His Gift

by Joan C. Benson

Dreams Can Come True!

Brace yourself for a thrilling race through the twists and turns of a young woman determined to see her dream come true. On the cusp of the stock market crash of 1929, seventeen-year-old Molly has aspirations for a career in music after high school. With the passion of an athlete preparing for the Olympics, she trains relentlessly to become the best she can be. As her world collapses in unimaginable ways, she is left to find peace and purpose in the midst of her crisis. The message of His Gift is universal to anyone who has ever dared to dream in spite of uncontrollable circumstances. The reader will discover with Molly, the hope and peace in a life when yielded to the Giver of all gifts.

232 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 26, 2020

Reviews

[Suzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

For anyone who has had a dream within reach die, His Gift by Joan C. Benson reminds us that despite our losses, God has a perfect plan.

Eighteen-year-old Molly lives and breathes music and is on the verge of realizing her dream of becoming a professional pianist. But America is on the verge of the Great Depression.
This coming of age story follows eighteen-year-old Molly as her world, once so promising and bright, is turned upside down. Benson portrays Molly’s longing and relationships with her family and friends.

But my favorite part of this book was Molly’s heartfelt prayers to God. Like most of us, Molly would put her trust in God and then take it back, but the ending of His Gift is a beautiful expression of fully relying on God and discovering the unseen blessings he has for his children.


Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Faith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based on a true story, His Gift, is the story of Molly who finds her dreams of being a concert pianist dissolving with the 1929 crash of the stock market.

A heartwarming coming of age story, about dreams and how they change. Molly is a gifted young woman, with a talent for music and the dedication to really go somewhere with her gift. I loved how supportive her friends and family were of her dreams, even though times were changing.

This story is well written, with realistic characters, delving deep into Molly's faith and the difficult questions about her future that she faces. A story of friendship, family, faith, God's providence and provision. Straightforward and heartwarming, a wonderful coming of age tale of growth and faith.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Margaret Copeland · Rating 5 out of 5]

His Gift by Joan C. Benson was a beautiful book about 1929 and would rate it as a five-star read. The story of His Gift is based on a true story. In His Gift, Molly is a talented pianist that struggles with following her dream and the plans of God. When the stock market crashes, Molly has to learn how to navigate the ups and downs of life, while trying to pursue her dream of performing on the piano. She learns to trust and to have faith in God to take care of her needs. She learns to value family and friends in the end.
The characters in His Gift were very well developed. Mrs. Benson does a great job of building her characters and making them seem very real. As for the character, Molly, she was very well developed. I enjoyed seeing her journey from self-centeredness to one who is pursuing God's plans for her life. One of the best things about Molly that I really liked was that she was a very relatable character and could relate to a scenario. I loved how we see Molly's emotions and her feelings towards everything in her life. This particular trait helped to build her character arc and her background even more. As for the secondary characters, such as her parents, Winnie, and Jack, they all seemed to have a personality and their own lives separate from the main character. But I loved how all of the character's decisions help Molly on her journey. This also helped to build Molly's character arc.
As for the storyline, I thought that this was a very clean story. There was nothing that was inappropriate. There was a little bit of hand-holding and kissing from Jack and Molly, which was fine with me. Honestly, I would have loved to see more of Jack and Molly's relationship and grow more. The environment was beautifully personified through the metaphors and similes. I loved all of the references to historical events in the story. I liked seeing all of the historical features from people to music. I felt like this helped to build Molly's world and her environment in Royal Oaks to Chicago. Everything historical made me feel like I was in Molly's world and was seeing it through her eyes. The themes of the story were on par. I loved how all of the Bible verses and church sermons related to Molly and her struggles in following God's plan to play the piano.
Overall, this was a great story. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. This is a great story if you want a clean, light-hearted, coming-of-age Christian story to read. I would highly recommend it. I can't wait for the sequel to the story.

(Note: Please note, that I received a free copy of the book from the author. This does not reflect my opinions of the story. Thank you! Mrs. Benson for allowing me to read this masterpiece).

[Kendra Neal · Rating 4 out of 5]

We all have dreams and ambitions, starting at an early age. His Gift by Joan C. Benson is the story of a teenager named Molly who had dreams of becoming a Concert Pianist.

The setting is the 1920's and Molly is spending every moment she can practicing her Music and doing all she can to make her dreams come true. Life seems to be doing good then the Stock Market Crash happens and she feels her dreams crashing also. Her family moves to Chicago in the midst of the Crash and Molly friends in her town give her love and support. Her family is also supportive of her dreams. Will Molly's dream come true or has the world and her dreams collapsed for good?

I really enjoyed this book. It is a Historical Fiction book, but it seemed like it was real life happenings. The author does a great job of keeping to the time period. I also really liked the Christian aspect of it. The book shows us how God will help with through Life Chaos if we trust in him and pray without ceasing. VERY Encouraging and GREAT BOOK!

[Dee Wolters · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Review: Molly has had this date marked on her calendar for two years and now her dreams are shattered. The stock market crash of 1929 is hard for a teen ager understand and Molly’s parents do their best to keep a bright face, but it is real and affecting her family deeply.

When Molly auditions for a youth position with the symphony, her hard work is rewarded by winning! But the crash end’s her step-father’s job and the family must move to Chicago in hopes he can get work. After packing just the essentials, their belongings are loaded into a friend’s truck and they move into a third floor apartment. All other furniture is auctioned. Her beloved piano is sold too.

After Molly bids her friends good bye, she moves, but makes plans to see them when she returns for the concert.

This is a coming of age story with a lot of details shared about how one family deals with the stock market crash and depression. It was a sweet story, very apprporate for a young adult reader.

Disclaimer: I received an e-copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

Dreams Can Come True!

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished His Gift and I really enjoyed it! My stepmom is the author; it was interesting over the years to hear about it as she developed the concept, wrote the book and then navigated the publishing process. I appreciate well-researched period books and I know she meticulously researched His Gift. The descriptions of Royal Oaks, MI and Chicago really give the reader a sense of those places. I have not read much literature set during the Depression and I appreciated learning more about that timeframe. The music itself is one of the main characters in this book. I was able to listen to the pieces of music as I was reading about them. I especially liked the juxtaposition of the dramatic Rachmaninoff concerto that Molly planned to play with the Detroit orchestra with the milder Beethoven Pathetique.

It was fun to see some familiar names, a school principal is "Mr. Benson", a tribute to my dad, I suspect. I also noticed a Mrs. West, I wonder if that was a reference to my sister-in-law.

His Gift is especially timely during this year of challenges that many people have face during the pandemic. If you are looking for a book with an uplifting and positive message, His Gift is the book for you. I also believe it will soon be available on audiobook if that is your preferred method of consuming books.

[Pamela Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found the descriptions of life during the Depression very interesting. I also found myself wondering how I would respond if I were in Molly’s situation. What a traumatic series of events for a young person!

[Jerrye Tellmeagreatstorylove · Rating 4 out of 5]

His Gift by Joan C. Benson

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
_________________________________________________________________
Story Notes

Joan brings us the fictionalized account of a true story that will have you considering unfulfilled dreams and what better things might come.

I'm going to get this right out in the open at the beginning of my review: I did not like Molly. She was such a brat the whole book and it was too much for me to believe she really had the faith she proclaimed given her actions and reactions to her situations. If I had been her parents, I might have given her a good spanking and told her not to be so selfish about everything! She was cruel to them and offered no apology for her disrespectful actions and words - not a good way to ensure I like a character at all.
The story itself was a good one, in spite of Molly. Its not a new one for the time period in which it takes place but it does make the reader consider their own unfulfilled dreams and how God may have used that disappointment to bring forth something even better. I liked the flow of the story and the characters in Molly's life. Her mom was a good encourager for the family and tried to make everyone as content as possible. Her father was doing his best and making hard decisions in the face of so much loss. Sure, they might not have told her everything but it seemed that there was no good way to tell Molly "No" without having her fly totally off the handle into a tantrum. Perhaps they had spoiled her a bit growing up, given she was adopted but I just couldn't like her. It was also odd that she had such a "strong faith" considering there was no mention of a spiritual teacher who taught her the truths she seemed to know so well. And though she seemed to have a "peace" by the end of the book, I'm a bit suspicious of that reality given her inability to cope with her losses before. So, I would recommend this book to others for the side characters of the story who were so much better than Molly. I just couldn't reconcile the two sides of her that were so diametrically opposed that they didn't seem believable. Thus, you should read this story to see how those around a self-focused person react and take your example from them. You will be better for it.

I purchased this story of my own accord and am not required to provide a review for any reason other than my own choice to do so. I will receive no fiscal compensation for this review and the opinions offered here are entirely my own.

[Mvm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a moving historical tale with a twist. Molly is a gifted piano protégé with a sole focus of a future in music. Her single focus plan for her life goes asunder with the stock market crash of 1929. Her father looses his job, the family looses their home, the family is forced to move and through it all Molly tries to preserve her dream while everything around her falls in ruin. The character of Molly is interesting on one hand and tedious and self-serving on the other. There were parts of the story where I found myself asking what will ignite her next temper tantrum. With every bump along the way she questioned how God could give her the gift of music and then not allow her well planned scripted future to happen according to her plan. The world Molly had planned for herself ceased to exist. Slowly she matures to understand that her well defined plan for her future was no longer an option in the current environment and she needs to figure out how to move forward and look for other avenues to share her tremendous gift, of which she does!

The book is well written and easy to read. The focus on the historical events of the time and the impact they had on individuals was well done and kept my interest. I was provided a copy of this book by the author, and am leaving this review that reflects my opinion of the book voluntarily.

[Sandra Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

“His Gift” is a lovely story about a 17-year old girl named Molly. The story begins on October 12, 1929, less than two weeks before the stock market crash that caused the Great Depression. As the book opens, Molly is excited about an upcoming audition at the Music Conservatory. She is far more interested in her passion and plans to be a concert pianist than she is about finishing high school. I could feel her passion coming through the story. The author does a good job capturing the attitude and interests of a 17-year old girl, most of whom tend to be a tad self-centered. Even so, Molly has been brought up right and knows God.
As the story proceeds over the next few months, we see Molly and her family face challenges and loss, but end up growing and gaining a closer relationship with God and with each other. They discover what matters most in life.
I’ve only read one other book set in this difficult, volatile time period, so it was interesting to see what families went through and how they responded to the depression and its aftermath. This book is good for both young adults and older adults to read. I enjoyed the story and was blessed by it. I look forward to reading more by this author.

[Linda Beilstein · Rating 3 out of 5]

The basic storyline was interesting. It was set in Detroit and Chicago during the stock market crash and the early part of the depression. A young girl is a piano prodigy who is chosen to play a concerto with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra but in the midst of the time period leading up to the rehearsal and performance, the stock market crash happens and her family is forced to move to Chicago so her step-father can find work. I really did not like the main character although I think it is an accurate portrayal of how a teenage girl would react to things not going her way, even in the midst of a country wide crisis. Everything was about her and what she wanted and how upset she was when things didn't work out her way. Her parents were incredibly patient with her throughout it all. The part that was so disconcerting for me was her constant referral to her faith and how God would work out his plan for her life, where in reality she was expecting God to work things out for her plan for her life. I am a Christian but the constant referral to God, her faith (or lack of it) and scripture references got to be very annoying when you could see she wasn't living with a Christian attitude.


I received this book free in exchange for an honest review.

[Linda Rondeau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written from first person point of view, I found this story very engaging. I like how the author used Molly's point of view to demonstrate the impact of the Great Depression, not only to young people but to families and communities as a whole. This book could be used in a home school history curriculum when studying this era. Older readers will remember the stories their parents told of these times. The author's portrayal of Molly's faith struggle seemed genuine, and the author provided a satisfying ending. The Lord does not always answer our prayers in the way we expect. Molly found His Gift could be used in ways she had never imagined. I was given a copy for my honest review. I highly recommend this book.

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joan C. Benson's book, His Gift, arrived on Saturday, May 28, 2022, and I finished it on Sunday evening, May 29, 2022. Have you ever had your dreams blocked or shattered despite Herculean efforts on your part? If so, you will identify with high school senior Molly. Read the book to see how Molly faces anger and frustration toward her parents, a teacher, God, and the world. Find out what the gift is and how Molly receives it.
I highly recommend His Gift. Order a dozen copies to give to high school and college graduates, those who've suffered losses, and adults in transition.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this fictional book based on a true family story. Wow! It starts out in 1929 just before the stock market crash. It follows a family and how it affects their lives and dreams. Especially a teenage girl during her senior year in high school and her dream of being a concert pianist and what becomes of that dream and the rest of her life. Read it and you will understand why it is called His Gift.

[Lynne Modranski · Rating 4 out of 5]

His Gift is a delightful first person retelling of a true story. Molly shares her loves and her troubles and draws you into her story as she faces the reality of the Great Depression. Great read! Thank you, Joan, for the gift of this book.