Book Excerpt:
"What a shining beacon of hope in a time of global uncertainty and unprecedented change! Be uplifted and inspired as you discover your own faith while experiencing the gift of a lifetime so cleverly embedded within the pages of this Book Excellence Award-Winning Book.
An unexpected knock on the door derails a birthday celebration as Mrs. Williams recalls the mysterious events that prevented her beloved husband from flying back home with their daughter's priceless, life-changing gift he discovered at a flea market in the Middle East. In the opening scene, she learns dramatically that the absolute love of her life was murdered en route to Los Angeles. Her faith and fortitude are unimaginably tested, but Mrs. Williams ultimately realizes that she possesses the greatest gift inside of her.
This exceptionally thought-provoking and intriguing story takes the reader on an emotional journey of profound heartbreak to surprising hope for the future. Although a catastrophic loss occurs, one comes away with a great sense of hopefulness in this increasingly violent world. The author intricately weaves this drama, leaving readers in suspense until the end.
This is the first book in The Birthday Gift book series featured in Terry Gurley's John 3:16 Global Placement Mission. The audacious plan is to install a symbolic gospel monument in all nations around the globe. As the reader discovers what the actual birthday gift is, it will become very apparent how that gift is the centerpiece of this global movement to share the most important message God has ever given man . . . Jesus was Promised, Died, Rose and is coming BACK!!!"
Title: The Birthday Gift
Author: Betty Collier
Publisher: Independently Published
Series: Book 1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"The Birthday Gift" by Betty Collier
My Assessment: 'An exceptionally thought-provoking and intriguing story of heartbreak and hope.'
'The Birthday Gift' was an enjoyable, uplifting, inspirational story; although it had sadness, this novel offered 'love, faith, belief, emotions, hope, and forgiveness.'
Be ready for a 'thought-provoking and intriguing story' where one will see the hope for the future in this increasingly violent world.' I do not want to give any of this read away, but I like the reader to pick up this excellent read and see how well this author brings it out to the reader.
My favorite was the novel's Chapter 8, Restoration ... Psalms 23 [which is my favorite verse]: where every verse is explained so very well, and at the time of reading this...I needed it! Here is the quotation referred to:
"God says to you, "I will restore your soul. I will reach into the deepest part of your soul, to the place that nothing else can touch, and I will restore your soul. I will heal your heart. I will refresh your spirit." You need that, don't you? The Birthday Gift Book 1 28 When you are weary and burdened, you need your soul restored. When you are overwhelmed and undone, you need your soul restored. When you feel guilt and shame, you need your soul restored. When you are assailed by fear and worry, you need your soul restored. When you feel wounded and hurt, you need your soul restored. When you feel alone and rejected, you need your soul restored. When you feel angry and rejected, you need your soul restored. At all of these times and more, you need God to do for you what you cannot do for yourself: heal your soul. Nothing else can do it. Not entertainment. Not a weekend off. Not sports. Not exercise. Not television. Not a vacation. Not shopping. Not your hobby. Nothing else can restore your soul. But the God who created the universe, the God who breathed life into Adam—he can do it. He can breathe life into your soul. He can make you alive again. It happens when you meet with God. When you connect with God. When you draw close to God. When you are alone with God. When you gather with God's people and worship. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, says to you even now, "Come to me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." Christ can restore your soul."
This novel will keep you reading and turning the pages until the end. And seeing 'The Birthday Gift' is book 1...a series... the readers will be left looking forward to reading book 2 'Dear John.'
The Birthday Gift was an excellent read.