Reviewed by: Connor Salter, Professional Writing student at Taylor University, Upland, IN.

Introduction

Title: Unexpected Blessings: The Joys and Possibilities of Life in a Special-Needs Family

Author: Sandra Peoples

Publishing: Bethany House (Baker Publishing Group)

Publication Date: 2018

Format: Paperback

Length: 170 pages

OVERVIEW

“On November 16, 2010,” Sandra Peoples writes, “our ship sailed into a tempest we had seen coming but hoped to avoid.” That was the day her family learned her youngest son had autism. From there, they began a long journey of adjustment, grief, and eventually learning to survive and provide for their unusual child. Peoples explains the key lessons she learned from that journey, including practical tips and theology reflections, giving parents and churches tools to help special-needs children.

This book focuses more on the advice than on describing the blessings of raising special-needs children, but even so Peoples sends a clear message that there are joys and blessings available for such families. She also addresses key misconceptions many Christians have about special-needs children, helping readers understand what it means to care for unusual children, especially within churches. Many chapters also provide highly practical advice on everything from organizing a house to nurturing siblings of special-needs children. Overall, this book is a great resource for any Christian trying to raise a special-needs child.

ASSESSMENT

Rating (1 to 5)

4 stars

Suggested Audience

Christians with special-needs children or friends of special-needs families.

Christian Impact

This book will instruct Christians on how to care well for special-needs children and show them how to trust God and hope more throughout the process.

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