Chicken Soup for the Soul: Devotional Stories for Tough Times: 101 Daily Devotions to Inspire and Support You in Times of Need [Paperback]

Susan M Heim (Author), Karen C Talcott (Author), Mary Beth Chapman (Foreword)

Book Description

Release date: October 4, 2011 | Series: Chicken Soup for the Soul

Struggles test us all, but readers will find counsel and reassurance in these devotional stories of faith, strength, and prayer, providing a boost and reminder of God’s ever-present love during difficult times.

Life is filled with trials. But this collection of 101 unique devotionals - consisting of a scripture reading, a Chicken Soup for the Soul story, and a custom-written prayer - will affirm God’s unconditional love and His presence during times of trouble.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Susan M. Heim is a long-time Chicken Soup for the Soul editor and Christian author, specializing in family-oriented books and women’s issues.

Karen C. Talcott is an author and educator with an expertise in women’s issues, faith, and angels.

Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Chicken Soup for the Soul; Original edition (October 4, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1935096745
• ISBN-13: 978-1935096740
• Product Dimensions: 1.2 x 5.8 x 8.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #642,176 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Susan M. Heim is an author and editor, specializing in parenting, multiples, women's and Christian issues. She is a longtime editor for the bestselling "Chicken Soup for the Soul" series. Susan is the author of "It's Twins! Parent-to-Parent Advice from Infancy Through Adolescence," "Oh, Baby! 7 Ways a Baby Will Change Your Life the First Year," "Twice the Love: Stories of Inspiration for Families with Twins, Multiples and Singletons," "Boosting Your Baby's Brain Power," and numerous "Chicken Soup for the Soul" books. TwinsTalk, her website for families with twins and multiples, is at http://www.twinstalk.com. Visit Susan's author site at http://www.susanheim.com. She blogs about parenting at http://susanheim.blogspot.com and writing at http://www.susanheimonwriting.com.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiration and hope in tough times October 6, 2011

By N. B. Kennedy TOP 1000 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback

Sometimes when people say they're going through a tough time, their so-called problem is that they can't afford their daily latte. Or their boss made them work late a few days in a row. Maybe they're fighting with their kids about their hair and clothes. In other words -- they don't know tough.

The people in this book know tough times. Their kids have died from cancer or been paralyzed in auto accidents or killed by drunk drivers. Their parents abused them, their husbands left them, they lost their jobs, they're living in their cars. One woman had a gun held to her head in a bank holdup.

Yet the 101 writers who tell their stories in this book came through their heartbreaking experiences with new faith, a sense of optimism or the simple realization that life does go on. Many experience the kindness of others, both friends and strangers, and many see signs in nature that comfort them -- a dove outside the window, a flurry of ladybugs. One writer expresses thanks for the simple joys of a tire swing and a loyal dog.

I appreciate the Bible verse that starts each story and the prayer that concludes each. When you're going through a tough time, it can be hard to read the Bible or find the words to pray, so reading these stories, and then meditating on the Scripture verse and using the words of prayer that these inspiring storytellers have shared is a great boon if you're suffering through your own struggles.

5.0 out of 5 stars Chicken Soup for the soul Devotional stories for Tough Times November 2, 2012

By theresa m smith

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

This book is truly inspirational. The stories are short and heartwarming and some of them will bring tears to your eyes! The prayers at the end of each story
are beautiful and positive. If you are going through a difficult period in your life do yourself a big favor and read this book, once you start you won't want to put it down, these stories will lift your spirits and remind you of how truly blessed you are and can be!! God bless you always!!

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiration Galore! December 28, 2011

By Lindsey

Format:Paperback

I love these Chicken Soup books! I think part of their popularity is simply the accuracy of the title! Just as Chicken Soup is perfect when you have the flu, these books are "comfort food" for the soul! This latest installment from the hit series is "Devotional Stores for Tough Times." While walking through dark times right now personally, I thought this book would be perfect and I was not disappointed!

The book is divided into ten sections, the first being "Lean on Me." Oh how hard it is to lean on others! These great stories share different situations where people stepped outside of their comfort zone and took the chance to lean on someone else, only to be rewarded with some of the greatest gifts imaginable. I love the humanity and rawness with which these stories are told. Often kindness is found in strangers that we never even meet again but impact our lives in a moment of need.

The second chapter "Be Strong and Courageous" gives encouraging stories of survival from people who have faced the worst life has to offer, and persevered through faith. I love how each story begins with a Bible verse and ends with a corresponding prayer to tie it into your own life and struggles.

My favorite stories came in Chapter 8 "Answered Prayer." I love to hear stories about the power of prayer and see the Lord moving in such huge ways in people's lives. No request is too small for him!

This book touched me deeply with all of its stories. It's the perfect gift for that person on your list that has gone through a divorce, lost a loved one, is caring for an aging parent or really any difficult life struggle. They will find comfort, peace and joy in its pages this holiday season.