Son Of My Soul - The Adoption of Christopher [Paperback]

I believe it is true that God anoints the pen of some writers to bring forth words from their heart to those with a specific need. In my opinion, author Debra Shiveley Welch, has the anointing of the Lord upon her words in her newest work, "Son of My Soul - The Adoption of Christopher," as she tells the story of her adoption of her beloved son, Christopher, and the foreshadowing of her life's cycle that would bring her to that moment in time. Within the pages of this book our author bares her soul as she reveals her life story, one of rejection, abuse and remorse and takes us on her journey to healing, redemption and fulfillment of a promise made so long ago. Much of the tales of her youth were heart wrenching, and the courage of this woman was evident even at the most tender age. You will be amazed and deeply moved. Undergoing rejection, not only from mother, father, step-grandmother and other family members, our author forged through two broken marriages, and as you read, you hope upon hope that somewhere happiness awaits this hurting soul. Strengthened by her faith in God, slowly she is led towards the destiny He has placed upon her life; and moves forward with trust and belief that that destiny will be fulfilled. Remarkable!

We travel along as Debra again marries, and she and her loving husband are entrusted with a baby boy, shortly before the chance may have been gone forever. A child with problems that many would find too unbearable to undertake, Mrs. Welch embraced immediately the child of her heart. This couple of faith and love moved forward into a future that they knew at best would be a challenge, but they never let that dictate their decision concerning making Christopher their own.

My heart broke time and time again as situations were told of countless operations, near death experiences, and learning problems encountered by their Christopher, but I rejoiced at the determination, faith and fortitude of this couple and the victorious outcome of this loving family. We all have challenges in our lives and dreams that we want to see fulfilled, but do we have the courage to never let them go? In this read you will see the courage of one woman who overcame deep hurts, extended forgiveness, found her destiny child, and gave freely and gladly to him unconditional love, and a chance at a wonderful life. Her story and Christopher's is one you will treasure and remember in your heart for a long time to come...One that will bring a tear and a smile. A story of horror, pain, and rejection that is replaced with courage, hope, faith, love and victory. This is a book every adoptive parent should read, and every person who has a child of their heart, for in this read you will find the true meaning of love. Well done Mrs. Welch!

It has taken me a little while to write this review and I find that happens whenever a book is so good, so sentiment packed that it moves me and becomes a part of me. That is what happened when I read Son of My Soul, the Adoption of Christopher.

The writer, Debra Shively Welch, has penned a tale to tell her adopted son about the hardships she faced growing up and how he came to be adopted as well as stories of their early lives together. It is an emotional journey that made me smile and cry at the same time. The love that Welch wrote this with pours from the pages and the reader can't help but feel it. Nor can the reader help but admire Welch for her strength.

I would highly recommend Son of My Soul, the Adoption of Christopher if you are a reader that values a well written story that will make you feel good by the end.

Reading "Son of My Soul -- The Adoption of Christopher" by Debra Shively Welch is a shattering experience. In this superbly written account, using powerful prose, emotive poetry and even heart-tugging photographs, Mrs Welch frankly uncovers the story of her life to date. It is an inspiring story of ultimate triumph over constant rejection, inhuman neglect and total emotional impoverishment. It is hard to understand how -- in a country that prides itself on the pursuit of happiness -- so much sorrow and misery could have been heaped on the head of such a loving child and teenager. Nonetheless, Mrs Welch's purpose is not to wallow in the past, but to take her readers on a spirit-fulfilling journey to ultimate healing and empowerment. Hard-won though it may be, victory is the ultimate goal. Victory over self, victory over the negative impact of others, victory over circumstances. The author makes the point that courage and self-analysis are not enough. Faith is the catalyst. Faith in herself, faith in those closest to her heart, faith in her friends, faith in the power of right thinking, faith in the unquenchable human spirit, faith in God, and perhaps above all, faith in the triumph of love.