LDS Book Reviews

Mended Hearts

2008-07-01T08:12:00.001-07:00

Reviewed by Dayna Davis, LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

Mended Hearts by Connie Angeline. Published by Covenant Communications, Inc.

Retail Price: $14.95
Available here

Five years after her boyfriend died, Sydney Chase is content with her world of horses, friends and grandparents. She forbids her grandfather to do any more matchmaking attempts. But then Jackson shows up to work with her horse. Has her grandfather been at it again?

A book about horses and romance. Really- what could be better! This was the fastest book I have read in a long time. I just couldn't put it down. It is a great book about forgiving yourself, and moving on past a tragedy. I felt like there was one loose end, but hopefully there will be another book to tell his story. This book set it up perfectly for it. I enjoyed the writing style and hope that there will be more books in the future.

Finding Dad

2008-07-01T07:52:00.000-07:00

Reviewed by Dayna Davis, LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

Finding Dad by Alma J. Yates. Published by Covenant Communications, Inc.

Retail Price: $15.95
Available here

Porter Huggins knows very well that he has made a lot of mistakes. But when the phone call came that his ex-wife died, he saw the chance to repair some damage. He didn't hesitate to head toward Panguitch, Utah to convince his sixteen year old son to come home with him. Taking him back to Arizona would be difficult, but not impossible. However, building a relationship with him may very well take a miracle.

This book took a while to really get in to. But once I did, I really liked it. It is simply about relationships and letting go of grudges. It made me wonder if every parent feels like they have made mistakes that are difficult to forgive. I also thought about how well a child feels like they know their parent. It was a simple plot but the characters had a lot of depth and I felt like they were all friends by the time I was finished. If you like books about relationships, I recommend it.

Promise of Spring

2008-06-30T21:36:00.001-07:00

Reviewed by Dayna Davis, LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

Promise of Spring by Kristen McKendry. Published by Covenant Communications, Inc.

Retail Price: $14.95
Available here

Melinda Keith likes being alone. Her farm 'experiment' in Texas after a painful divorce is exactly what she thinks she needs. But she doesn't count on Ryan Delaney moving in next door. Then, when random acts of violence start to happen on her farm, she has no idea what to believe.

This is an interesting book. The author has obviously done a lot of research on current farming techniques and how to create a self sustaining environment. I found the information on living off the land very compelling. By the time I was done, I wanted to plant a garden at the very least, and I'm not much of a gardener. This book really isn't much of a romance, I would classify it more as a drama. It was a good book to pass the time.

Silhouette

2008-06-30T21:21:00.000-07:00

Reviewed by Dayna Davis, LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

Silhouette by Nancy L. Cratty. Published by Covenant Communication, Inc.

Retail Price: $15.95
Available here

Seventeen years ago, Leah sent her young son, Austin, to the dark silhouette that she assumed was her husband. Austin disappeared. The extended search for their son has taken an emotional toll on their marriage and family as Leah and Garrett refuse to give up hope that Austin will be found. Will the new person who appears in their life help heal or harm their family?

I really enjoyed this book. It is clear, interesting and doesn't leave any loose ends. I couldn't predict the plot at all. How could it end so that it was okay for all involved? The author made sure that this story was realistic but hopeful. It certainly gave me a lot to think about - including thoughts about what holds a family together. I recommend it.

Master

2008-06-12T10:57:00.000-07:00

Reviewed by Dayna Davis, LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

Master by Toni Sorenson. Published by Covenant Communications, Inc.

Retail Price: $22.95
Available here

'Master' is the story of the life of Jesus Christ, as told by his servant Almon. Joseph and Mary found Almon, a young boy that was attacked by robbers and left for dead, and brought him into their household. Almon's primary responsibility was to care for and watch over Jesus throughout His entire life. Through Almon's eyes we gain a new respect and awe for the life of Jesus.

I was prepared to not like this book. I expected it to be a little too flippant with the subject matter for my tastes. But I was completely surprised. It was beautifully done and in a very reverent tone. It reminded me a lot of "The Work and the Glory" series. The events portrayed were real, with some creative license taken with a few characters to help the story make sense. I love reading books that bring real experiences to life and make me feel like I could have been a part of it. With this one I did. It started when Jesus was three and went through His entire life. How would I have reacted if I had been there? Would I have been one of Jesus's followers? I have often wondered. This book brought up many things to think about and I read it slowly, pondering as I read. I highly recommend it.

Diamondback Cave

2008-06-08T15:32:00.001-07:00

Reviewed by McKenzie Stephens, LDSFiles.com Teen Staff Writer

Diamondback Cave by K. L. Fogg. Published by Covenant Communications, Inc.

Retail Price: $16.95
Available here

'Diamondback Cave' is the third book in the series. It is about how Imogene Vandergrift, a crazy woman who thinks Wesley Mackey is her son, wants the judge to post bail so she can get out of jail and recover her diamonds. Jack Mackey will do anything to make sure she stays in jail. When Alex Harris disappears, though, the Mackey family might actually have to help Imogene. Wesley Mackey, and his best friend Amanda, want to take matters into their own hands. The travel to Diamondback Cave to save Amanda's soon-to-be stepfather. There- they find that this case is more complicated than just Alex disappearing!

I would definitely recommend this book as long as your have read at least one other book in the series. I have read 'Widows Revenge' (the second book) but not the first and I understood this third book totally. This book is suspenseful and adventurous and for the first time you see the character Amanda really involved in the adventure. The author has done an amazing job, in fact, this is my favorite of her books that I have read. She keep you on the edge of your seat up until the very last page. I would recommend this book for ages 11 and up.

First Day

2008-04-19T11:47:00.000-07:00

Reviewed by Jennifer Wilks, LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

First Day by Allyson Braithwaite Condie. Published by Deseret Book.

Retail Price: $15.95
Available here

First Day is a continuation of the story Condie started in her first book, Yearbook. Many of the chapters are told from the perspectives of Andrea and Ethan Beckett, and the stories of their friends Julie and Mikey are interwoven in these chapters. New characters are introduced as well, including Joel Hammond and Caterina Giovanni, who each have chapters of their own.

I wasn't sure if I would be able to enjoy First Day, having not read Yearbook first. Many times when reading the second book in a series, it's hard to catch up. There was a little bit of that in the beginning, trying to figure out what was going on in situations that would be obvious to those who had read the first book.

I was pleasantly surprised, however, at how fast I was able to get into the story. The format was unconventional, with most of the story lines basically unrelated to each other, rather than telling different character's viewpoints of the same story. It didn't hold my attention as well as many of the other books I've read recently, but there is also one main story that is pretty compelling and pulls the reader through the book.

On the other hand, the book was fresh and interesting, and it was fun to see the lives of the different characters who were related in some ways, but completely individual in others, just as it is in our own lives.

All in all, I thought it was a good read with a few twists and turns thrown in to keep the reader on their toes. It could be enjoyed alone, but I think it would be most enjoyable for those who have first read Yearbook.

MEE Speaks: But Does She Have Anything to Say?

2008-04-16T08:54:00.000-07:00

Reviewed by Melanie Lott, LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

MEE Speaks: But Does She Have Anything to Say? by Mary Ellen Edmunds. Published by Deseret Book.

Retail Price: $11.65
Available here

I recently returned from Time Out for Women, where I was able to hear Mary Ellen Edmunds speak. She has become a very popular speaker at events like TOFW, Education Week, and EFY. In this book, she compiles thoughts from different talks she has given. I love the idea of being able to read some of the best talks she has given without having to be there when she gave them. She is funny and heartwarming, all while making important spiritual points. I've said before I love these books that have short, individual chapters because as a busy mom, it's much easier for me to find a few minutes here and there to sit down and read a chapter or two.

Mom Says I Can

2008-04-16T08:37:00.000-07:00

Reviewed by Melanie Lott, LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

Mom Says I Can by Judy Cooley. Published by Deseret Book.

Retail Price: $15.26
Available here

This children's book by Judy Cooley takes us into the imaginative world of Max, who spends his days pretending to be a pirate, cowboy, astronaut, knight, and all sorts of characters. On each page, Max is searching for the greatest treasure ever. With each character, mom gives him encouraging praise like, "You are amazing" and "You are my hero". At the end, Max discovers what his great treasure really is.....his mom. I loved this story because I have a little boy like Max, so I can really relate to his mother.

If you have a boy or girl like Max too, I'm sure they would love to have this book read to them. I would especially recommend this book for those dads or kids that are looking for a sweet gift for Mother's Day.

The Crayon Messages

2008-04-10T21:17:00.000-07:00

Reviewed by Dayna Davis, LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

The Crayon Messages by Christine Thackeray. Published by Cedar Fort.

Retail Price: $10.99
Available here

When Cath Reed is given her visiting teaching assignment in her new ward, no one expects very much from her. Her companion sleeps all the time and the sisters that they have been assigned to see have always had letter routes. But Cath determines to do her best. She finds that things never turn out how one predicts.

This is a great book about rising beyond expectations in spite of the obstacles. I really enjoyed this story. Sometimes as women, we truly don't understand each other or our motives. I appreciated the author's approach with this book. The main character, Cath, doesn't know what the outcome is going to be from her efforts to visit her sisters - instead of just sending the letter that she's been told to send. It also seems like everything else in her life is falling apart. But Cath tries to find joy in the small things. I think she is an excellent example of perspective. I thought the whole book was a great reminder of the true purpose of visiting teaching, and I hope there will be another story to follow.

Shades of Gray

2008-04-09T20:51:00.000-07:00

Reviewed by Dayna Davis, LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

Shades of Gray by Pamela Carrington Reid. Published by Covenant Communications, Inc.

Retail Price: $15.95
Available here

Samara met Adam, an established photographer, years ago on a quiet beach. He introduced her to the tools that could capture the beauty around her, she in turn, introduced him to the gospel. Now, Samara is a promising student of photography, with a steady boyfriend, and a dysfunctional family. Adam's reappearance in her life is a gift, but what does it mean?

What a thought-provoking book. This novel appropriately handles some tougher subjects. Samara has a testimony as a teenager and thinks that it solves all of life's problems. As she gets older, she learns that sometimes her testimony is not the answer to everything and then she's not sure what to do next. "Shades of Gray" is exactly what the name suggests - no black and white answers, just some different levels of thought on different problems. It also touches on the influence and affect we can have on each other's lives. I really liked this book because it was unusual and made me think. I thought I had the ending figured out before I got there - but was very much surprised. I recommend it.

Stay True: Music for the Young Women's 2008 Theme

2008-03-27T14:36:00.000-07:00

Reviewed by McKenzie Stephens, Teen LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

Stay True: Music for the Young Women's 2008 Theme by Lyndsi Houskeeper. Published by Covenant Communications, Inc.

Retail Price: $9.95
Available here

I think this CD is very beautiful. The music is based on the 2008 Young Women's theme. The instrumental performances are like the other ones except they don't have any singing. They are beautiful to listen to if you don't want to hear words. Lyndsi Houskeeper, the person who wrote all of these songs, did an amazing job communicating the message. I'm not a big music person but this was understandable and interesting to listen to. The singers are amazing and truly gifted. The musicians in it, all do a fantastic job.

The first track was called "More Like Him". It talks about being more like the Savior and to be steadfast and immovable. "No Greater Joy" is in the perspective of a mother. It shows a mothers love to a child and the importance of mothers. "The Work of His Hands" is about growing from our trials. One line is, "with every hill I climb, the view I find is perfectly grand." It helps you know that you can learn from the hard times to make the good even more wonderful. My favorite is, "That's a Friend". It's about being a true friend. A friend who sticks with you through thick and thin and lifts you up. They help you achieve the best and there's "no contest. No comparing. Pure compassion, Christ-like sharing." There are many more songs on this CD with beautiful messages in each. I would recommend it to all Young Women.

Fields of Home

2008-03-27T14:10:00.000-07:00

Reviewed by Dayna Davis, LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

Fields of Home by Rachel Ann Nunes. Published by Shadow Mountain.

Retail Price: $15.95
Available here

Mercedes Johnson is happy with her life. She has a husband, Wayne, who adores her, plus three beautiful boys. But that changes when Dr. Brandon Rhodes, a famous heart surgeon and a key figure in her past, shows up in her grocery store. Mercedes knows that things won't be quite the same again.

I enjoyed this book. It is not quite a sequel but it follows a few of the characters that we met in a previous novel "Flying Home". Rachel Ann Nunes is a solid storyteller, and her books are always interesting - not at all predictable. This one makes you wonder about different paths in our lives. Did we have experiences where our perspective may not have been the whole story? Would we have made different choices if we knew what everyone involved was thinking and going through? I recommend it.

The Uses of Adversity

2008-03-27T13:33:00.000-07:00

Reviewed by Dayna Davis, LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

The Uses of Adversity by Carlfred Broderick. Published by Deseret Book.

Retail Price: $10.95
Available here

This is a short book, (only took me 20 minutes to read) but so powerful! It is an excellent tool to help those that are struggling with trials both big and small. The author has insights and answers that are helpful and easy to understand. The statement I love the best from this book is: "The gospel of Jesus Christ is not insurance against pain. It is resource in the event of pain, and when that pain comes (and it will come because we came here on earth to have pain among other things), when it comes, rejoice that you have a resource to deal with your pain."

Carlfred Broderick died in 1999. I think it is wonderful that his words still live on to touch and influence others.

My First Story of the First Easter

2008-03-20T14:46:00.000-07:00

Reviewed by Melanie Lott, LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

My First Story of the First Easter by Deanna Draper Buck, Illustrated by Jerry Harston. Published by Deseret Book.

Retail Price: $11.86
Available here

This Easter book is different from the first one I reviewed. It is much more thorough. It begins the story before the Passover and continues all the way through to Jesus Christ's visit to the Americas. It might not keep the attention as easily as the first book for very young children, but for older children, it is a perfect teaching tool. In board book form, it is convenient to take to church and will last through many children. The very last section is called "Why we celebrate Easter" and I think this is the best part of the whole book, a great way to wrap up everything the children have learned.

There is one subtle detail I caught and really thought was nice. On the cover, instead of it saying "By Deanna Draper Buck", it says "Retold by Deanna Draper Buck."

In the Garden

2008-03-20T14:37:00.000-07:00

Reviewed by Melanie Lott, LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

In the Garden by Caralyn Buehner, Illustrated by Brandon Dorman. Published by Deseret Book.

Retail Price: $16.11
Available here

I received two Easter books for children today and I thought I'd better hurry and get them reviewed for those of you that are wanting something to help teach your children what Easter is all about.

These two books are quite different, so I hope these reviews will help you decide which one would be best for you. Maybe you will decide you want both! "In the Garden" is a short, condensed version of the Easter story. Many key elements are left out of the story, but if you are looking for a very basic version to help your children understand a very complicated topic, this would be a good choice. The illustrations are beautiful and are truly what makes this book special.

As Always, Dave

2008-03-04T18:06:00.000-08:00

Reviewed by Dayna Davis, LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

As Always, Dave by Jack Weyland. Published by Deseret Book.

Retail Price: $15.95
Available here

Dave expects his life to proceed as he's planned. He's home from his mission, so now marrying Abbie is next on his list. But he finds out soon after arriving home that Abbie does not have the same plans as Dave does, in fact, she has a new boyfriend and is living and working in New York. Now what?

The world makes single life look very appealing, you can have a career, date who you want, and the world is your oyster. "As Always, Dave" has a very different outlook. Most single members of the church want to find their Mr. or Mrs. Right and settle down to a life of happiness with an eternal companion. Jack Weyland portrays in his usual humorous way, that finding the right partner in life is not very easy, no matter where, or who you are. His characters in this book also learn that sometimes finding what they want in life is a matter of perspective and changing how they look at themselves. "As Always, Dave" is a good book for teenagers and young single adults.

The Final Farewell

2008-03-04T12:39:00.000-08:00

Reviewed by Jennifer Wilks, LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

The Final Farewell by Patricia Wiles. Published by Covenant Communications.

Retail Price: $3.98
Available here

The Final Farewell is a young adult novel and the fourth and final book in the Kevin Kirk Chronicles.

The Kevin Kirk Chronicles are about a teenage boy growing up in Armadillo, Arkansas. He and his family live in his parent’s funeral home, which ends up being a source of a lot of humor throughout the book. For starters, the book opens on a wedding being held in the funeral home, which pulled me immediately into the story.

Even without having read the first three books in the series, I enjoyed The Final Farewell a lot. It wasn’t until after I’d read it that I realized it was part of a series, so this book can stand alone or be read as part of the series equally well.

This is a great book for the teenage and young adult crowd. It is a fun and funny read for adults as well, though. So don’t just give this book to your kids to read — read it along with them! The other books in the series are My Mom’s a Mortician, Funeral Home Evenings, and Early-Morning Cemetery.

Freefall

2008-03-02T09:55:00.000-08:00

Reviewed by Dayna Davis, LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

Freefall by Traci Hunter Abramson. Published by Covenant Communications, Inc.

Retail Price: $15.95
Available here

Lieutenant Brent Miller had to make a split second decision - sacrifice the hostage and leave her behind or stay with her in a hostile country while his crew went on to safety. His decision determines the fate of Amy Whitmore, an LDS Senator's daughter, and ultimately affects thousands of people.

I've always been a fan of Traci Abramson's books. This one was just as exciting as her others! This book talks about Amy Whitmore, sister of Matt Whitmore, (the baseball player secretely married to CJ, a star swimmer in the Witness Protection Program) the family we have come to care about through previous books. It is not necessary to read the other novels. "Freefall" tells you everything that you need to know, but it is fun to continue the story if you are already familiar with it.

This book will keep you on the edge of your seat the entire way through! It is truly a suspenseful book, filled with hostage situations, terrorists, Navy SEALs, politics, romance and action. What more could you possibly ask for?

Traitor

2008-02-10T18:28:00.001-08:00

Reviewed by Dayna Davis, LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

Traitor by Sandra Grey. Published by Covenant Communications, Inc.

Retail Price: $16.95
Available here

In France, during World War II, Marie Jacobson is willing to sacrifice her life and freedom to be with her fiance again. However, her plan to help the Resistance doesn't work out as she plans and she soon finds herself a prisoner of war and in the hands of Major Rolf Schulmann. Marie faces many conflicts within herself as she tries to determine what side she's on and who she should trust.

I am not usually a fan of war books, but this one captured my attention from the very beginning. It made me think a lot about the complications of war, the conflict with ones personal morals as a Latter-Day Saint in the midst of war, and the feelings that must arise from such situations. It also made me very grateful to be at home, safe with my family in this amazing country. This book was well written and very interesting. It is a story about war, but I would think that it would appeal more to teenage girls and women then men, because of the romance angle. I can't wait to read the sequel when it comes out!

The Unvalentine

2008-02-10T18:15:00.000-08:00

Reviewed by McKenzie Stephens, LDSFiles.com Teen Staff Writer

The Unvalentine by Sam Beeson and Jesse Draper. Published by Shadow Mountain.

Retail Price: $12.95
Available here

'The Unvalentine' is a dark twist on Valentine's Day. It's about Lilly who doesn't believe in love and wish it didn't exist. She is the type of girl who would never wear pink and loves rainy days. All around her, a world that loves Valentine's Day is celebrating, and Lilly is stuck there. She absolutely dreads February. Good thing Ray hates it too! Ray is a boy who unvalentined Lilly. Now they both hate Valentine's Day but do they hate each other?

This book is very funny and I ejoyed it thoroughly. 'The Unvalentine' is made up of a lot of fun poems - it's like a picture book for adults. I think young adults will enjoy it the most. This book is wonderfully illustrated and can be read in about five minutes. Unvalentines are located in the back of the book so that you can give them to all your friends. It is a hilarious book and I would definitely recommend it to young single adults.

Do No Harm

2008-02-10T17:48:00.000-08:00

Reviewed by Dayna Davis, LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

Do No Harm by Gregg Luke. Published by Covenant Communications, Inc.

Retail Price: $15.95
Available here

When Paul Randall finds a small ad in a magazine advertising the sale of a pharamacy, he is excited at the prospect of starting over in a different environment, away from memories of his deceased wife. He doesn't think very much about small inconsistencies and warnings that come his way from his new acquaintances. But when he finds Bria Georgopolis on the side of the freeway, he is thrown right into the mysteries that surround his new home.

This was a very compelling book. It reminded me a lot of a Robin Cook style medical thriller. I couldn't put it down. I was actually drawn into the character of Bria quite a bit more than Paul. He didn't feel quite as real to me as she did. But that doesn't really matter because the story was so much more about the suspense and mystery that was being described rather than character development. It's a really fun ride. There aren't many LDS books that fall into this category and I enjoyed reading something different.

Project: Organization Quick and Easy Ways to Organize Your Life

2008-01-31T08:03:00.000-08:00

Reviewed by Dayna Davis, LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

Project: Organization Quick and Easy Ways to Organize Your Life by Marie Ricks. Published by Shadow Mountain.

Retail Price: $16.95
Available here

Do you dream of being more organized? Do you feel like you are constantly running two steps behind where you should be? Are you fairly clean and organized but know things could run a little more efficiently? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this book is for you. It is divided into sections such as, "organize your home", "organize your time", and "organize your family", and inside each section is several two or three page chapters that tell how to quickly streamline a particular area, idea, thing or activity. You can read them in order or you can hop around. All can be accomplished quickly without giving too much time to it.

I love this book! I'm already a fairly organized person, and reading this book has just made me more effective in what I'm already trying to do! It's easy to read, each chapter is short and it makes a lot of sense. An example is the chapter about organizing cleaning supplies. I am constantly buying new cleaning supplies - forever searching for the perfect product. She suggests taking inventory of your supplies, having enough of the same product for both floors of your home, and then labeling them 'upstairs and downstairs'. Sounds simple enough - but I had never thought of it. Instead I carry my supplies from floor to floor, then dig through them all to find I'm out of toilet bowl cleaner. Through this small, quick, change, my life has become a little easier and more organized. I thought this book was very helpful overall. I only wish there was a few chapters on organizing food storage and recipes!

Presidents and Prophets

2008-01-30T10:39:00.000-08:00

Reviewed by Heather See, LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

Presidents and Prophets by Michael K. Winder.

Retail Price: $32.95
Available here

"In this groundbreaking work, Mike Winder presents the story of America's presidents and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. From Washington to Bush, each President and their relationship with the Mormons is explored, and we see the Church rising from obscurity to political clout as America's-fastest growing religion.

Familiar anecdotes are retold -- Wilford Woodruff's vision of the Founding Fathers; Joseph Smith calling on Martin Van Buren; Ezra Taft Benson serving in Eisenhower's cabinet; and Gordon B. Hinckley receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom from George W. Bush. And, there is much, much more."

This book goes chapter by chapter about each President. It talks about the relationship that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints had with the American government. It starts out a little sketchy, understandably, there are fewer facts reported earlier in history, and becomes more detailed throughout the book.

What I really liked about this book was that you were able to read it when you wanted. You don't need to read it all in one sitting. There is no continuity, you can pick and choose where and what chapter you want to read.

This book is historically accurate and very informative. I am interested in history so I found it fascinating, however, I can see how one would find it boring if they have no interest in the subject.

"Presidents and Prophets" included letters that the Presidents of the church and country wrote back and forth to each other and about each other. It was neat to see how the church is involved. There were a lot of things I didn't know, for example, several Presidents received priesthood blessings. They were very God-fearing people. Overall, it was a book I enjoyed learning from.

A Christmas Treasury

2007-12-18T08:35:00.000-08:00

Reviewed by Melanie Lott, LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

A Christmas Treasury by Lloyd and Karmel Newell. Published by Deseret Book.

Retail Price: $18.66
Available here

What a treasure "A Christmas Treasury" is! It is a beautiful hardbound book that the family could enjoy for generations. One thing I noticed about it is that it is timeless. This book has beautiful vintage illustrations that feel so warm and nostalgic. It has 25 chapters that each include poems, stories, and quotes about various topics related to Christmas. They are perfect for reading a chapter each night during the month of December.

Some of the chapters include such beautiful topics as; hope, gratitude, traditions, music, compassion, good ceer, selflessness, family, and testimony. Living each attribute listed would bring us closer to Christ. I look forward to the years ahead with my kids around me reading these beautiful messages.