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Come, Sweet Day: Holding On To Hope In Dark Times
Created to provide solace, strength, and inspiration, Come, Sweet Day is for anyone feeling weighed down by life. This collection of poems and essays, written by an award-winning author, reminds each of us that we are not alone. God is good, and we can see His love even in dark times.
Though loneliness and despair may at times seem overwhelming, the words on these pages encourage us to seek for grace, to find the light and let it in, and to hold on to hope.
There are good days coming.
Though loneliness and despair may at times seem overwhelming, the words on these pages encourage us to seek for grace, to find the light and let it in, and to hold on to hope.
There are good days coming.
96 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2021
7 people are currently reading
2114 people want to read
About the author
Julianne Donaldson
16 books4,744 followersJulianne Donaldson grew up as the daughter of a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot. She learned how to ski in the Italian Alps, visited East Berlin before the wall came down, and spent three years living next to a 500-year-old castle. After earning a degree in English, she turned her attention to writing. She writes historical romance when she is not busy with her four young children and husband. Edenbrooke is her first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
May 1, 2021
Beautiful. This book brought tears to my eyes and hope for my hungry soul.
I could have highlighted this one in its entirety for the way that it spoke to me. The way that Donaldson writes of her heartaches and trials but then sees the light of hope, the light of Gods hand in her life.
Donaldson’s, Blackmoore is my all time favorite book. I guess some authors just have a way of slipping into our hearts. She writes of the struggles she has had and is still working to overcome over the last few years. These have inspired beautiful, heartfelt poems of peace and longing and all have been inspired by a beloved and enduring Savior.
I’ve always loved the notion of finding God in the dark, knowing that the light is just above the horizon. These poems and words definitely define this sentiment.
I needed this book today. Thank you Julianne for letting us into your head and your heart. We all need a running partner in this marathon of life cheering us on, you did that and I was grateful for this book today.
I could have highlighted this one in its entirety for the way that it spoke to me. The way that Donaldson writes of her heartaches and trials but then sees the light of hope, the light of Gods hand in her life.
Donaldson’s, Blackmoore is my all time favorite book. I guess some authors just have a way of slipping into our hearts. She writes of the struggles she has had and is still working to overcome over the last few years. These have inspired beautiful, heartfelt poems of peace and longing and all have been inspired by a beloved and enduring Savior.
I’ve always loved the notion of finding God in the dark, knowing that the light is just above the horizon. These poems and words definitely define this sentiment.
I needed this book today. Thank you Julianne for letting us into your head and your heart. We all need a running partner in this marathon of life cheering us on, you did that and I was grateful for this book today.
December 19, 2020
This beautiful little book could not have come to me at a better time. I am so grateful to NetGalley for allowing me this opportunity. What a blessing I received this morning...sitting by our Christmas tree, hot cup of coffee in hand, able to read in one sitting. Thought-provoking, reflective, and inspiring, "Come, Sweet Day" will remind the reader to breathe, pray, rely upon our Lord, exactly the things I needed today. Julianne Donaldson has woven together beautiful and encouraging words, poetry and hymns to help heal and to help remind us to place our worries in the hands of the One who loves us more than anything and carries us through the hard times. Thank you, Ms. Donaldson. Once this lovely book arrives on the shelves I will be gifting it to many, and reading it myself, many many times.
December 22, 2020
A lovely collection of poems, thoughts, and short writings about finding peace, hope and joy no matter where you are in your journey. Julianne Donaldson is a gift!
March 30, 2021
This is a short compilation of poems and spiritual thoughts inspired by the author’s growth in faith through some hard times. It’s very generalized as she doesn’t get too specific about what those times entailed. This made for some rather vague but sweet encouragement and optimism reminders. Perfect if what you need is a small shot in the arm of hope.
Perhaps the best way to view this piece is as a reminder that “this too shall pass.” And also, for those so inclined, as inspiration for writing out one’s own thoughts and hopes and faith-filled growth while on those difficult spots of one’s journey. It’s clear that this was of great help to the author.
Perhaps the best way to view this piece is as a reminder that “this too shall pass.” And also, for those so inclined, as inspiration for writing out one’s own thoughts and hopes and faith-filled growth while on those difficult spots of one’s journey. It’s clear that this was of great help to the author.
February 13, 2021
What a beautiful collection of beautiful vulnerability. I ADORED this compilation of poems and thoughts.
I have throughly enjoyed Donaldson's works of fiction for years. This non-fiction piece goes to show that she definitely knows her way around words. The emotions she shows in her writing is amazing.
Also that conclusion that is all about inclusion had me in Tears!
Great job friend.
Thank you Netgalley and Shadow Mountain for the advanced ecopy in exchange for honest feedback.
I have throughly enjoyed Donaldson's works of fiction for years. This non-fiction piece goes to show that she definitely knows her way around words. The emotions she shows in her writing is amazing.
Also that conclusion that is all about inclusion had me in Tears!
Great job friend.
Thank you Netgalley and Shadow Mountain for the advanced ecopy in exchange for honest feedback.
March 2, 2021
I don't generally read poetry, but I'm glad I decided to read this one.
I was surprised to see Donaldson turn to poetry after writing Edenbrooke and Blackmoore, two great Regency romances. This was clearly what she needed to write, and I'm so glad she did. Her poetry spoke to my soul and had me feeling both sorrowful and hopeful. She uses beautiful poems to chronicle a very low time in her life and how, in the midst of this darkness, she was able to realize God's love more than ever.
It's a very quick read, and I would definitely read it again.
Thank you to Shadow Mountain for providing me with a digital review copy of this book!
I was surprised to see Donaldson turn to poetry after writing Edenbrooke and Blackmoore, two great Regency romances. This was clearly what she needed to write, and I'm so glad she did. Her poetry spoke to my soul and had me feeling both sorrowful and hopeful. She uses beautiful poems to chronicle a very low time in her life and how, in the midst of this darkness, she was able to realize God's love more than ever.
It's a very quick read, and I would definitely read it again.
Thank you to Shadow Mountain for providing me with a digital review copy of this book!
March 5, 2021
Reading Come, Sweet Day reminded me of the Psalms. It was a sweet balm to my struggles and a reminder that I am not alone in them, God knows and He is there and is my stronghold in the rocky times.
I am familiar with Julianne Donaldson because of her two novels, Edenbrooke and Blackmoore, and I was not disappointed with this collection of poems and commentary. Beautiful writing.
My gratitude to Shadow Mountain Publishing and Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
I am familiar with Julianne Donaldson because of her two novels, Edenbrooke and Blackmoore, and I was not disappointed with this collection of poems and commentary. Beautiful writing.
My gratitude to Shadow Mountain Publishing and Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
November 12, 2023
Beautiful words. Many of the messages were exactly what I needed to hear at this time 🩵
April 10, 2021
This is a beautiful book of poems and prose by an author who is known best for her Regency romance novels. Here, she has taken the lessons learned from the hardships she's journeyed through the past few years and offers encouragement to others who may need it. She also bears her testimony of the Savior and feeling His love through those difficult times.
I'm really not into poetry but the way Julianne Donaldson expresses her thoughts and feelings is beautiful. The hardcover book has beautiful pictures.
I received a complimentary digital copy from the publisher Shadow Mountain via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I'm really not into poetry but the way Julianne Donaldson expresses her thoughts and feelings is beautiful. The hardcover book has beautiful pictures.
I received a complimentary digital copy from the publisher Shadow Mountain via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
April 5, 2021
This beautiful book of poetry reminds me that there is hope even when circumstances are bleak.
Julianne Donaldson is a talented author. I have read and loved her novels. In this book, she shows that she is diverse in her writing skills. She takes a moment and lets the reader know why she wrote her poems, the circumstances, and how she was feeling. I appreciate her insight and her testimony of the Savior.
This is a perfect book for anyone who is undergoing trials, or if you just want something to uplift you spirit.
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Julianne Donaldson is a talented author. I have read and loved her novels. In this book, she shows that she is diverse in her writing skills. She takes a moment and lets the reader know why she wrote her poems, the circumstances, and how she was feeling. I appreciate her insight and her testimony of the Savior.
This is a perfect book for anyone who is undergoing trials, or if you just want something to uplift you spirit.
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
April 13, 2021
Poetry isn't typically my jam, but I really enjoyed this collection by Julianne Donaldson. It's very faith-promoting and heartwarming. As someone going through a divorce, I could relate to a lot of the feelings and pain Donaldson has experienced. The ending in particular was meaningful for me — I love how the author explained that she hasn't "made it"; that she's not on the other side of her trial. She's still in the middle of it, but she's constantly looking to see the beauty around her.
My only struggle with the book was that sometimes it felt TOO positive to the point of being unrealistic. Unless I missed it, there was nothing about being angry with God at times or desperately struggling to feel His presence regardless of how hard you're trying. Maybe that was just Donaldson's experience, but I found the near-constant Godly reassurance difficult to relate to. In my own journey, there have been times where I've felt completely abandoned by God, and I would've appreciated a more raw look at some of those feelings — feelings that I have to believe the author has experienced on some level as well.
Overall, though, I found this book really inspiring and lovely, and would recommend it to others of faith who are going through a difficult time.
My only struggle with the book was that sometimes it felt TOO positive to the point of being unrealistic. Unless I missed it, there was nothing about being angry with God at times or desperately struggling to feel His presence regardless of how hard you're trying. Maybe that was just Donaldson's experience, but I found the near-constant Godly reassurance difficult to relate to. In my own journey, there have been times where I've felt completely abandoned by God, and I would've appreciated a more raw look at some of those feelings — feelings that I have to believe the author has experienced on some level as well.
Overall, though, I found this book really inspiring and lovely, and would recommend it to others of faith who are going through a difficult time.
July 23, 2021
A short and lovely book of poems and musings. I borrowed this from the library but I’m going to buy a copy which says a lot about how much I enjoyed it.
April 16, 2021
**I received a free copy of this ebook from the publisher via NetGalley. My choice to review and the words I’ve used are my own—as always.***
I enjoy poetry for its ability to succinctly capture a sea of emotions in a few well-chosen words. This collection of insights and poetry succinctly capture reminders that God is good and with His children at every point of the journey, not just the easy and pleasant ones.
There is much hope and comfort in that truth and in this collection.
An excerpt from the beginning, “I have learned that nobody is immune to dark times. I have also learned to never take for granted the times when things go well…I had a choice. I could look down to where I was going and fall into hopelessness. Or I could call to my God. I could reach up to Him, believing He would grab hold of my hands. And then, with the devil pulling me by the feet and God pulling me by the hands, I would be stretched. Oh, that stretching can be painful. But it’s so much better than giving up, looking down, and letting despair claim me.”
Another from later on, “I ask myself often, ‘What’s wrong with me? Why is this so hard?’ But in a gift of grace to myself, I am now telling myself that just because it’s hard doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with me. Just because our progress is slow doesn’t mean we’re not trying.“
My experiences are not the same as the author’s, but her desire to cling to God and learn in her wilderness *with Him* is encouragement and comfort for me. I am eager to share this book with others who, in their own wilderness, may also be praying or pleading, “Come bright hope/Come, new song/Come, sweet day.”
I enjoy poetry for its ability to succinctly capture a sea of emotions in a few well-chosen words. This collection of insights and poetry succinctly capture reminders that God is good and with His children at every point of the journey, not just the easy and pleasant ones.
There is much hope and comfort in that truth and in this collection.
An excerpt from the beginning, “I have learned that nobody is immune to dark times. I have also learned to never take for granted the times when things go well…I had a choice. I could look down to where I was going and fall into hopelessness. Or I could call to my God. I could reach up to Him, believing He would grab hold of my hands. And then, with the devil pulling me by the feet and God pulling me by the hands, I would be stretched. Oh, that stretching can be painful. But it’s so much better than giving up, looking down, and letting despair claim me.”
Another from later on, “I ask myself often, ‘What’s wrong with me? Why is this so hard?’ But in a gift of grace to myself, I am now telling myself that just because it’s hard doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with me. Just because our progress is slow doesn’t mean we’re not trying.“
My experiences are not the same as the author’s, but her desire to cling to God and learn in her wilderness *with Him* is encouragement and comfort for me. I am eager to share this book with others who, in their own wilderness, may also be praying or pleading, “Come bright hope/Come, new song/Come, sweet day.”
April 21, 2021
There are some very beautiful words contained in this book. Some that contained the ache of sorrow. Some that talk of just being. And many that were full of Hope and what is to come.
I really enjoyed the progression of the poems and words from the beginning to the end. I'll admit that I even had moments that the ache and also the beauty of the words brought tears to my eyes.
Some of these poems are very raw in the emotions that they convey. I think sometimes when we are really struggling that we hold that in and don't share our aches. Granted some aches, it just isn't easy to share. But being able to write or talk with a dear friend or family member through those emotions and struggles can help. It doesn't bring instant healing or solace. And sometimes the struggles last far longer than what we could have thought or imagined. But knowing that someone is truly there who knows the pain and ache and hope (even if that hope is buried deep in the moment), someone who has suffered and felt those same pains, can offer solace and peace to our battered and trying souls. Overall, it is a sweet book that shows we all have our own struggles and aches and sorrows. But we are not truly alone in them. Not that I want others to be suffering and feeling pain, but it helps me to know that I can be more aware of those around me. That I can offer grace and kindness as I want and need that grace and kindness in my life as well. I hope that we all can see the hope that will come, one sweet day.
I received a copy from the publisher, Shadow Mountain, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
I really enjoyed the progression of the poems and words from the beginning to the end. I'll admit that I even had moments that the ache and also the beauty of the words brought tears to my eyes.
Some of these poems are very raw in the emotions that they convey. I think sometimes when we are really struggling that we hold that in and don't share our aches. Granted some aches, it just isn't easy to share. But being able to write or talk with a dear friend or family member through those emotions and struggles can help. It doesn't bring instant healing or solace. And sometimes the struggles last far longer than what we could have thought or imagined. But knowing that someone is truly there who knows the pain and ache and hope (even if that hope is buried deep in the moment), someone who has suffered and felt those same pains, can offer solace and peace to our battered and trying souls. Overall, it is a sweet book that shows we all have our own struggles and aches and sorrows. But we are not truly alone in them. Not that I want others to be suffering and feeling pain, but it helps me to know that I can be more aware of those around me. That I can offer grace and kindness as I want and need that grace and kindness in my life as well. I hope that we all can see the hope that will come, one sweet day.
I received a copy from the publisher, Shadow Mountain, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
March 15, 2025
When days are bleak and painful, or anytime, this book is solace to my soul. What an uplifting message delivered in a beautiful, honest, and relatable way. And the lovely photographs and artwork make this little book a joy to behold. Those of all Christian faiths could appreciate this beautiful book. I also think this is a book that is best read in hardcover; to hold, and enjoy all the colors and beautiful imagery makes reading this a wonderful experience. Awesome job to the author! This is one I will reread again and again and again.
March 24, 2021
4.5 stars
Fans of Julianne Donaldson's previous historical novels need to approach this book without the expectations of those novels. This is a very personal, religious book that Donaldson is choosing to share with her readers, a brief glimpse into the struggles she has been going through, mainly through poetry. This book is beautifully put together visually. The cover is sweet and happy looking. There are short essays/vignettes where Donaldson shares some of her struggles and then the rest of the book is poems, again about her struggles through everyday life. It is very positive and uplifting, while at the same time talking about realities. There are no titles to the poems. Instead, pictures are used as backgrounds and each poem is differentiated visually by different pictures. The writing reminds me of the writing I did in high school, the poems and vignette style, which is how my creative writing teacher described it to me, meaning that it was very personal to me and not very relatable to anyone else reading it. So, that's how I read this book, as being very personal to Donaldson and that she was sharing it with us as a glimpse into her life and in the hopes that we can both understand her and also that it might help us in what we as individuals are going through.
This is a wonderful, short, very quick read. I look forward to purchasing a copy of this book when it comes out and also would purchase it for friends/family to share with them as well.
***I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.***
Fans of Julianne Donaldson's previous historical novels need to approach this book without the expectations of those novels. This is a very personal, religious book that Donaldson is choosing to share with her readers, a brief glimpse into the struggles she has been going through, mainly through poetry. This book is beautifully put together visually. The cover is sweet and happy looking. There are short essays/vignettes where Donaldson shares some of her struggles and then the rest of the book is poems, again about her struggles through everyday life. It is very positive and uplifting, while at the same time talking about realities. There are no titles to the poems. Instead, pictures are used as backgrounds and each poem is differentiated visually by different pictures. The writing reminds me of the writing I did in high school, the poems and vignette style, which is how my creative writing teacher described it to me, meaning that it was very personal to me and not very relatable to anyone else reading it. So, that's how I read this book, as being very personal to Donaldson and that she was sharing it with us as a glimpse into her life and in the hopes that we can both understand her and also that it might help us in what we as individuals are going through.
This is a wonderful, short, very quick read. I look forward to purchasing a copy of this book when it comes out and also would purchase it for friends/family to share with them as well.
***I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.***
March 31, 2021
Anyone looking for hope in dark times would find solace in Julianne Donaldson’s Come, Sweet Day. Ms. Donaldson reveals the pain and seeking she experienced through her divorce, single parenting, and cancer. These specific challenges are not addressed explicitly but they form the foundation on which her universal yearning and hope are based.
Come, Sweet Day is a beautiful collection of poems and essays that are coupled with vibrant, varied, and serene images.
This quick read is based on many Scriptures that give the reader hope, encouragement, and food for reflection. I can easily see the pages getting earmarked for repeated readings of pertinent passages, depending on the reader’s changing circumstances.
Come, Sweet Day cuts to the heart of what it means to seek God in the midst of challenges.
How this book affected me:
I’m not in a particular struggle in life at the moment but have experienced many, as most people have. I could easily imagine the comfort that would come from reading Come, Sweet Day. Even if you hadn’t experienced the exact challenges that Ms. Donaldson has, her raw yearning and pure and hopeful faith would be inspiring for any Christian.
Who would enjoy this book:
This book is designed to be for those “holding on to hope in dark times.” As such, the ideal reader is facing a challenge and looking for hope, strength, and faith that God is near and the sun will shine again. The beautiful images and hardcover make it a thoughtful gift for a friend or loved one who’s in the midst of a challenge.
Come, Sweet Day is a beautiful collection of poems and essays that are coupled with vibrant, varied, and serene images.
This quick read is based on many Scriptures that give the reader hope, encouragement, and food for reflection. I can easily see the pages getting earmarked for repeated readings of pertinent passages, depending on the reader’s changing circumstances.
Come, Sweet Day cuts to the heart of what it means to seek God in the midst of challenges.
How this book affected me:
I’m not in a particular struggle in life at the moment but have experienced many, as most people have. I could easily imagine the comfort that would come from reading Come, Sweet Day. Even if you hadn’t experienced the exact challenges that Ms. Donaldson has, her raw yearning and pure and hopeful faith would be inspiring for any Christian.
Who would enjoy this book:
This book is designed to be for those “holding on to hope in dark times.” As such, the ideal reader is facing a challenge and looking for hope, strength, and faith that God is near and the sun will shine again. The beautiful images and hardcover make it a thoughtful gift for a friend or loved one who’s in the midst of a challenge.
April 13, 2021
If you have ever gone through something difficult, you need this book. If you have ever felt that hope is hard to find, you need this book. If you have ever felt alone, you need this book.
This book is inspired and full of all the feeling that one feels when going through darkness and needs a lifeline, Julianne Donaldson’s book is filled with poems and reflections that could not have been easy to share with the world, It is never easy to show when you feel weak or alone, It is never easy to share when you feel that you cannot get out of bed. This collection of poems and recollections shares just those things,
This collection is brave and full of hope. It shows the love of God and his Tender Mercies like a book less brave could never do, I was touched to my soul by the poetry found within these pages, I found poems inside that perfectly articulated my feelings recalled from moments of grief and pain, It was as if she opened my heart and gave words to the things I could not say,
I received a copy from the publisher and this is my honest review.
This book is inspired and full of all the feeling that one feels when going through darkness and needs a lifeline, Julianne Donaldson’s book is filled with poems and reflections that could not have been easy to share with the world, It is never easy to show when you feel weak or alone, It is never easy to share when you feel that you cannot get out of bed. This collection of poems and recollections shares just those things,
This collection is brave and full of hope. It shows the love of God and his Tender Mercies like a book less brave could never do, I was touched to my soul by the poetry found within these pages, I found poems inside that perfectly articulated my feelings recalled from moments of grief and pain, It was as if she opened my heart and gave words to the things I could not say,
I received a copy from the publisher and this is my honest review.
April 14, 2021
It’s not often that I pick up a book of poetry. In fact, I don’t think I really ever have. But I’ve seen people all over talking about this new one by Julianne Donaldson. And I wanted to read it to check it out.
I loved this book! I loved the way the author shared things about her life lately that would have been hard to share. As well as the poetry that she’d written. This book is so comforting. We are all going to have hard times. And reading through the author’s experiences, as well as her poetry will be helpful. It’s like someone reached out to give the reader a hug.
This book is beautiful too! I love the happy cover. But inside is filled with beautiful images to go along with the poetry. It’s so well done. I loved everything about it.
Hope is something we can all use more of. This would be a great gift for someone going through a hard time. Or just your mom for Mother’s Day.
I was sent an e-copy of Come, Sweet Day as a gift from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
I loved this book! I loved the way the author shared things about her life lately that would have been hard to share. As well as the poetry that she’d written. This book is so comforting. We are all going to have hard times. And reading through the author’s experiences, as well as her poetry will be helpful. It’s like someone reached out to give the reader a hug.
This book is beautiful too! I love the happy cover. But inside is filled with beautiful images to go along with the poetry. It’s so well done. I loved everything about it.
Hope is something we can all use more of. This would be a great gift for someone going through a hard time. Or just your mom for Mother’s Day.
I was sent an e-copy of Come, Sweet Day as a gift from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
May 9, 2022
There were a few thoughts/poems in here that I enjoyed and found really valuable, and there were a few that seemed too general for me to find much meaning in them. But I did like this book and I’m grateful for the perspective it brought to Julianne Donaldson and what she’s been dealing with for the last few years. There was a heavy emphasis on faith in the face of despair. I love this author and hope we get to see another book published by her in the upcoming years, and that she’s able to find the happy ending that she truly deserves in her own life.
March 11, 2021
A beautiful collection of faith based poems and essays written by one of my favorite authors. She has experienced a lot of trials and I could feel her pain in the poems. It's a fast read but I found it comforting.
"I have learned that in order to stretch me, God will allow me to walk through dark times that no amount of hard work, prayer, or faith can prevent. I have felt as if the devil had grabbed hold of my feet and was trying to drag me down to the hell of despair. I had a choice. I could look down to where I was going and fall into hopelessness. Or I could call to my God. I could reach up to Him, believing He would grab hold of my hands. And then, with the devil pulling me by the feet and God pulling me by the hands, I would be stretched....Hold on to hope. There are good days coming." (pg. 1-2)
"I have learned that in order to stretch me, God will allow me to walk through dark times that no amount of hard work, prayer, or faith can prevent. I have felt as if the devil had grabbed hold of my feet and was trying to drag me down to the hell of despair. I had a choice. I could look down to where I was going and fall into hopelessness. Or I could call to my God. I could reach up to Him, believing He would grab hold of my hands. And then, with the devil pulling me by the feet and God pulling me by the hands, I would be stretched....Hold on to hope. There are good days coming." (pg. 1-2)
April 7, 2021
Julianne Donaldson is so talented and has a way with words. Whether it’s fiction and you laugh then cry or this book of poetry where you feel the gut wrenching pain and loneliness she mentions. Because you’ve felt it too.
This is such a beautiful book of poems of hope and to remember to rely on the Lord.
The poems and short essays make for a quick read and will make the perfect gift. Or to pull out on a hard day to remind yourself that you’re not alone. Julianne is so raw and vulnerable about her past pain. You can tell that she has wrestled with hopes, wants, needs and expectations and still she finds joy.
There were a lot of great quotes from it but this I think was my favorite
“Hope breathes on The cold embers of tomorrow Until a new fire blazes.”
This is such a beautiful book of poems of hope and to remember to rely on the Lord.
The poems and short essays make for a quick read and will make the perfect gift. Or to pull out on a hard day to remind yourself that you’re not alone. Julianne is so raw and vulnerable about her past pain. You can tell that she has wrestled with hopes, wants, needs and expectations and still she finds joy.
There were a lot of great quotes from it but this I think was my favorite
“Hope breathes on The cold embers of tomorrow Until a new fire blazes.”
April 27, 2021
This book is by one of my favorite authors. We have been anxiously awaiting her third book to come out and at some point along the way it got canceled and our little book club always wondered why. And it wasn't until I started reading her post on Instagram that I found out that she was going through some very hard times and had put out this book of poetry.
These poems are raw and real and beautiful. And I hope that being able to write them out in this way and publish them has helped her and can help others.
These poems are raw and real and beautiful. And I hope that being able to write them out in this way and publish them has helped her and can help others.
February 9, 2025
Will review later.
November 18, 2025
Sweet, inspiring, faith-filled testimony. I really appreciate the hope and faith through the difficult trials of the author. I think I will read this with my kids.
February 12, 2021
2021, Pandemic Part II
We open on a poetry book. A compilation of encouragement and feelings of despair. Reflections of a life that has gone through trials and tribulations. Quite the way to begin 2021, right?
Synopsis:
Bestselling romance author Julianne Donaldson has written deeply emotional, sweeping love stories in Edenbrooke and Blackmoore, often commenting that her characters were a reflection of what she wanted a woman’s life to be: happy, secure, unconditionally loved, and fulfilled. But in reality her own life was far more marked by difficult challenges and disappointments. In her new book, Donaldson reveals her thoughts and feelings from that unsettled time of despair and suffering so women can know they are not alone and that there is hope even in the hard times.
Compiled from years of inspirational words of encouragement to herself on social media—and even bits and pieces of random musings written on scrap paper, this is a unique writer’s journey through a life passage marked by cancer, a bitter divorce, legal battles with her ex-husband, mental illness, and persistent feelings of rejection and abandonment which also rendered her unable to pick up her career as a writer to support herself and her family. Overwhelmed by sadness and almost paralyzed into inaction by despair, she slowly finds her way back to her writer’s toolbox, unpacking the pain and sharing her innermost feelings as if revealing a character’s thoughts in a novel. In her writing she begins to find rays of understanding and acceptance and eventually finds strength from knowing that God’s love and His grace and guidance give greater meaning to our suffering and light the way to hope.
(all quotes are pending final publication)
Girl me too.
POSITIVE: Every day that we get out of bed is a moment won. This collection resonates with how a lot of people are feeling right now – full of darkness, yet embracing hope.
NEGATIVE: A lot of talk about faith. Don’t get me wrong, I have faith and am a spiritual person. However, I don’t usually enjoy reading about it in books. That said, I support her in her journey of spirituality as it helped pull her out of the murk.
OVERALL RATING: 3/5 stars
Thank you to the publishers over at ShadowMountain Publishing for sending me a copy of this eARC.
We open on a poetry book. A compilation of encouragement and feelings of despair. Reflections of a life that has gone through trials and tribulations. Quite the way to begin 2021, right?
Synopsis:
Bestselling romance author Julianne Donaldson has written deeply emotional, sweeping love stories in Edenbrooke and Blackmoore, often commenting that her characters were a reflection of what she wanted a woman’s life to be: happy, secure, unconditionally loved, and fulfilled. But in reality her own life was far more marked by difficult challenges and disappointments. In her new book, Donaldson reveals her thoughts and feelings from that unsettled time of despair and suffering so women can know they are not alone and that there is hope even in the hard times.
Compiled from years of inspirational words of encouragement to herself on social media—and even bits and pieces of random musings written on scrap paper, this is a unique writer’s journey through a life passage marked by cancer, a bitter divorce, legal battles with her ex-husband, mental illness, and persistent feelings of rejection and abandonment which also rendered her unable to pick up her career as a writer to support herself and her family. Overwhelmed by sadness and almost paralyzed into inaction by despair, she slowly finds her way back to her writer’s toolbox, unpacking the pain and sharing her innermost feelings as if revealing a character’s thoughts in a novel. In her writing she begins to find rays of understanding and acceptance and eventually finds strength from knowing that God’s love and His grace and guidance give greater meaning to our suffering and light the way to hope.
“So, here’s me bragging: I got out of bed today!”
(all quotes are pending final publication)
Girl me too.
POSITIVE: Every day that we get out of bed is a moment won. This collection resonates with how a lot of people are feeling right now – full of darkness, yet embracing hope.
NEGATIVE: A lot of talk about faith. Don’t get me wrong, I have faith and am a spiritual person. However, I don’t usually enjoy reading about it in books. That said, I support her in her journey of spirituality as it helped pull her out of the murk.
OVERALL RATING: 3/5 stars
Thank you to the publishers over at ShadowMountain Publishing for sending me a copy of this eARC.
January 19, 2021
First sentence: I know every single person out there is dealing with a lot of hard things. But for those who are wondering if they’re alone in feeling weighed down by life, you’re not. I want you to know that you can be a good person and still have really heavy burdens in this life, and it doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong.
Come, Sweet Day is a book of poetry and short prose pieces by Julianne Donaldson. Donaldson generally writes fiction, but this is a more intimate and personal book written from a place of faith, hope, and honesty.
I have enjoyed her novels. I am not as open to "loving" poetry in general. But I liked this one. I wouldn't go so far as to say it was super amazing and life changing. But I liked it. I appreciate her honesty and insights.
Come, Sweet Day is a book of poetry and short prose pieces by Julianne Donaldson. Donaldson generally writes fiction, but this is a more intimate and personal book written from a place of faith, hope, and honesty.
I have enjoyed her novels. I am not as open to "loving" poetry in general. But I liked this one. I wouldn't go so far as to say it was super amazing and life changing. But I liked it. I appreciate her honesty and insights.
March 21, 2021
This is not the kind of book I usually tend to gravitate towards. I’ve explored poetry a little bit recently, but definitely not in this vein. But, I am SO GLAD I picked up this book! The messages of hope and healing and light and strength and getting through hard times even when you can’t see the reason behind them are ones that resonate with me so so much, especially lately!
As a woman of faith, I really appreciated the perspective of this book, and the insights showing through these poems and pieces. My belief in something greater than myself is something I hold very dear to my heart, especially in times of darkness and difficulty, and I loved feeling that as I was reading this! This book definitely leans into the religious beliefs of the author, but I think it’s something that can be read and appreciated by all people, no matter what you believe!
If you’re looking for a short, raw, emotional, hopeful, and just all around soul-lightening read, I HIGHLY recommend this book! I am so grateful for Julianne Donaldson and her willingness to share her thoughts and experiences in such a beautiful way, and this will definitely one I come back to over and over again!
Thank you so much to @shadowmountainpub for an ARC copy to review! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
As a woman of faith, I really appreciated the perspective of this book, and the insights showing through these poems and pieces. My belief in something greater than myself is something I hold very dear to my heart, especially in times of darkness and difficulty, and I loved feeling that as I was reading this! This book definitely leans into the religious beliefs of the author, but I think it’s something that can be read and appreciated by all people, no matter what you believe!
If you’re looking for a short, raw, emotional, hopeful, and just all around soul-lightening read, I HIGHLY recommend this book! I am so grateful for Julianne Donaldson and her willingness to share her thoughts and experiences in such a beautiful way, and this will definitely one I come back to over and over again!
Thank you so much to @shadowmountainpub for an ARC copy to review! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 7, 2021
Inspiring and heartfelt, a writer’s perspective on going through dark times and continuing on.
January 7, 2021
I read this author’s fictional best seller, “Edenbrooke” years ago, and I was happy to read her book of essays and poems. This was a very short book on the musings of her real life pain and the beauty and hope she has found in God’s presence. I can tell it was written with her heart.
~Thank you to NetGalley and Publisher~
~Thank you to NetGalley and Publisher~
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