The story that follows finds her embracing what she calls a second chance, humbled and devoted, dedicated to Bible study , the work of “building a relationship with Christ Jesus,” and the understanding that “Jesus sees us as valuable. He did not die for trash; he did not die so we would be stressed out, depressed, and broke.” Such impassioned but conversational testimony powers the book, as Yokum-Achane recounts, in inviting prose, the work it took to put her life on track, including starting and building a medical billing business. She makes clear throughout that faith is no quick fix, and that it, like everything else in life, demands dedication.

In prison, her life is jolted by another revelation, too, when a prison nurse announces that Yokum-Achane’s pregnant with twin girls. Her love pulses through the book, and she writes movingly of parenting but also is quick to offer real talk (“having twins is the definition of exhaustion”). Her depiction of faith as an ongoing relationship where one must ask for forgiveness is powerful, and throughout the book she links her life stories (of loss, of complicated romantic relationships) to scripture and Biblical insights. This straight-talking memoir will appeal to Christian readers who relish stories of faith despite hardship.

Takeaway: Touching testimony of faith and perseverance in the face of the worst.

Comparable Titles: Debbye Turner Bell’s Courageous Faith, Jo Saxton’s The Dream of You.

Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A