This made me think. I love the lyrics to her songs and they really have some meaning to them. I loved her thoughts on marriage and other things she said. This really made me think as I read it. I received this from bookfun.org for a fair and honest opinion. ( )

Jill Miller is a Christian singer/songwriter/conference speaker in the contemporary pop/rock genre of music whose melodies and message are heart to heart encouragement from one overcomer to another. Her clear voice and songs reach right down to our souls and lift us up.

Grace Finds Wings , an autobiographical book, takes the songs from Ms. Miller's most recent CD by the same name and explains the story behind each one. There are ten songs and ten chapters in the book. Some of the tunes have a definitive story, either personal in nature or shared from someone else's experience. Some chapters are a devotional, usually about the Scripture behind the song's idea or what may have been on her heart at the time she wrote the song.

In the preface (the Prelude) and later on in another chapter, the author explains how and why she adopted the butterfly as a metaphor for her life's journey and her music ministry. It's a beautiful symbol, one I feel many women identify with so well. If you look carefully at the one on the book's cover, you notice its wings have nicks and small imperfections in them. This was shown purposefully to indicate our own imperfections while on our life's journey. Yet ultimately, the butterfly still flies, signifying God's Grace. It's not about us, but how God can work through us.

I was fortunate enough to find Jill Miller's vocals on the iHeart Radio app on my Kindle Fire. I listened to many of the tunes from her CD's while I read their stories in the book. My first impression of what she wrote was how well she expressed herself in print. Her words are touching and as real as the lyrics of her music. She doesn't sugar coat her words or spare herself from self-scrutiny. There were times when her stories and meditations felt like pages out of my own book/journey. I felt a kinship, as if we'd met on the same path, heading the same direction and walked together for a time.

My favorite chapter is based on the song title, "This Mother's Love." In this chapter, she tells the story of her struggle with infertility, the adoption process of her eldest son Christopher, the struggles in the family during his growing up years, and the eventual diagnosis of ADHD/Asperger's Syndrome. I felt so much empathy for this heart-tugging experience, since I have had similar experiences. I understood the triumphant joy as obstacles were ultimately overcome and her son became the responsible adult he is now. He was even able to serve in the US Marines after graduation from high school. As a mother looking back over time, she concluded that it was all worth it.

Knowing the stories behind this artist's work has made them breathe and come alive for me. Putting story and song together is a winning combination. I can easily see how Ms. Miller's music is much more of a ministry than just a form of entertainment. I think many readers will find this book a blessing.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from The Book Club Network (bookfun.org) on behalf of Carpenter's Son Publishing. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." ( )

A Wing and a Prayer

In "Grace Finds Wings," Jill Miller tells the stories behind the songs on her new CD of the same title. This is the companion book to her CD. It is a book about imperfection, prayer and faith. As I was reading, it felt much like this was Jill Miller's autobiography. In a way, it is exactly that.

The book talks about the themes of Miller's songs...financial difficulty, personal struggles, and the many fears we all face throughout life. While talking about these things, Jill also focuses on the need to seek God. We all need to do that, no matter what trials we face. This is a wonderful book about finding the grace of God through prayer and having faith in the fact that God is always with us.

When you read this book, you will discover why butterflies are so very important to Jill. Your spirit will soar with her as she describes the butterfly on the cover of the book. You will understand that no matter the scars of life, and even with imperfections, we can all fly on the wings of grace.

Personally, I bought Jill's CD and listened to it before I read her book. When I revisited the songs after finishing the book, I had a much deeper understanding of the music. I highly recommend "Grace Finds Wings"...both the book and the CD. It is an uplifting journey in song and a meaningful journey through life. When you experience Jill Miller's talent and faith, you won't soon forget the journey!

I received a copy of this book from the author, through The Book Club Network (bookfun.org) in exchange for my honest review. ( )