Rain on Me: Devotions of Hope & Encouragement for Difficult Times

I have been reading this author's blog, Heart to Heart with Holley, for several months, and have been greatly blessed. It's at the top of my favorite blogs to read. How delighted I was when her publisher, Summerside Press, sent me a complimentary copy of Holley's book, Rain on Me: Devotions of Hope and Encouragement for Difficult Times, to review. And I have not been the least disappointed. This will be a book I will recommend and give away, no doubts! Rain on Me: Devotions of Hope and Encouragement for Difficult Times is written as a 40 day devotional, with real-life stories, thoughts and personal pains through storms in her life and that of others. Each devotional ends with a "Read" section, referring to Scripture passages to read, a "Reflect" section with questions in how to apply the devotional to your life and room to write about it in the book, and then a "Respond", closing with a prayer. You will find devotionals such as: Every Storm Begins with One Drop It's Okay to Not Be Okay Where's God When It Rains? The Beauty of Brokenness Soaring above the Storm The "Yes" You Never Expected Bitter or Better Taking Care of You Share Rather than Compare Strength in Weakness Holley wrote this book, even as she was going through a storm in her life, sharing, This book is different because I'm still in the storm. I don't believe we have to wait for blue skies in order for God to use the rain. It can start right here, right now. (p. 14) Though a very transparent book, you will not go away feeling down, but will laugh with Holley, cry and find reasons to praise God even in the midst of your storm. "It's one thing to look back on the storm and praise God; it's quite another to raise your hands to heaven when the lightening is flashing and the thunder is roaring. It's only through the amazing grace of God that we can do so. Rather than drowning out our voices, the praise we give God during difficult times is the most audible of all to the world." (p. 97) This book will make a wonderful gift . . . but read it first . . . you will be blessed and encouraged!

Rain on Me is a 40 day devotional book for anyone walking through life's storms. If you are traveling through a painful time or if you know someone who is, this beautifully written book speaks directly to the heart. Holley Gerth offers real life stories while leading readers to soak in His Truth. Rains On Me is written by someone who has been there, who has experienced brokenness, but found healing. Each devotional ends with a passage to read, an area to reflect on what God is telling you, and a place for the reader to respond or journal their own thoughts. Holley Gerth covers topics like: It's Ok to Not Be Okay, Where Is God When it Rains, The Beauty of Brokenness, The "Do What You Can" Plan, to name a few. I highly recommend this book, it is one I am going to read over and over again.

As a fan of Holley's blog, I was thrilled to see this book published. It is written with an authentic voice that speaks to the deepest places of a heart that has been broken, yet seeks after God's redemptive love. Holley offers, through her own experiences with suffering, a hope that can never be taken away, no matter what one's circumstances. I appreciate her honest approach and believe this book is relevant for anyone facing a difficult season of life. Let it Rain has got to be one of the best devotionals on the market today.

Holley Gerth's passion to reach those who are hurting is obvious in every page of this book. Each devotion was written as Holley walked through her own storm so she is able to reach people right where they are. Each day that I read, I am left feeling emotionally uplifted and encouraged about my life's journey in God's hands. I'm so glad to have found a resource to give as a gift to those who are in search of hope.

I love this book! Believe it or not, it made me laugh (this author is very witty), and of course, it made me cry, too. It is obvious the author writes from a place of deep personal experience; an experience she is willing to vulnerably share with her readers, and an experience from which her readers can definitely benefit. It is also obvious she has an intimate knowledge of Scripture and her own intimate relationship with Christ. It is appropriate for any sort of difficult time you might be going through. Whether you're struggling with grief from a loss or just having one of those days where nothing seems to be going right, the truths in this book are appropriate because they are rooted in THE Truth. This is one book I will have handy at all times, for myself and to share with others, not one that will sit on a shelf collecting dust.