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Breakthrough: The Miraculous True Story of a Mother's Faith and Her Child's Resurrection
The Impossible reveals prayer's immediate and powerful impact through the true account of a family whose son died and was miraculously resurrected.
Through the years and the struggles, when life seemed more about hurt and loss than hope and mercy, God was positioning the Smiths for something extraordinary-the death and resurrection of their son.
When Joyce Smith's fourteen-year-old son John fell through an icy Missouri lake one winter morning, she and her family had seemingly lost everything. At the hospital, John lay lifeless for more than sixty minutes. But Joyce was not ready to give up on her son. She mustered all her faith and strength into one force and cried out to God in a loud voice to save him.
Miraculously, her son's heart immediately started beating again.
In the coming days, John would defy every expert, every case history, and every scientific prediction. Sixteen days after falling through the ice and being clinically dead for an hour, he walked out of the hospital under his own power, completely healed.
The Impossible is about a profound truth: prayer really does work. God uses it to remind us that He is always with us, and when we combine it with unshakable faith, nothing is impossible.
Through the years and the struggles, when life seemed more about hurt and loss than hope and mercy, God was positioning the Smiths for something extraordinary-the death and resurrection of their son.
When Joyce Smith's fourteen-year-old son John fell through an icy Missouri lake one winter morning, she and her family had seemingly lost everything. At the hospital, John lay lifeless for more than sixty minutes. But Joyce was not ready to give up on her son. She mustered all her faith and strength into one force and cried out to God in a loud voice to save him.
Miraculously, her son's heart immediately started beating again.
In the coming days, John would defy every expert, every case history, and every scientific prediction. Sixteen days after falling through the ice and being clinically dead for an hour, he walked out of the hospital under his own power, completely healed.
The Impossible is about a profound truth: prayer really does work. God uses it to remind us that He is always with us, and when we combine it with unshakable faith, nothing is impossible.
256 pages, Paperback
First published November 7, 2017
441 people are currently reading
2970 people want to read
About the author
Joyce Smith
28 books53 followersJOYCE SMITH was born in Wichita, Kansas, but because of her father's work for a tool and die company, she grew up in Ohio and lived in eight different states as well as Canada and Germany. She worked for 25 years in accounting, but feels her biggest accomplishment has been as a wife and mother--one of the toughest jobs, with the lowest pay but the most rewards of any job on the face of the earth. She and her husband Brian (her "Prince Charming") live in St. Charles, Missouri. They have four wonderful sons and five beloved grandchildren. Joyce keeps busy with school and basketball, enjoys cross stitch, crochet, and decorating, and loves speaking to audiences about what God has done for her family...and continues to do.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 249 reviews
July 17, 2019
Talk about a page-turner. This story is one that had me from beginning to end. My review will likely contain a few spoilers.
In 2015, on a cold winter day, Joyce Smith's fourteen-year-old son was visiting with friends and was involved in an accident that resulted in death. After being rushed to the hospital with no response, the doctors were ready to give up. It had been nearly an hour and likely impossible that John's body could live after such a catastrophic accident. The events that transpire afterward are nothing short of a miracle.
John was such a lucky boy with a strong support system, not just from family, but from his church and community as well. There's a lot of positivity surrounding him, especially from his mother Joyce. I admired Joyce's strength as she never seemed to lose faith (despite all the negativity), even when some people around her were breaking. Many would agree: It does appear that because of God's miraculous abilities to heal, her son is alive and well today. Was it all the power of prayer? The doctors can't explain it, and he wasn't the only one to experience a miracle those few weeks in 2015.
This was actually recommended to me by my local librarian who also ordered the movie which comes out on DVD this week. I was compelled to read it because it seemed like it might involve a near death experience, which is a subject I enjoy. This was different from my expectations, but the story had me captivated.
I found some parts in the story hard to read when it came to their struggles with some of the more difficult and controlling members of the medical community. After having some of these same problems when my daughter was in a teaching hospital, this book reminded me just how arduous those obstacles were. I also found myself asking the same question others asked in the end: Why does God answer some prayers and not others?
There are many Bible verses throughout which I enjoyed studying. Even if you aren't a Christian, the story is one to read. It may open your eyes. I highly recommend it.
5*****
In 2015, on a cold winter day, Joyce Smith's fourteen-year-old son was visiting with friends and was involved in an accident that resulted in death. After being rushed to the hospital with no response, the doctors were ready to give up. It had been nearly an hour and likely impossible that John's body could live after such a catastrophic accident. The events that transpire afterward are nothing short of a miracle.
John was such a lucky boy with a strong support system, not just from family, but from his church and community as well. There's a lot of positivity surrounding him, especially from his mother Joyce. I admired Joyce's strength as she never seemed to lose faith (despite all the negativity), even when some people around her were breaking. Many would agree: It does appear that because of God's miraculous abilities to heal, her son is alive and well today. Was it all the power of prayer? The doctors can't explain it, and he wasn't the only one to experience a miracle those few weeks in 2015.
This was actually recommended to me by my local librarian who also ordered the movie which comes out on DVD this week. I was compelled to read it because it seemed like it might involve a near death experience, which is a subject I enjoy. This was different from my expectations, but the story had me captivated.
I found some parts in the story hard to read when it came to their struggles with some of the more difficult and controlling members of the medical community. After having some of these same problems when my daughter was in a teaching hospital, this book reminded me just how arduous those obstacles were. I also found myself asking the same question others asked in the end: Why does God answer some prayers and not others?
There are many Bible verses throughout which I enjoyed studying. Even if you aren't a Christian, the story is one to read. It may open your eyes. I highly recommend it.
5*****
July 15, 2019
Review of another edition: Breakthrough
January 3, 2018
This was actually an unknown book for me - it was selected by one of the members of my book club. And then I started reading - and I was literally sucked in. You see, seven years ago - I was a part of a similar journey. And the interesting part about both my personal, and this book's foundation - the people/first responders/specific medical personal in these two different stories were put exactly where they were supposed to be. A child drowned, and in my situation as the primary ER nurse - I looked up from my life saving care at the bedside to see a distraught mother come into the room - and I knew her. She did not remember me, but I knew her from a church group years earlier - and my heart broke for her. But I knew her, and this change of perspective - in seeing someone from patient to a person - that human connection - changes perspectives. She started praying at the bedside, she looked at me with desperation (it wasn't until a month later when she came to find me to thank me, that I reminded her that our paths had crossed before), and she said "please don't let him die". The doctor pulled me aside and said, "I'm going to call it". And I said, "no. He's not warm, we must keep trying". We did CPR on that little one, on-and-off, for hours. He was not "supposed" to live. But he did.
Both my personal story, and the story of John Smith are of two boys who should have died. They did die. John Smith was dead solid for an hour - no CPR during that time. If nothing else - he should have residual side effects of cellular death. His body was too big, and the water wasn't actually cold enough to freeze tissue - there should be side effects in his everyday life. But there is not.
This book came at a perfect time for me personally. I have my own sadness, fears and anger in dealing with new and declining parental health issues. This was a reminder of the power of prayer, the strength of God and the reminder of one miracle, of many I have been honored to have witnessed.
Both my personal story, and the story of John Smith are of two boys who should have died. They did die. John Smith was dead solid for an hour - no CPR during that time. If nothing else - he should have residual side effects of cellular death. His body was too big, and the water wasn't actually cold enough to freeze tissue - there should be side effects in his everyday life. But there is not.
This book came at a perfect time for me personally. I have my own sadness, fears and anger in dealing with new and declining parental health issues. This was a reminder of the power of prayer, the strength of God and the reminder of one miracle, of many I have been honored to have witnessed.
September 25, 2019
3 stars
A healthy 14 yr old, out with friends, falls through the ice on a lake. Two of the three boys were rescued, but John remained under water. This book describes the rescue and the medical processes that kept him alive, even after an hours death. It also delves very deep into the religious and faith aspect of Johns' Mother, Joyce.
This story is unique in the survival and recovery of John Smith. Sixteen days after the accident John walked out of the hospital, when even 16 hrs after the incident, he was not expected to live.
This is a quick read and a book that can be read in one or two sittings. Expect to find a lot of Bible quotes in this story, along with the background of how John came into the lives of the Smith family. It also recounts Joyce's stubborn unchanging belief that only God saved her child.
There is soon to be a motion picture covering this story with Chrissy Metz playing Joyce Smith .
A healthy 14 yr old, out with friends, falls through the ice on a lake. Two of the three boys were rescued, but John remained under water. This book describes the rescue and the medical processes that kept him alive, even after an hours death. It also delves very deep into the religious and faith aspect of Johns' Mother, Joyce.
This story is unique in the survival and recovery of John Smith. Sixteen days after the accident John walked out of the hospital, when even 16 hrs after the incident, he was not expected to live.
This is a quick read and a book that can be read in one or two sittings. Expect to find a lot of Bible quotes in this story, along with the background of how John came into the lives of the Smith family. It also recounts Joyce's stubborn unchanging belief that only God saved her child.
There is soon to be a motion picture covering this story with Chrissy Metz playing Joyce Smith .
March 12, 2019
If you wonder if miracles happen today, read this book. Fourteen year old John Smith fell through ice and was in forty degree water for a half hour, totally submerged for half of that time. Finally rescued, he had no heartbeat for an hour, until he did. But then there was no brain activity and his organs were failing. The doctors were sure there was no hope.
This is a very well written account of what happened to the young teen. His adoptive mother was like a grizzly bear, desperately praying for the life of her son. Others came to pray for days. There were spiritual attacks and the struggle to maintain faith. The account is captivating.
Some may wonder why God would heal some and not others. Joyce, John's mother, reveals much of her life, letting readers know she was not some super spiritual individual. She had made her mistakes in life and came before God as we all do, asking for His grace and mercy.
I highly recommend this book. It is an amazing account of an inexplicable event. It can only be explained by God's intervention. A doctor's letter is included, verifying the miraculous recovery.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
This is a very well written account of what happened to the young teen. His adoptive mother was like a grizzly bear, desperately praying for the life of her son. Others came to pray for days. There were spiritual attacks and the struggle to maintain faith. The account is captivating.
Some may wonder why God would heal some and not others. Joyce, John's mother, reveals much of her life, letting readers know she was not some super spiritual individual. She had made her mistakes in life and came before God as we all do, asking for His grace and mercy.
I highly recommend this book. It is an amazing account of an inexplicable event. It can only be explained by God's intervention. A doctor's letter is included, verifying the miraculous recovery.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
April 14, 2019
Amazing story but the delivery wasn’t great. 3.5 stars
November 9, 2017
Get ready to have your faith tank FILLED UP! This book is about the remarkable, maybe desperate faith of a mother who cannot accept that her son is dead.
John, 14 years old fell into an icy Missouri lake and was pronounced dead - he lay lifeless for one hour. Joyce, the Mom refused the pronouncement and cried out to God - right there in the E.R. for everyone to hear.
John's heart began to beat and he walked out of that hospital alive and well. The book is full of raw emotion and testimony of God's mercy and love.
Two unequal forces: a Mother's love and God's faithfulness.
John, 14 years old fell into an icy Missouri lake and was pronounced dead - he lay lifeless for one hour. Joyce, the Mom refused the pronouncement and cried out to God - right there in the E.R. for everyone to hear.
John's heart began to beat and he walked out of that hospital alive and well. The book is full of raw emotion and testimony of God's mercy and love.
Two unequal forces: a Mother's love and God's faithfulness.
September 21, 2019
When fourteen-year-old John Smith fell through the ice on a Missouri lake one January morning, Joyce Smith was terrified that she would lose her son. When she arrived at the hospital, John had been without a heartbeat for more than an hour. Joyce wasn’t ready to accept that her son was dead and in a moment of pure, desperate faith, Joyce cried out to God to save her son.
At that precise moment, John’s heart began beating again.
Though his heart was going again, John was no where near out of the woods. Despite all of his doctor’s worries and facts, John quickly began to improve, with the mighty power of prayer behind him. Sixteen days after John fell through the ice, he walked out of the hospital, completely and miraculously healed.
I first heard of this novel when I saw the trailer for the movie. This got me interested in the novel. When there was a giveaway for the novel on Goodreads Firstreads, I figured I would enter. And then I won.
Being as this has a lot of medical scenes in it, I figured that if I didn’t win I would just see the movie. I know, I know. The book is always better than the movie, but I am not knowledgeable in medical jargon and I worried that I would have to Google search one term after the other while reading. Thankfully, though there are a lot of medical terms, Joyce Smith took the time to explain what they ment.
Joyce managed to put the reader right there in the hospital with her. The writing made the whole situation very real for a mother like me, from Joyce’s panicked dash to the hospital to the day John walked out of the hospital. I was there.
I thought this novel was a well written and worthwhile read. I gave this book five out of five stars and would recommend it to anyone looking to believe in miracles.
I won my copy of this novel from Goodreads Firstreads and the image above is my own.
stephanietiner.weebly.com
At that precise moment, John’s heart began beating again.
Though his heart was going again, John was no where near out of the woods. Despite all of his doctor’s worries and facts, John quickly began to improve, with the mighty power of prayer behind him. Sixteen days after John fell through the ice, he walked out of the hospital, completely and miraculously healed.
I first heard of this novel when I saw the trailer for the movie. This got me interested in the novel. When there was a giveaway for the novel on Goodreads Firstreads, I figured I would enter. And then I won.
Being as this has a lot of medical scenes in it, I figured that if I didn’t win I would just see the movie. I know, I know. The book is always better than the movie, but I am not knowledgeable in medical jargon and I worried that I would have to Google search one term after the other while reading. Thankfully, though there are a lot of medical terms, Joyce Smith took the time to explain what they ment.
Joyce managed to put the reader right there in the hospital with her. The writing made the whole situation very real for a mother like me, from Joyce’s panicked dash to the hospital to the day John walked out of the hospital. I was there.
I thought this novel was a well written and worthwhile read. I gave this book five out of five stars and would recommend it to anyone looking to believe in miracles.
I won my copy of this novel from Goodreads Firstreads and the image above is my own.
stephanietiner.weebly.com
April 8, 2019
I wished the author would have presented more facts, in a more chronological order, instead of pontificating her religious views. (I don't object to her religious commitment, but her comments prevented the chance to produce a more engaging history of her son's almost drowning experience.)
April 10, 2019
Awesome!
If you are a Christian, this book is definitely uplifting. It reminds us that God is still in the miracle business. If you are searching, you find answers within this book. Hope you enjoy reading this book as much as I did!
If you are a Christian, this book is definitely uplifting. It reminds us that God is still in the miracle business. If you are searching, you find answers within this book. Hope you enjoy reading this book as much as I did!
February 22, 2019
“I believe in a God who can do miracles! Holy Spirit, I need You right now to come and breathe life back into my son!” Joyce Smith declares in Breakthrough: The Miraculous True Story of a Mother’s Faith and Her Child’s Resurrection, a book she wrote with Ginger Kolbaba.
~ What ~
Made into a motion picture, this two-hundred-and-fifty-six-page paperback targets those who like true stories that promote God and the power of prayer. Containing the word hell once, its topics of a life-threatening accident, medical procedures, dying, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers. Using the English Standard and New International Versions of the Holy Bible, the beginning includes a foreword by the main character while the ending has an afterword by an involved pastor, the author’s notes, Scripture references, a doctor’s letter, acknowledgments, and the authors’ biographies.
In this quick read, mother Joyce Smith writes mainly from her personal experience when her son, John, falls through the ice in a Missouri lake and his heart stops for an hour. While in the emergency room, she openly and boldly prays to God. When her son’s heartbeat reappears, she is convinced her son will be made whole and complete through prayer. After spending sixteen days in the hospital, John is miraculously healed.
~ Why ~
A firm believer in the power of praying to the Almighty God, I enjoyed reading how focusing on God can get one through tough times and tragedy. I appreciated how the authors conveyed that our Lord is the one always in control and knows the outcome and reasons why we face challenges in this life. Showing the dedication and faith as well as the faults and inadequacies of Joyce and others verified God’s endless mercies and grace.
~ Why Not ~
If you do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, you may not like this book, yet it may also be one that brings peace and comfort if struggling through a tragedy. Others may not appreciate the plethora of medical terms, diagnoses, and procedures. Some may find the writer to be controlling, stubborn, opinionated, and determined, often showing righteous indignation when dealing with medical staff.
~ Wish ~
At times, I did not like Joyce and her pushiness, but perhaps it is because she reminded me of myself. I wish all pronouns of God were capitalized for reverence. I found the font too small.
~ Want ~
If you like reading about a mother and her husband, pastor, and Christian community who arduously call upon God to save and completely heal a fourteen-year-old boy using the power of prayer, this will show how miracles happen, even in the medical field because it is God’s will. It is the type of read that forces you to seriously consider your own prayer life.
Thanks to Hachette Book Group for this book that I am under no obligation to review.
~ What ~
Made into a motion picture, this two-hundred-and-fifty-six-page paperback targets those who like true stories that promote God and the power of prayer. Containing the word hell once, its topics of a life-threatening accident, medical procedures, dying, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers. Using the English Standard and New International Versions of the Holy Bible, the beginning includes a foreword by the main character while the ending has an afterword by an involved pastor, the author’s notes, Scripture references, a doctor’s letter, acknowledgments, and the authors’ biographies.
In this quick read, mother Joyce Smith writes mainly from her personal experience when her son, John, falls through the ice in a Missouri lake and his heart stops for an hour. While in the emergency room, she openly and boldly prays to God. When her son’s heartbeat reappears, she is convinced her son will be made whole and complete through prayer. After spending sixteen days in the hospital, John is miraculously healed.
~ Why ~
A firm believer in the power of praying to the Almighty God, I enjoyed reading how focusing on God can get one through tough times and tragedy. I appreciated how the authors conveyed that our Lord is the one always in control and knows the outcome and reasons why we face challenges in this life. Showing the dedication and faith as well as the faults and inadequacies of Joyce and others verified God’s endless mercies and grace.
~ Why Not ~
If you do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, you may not like this book, yet it may also be one that brings peace and comfort if struggling through a tragedy. Others may not appreciate the plethora of medical terms, diagnoses, and procedures. Some may find the writer to be controlling, stubborn, opinionated, and determined, often showing righteous indignation when dealing with medical staff.
~ Wish ~
At times, I did not like Joyce and her pushiness, but perhaps it is because she reminded me of myself. I wish all pronouns of God were capitalized for reverence. I found the font too small.
~ Want ~
If you like reading about a mother and her husband, pastor, and Christian community who arduously call upon God to save and completely heal a fourteen-year-old boy using the power of prayer, this will show how miracles happen, even in the medical field because it is God’s will. It is the type of read that forces you to seriously consider your own prayer life.
Thanks to Hachette Book Group for this book that I am under no obligation to review.
November 20, 2020
I loved the movie. I actually didn’t know it was also a book until I saw it at Hobby Lobby and I knew I had to read it. It’s an incredible story of God’s true love and it’s written so well I felt like a fly on the wall watching the entire thing. It’s a real page turner. It had me hooked throughout the whole story and I was kind of sad when I finished it. I love this book and I very much encourage you to read it too.
October 19, 2020
So much better than the movie. Seriously.
November 13, 2025
This book does a great job of “dumbing” down all the medical jargon to make it easy to understand. I also appreciated the “realness” of the mom and her emotions…easy to relate to.
“What's exciting about faith is not your part and my part in it. What's exciting about faith is seeing the grandeur and the awesome and the power of God and His provision when people step forward by faith. It's not that exciting to see Moses and the children of Israel walking through this dry ground where there used to be water. The exciting thing is that God took that water in an instant and parted it. What's exciting with a life of faith is not how big our faith is, but how awesome our God is.” Kevin Falde -Faith sermon at FBCJ 10.20.24
“What's exciting about faith is not your part and my part in it. What's exciting about faith is seeing the grandeur and the awesome and the power of God and His provision when people step forward by faith. It's not that exciting to see Moses and the children of Israel walking through this dry ground where there used to be water. The exciting thing is that God took that water in an instant and parted it. What's exciting with a life of faith is not how big our faith is, but how awesome our God is.” Kevin Falde -Faith sermon at FBCJ 10.20.24
March 31, 2019
Rating 4.5 stars!
I LOVE reading the book before the movie is released, don't you? Even when I was young and there was a Stephen King movie coming out, I'd scramble to the library, sign out the book and read it before even thinking about heading to the theater to see it. The same is still true today for me.Last month I started hearing about the movie - BREAKTHROUGH - based upon the inspirational true story of one mother's unfaltering love being released at theaters on Easter Day and I knew I wanted to know more. When I saw a copy available through my association with FaithWords blogger program through Hachette Book Group, I couldn't pass this one up!
The story of Joyce Smith's adopted son, John, falling through an icy Missouri lake was originally published as a book called THE IMPOSSIBLE, and now re-released and titled BREAKTHROUGH, as a made for motion picture book.
All hope is lost when Joyce Smith’s adopted 14-year old son John falls through an icy Missouri lake, but as her son lies lifeless, Joyce doesn't give up. Her steadfast faith causes those around her to continue to pray for her son's recovery. In BREAKTHROUGH, Ms. Smith recounts how her son's death and coming back to life drama and his recovery.
Smith explains how she never gave up on God or her son and how over the course of his recovery, John made remarkable progress thanks to God's hand on his life. BREAKTHROUGH is an enthralling reminder that faith and love can create a mountain of hope, and sometimes even a miracle.
BREAKTHROUGH is a very powerful testimony to prayer and how God works in our lives when we have faith in Him. The movie releases on April 17 in theaters, and the story itself is incredible and inspiring. I believe the movie will do a great job sharing that God still works miracles today.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Hatchette Book Group, as part of their Book Review Blogger Program.
I LOVE reading the book before the movie is released, don't you? Even when I was young and there was a Stephen King movie coming out, I'd scramble to the library, sign out the book and read it before even thinking about heading to the theater to see it. The same is still true today for me.Last month I started hearing about the movie - BREAKTHROUGH - based upon the inspirational true story of one mother's unfaltering love being released at theaters on Easter Day and I knew I wanted to know more. When I saw a copy available through my association with FaithWords blogger program through Hachette Book Group, I couldn't pass this one up!
The story of Joyce Smith's adopted son, John, falling through an icy Missouri lake was originally published as a book called THE IMPOSSIBLE, and now re-released and titled BREAKTHROUGH, as a made for motion picture book.
All hope is lost when Joyce Smith’s adopted 14-year old son John falls through an icy Missouri lake, but as her son lies lifeless, Joyce doesn't give up. Her steadfast faith causes those around her to continue to pray for her son's recovery. In BREAKTHROUGH, Ms. Smith recounts how her son's death and coming back to life drama and his recovery.
Smith explains how she never gave up on God or her son and how over the course of his recovery, John made remarkable progress thanks to God's hand on his life. BREAKTHROUGH is an enthralling reminder that faith and love can create a mountain of hope, and sometimes even a miracle.
BREAKTHROUGH is a very powerful testimony to prayer and how God works in our lives when we have faith in Him. The movie releases on April 17 in theaters, and the story itself is incredible and inspiring. I believe the movie will do a great job sharing that God still works miracles today.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Hatchette Book Group, as part of their Book Review Blogger Program.
April 19, 2019
This book was so good that I couldn't put it down. I cried several times while reading. What blessed me the most was the mother's faith and how she relied on God to pull her through the trial. I highly recommend it but keep plenty of tissue near you.
April 7, 2019
Read this book!
I was deeply interested in this book. Not one time were there too many details to overwhelm or bore you or slow down the story. Writing from a praying Momma's point of view was engrossing and heartfelt as well. Thank God for Joyce and that she never wavered and kept believing for her boy even when folks around her may have been in doubt. God bless this family and how everything worked in God's timing and sequence for this miracle. Definitely recommend and definitely going to see the movie!
I was deeply interested in this book. Not one time were there too many details to overwhelm or bore you or slow down the story. Writing from a praying Momma's point of view was engrossing and heartfelt as well. Thank God for Joyce and that she never wavered and kept believing for her boy even when folks around her may have been in doubt. God bless this family and how everything worked in God's timing and sequence for this miracle. Definitely recommend and definitely going to see the movie!
March 31, 2019
Amazing story of God’s faithfulness and the power of prayer. I loved this quote at the end of the book “if I make prayer a habit, then I see God at work all the time. If I see God at work all the time, that builds my trust in Him, so that when the crisis comes, my faith is already strong, my trust is already solid, and I have no need to doubt.”
I gave 3 stars due to the overall writing quality and style. The author attempted to describe too many medical terms and procedures that, without a medical background, came off poorly. At times I also struggled with the more petty things that upset her while John was in the hospital. I know she was very vulnerable and honest in the book, which I appreciated, but at times it was a little too much for me.
I gave 3 stars due to the overall writing quality and style. The author attempted to describe too many medical terms and procedures that, without a medical background, came off poorly. At times I also struggled with the more petty things that upset her while John was in the hospital. I know she was very vulnerable and honest in the book, which I appreciated, but at times it was a little too much for me.
January 10, 2018
This is a book written by a real life mom who received a miracle from a real life God because of her faith that He would answer her prayers. And He did! Anyone wanting to see prayer in action should read this book. You won’t regret it!
January 29, 2018
This was a very easy read that kept you on your toes! I must say the faith and love shown in this book are so inspiring. What a testimony of the Power of Prayer!!
Loved the quote, "God's children and His enemies make the same mistake. They underestimate the power of prayer"
Loved the quote, "God's children and His enemies make the same mistake. They underestimate the power of prayer"
December 7, 2018
Inspiring
A true testament to Gods amazing ability to still perform miracles today. With a movie coming out I was compelled to read the book first and am so glad I did. I am inspired to increase my prayer life from this book
A true testament to Gods amazing ability to still perform miracles today. With a movie coming out I was compelled to read the book first and am so glad I did. I am inspired to increase my prayer life from this book
January 24, 2019
Wow!!!!!!! A Incredible story that from beginning to end never seemed real. Based on a true story, that Leaves you with a lot of questions about earth and life and what’s possible. A very inspirational tale.
February 5, 2019
I wish I could rate this higher! I love how this book not only tells about the miracles that happen, but shows how true faith is demonstrated. This book filled me with inspiration to evaluate my own prayer life. I don't want to just pray in the chaos. Thank you Joyce for sharing your faith!
April 8, 2019
This book is a refreshing look at prayers. Sometimes the answer to prayers is no, which is important to realize, but that doesn’t mean we should forget, that sometimes, the answer is yes. What an inspirational story!
April 10, 2019
Story of faith and the power of prayer
This book has caused me to look at prayer and the fact that God is who he says He is more powerfully than I have before. We as Christian’s must believe and pray with boldness. Thankful I read this beautiful story
This book has caused me to look at prayer and the fact that God is who he says He is more powerfully than I have before. We as Christian’s must believe and pray with boldness. Thankful I read this beautiful story
April 24, 2019
What an amazing story of life after death. This mom’s faith in God is inspiring, never once did she doubt that God would heal her son. Such incredible faith Joyce had when others told her that her son would not survive.
December 24, 2018
Love
What an amazing story of faith in God!! Can’t wait to see the movie in the spring of 2019. Must read!!
What an amazing story of faith in God!! Can’t wait to see the movie in the spring of 2019. Must read!!
March 10, 2019
This is a story of what love, faith and prayer can do when you believe in God and accept his power over us.
March 21, 2019
Honestly torn between a two and a three. It's a really incredible thing that happened, just the way it was written was difficult for me. I ended up skimming toward the end just to get through
March 30, 2019
Great book , could not imagine going through something like that.
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