Reviews

  • Gripping Grace in the Garden of Grief by Marcia Earhart is a moving exploration of sorrow, healing, and faith. Through a collection of personal reflections, poetry, prayers, and stories, Earhart invites readers into the deeply intimate landscape of her life, shaped by unimaginable loss—the deaths of two sons, a mother, and a lifetime of trials—and her unwavering belief in God’s redeeming presence. What distinguishes this collection is its blend of raw vulnerability and spiritual strength. Earhart does not shy away from the pain of grief; instead, she walks readers through it, offering practical tools, scriptural anchors, and deeply felt meditations. Her language is poetic and soul-stirring, frequently drawing from her experiences as a wife, mother, and caregiver to children with complex emotional needs. The book’s structure thoughtfully guides readers through various seasons of mourning, including personal anecdotes that are as heartbreaking as they are inspiring. The poems in Section Two offer both lament and celebration, echoing the voices of a mother’s cry and the calm reassurance of her faith. One particularly touching entry describes the moment she sensed her son’s passing before it occurred, illustrating the spiritual sensitivity that permeates her writing. Ultimately, Gripping Grace in the Garden of Grief: A Place for the Heart, is both a balm and a beacon. For anyone enduring sorrow, this book offers comfort without platitudes, faith without pretense, and fiercely enduring love. Marcia e Earhart’s words, anchored in scripture and experience, remind readers that grace is not the absence of grief, but God’s hand within it. Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite

    Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite

  • Gripping Grace in the Garden of Grief (A Place for the Heart) by Marcia Earhart is a non-fiction book on grief and hardship that would appeal most to a mixed audience of young adults and adults who have or are currently experiencing grief in their lives. The book is organized into six sections on topics like "A Companion for Your Journey: Reflections, Tools, and Prayers for Grief and Healing" and "A Sacred Bond Through the Journey of Dementia". Marcia and Scott married in Raleigh, North Carolina, in 1990, and the young family grew to include two biological sons, Sterling and Steele, as well as several adopted children. The family had a close relationship with God, so much so that Sterling knew and prepared his family for the fact that they would outlive him. Despite this bit of foreknowledge, the grief still hit all that had known Sterling hard. Are you ready to follow this family’s life as they go through unspeakable loss while still holding tight to God’s love and plan? Gripping Grace in the Garden of Grief (A Place for the Heart) by Marcia Earhart was a well-written book that hit me quite hard emotionally, especially as I felt a strong connection with the author due to having also experienced the same illness. I could not help but feel for the family and admire their devotion to God, as I don’t know if I could weather such a storm of loss with half the grace that they did. The way the family handled loss in this book was inspiring, as I often see or hear about people blaming God for their loss and turning away from him, but this family did the opposite. I found their love and faith to be truly inspirational, and I plan to try to follow their example in my own life, both when dealing with loss and in my daily life. Overall, I feel blessed to have read this book and felt its touch on my life, though I recommend having tissues at the ready when reading it. Reviewed by Sefina Hawke for Readers' Favorite

  • Marcia Earhart’s Gripping Grace in the Garden of Grief is an authentic, heartfelt exploration of the profound journey through loss, grief, and healing rooted in faith. The author skillfully weaves in personal stories, biblical reflections, and practical tools to guide readers through the complex landscape of sorrow. Marcia courageously shares her own experiences, ranging from the death of loved ones to the challenges of grief in her family, developing themes of perseverance, hope, and the inner workings of divine grace. The resource sections offer invaluable insights, including daily prayers, introspective questions, and actionable steps such as creating memorials, setting boundaries, and embracing God's sovereignty. Her emphasis on spiritual disciplines, including prayer, Scripture meditation, and community support, resonated with me. The book also explores the sacredness of suffering, the power of remembrance, and the transformative nature of grief. I felt encouraged to see pain as an instrument for growth and a pathway to deeper intimacy with God. Marcia Earhart’s lyrical style and candid voice make this work a balm for those dealing with loss. Gripping Grace in the Garden of Grief: A Place for the Heart, addresses the layered realities of grief—its highs and lows, its seasons of lament and breakthrough—while pointing to the unshakeable hope in Jesus. The resource-rich content, including sections on reshaping grief, the sacred in suffering, and the power of the Trinity during times of trial, makes this book not only a testimony but also a practical companion for spiritual healing. The messages resonated powerfully with me, and I believe that many Christians will find nourishment and encouragement here. The image of the garden, used as an allegory, was so pertinent for me. Whether confronting the pain of death, separation, or disappointment, this book is a compassionate guide that affirms love’s power and the divine purpose hidden in every tear. This is a precious gift for anyone grieving a loved one. Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite