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Review of Being Delivered Through Hard Times

Posted: 21 Oct 2024, 07:39
by Terry Kimble
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Being Delivered Through Hard Times" by Guy Gray and Cheryl Ward-Kaiser.]
Book Cover
4 out of 5 stars
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Authors Guy Gray and Cheryl Ward-Kaiser share their individual life experiences, from a chaotic and abusive upbringing to surviving a terrifying home invasion to an adoptee searching for his birth mother and a birth (unrelated) mother searching for the son she gave up for adoption. These two people on parallel journeys remarkably converge (divine intervention?), resulting in the book “Being Delivered Through Hard Times”—a revealing look into the emotional repercussions on both sides of adoption and battling difficult life challenges.

The authors express their stories in a straightforward and often curt fashion. There were moments when I felt a lump in my throat as I read their emotional avowals. To refrain from giving away spoilers, I have not directly shared any of their personal stories in this review. Read the book to be astonished by the horrendous ordeal Cheryl and her family endured and how she survived. 

The tone of the narration is conversational, with chapters told in the first person by either Guy or Cheryl. Readers who focus too much on grammar and punctuation should set aside those concerns if they wish to fully immerse themselves in the book. I believe the grammatical imperfections throughout the book reflect the authors' stylistic choices rather than a lack of editing. I came to this conclusion by the time I reached the second chapter.

“Being Delivered Through Hard Times” will appeal to Christian readers, but the stories will also captivate non-Christians. It touches on the narrators’ faith in God but is not preachy. The authors share what they believe helps them overcome life's peaks and valleys—a trust in God.

Guy Gray and Cheryl Ward-Kaiser generously share their sometimes torturous life journeys in this collaboration. As I finished the book, I wondered if writing it had been cathartic for the authors. This book would be a great source of inspiration and hope for anyone struggling with emotional trauma and wondering if their situation is survivable.
I rated this book 4 out of 5 stars for its poignant and inspiring testimonies. I recommend “Being Delivered Through Hard Times” to adult readers ages 18 and up.

******
Being Delivered Through Hard Times
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

Re: Review of Being Delivered Through Hard Times

Posted: 26 Oct 2024, 09:04
by Shirley Ann Riddern Labzentis
Nice review, Terry! It is amazing what some people go through in life and yet still manage to persevere. It would be a great book to read if it weren't for the style of writing. Is it the style, or was it just not edited properly? Anyway, I think that I will pass on this one.

Re: Review of Being Delivered Through Hard Times

Posted: 26 Oct 2024, 09:12
by Gerry Steen
Terry Kimble wrote: 21 Oct 2024, 07:39 [Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Being Delivered Through Hard Times" by Guy Gray and Cheryl Ward-Kaiser.]
Book Cover
4 out of 5 stars
Share This Review


Authors Guy Gray and Cheryl Ward-Kaiser share their individual life experiences, from a chaotic and abusive upbringing to surviving a terrifying home invasion to an adoptee searching for his birth mother and a birth (unrelated) mother searching for the son she gave up for adoption. These two people on parallel journeys remarkably converge (divine intervention?), resulting in the book “Being Delivered Through Hard Times”—a revealing look into the emotional repercussions on both sides of adoption and battling difficult life challenges.

The authors express their stories in a straightforward and often curt fashion. There were moments when I felt a lump in my throat as I read their emotional avowals. To refrain from giving away spoilers, I have not directly shared any of their personal stories in this review. Read the book to be astonished by the horrendous ordeal Cheryl and her family endured and how she survived. 

The tone of the narration is conversational, with chapters told in the first person by either Guy or Cheryl. Readers who focus too much on grammar and punctuation should set aside those concerns if they wish to fully immerse themselves in the book. I believe the grammatical imperfections throughout the book reflect the authors' stylistic choices rather than a lack of editing. I came to this conclusion by the time I reached the second chapter.

“Being Delivered Through Hard Times” will appeal to Christian readers, but the stories will also captivate non-Christians. It touches on the narrators’ faith in God but is not preachy. The authors share what they believe helps them overcome life's peaks and valleys—a trust in God.

Guy Gray and Cheryl Ward-Kaiser generously share their sometimes torturous life journeys in this collaboration. As I finished the book, I wondered if writing it had been cathartic for the authors. This book would be a great source of inspiration and hope for anyone struggling with emotional trauma and wondering if their situation is survivable.
I rated this book 4 out of 5 stars for its poignant and inspiring testimonies. I recommend “Being Delivered Through Hard Times” to adult readers ages 18 and up.

******
Being Delivered Through Hard Times
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
My congratulations to the authors, Guy Gray and Cheryl Ward-Kaiser. for having the courage to bare their souls so that others will know that there are ways to survive terrible trauma. The conversational tone of this book would keep me engaged. I am in the mood for an inspirational memoir. I am adding this to my to read list. Great, concise review! Thank you.

Re: Review of Being Delivered Through Hard Times

Posted: 28 Oct 2024, 05:39
by Lawrence Stein
A big congratulations to both author's for overcoming everything they did and having the strength to write this book so that others facing the same challenges can find inspiration and strength to move on when they read this book.

Re: Review of Being Delivered Through Hard Times

Posted: 28 Oct 2024, 11:20
by Nneka Bridget
This book is an incredible journey through faith, resilience, and emotional healing. The honest storytelling from both authors is inspiring—especially for those navigating difficult times. Thank you for sharing this deeply moving work!

Re: Review of Being Delivered Through Hard Times

Posted: 28 Oct 2024, 22:40
by Stephen Christopher 1
This book sounds a little too emotional for me, so I might give this one a miss. I'm happy for the authors that they were able to share their stories.

Re: Review of Being Delivered Through Hard Times

Posted: 31 Oct 2024, 22:27
by Maureen Mire
I would say,l recommend at looking at both sides of the coin.Yes,the authors did go through hard times but no one ever appreciates challenges adoptive parents sometimes go through.

Re: Review of Being Delivered Through Hard Times

Posted: 01 Nov 2024, 03:23
by Priya Murugesan
I am intrigued by the writing style of the author.. I would love to try this book and see if I enjoy it!

Re: Review of Being Delivered Through Hard Times

Posted: 01 Nov 2024, 12:21
by Sarah Zain
I don't know if the style issues would affect my reading, but my overall view of the book according to your review that's full of immersive stories about the couple. It seems a good read. Thank you for beautifully written review

Re: Review of Being Delivered Through Hard Times

Posted: 07 Jan 2025, 02:42
by Lene Lena
It’s heartening to hear that the authors’ raw and honest narratives resonated with you. Their journeys indeed highlight the profound emotional impacts of adoption and personal struggles. I appreciate how you did not give away spoilers and your encouragement for others to read the book and discover these powerful stories.