A Castle's Charm (Book Review of God's Shelter for Your Storm)

About the Book:

"In a world of uncertainty, pain, and struggle, where do you go to find solid and steadfast assurance?

Gifted Women of Faith® speaker Sheila Walsh offers powerful, heart-filled teaching on ten bedrock promises of God, providing the foundation for daily living with confidence, hope, and joy. Sheila unveils principles that provide unshakable security during even the most difficult times by weaving her hallmark storytelling, personal experiences, and applicable Scripture to help readers gain a trust in God that will sustain them for a lifetime."

Amber's Review:

There's something charming about a castle.

When I was in Disneyland not that long ago, I got to see Sleeping Beauty's castle--the symbol of all things Disney. The design is whimsical, and the castle serves as a gateway to Fantasyland, where the rides and attractions are colorful and cheery. I love that the cover of God's Shelter for Your Storm displays a castle in an exotic setting. A castle is a symbol of beauty--something grand and richly furnished. The lovely colors of the pages, as well as the pictures throughout the book, add to that symbolism.

But the most beautiful thing about this book is its subject matter. The promises of God discussed in this book--provision, peace, confidence, love, grace, hope, strength, "more," and home--are priceless gifts. Reading and learning about them can be astounding, but Walsh reminds us that we don't have to just appreciate them as abstract ideas--we can claim these promises and trust in God to keep them! In other words, we don't have to just stand around Sleeping Beauty's castle, taking pictures and admiring the architecture. We can step through the gate!

And that idea demonstrates another aspect of a castle that makes it charming: a castle has a story. The castles in Europe are full of history. The castles in Disney movies are easily recognizable and remind us of the adventures of the characters who lived in them.

One of my favorite parts about God's Shelter for Your Storm is that each chapter uses real stories to show the impact and hope of God's promises to His children. Walsh draws from her own life experiences--both cute and heartbreaking--to illustrate her points. And she shares the stories of various people in the Bible, as well. When she talks about John the Baptist's story in the last chapter, it's powerful! I was shown a perspective on his life that I hadn't really thought much about before, and it made me cry with the sadness and yet the ultimate hope of the example.

Finally, we know from our own life stories that we yearn for another symbol of a castle: shelter. Castles here on earth can last a long time--a stronghold in battle and a place of safety through the years--but they can't last forever. They crumble. They are abandoned.

But God's promises are built on the firm foundation of who God is. He is truth, and He cannot lie. We can trust in His promises. Walsh's reminders of certain Scripture and promises of God are comforting. No matter what sort of hardship you or a loved one are going through, you can find security in God's promises. Walsh's heartfelt writing style makes her book an encouraging read. I recommend re-discovering the charms of a castle through the pages of God's Shelter for Your Storm!

*With thanks to Lori Isaacs Mahon and Overture Media for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.*

About the Author:

Sheila Walsh is a powerful Bible teacher and best-selling author from Scotland with over 4 million books sold. A featured speaker with Women of Faith® conferences, she has reached more than 3.5 million women by combining honesty, vulnerability, and humor with God's Word.

Currently completing her Masters in Theology, Sheila lives in Frisco, Texas with her husband, Barry, her son, Christian, and her two little dogs, Belle and Tink.

Click HERE to visit Sheila's website.

You can buy the book for yourself or someone you love now!

*Be sure to stop by the BB on Friday for your chance to win a copy of God's Shelter for Your Storm!*

P.S. Want to hear more about my trip to Disneyland and see some pictures? Check out my personal blog, Seasons of Humility, today!