Box of Butterflies: Discovering the Unexpected Blessings All Around Us

Downey, the Emmy-nominated actress from Touched by an Angel and producer of films such as Little Boy and Ben-Hur, inspires in this quote-filled book of reflections. She poignantly tells of her mother’s death when she was 10 years old and how butterflies became a natural reminder of her mother’s love: at the grave, Downey recalls a butterfly floating by and her father commenting, “Would you look at that? That wee butterfly could be your mother’s spirit.” Between quotes from such diverse voices as Leonard Cohen, Regina King, C.S. Lewis, Max Lucado, and Nelson Mandela, Downey shares spiritually affirming moments from her film career. One highlight is her relationship with Della Reese throughout the filming of Touched by an Angel. Downey recounts the moment—a few months after Reese’s daughter’s sudden death—when they shared a conversation about the goodness of God: “I didn’t know He was bringing you into my life because I was gonna need a baby girl.” Christian readers will appreciate Downey’s resilient attitude toward the trials of life, as well as her deep faith in God, especially during difficult times. What comfort she finds in God, she graciously passes on to others in this touching book. (Mar.)