Come inside the pages and experience childhood again, as you dance with Marie in the willows; laugh as you watch her bury treasure with a friend; cry with her in the dark; and find out why, JOY Outweighs the Sorrow.
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“A powerful story for young and old alike, told through a child’s eyes. The little girl in me loved it—the adult in me found it enlightening. It kept me turning the pages as I cried with Marie one minute, and laughed at her the next.” ~ Kathy Crowther
“How a young child copes with neglect, disappointment, poverty, and yes, abuse. You can feel pain that ranges from the physical "stickers in her bare feet" to the emotional neglect of having no one to rejoice over her gifts of intelligence, imagination, creativity and zest for life. It is lonely to be thus neglected, ignored, and under valued by the adults in her life. Yet she finds her way and a growing faith. Throughout all, rich descriptions of a child's life and activities in the country--a sensitive, intelligent child tries to make sense of her world. I was just captivated! It has the flavor and impact of a classic story like Anne of Green Gables. Events and circumstances were not sugar-coated, but real and nourishing, like salt that doesn’t lose it savor. I didn’t want it to end!” ~ Dianne Rasi-Koskinen
“The inspiring and prodigious insights that flowed from these pages into my heart made me wish that I’d read Marie’s story prior to my serving as a bishop. I know that the understanding and compassion of any priesthood leader could be enhanced by experiencing with Marie her many sorrows and ultimate joy.” ~ Russ Davey
“I felt drawn to Marie, and found her experiences sobering. It made me want to live the gospel instead of just go to church.” ~ Kathy Samsel
“Though my early years were very different from Marie’s, I related to her struggles and feel that anyone who’s ever had to grow up will. The SPIRIT OF HOPE shines in this book.” ~ Kathryn Knight
“Having experienced a kindly upbringing myself (cherished firstborn and only daughter), Marie's childhood, full of harsh realities and disappointments, insecurity, cruelty, and self-doubt, is personally foreign. However, author Bonnie Holt elicits a degree of empathy so acute, that I become little Marie, experiencing a life of emotional and physical poverty from her childlike perspective. What is most impressive though is that I feel I've been to the brink of despair without the author shoving me over the edge. We are saved by her affirmation of life; a call to see the joy in our own troubles. I am inspired and thoroughly satisfied.” ~ Ramona Zabriske
“This book is a delightful read. You will laugh one minute, cry the next, and find yourself routing for this precious little girl. All the while you won't be able to put it down and when you are done you will wish you had a hardcopy to forever keep on your bookshelf!” ~ Julie Dawson
“Thank you so much for bringing Marie and her touching story to life. You feel not only her anguish, but her incredible joy as her soul transforms. It truly touched my heart.” ~ Monica Eckley
“Very quick read. This book will leave you a better person for having read it. It will inspire you to live life with greater faith.” ~ Rebecca Lindgren
“Thank you for such a great reminder that even when we are going through trials and pain our Father in Heaven knows and loves each one of us individually. We are loved! Thank you for your testimony.” ~ The Mickster ”Mouse”
“This tender book will tug at your heart, but Marie's courage is contagious. You will come away feeling more empowered to tackle your own challenges in life!” ~ Debra Marsh