I liked reading the parts about the dog and what she was going through; however, I felt that the other parts droned on and on. It was ok for the author to explain the differences and similarities between the dog and the author and how they related to God, but she should have been more brief. When she kept going on and on about the differences and similarites it got boring, and I lost interest. I love reading about animals but this book was a disappointment.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. ( )

Blind Hope is a story about a woman's religious awakening to the Christian god, and the dog she rescued was the catalyst. The authors follow Laurie's thoughts, emotions, and changes as she develops a relationship with the dog, Mia, and God.

The writing style was just on the edge of purple prose with many evocative descriptions of scenes. My favourite is describing a winter scene: “The frozen filigree embellished everything with its delicate crystal creations.” Many of the scene descriptions have this sort of embellishment.

Some may find the dialogue in this book superficial and extremely unrealistic. It was definitely more poetic and picturesque than I've ever heard anyone speak in my entire life. I often found myself wondering if people ever talked liked that. Others will find the dialogue profound and inspiring. All in all, the dialogue is around the healing power of unconditional love, whether from a god, pet or human being.

Another interesting feature of the book is on many of the pages there is a quote that has been taken out and highlighted in box with larger text. These quotes are often little tidbits of inspiration. This would be quite handy for those that would like to flip through quickly for a new quote to put on their bathroom mirror.

Sprinkled in the description of the woman's past are inaccurate portrayals of what life in non-Christian spheres can offer one. It is implied that Laurie is searching for unconditional love, but due to the nature of humanity, is unable and unwilling to stay long enough to let such a relationship develop. It is wise to keep in mind this is the perspective of someone that has run across a lot of “bad eggs” in a world that holds a several billion people and that not all alternative ways of life will be unfulfilling.

**Disclaimer**
I received this book from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group. I am under no obligation to write a positive review, just an honest one. ( )

This book is inspirational and challenging. Kim and Laurie tell a story that had me asking “How much do we really want to sacrifice to help others?” I loved Kim’s other 2 books—Hope Rising and A Bridge Called Hope—this one had a different feel to it, because it is about Laurie, one of the volunteers at Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch who became a member of the staff. The other books were about the children and horses they rescue at the ranch. Laurie, rescues a very sick, neglected dog who then helps her through a season of healing and personal growth. The lessons she learns, as she takes on the responsibility of nurturing this dog, hold valuable lessons for each of us.

Emotionally touching, Blind Hope is a good story for animal lovers and also for anyone who has questioned God about the tough stuff in their life. It can be read by teens and older children, and would be a great tool to use when teaching about animal rescue. ( )

Wow. What an amazing testament to how God chooses to lead us on the right path. A woman, who reminds me a lot of myself, finds herself committing to taking in a dog she has never seen before. Once she sees the scruffy looking dog she isn’t so sure of her decision and takes the dog anyways because it’s the right thing to do. Through this book we get to look at the story between a dog and her new master. The trust it takes for a blind dog to listen and obey her master is much like we need to trust God.

I really related to a lot of Laurie’s experiences in her life. She really could have been writing about me. It is amazing how she equates how her blind dog is to trust a master un-seen to us having to trust our master un-seen. This book really tugged at my heartstrings and made me teary eyed more then once. This is one book that I will be hanging on to so that I can read it again.

Here is a quote from the book that really stood out to me:

“My dog isn’t teaching me to sit and stay, but to move forward in action—to trust, believe and listen. Before my eyes, Mia has demonstrated that is doesn’t matter if I can see what lies ahead of me. It only matters that I trust, believe and listen to the God who does.” ( )

Since I love animals I was again destined to fall in love with this story. And since one of my dogs just happens to be an Aussie I was even more attached to Mia's story.

Not a whole lot of information was given about Mia's background, other than she was malnourished and was living under a rusted out car. But the story doesn't really need her background info as she creates such a great story without it.

Mia could easily have been put to sleep, and even though Laurie's intentions in saving Mia might not have been honorable at first Mia soon changed her heart. I've always been a firm believer that dogs are smarter than we give them credit for and if we just "listen" to what they have to tell us that we will be amazed. Laurie and Mia's story just strengthens that belief.

Mia, who despite all her problems, was just a dog who loved her owner and was happy to be alive. Many times throughout the book it is mentioned how she is so content with her life the way it is, and that her faith that her master will do no wrong by her is enough to keep her content. Laurie, who had struggled with her faith in God learns from Mia how to truly have faith and live in the light of God.

So while this is a story about a dog it is also a story about faith and finding your path to God. It is really inspirational. I cried many many times reading this one. I think the struggles that Laurie went through are not uncommon to struggles that many of us have gone through at one point in our lives. Her connection with Mia helps her to see how her relationship with God is not unlike Mia's relationship with her.

Seeing Laurie change was inspiring, and seeing how Mia is able to persevere through her obstacles is even more inspiring to me. And while I've said it before it is worth saying again: even though I know not all abused/abandoned animals can be saved it is so refreshing to read about one with a happy ending.

A review copy of this title was provided by Blogging For Books. ( )