Walsh, a popular speaker on the "Women of Faith" circuit whose credits include best-selling inspirational books such as Living Fearlessly
and A Love So Big, is a marvelous storyteller who knows how to properly transform the mundane happenings of everyday life into tales worth remembering. Indeed, this latest offering lives up to her previous books in terms of heartfelt sharing, though readers might find themselves wondering whether her well-worn message of God's love merits another book. Walsh sets the foundation for her work by forthrightly telling readers that she writes not of what she necessarily knows, but rather of what her heart longs to understand. Given this premise, she explores the myriad ways Christians might overcome common hindrances to a "transformed life" by getting rid of what she terms "squalls." Squall number one is failing to love God with one's whole heart, soul, mind and strength. Walsh cites other faith-quashing squalls such as the difficulty of dealing with death and suffering, the pull of material wealth and the temptation to place love for one's family and friends above love for God. Alongside personal anecdotes and in-depth references to biblical characters and their struggles, Walsh discusses the importance of resting in God's faithful arms, daily focusing on Christ, loving others as Christ would and recognizing individual worth. Overall, Walsh delivers what she does best—telling heartfelt, poignant stories. However, those stories are the only fresh elements here, and they aren't quite enough to revitalize this tired topic. (Apr.)
