing a lasting relationship with God. He references his internal struggles with examples that resonate with readers facing various forms of disability, such as exhibiting more patience with strangers than with his wife. He compares his past activities to his present situation, providing vivid insight into the challenges people in similar positions face when navigating daily activities without feeling bitter. His explanations are clear, concise, and easy to follow, while the numerous Bible verses complement real-life instances where following those teachings produced positive outcomes. His warnings against the pitfalls of unrestricted reliance on social media acknowledge the growing influence of that medium on Christian self-development. Clark’s blend of biblical teachings with real-life scenarios is an excellent reference point for established Christians and those new to the faith. Where Was God When I Needed Him Most? is a must-read for every believer.
In 2007, when the government deployed David R. Clark to Iraq, he viewed it as an opportunity to deepen his understanding of his faith. His role as a prosecutor allowed him to serve his country while enriching his spiritual growth. A series of unfortunate events during his time there led to a loss of mobility in his limbs, resulting in him becoming bedridden seven years later. He felt abandoned by his maker and believed he had no one to turn to as he grappled with the dark thoughts in his mind. At this pivotal moment, he turned to the word of God to understand why he felt forsaken in his hour of need. This effort led him to discover a treasure trove of life-altering knowledge. He shares these gifts in Where Was God When I Needed Him Most?
David R. Clark draws inspiration from his life journey to create a thought-provoking guide to establishing a lasting relationship with God. He references his internal struggles with examples that resonate with readers facing various forms of disability, such as exhibiting more patience with strangers than with his wife. He compares his past activities to his present situation, providing vivid insight into the challenges people in similar positions face when navigating daily activities without feeling bitter. His explanations are clear, concise, and easy to follow, while the numerous Bible verses complement real-life instances where following those teachings produced positive outcomes. His warnings against the pitfalls of unrestricted reliance on social media acknowledge the growing influence of that medium on Christian self-development. Clark’s blend of biblical teachings with real-life scenarios is an excellent reference point for established Christians and those new to the faith. Where Was God When I Needed Him Most? is a must-read for every believer.
Recommend this book:
Even If
Keeping Faith in the Face of Adversity (Faith Forward)
Dwayne Harris
2025 Bronze Medal
215 Pages
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Christian - General
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Even If by Dwayne Harris presents a deeply personal and profoundly inspiring memoir that explores faith, forgiveness, and resilience in the face of extraordinary challenges. Harris courageously shares the journey of his wife Stacey's battle with cancer and confrontation of past trauma, creating a narrative that is simultaneously a personal testimony and a universal guide for navigating life's most difficult moments. The memoir delves deep into the power of love, faith, and human resilience, offering readers a compelling and transformative exploration of personal struggle and hope. The narrative goes far beyond a simple recounting of medical challenges, instead providing a nuanced examination of how faith and love can transform even the most devastating experiences. The book offers practical and spiritual tools for readers facing their own challenges, turning personal pain into a message of hope and healing.
Author Dwayne Harris has a truly heartfelt approach to memoir and personal storytelling that is marked by extraordinary vulnerability and authenticity. Even from the earliest moments of this interesting life story, I was deeply moved by his exploration of faith amidst profound suffering, which offers a perspective that transcends individual experience and makes us all think about our need for faith in times of challenge. The memoir's dual focus on personal healing and supporting others creates a universal appeal that will resonate with readers from diverse backgrounds and show us how to do better by one another. By sharing his family's most challenging moments with compassion and hope, Harris offers genuine solace and strength to those navigating their own difficult journeys. His raw honesty and compassionate perspective transform a potentially heart-wrenching story into a beacon of hope and resilience. Overall, I highly recommend Even If as an essential read for anyone seeking inspiration, understanding, and a testament to the power of human endurance.
Even If by Dwayne Harris presents a deeply personal and profoundly inspiring memoir that explores faith, forgiveness, and resilience in the face of extraordinary challenges. Harris courageously shares the journey of his wife Stacey's battle with cancer and confrontation of past trauma, creating a narrative that is simultaneously a personal testimony and a universal guide for navigating life's most difficult moments. The memoir delves deep into the power of love, faith, and human resilience, offering readers a compelling and transformative exploration of personal struggle and hope. The narrative goes far beyond a simple recounting of medical challenges, instead providing a nuanced examination of how faith and love can transform even the most devastating experiences. The book offers practical and spiritual tools for readers facing their own challenges, turning personal pain into a message of hope and healing.
Author Dwayne Harris has a truly heartfelt approach to memoir and personal storytelling that is marked by extraordinary vulnerability and authenticity. Even from the earliest moments of this interesting life story, I was deeply moved by his exploration of faith amidst profound suffering, which offers a perspective that transcends individual experience and makes us all think about our need for faith in times of challenge. The memoir's dual focus on personal healing and supporting others creates a universal appeal that will resonate with readers from diverse backgrounds and show us how to do better by one another. By sharing his family's most challenging moments with compassion and hope, Harris offers genuine solace and strength to those navigating their own difficult journeys. His raw honesty and compassionate perspective transform a potentially heart-wrenching story into a beacon of hope and resilience. Overall, I highly recommend Even If as an essential read for anyone seeking inspiration, understanding, and a testament to the power of human endurance.
Recommend this book:
From Worry to Wonder
Seeing God's Goodness in Life's Rearview Mirror
Amy Hagerup
2025 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Christian - General
Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite
From Worry to Wonder is a memoir by Amy Hagerup, who experienced the goodness of God throughout her life’s journey. It is a heartfelt and inspiring narrative highlighting Amy’s struggles and feelings of isolation. Amy recounts real-life experiences and illustrates how she discovered peace and purpose. Each anecdote is set in a different location, and, with each move to a new town, Amy faces different challenges. Amy consistently sought the Lord's assistance with her challenges and relied on Him for direction. Amy shows the reader that God enables us to transform our worries into wonder and to view our life situations in a new light. We possess all that we need to lead a life free from worry and filled with God's goodness.
Worry to Wonder by Amy Hagerup kept me completely engaged, flipping through the pages as fast as I could. Every chapter had a unique lesson, with a Bible verse at the end reinforcing that message. It also contained a promise we could cling to. Amy consistently refused to let her worries control her feelings and always maintained faith that God would take care of her. The memoir was expertly written, and I was captivated from beginning to end. The engaging writing style allowed me to immerse myself in Amy's challenges and triumphs. It was difficult to put it down. I eagerly anticipated learning more about Amy’s life and how God assisted her through each challenge. Certain sections captivated me so profoundly that I read them a second time.
From Worry to Wonder is a memoir by Amy Hagerup, who experienced the goodness of God throughout her life’s journey. It is a heartfelt and inspiring narrative highlighting Amy’s struggles and feelings of isolation. Amy recounts real-life experiences and illustrates how she discovered peace and purpose. Each anecdote is set in a different location, and, with each move to a new town, Amy faces different challenges. Amy consistently sought the Lord's assistance with her challenges and relied on Him for direction. Amy shows the reader that God enables us to transform our worries into wonder and to view our life situations in a new light. We possess all that we need to lead a life free from worry and filled with God's goodness.
Worry to Wonder by Amy Hagerup kept me completely engaged, flipping through the pages as fast as I could. Every chapter had a unique lesson, with a Bible verse at the end reinforcing that message. It also contained a promise we could cling to. Amy consistently refused to let her worries control her feelings and always maintained faith that God would take care of her. The memoir was expertly written, and I was captivated from beginning to end. The engaging writing style allowed me to immerse myself in Amy's challenges and triumphs. It was difficult to put it down. I eagerly anticipated learning more about Amy’s life and how God assisted her through each challenge. Certain sections captivated me so profoundly that I read them a second time.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/near-the-danube-bridge&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71gxDP0IDDL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description=Near the Danube Bridge by Catherine Allen-Walters and Elisabeth Hartig Lentulo is a true story that spans multiple generations, capturing the history of families living in the Balkans during the 20th century. It follows Kalman Hartig, a gifted musician and survivor of a labor camp, and Hermina "Minka" Kirchner, a strong-willed girl haunted by child...){kind=link}
Near the Danube Bridge
A Story of Faith, Courage, and Endurance
Catherine Allen-Walters with Elisabeth Hartig Lentulo
2025 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
Check current price
Christian - General
Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite
Near the Danube Bridge by Catherine Allen-Walters and Elisabeth Hartig Lentulo is a true story that spans multiple generations, capturing the history of families living in the Balkans during the 20th century. It follows Kalman Hartig, a gifted musician and survivor of a labor camp, and Hermina "Minka" Kirchner, a strong-willed girl haunted by childhood trauma. Hartig discovered a passion for music at a very young age and eventually joined the Seventh-day Adventist movement, facing persecution under the communist regime, which sentenced him to hard labor for his religious beliefs. Using his knowledge of Bible stories and classical music, he built strength and survived the brutal camps, believing he had proven his faith, only to face new challenges afterward. Alongside his wife Minka, who endured her own childhood hardships, Kalman and their family escaped the regime, facing challenges to start a new life.
Catherine Allen-Walters and Elisabeth Hartig Lentulo captured my heart with their vivid portrayal of war-torn Yugoslavia and the descriptions of the experiences and struggles of Hartig and Hermina. I also enjoyed the stylistic approach that blends meticulous historical research with heartfelt personal anecdotes, delivering an exposé of the diverse cultural landscape of southeastern Europe. Themes of religious faith, perseverance, and moral integrity underpin the narrative, and I marveled at how spiritual conviction sustains individuals through suffering and loss. The detailed descriptions, authentic dialogue, and touching family memories create an intimate and immersive narrative. Near the Danube Bridge is a great read, and the exquisite writing captivated me. This book perfectly combines a family’s journey and an interesting exploration of a historical period.
Near the Danube Bridge by Catherine Allen-Walters and Elisabeth Hartig Lentulo is a true story that spans multiple generations, capturing the history of families living in the Balkans during the 20th century. It follows Kalman Hartig, a gifted musician and survivor of a labor camp, and Hermina "Minka" Kirchner, a strong-willed girl haunted by childhood trauma. Hartig discovered a passion for music at a very young age and eventually joined the Seventh-day Adventist movement, facing persecution under the communist regime, which sentenced him to hard labor for his religious beliefs. Using his knowledge of Bible stories and classical music, he built strength and survived the brutal camps, believing he had proven his faith, only to face new challenges afterward. Alongside his wife Minka, who endured her own childhood hardships, Kalman and their family escaped the regime, facing challenges to start a new life.
Catherine Allen-Walters and Elisabeth Hartig Lentulo captured my heart with their vivid portrayal of war-torn Yugoslavia and the descriptions of the experiences and struggles of Hartig and Hermina. I also enjoyed the stylistic approach that blends meticulous historical research with heartfelt personal anecdotes, delivering an exposé of the diverse cultural landscape of southeastern Europe. Themes of religious faith, perseverance, and moral integrity underpin the narrative, and I marveled at how spiritual conviction sustains individuals through suffering and loss. The detailed descriptions, authentic dialogue, and touching family memories create an intimate and immersive narrative. Near the Danube Bridge is a great read, and the exquisite writing captivated me. This book perfectly combines a family’s journey and an interesting exploration of a historical period.
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