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I love to read.  Once I get sucked into a book, I can’t do anything else and will read and read until I’m finished.  I am too excited to see what happens next to actually sleep!

A few months ago, I joined a book club.  It’s been fun to read the same book as my new friends and join in a discussion on the book.  I love seeing how the same book can affect each of us differently. 

When I found out that one of the ladies in my book club had written a book, I suggested to my friend, Tamara, that we should read Stephanie’s book for the club and she said they had already discussed it. 

When Stephanie asked me to participate in her Spring Blog Tour, I jumped at the chance.  I knew that the book was based on her personal experiences.  I am learning what an amazing person she is now and was excited to see how the experiences she had in her youth have shaped her into the woman she is now.

The book is called Hope’s Journey (isn’t that a gorgeous cover?).

From the book: Sydney is a straight-A student heading to college on a scholarship, and Alex is a quiet jock preparing to serve an LDS mission. But their dreams are shattered on the eve of their high school graduation when they find out that Sydney is pregnant. Separated, they must both trust in God as they search for the worth they once found in each other.

My thoughts: I found myself with tears rolling down my cheeks as I finished reading this book.  I marveled at Sydney and her strength as she made a very hard decision.  I was proud of her for her strength and that she took the journey to find out who she is.  I wished she would have known that before she made her decision trying to keep the companionship of a boy.

I was glad Stephanie included Alex’s perspective.  His heartache and pain and the path he took in making his decision.  I loved it when he saw her strength and ability to put her feelings aside for the love she had for her child.

I also thought of the young teen or unwed mothers that have touched my life.  Two beautiful girls who were the unselfish vessels that brought my niece and nephew to our family, and two of my relatives who have chosen to raise their children.  Those children are a blessing in my family.

Most of all, I loved Stephanie’s reason for writing the book – her desire that every young woman (and young man) will know who they are (a child of God) and have the strength to have their self-worth be independent of what others think.

I believe that our Father in Heaven loves each of us.  He knows us by name.  He knows of our trials and temptations.  Each of us has trials.  Some trials are more visible than others.  I believe that if we will come unto Him, we will be strengthened through them and will be grateful for the lessons learned through the journey.

My trials aren’t outwardly visible but I rely on the Lord daily for His strength.

I would definitely recommend this book!  Stephanie is giving away a signed copy.  You can enter to win HERE.  Be sure to visit Stephanie’s blog to learn about the fun giveaways she has in conjunction with the Spring Blog Tour.  You’ll be glad you read this book!