KIRKUS REVIEW
A woman explores how different principles of Christianity have enabled her to overcome adversity.
More a collection of parables and personal anecdotes than a traditional memoir, this debut book explores the author’s path to a loving relationship with God. Wiegold has overcome tremendous struggles throughout her life. The first chapter, which contains the bulk of the autobiographical narrative, recounts the author’s childhood in Florida. Born into a broken family plagued by poverty and alcoholism, Wiegold spent her early years severely neglected. She started working at a club at age 13; she married at 17 and suffered four miscarriages. Yet life took a dramatic turn when Wiegold met her second husband, Mike, who introduced her to the teachings of Christ. The rest of the book explores how Christianity rejuvenated the author’s life and relationships, filling her with a sense of love and purpose; there’s also a great deal of Scripture and Bible study. Breaking a friend’s teacup becomes a reflection on forgiveness; learning to ride a dirt bike by releasing the gas becomes a lesson on accepting the Word of God by simply letting go. Wiegold often writes directly to women, with a particular focus on those who come from a troubled background. Her analysis of the story from the book of Luke, where a sinful woman washes Jesus’ feet, is a standout section explaining how the Christian faith approaches different degrees of sinfulness. But the highlight of the book, and definitely its strongest throughline, remains the rekindling of Wiegold’s relationship with her mother. Forgiveness proves essential as the author begins to care for her mother in old age; the two ultimately reconcile by fostering a mutual love of God. Indeed, if Wiegold teaches one thing, it is the importance of practicing forgiveness. The secret to forgiveness? “If you are a Christian and there is something or someone that God is asking you to forgive, just do it.” Throughout, the author writes from a place of deep, sincere faith. The book should speak to people, especially women, who are equally devout.
A deeply religious meditation on how God’s love gives meaning to a woman’s life.
