When the Fairy Dust Settles: A Mother and Her Daughter Discuss What Really Matters

"When the Fairy Dust Settles" reads like a modern-day book of Proverbs, this one written as a mother-daughter conversation. As Solomon in Proverbs shares his real-life wisdom with his son, so Janet Parshall dialogues with her adult daughter Sarah Parshall Perry about reconciling childhood dreams with reality--living with adventurous integrity when the fairy dust settles. The book of Proverbs brilliantly and practically addresses issues that many parents blush to discuss with their children. Likewise, mother Janet and daughter Sarah discuss five core issues that really matter: beauty, self-worth, relationships, sex, and treasures (money and materialism). What makes the book so powerful is the way these relevant topics are presented--conversationally in story form. The authors beautifully weave together the biblical narrative, the narrative of beloved fairy tales, and the narrative of modern life. Unlike some Christian books on the topic, "When the Fairy Dust Settles" does not settle for a fairy tale view of life. Listen to their heart-felt summary: "As young girls we all believed in fairy tales. We dreamed of happily-ever-afters, sure that our futures were blessed. And had to deal with the real world and what happens when the fairy dust settles." A Pollyanna philosophy of life says, "This life's a fairy tale." An Existentialist life philosophy says, "This life is all there is, and it is cruel and harsh." A Christian theology of life, as cogently presented by Parshall and Perry, says, "This life is not all there is. Face what happens when the fairy dust settles in light of the eternally true tale of a King who sent His Prince to pursue, woe, win, and renew His princess." Each of the five sections contain three chapters with each chapter offering an exchange of love letters interacting about topics that every mother and daughter wish they could discuss. But don't let that "love letter" stuff fool you. They don't always agree, but they do always disagree respectfully. And they always write with thought-provoking poignancy. If you're a mother of a daughter, buy two copies. Read them together. Then write your own proverbial love letters to each other, sharing honestly about living after the fairy dust settles. If you're a husband and the father of a daughter, buy three copies. The one you read could help you to understand the women in your life better than you could ever imagine. After you buy the book, and read the fifteen chapters, be sure not to miss the conclusion: "The Final Fairy Tale." Without understanding the final fairy tale, you really can't understand how Janet and Sarah interpret the reality we call "life." Reviewer: Dr. Robert W. Kellemen is the author of "Soul Physicians" and "Spiritual Friends." Bob is also a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, a seminary professor and department chair, and a public high school wrestling coach. Oh, he also happens to be a husband and the father of a daughter and a son, and the owner of

When the Fairy Dust Settles is the most moving and beautiful set of love letters from a mom to her daughter and from her daughter to her mom that I've ever read.This beautifully crafted and written book is a must read book for all mothers and their precious girls. Mrs. Parshall and Mrs. Perry touch on pertinent topics that all women need to discuss, and they do it with humor, love and profound Scriptural truth.Reading this book is like sitting underneath the warm wing of a mama bird, nestled closely to the heart of a mom who loves Christ Jesus. And reading the letters from the daughter is like seeing those often-unasked questions verbalized from the hearts of this younger generation, with a sincere, intelligent wisdom.Perry and Parshall have beautifully crafted the love story of a King towards His precious princesses, through the use of fairy tales and as you read this, you can't help but feel the warm soothing love of the One who adores you more than anyone else.I laughed and cried through this whole book and couldn't put it down until the very last page. And the ending just left me in tears because it was so wonderful. You have to get this book for yourself and for anyone else you love because, dreams really do come true; for you are truly loved by One who calls you His own.