Review and Giveaway!
“All we like sheep have gone astray…” Isaiah 53:6
I don’t read a lot of memoirs, but when I was offered the chance to review Little Black Sheep
Ashley’s story spoke to my heart in so many ways. From her feelings of inadequacy to her struggles with drugs and alcohol, Ashley is open and raw with her readers in a way that I have not experienced when reading a book in quite awhile. Her honesty and willingness to share so much is what made the difference for me when reading this book.
The truth is that we all struggle with something. It may be extreme or not so much. Women in particular seem to deal more with low self-esteem and the longing to be loved; we just don’t always have the courage to admit it. I am so grateful to Ashley for sharing her story. It is apparent through Little Black Sheep that Ashley was truly led by the Holy Spirit as she wrote. I don’t believe she would have been able to write what she did otherwise.
Chapter 6, The Gift With a Beating Heart particularly moved me. It reminded me so much of my mom and how she used to say that becoming pregnant with me is what helped her turn back to her Creator. Ashley shares that her daughter Rebecca gave her “a sense of purpose and identity”. She tried so hard to overcome her addictions but the realization finally hit that it was not by her own power that this would ever happen.
Little Black Sheep in beautiful and sad, deep and insightful. The true message of this book is that we indeed are all “little black sheep”, and it is only by the blood of the One pure and spotless Lamb that we can be redeemed.
Recommendation…
I recommend Little Black Sheep for adult readers who are searching for a spark of hope in whatever they are struggling with. Ashley’s story is relatable and a good reminder of what we all face as sinners.
About the Author…
Since her debut on Atlantic Records in 1991, Ashley Cleveland has recorded eight critically acclaimed albums. She was the first woman to be nominated for a GRAMMY in the Best Rock Gospel Album category and the only woman to ever win the award three. She was named Female Vocalist of the year in 2007 by ChristianityToday.net and, in addition to her own recordings, has contributed background vocals on over 300 records over the course of her career. Cleveland is also a writer and essayist who has contributed to books, including The Dance of Heaven and The Art of Being. She lives in Nashville with her husband Kenny Greenberg (one of America’s great session guitarists) and has three children, Rebecca, Henry and Lily. For more information, including her latest tour dates, go to www.AshleyCleveland.com. You can also connect with her on Facebook and Twitter.
The Giveaway…
Courtesy of Hoganson Media Relations I am blessed to offer a copy of Little Black Sheep to one of my readers. Simply enter via the Rafflecopter now through Thursday, October 3rd. One random winner will be chosen and notified via email within a few days of the giveaway’s end. Until then, happy reading!
Yours in Messiah Yeshua,
S
Disclosure:
I received a print copy of Little Black Sheep from Hoganson Media Relations. I was not asked to write a positive review. All views and opinions expressed are solely and completely my own. I received no compensation other than a copy of the book featured in this post, which is mine to keep. This post also contains affiliate links. To learn more, please read my full policy.
Copyright © 2013 SaraElla.com
My children and my husband. Even my doggies. Somehow they always inspire me and keep me going.
I agree. I don’t know what I would do without my loving man and precious girls:)
That God is still on the throne and that He is walking right along with me even if times I can’t see or feel Him! Also knowing that my husband and my mom are there for me is a big thing too!
Amen, Laura!