Mended: Pieces of a Life Made Whole by Angie Smith

          I just love it when I find a new favorite author. Generally, I stick to authors I am familiar with whenever I happen to venture to the bookstore. I scan the shelves for titles by Karen Kingsbury, Beth Moore, and Max Lucado, to name a few, because I know I will enjoy whatever they’ve written. I also know that when it comes time to give a gift, choosing something written by them is sure to please the recipient.

           When I read a book that makes me want to immediately go out and buy other books by the same author, I get excited. This is what Mended, by Angie Smith, did for me.

 What’s the book about?

          Mended is a collection of heartfelt stories straight from the heart of the author herself. Angie uses humor and, more often than not, stories about her beautiful little girls to share the lessons she has learned throughout the years about faith, hope, and the everlasting love of whom Angie affectionately refers to as “My Jesus”. Each chapter begins with a related scripture verse and ends with a section entitled “Mended” for further reflection. The devotional-like style of this book is written in a way that even the busiest of readers could finish a chapter a day, though if you are anything like me, you won’t be able to stop with just one.

          Angie writes in a way that makes you feel like she is writing a personal letter directly to you, her friend. Her stories are powerful and her love for Jesus bounces off of every page. You can’t help but fall in love with Angie and her family. Her stories about being a wife and mother are easy to relate to—it’s not just what she writes about, but the way she writes about it. Her gift for expressing herself and her love for Christ through the written word left me laughing and even in tears at times. What a wonderful way to start the new year!

          I recommend this book to other women in all walks of life. If you are discouraged, this book will encourage you. If you are feeling lost or lonely, this book will remind you that the One who created you is never far away. If you are broken, this book will turn your eyes towards the ultimate Healer, the God who mends. So grab your Bible and a cup of hot cocoa and get ready to be blessed through Mended.

           Angie Smith is married to the lead singer of Selah, Todd Smith. Other books by Angie include I Will Carry You: The Sacred Dance of Grief and Joy and What Women Fear: Walking in Faith that Transforms. You can find out more about Angie by visiting her website at AngieSmithOnline.com. Angie lives with her family in Nashville, TN.

I received a review copy of this book from Shelton Interactive. The opinions expressed are solely my own. I was not asked to write a positive review.