First Chapter Review: When You Can't Find God by Linda Evans Shepherd

I'm running massively late today. My schedule is so tight I don't think I can jam a needle into it. I figured I would switch gears and talk about a nonfiction title this time. I actually read nonfiction almost exclusively for many years. It wasn't until I decided to embark upon my writing career that I began reading fiction again.

TITLE: When You Can't Find God: How to Ignite the Power of His Presence

AUTHOR: Linda Evans Shepherd

BLURB: The storms of life visit us all, and at times we find ourselves ill-prepared to weather them. Where is God when everything comes crashing down? Where is he when a job is lost? When a child goes astray? When the diagnosis is cancer? Does he even care?

In When You Can't Find God, Linda Evans Shepherd shows readers how to see God in any circumstance, even when it's hard. Compassionate and practical, Shepherd offers strategies for surviving difficult times, giving your troubles to God, praying through the pain, and finding peace, hope, and joy once more. She also shows readers how to use their sorrows as a tool to draw nearer to God.

No one is exempt from pain and trials. But for those in the midst of them, there is hope.



COVER: Beautiful! The calming colors and the bold text are indicative of a faith based title. The clouds remind the reader of heaven and her Creator, and the footprints on the beach remind her of the famous Mary Stevenson "Footprints in the Sand" poem where Jesus tells the person He carried him/her during the most difficult times of his/her life.

FIRST CHAPTER: The chapter opens with a quote from Billy Graham. It quickly moves to the story of Tracy, who is driving the author to the airport. She is desperate to know if she will carry emotional pain all her life. A victim of horrible crimes and suffering from depression, Tracy wants to know she won't always hurt. After Tracy's story, the author discusses if pain and trouble are Biblical and shares another story. The chapter winds down with a "Trip to the Oasis," a psalm for the reader to use as a prayer, and then a "Prayer Experience."

My Kindle Fire version has a link to the author's website where you can click to view Chapter Videos that correspond to my reading.

KEEP READING: Definitely. This book was a recommendation by a client and friend. I was attracted to the cover, and thought I would read the opening to see if I would hold onto it.

I like Shepherd's compassionate style and how she weaves personal stories into the information she wants to relay. I almost felt like she was sitting right beside me. The psalms are favorites of mine, so I enjoy getting the chance to read them in each chapter. The "Prayer Experience" at the end gives me time to pause and reflect.

Trials and tribulations come to all of us. Despite my faith, I can't say I am always the best at coping with them. I'm glad I have Shepherd's book on hand when I need it.

Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 370 KB
Publisher: Revell (May 1, 2011)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
ASIN: B004TS1MD8
SRP:  Originally $12.99, currently $3.59

I downloaded a free Kindle version of this book. I received no monetary compensation for my review.