Blind Hope

Storyline - Laurie had made many mistakes in life while trying to find love and belonging. After gaining a job at Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch, she hears of a place that has dogs and a horse for rescue. Wanting to help, she agrees to take a dog only to be repulsed by it when she finally sees it. Not wanting to go back on her word and seeing what kind of place she would be leaving it to, she takes the dog and starts helping it heal and gives it a new name, Mia, and eventually love arises between dog and master. As time goes on, medical troubles arise. One of those troubles is blindness. As dog and own work together, Laurie learns about trust in God and many other lessons that she was only able to learn through her blind dog.

Author -Kim Meeder and Laurie Sacher

Age Group - 16 and up

Positive - The book teaches excelt lessons on faith and trust in God. On how he sees what's a head and we don't so we must listen to Him to find the right path. Also, it teaches that just because we begin to listen and have faith in God, doesn't mean that our troubles will cease but we will have peace.

Negative - Nothing really objectionable even though it hints that Laurie had done some wrong things in the past but it doesn't go into detail or ever show or say that these things were good. Quite opposite, it only talks about these things as bad.

Writing - The book was mostly telling of the instances of when Laurie learned something from her dog and the discussion between Kim and her about it and what it means concerning faith in God and growing in Him. It teaches many good lessons and points out many good things about faith and the love and forgiveness of God. The descriptions are colorful and interesting. I think the people who would get the most out of this book are people who suffered or think like Laurie once did but others will enjoy it as well and be reminded of many wonderful truths that should never be forgotten.

Personal Opinion - I found the book to be enjoyable and the of blind dog and owner who sees what is in front of the dog vs. humans and what God sees in our path in life depictions are wonderfull. I wish it had done more showing instead of telling but since it was mostly emphasising the lessons that the two learned and the growth in God, the telling might have been a way for the reader to focus on the lesson more. A really good book and I think anyone who has been in Laurie's situations or felt the way she did or has/is living the way she was would get the most from the book. But the lessons on love won't be lost on anyone and this book will bring those lessons back to the front of the mind as it is read.

Links - Learn more about the ranch and book at (there is also a video about the book at this link): http://www.crystalpeaksyouthranch.org/blindhope/ . Learn some more at the publisher's website too at: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9781601422804 .
Disclaimer - In exchange for an honest review, I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group

Special Note - The reason I wanted to read this book was because I once had a blind dog too. He was a good dog, a little crazy but good. He has passed but he was sweet and loved tennis balls (and chocolate). He lived a good life and was well taken care of.

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