Day 129 - Finding Grace [Review & Giveaway]

Finding Grace: A Memoir

Donna VanLiere

Series or Stand Alone: Stand Alone

Synopsis: [from bn.com]

Finding Grace is the powerful, often humorous, and deeply moving story of one woman’s journey of broken dreams. It is the story of how a painful legacy of the past is confronted and met with peace. This book is for anyone who has struggled to understand why our desires— even the simplest ones—are sometimes denied or who has questioned where God is when we need him most. This story is about one woman’s unlikely road to motherhood. Finally, it’s a book about the “undeserved gift which is life itself.” It’s the story of “Finding Grace.” Donna VanLiere has entertained millions with her inspirational stories. In her new book, she gives us a candid look into her own life, a life filled with suffering and pain, but one that ultimately finds peace with itself.

Review:

I'm not a very religious or spiritual person so I was a little hesitant to accept this book to review. I don't mind reading inspirational stories in reference to God, however I do find myself wary of them. So I'm not really sure what my expectations were before reading it. I must admit the blurb made me think I'd at least be able to get through it. I'm happy to report I really enjoyed Finding Grace.

Donna VanLiere's life has definitely been filled with hardships and as she retells her story I couldn't help but feel her pain as she searched for a reason to have faith. There always seemed to be something going wrong and I totally agree: It seemed downright unfair. I too have felt this way before at times. But I didn't really feel a complaining/whining vibe from Donna's words. She was able to write about the difficulties in all the aspects of her life and still keep it light and not too centered on herself. She also included many quotes from different people throughout history that mentions God but didn't stop me from finding them inspirational.

There are a couple of passages that really touched me that I'd like to share:

• "In our innermost self we forgive them because we understand that unforgiveness ultimately destroys us, not them. We realize that those who have wronged us are as broken as we are and if our journey's been rough we can only imagine what it's been like for them." (148)

I have a big problem with forgiving others once they wrong me. I really have to push myself to let things go and to forgive them. This passage has further helped me realize that I'm only hurting myself more if I let it dwell inside me and let it bother me instead of just taking a big, deep breath and forgiving the other person.

• "Half the battle in life is knowing what not to forget and forgetting what doesn't need to be remembered. We remember the bad stuff and forget the good. We let toxic memories seep into our souls and hearts to poison our day, while the good and holy memories are cast aside to be glanced at only on occasion." (161-162)

Another one that touched me deeply... The bad things always seem to stick with people, especially me. I find it so hard to remember happy times and yet so easy to remember the heartbreaking moments in my life.

Finding Grace is a book everyone should read. I'd like to give away my copy of the book so the receiver may have something to inspire them that things do get better and you just have to keep living each day without letting the world keep you down.

**I want to thank Julie Harabedian for sending me this book to review.

----------------------------------------------------------

How to Enter:

+1 Comment below telling me you'd like to enter. Include your email address so I can contact you if you win. (No email address = No entry)

+2 Become a follower or subscriber and comment in a separate post. (If you already follow let me know and you'll get the extra entries)

+3 Blog (or link on sidebar) about this giveaway and comment in a separate post.

All entries must be posted by Monday, April 27th! I will announce (and email) the winners on April 28th. After I contact the winners, they will have 3 days to contact me back or I will have to pick new winners.

If you can't wait for this giveaway go here to purchase the book now!

Good luck to everyone 8)