Weather the Storm: A True Story

by Taylor Birch

While growing up in a farming community was adventurous, it provided few opportunities for a sixteen-year-old boy diagnosed with muscular dystrophy. Weather the Storm is an inspirational and entertaining story of how one man fought through an incurable, debilitating disease to overcome unique challenges, raise a family, live a life of faith, and build a real estate empire. Life is hard - for everyone. To varying degrees, all people experience the storms of life. At a critical time in his life, Martin faced a crossroad of opposite directions. Would he despair, pack his bags, and give up? Or, would he find a way forward? With his faith in God, he was guided to heights he never could have imagined in the midst of the storm. Throughout his journey, you will see how the tried and true, age-old attributes of perseverance, faith, and hard work are the keys to happiness and success. I laughed, cried, and admired. I read the entire book in one sitting and thoroughly enjoyed all of it! -Peter C. I could not put it down. I would have to say, I read it faster than I have any book in a long time. -Robin G. Others are describing Weather the Storm · "beautifully written" · "brave" · "courageous" · "engaging" · "engulfing" · "fantastic" · "fascinating" · "great read" · "helpful" · "humorous" · "I couldn’t put it down!" · "incredible story" · "inspirational" · "inspiring" · "just exquisite" · "LOVED this book" · "masterful writing" · "motivating" · "motivational" · "moving" · "poignant" · "powerful" · "raw" · "relatable" · "relevant" · "remarkably honest" · "riveting" · "thought provoking" · "truly magnificent"· "spiritual" · "valuable" · "vulnerable" · "well-written" and · "WOW!"

134 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 22, 2020

Reviews

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an amazing book and a truly inspiring story. I loved reading about Martin’s life and the challenges that came his way and his faith in overcoming them. I couldn’t put this book down. I loved the way you got glimpses back to his childhood throughout the book as you read about his life. I felt like I needed to go and do a little better once I finished the book!

[Misha Oberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story-cried in some parts, laughed in others

I lived this story. It brought tears of joy and laughs of amusement in many different parts. When I read it, I couldn’t put it down.

[Bruce & Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the personal memoir of Martin VanLeuven. He's not famous or powerful, or of historical significance, but his story needs to be told. The author writes this in the first person, but she is not the "I" in the book. She does an excellent job in compiling the stories and putting them in an interesting order. It's not just a strict linear telling of Martin's life so far. She jumps around in his life connecting lessons from his early life with events that happen later. This technique helps keep things interesting.

Martin is a deeply religious man of the Latter-day Saint (Mormon) faith. The reader will need to be somewhat familiar with Mormon terms, life events, organization, and culture to fully understand some of the stories in the book. Regardless of one's religion, Martin's stories will be inspirational and faith promoting.

There's one thread in his life story that gets touched on throughout the book. At the end of the book, this particular thread is completed in a shocking way. I came to understand why he felt the need to share his life story. It's significant, and needs to be spread far and wide.

I believe this is the author's first book. She has done a great job and I look forward to her future writings.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a bit biased in this review because I know the man this story is about - but only really as a passing acquaintance. I did not know all these fascinating tidbits about his life! (Although yes, his wife really is as saintly as she is depicted). The book jumps quite a bit but it still worked for the most part. I loved the overarching message of letting God direct. I liked the first person narrative, even though the author is not the one the story is about. Taylor’s writing style was excellent. She really draws you into the story. I feel like I should commission her to write one about my dad now 😊

[Patricia L .Jex · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great story of overcoming; exactly the type of story that gives me encouragement and perspective. This couple started over and built up from nothing not just once, but many times over the course of many years. They are great examples of courage and determination. This experience also shows that healing is unique to the individual. A disease was removed, but full restoration did not take place. That was not fully explained until the end of the book so I was a little confused by the statement that he was healed, but then still dealt with problems from the disease. I would love to have had more detail on the lesson he taught about being led by the spirit.

[Regina Jacobson · Rating 4 out of 5]

True Story of Faith and Perseverance

I enjoyed this memoir of Martin Van Leuvin’s life. There are several stories I’m sure we can all relate to when life results in experiences we do not want. I loved how he found his way through and how he chose to let these experiences strengthen his faith and kept a positive attitude. It was a good read, and I would recommend it! I didn’t give it 5 stars because I did find it hard to follow when the chronology jumped around sometimes. That being said, I would read it again.

[Cary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I felt like I knew this family by the time I finished the book. Their struggles were real and relatable. I enjoyed learning about their travels and how they were able to overcome some serious health issues. I look forward to more from Taylor Birch.

[Vandy Dodge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Faith found and tested

A wonderful read of finding oneself amongst the trials of Life and the testing of growing one’s faith though hard work and trials.