The Book of Comforts: Genuine Encouragement for Hard Times by Kaitlin Wernet, Rebecca Faires, Cymone Wilder, Caleb Faires

My thoughts:  The idea of a book of comforts, or rather readings of several author's thoughts,  dealing with comforting one in various stages of life is quite appealing. So I was looking forward to this book as a treasure for myself, family, or perhaps to share with a friend.

I am sure the publishers and editors felt that the staid color - deep grey - of the cover with its elegant design would add to a calming, comforting ambiance. After all, for centuries our Bibles have mostly been bound in black covers. The Bible is the chief source of printed comfort.

And then the interior with its very staid coloration and sparse pictures done in muted shades, while surely has a calming effect, it is somewhat lacking in an uplifting visual experience.

Now the actual text is done by four authors and the scope of The Book of Comforts is "Genuine Encouragement for Hard Times." I found that the authors are drawing from their own personal experience and the comfort they have from Scripture for their experiences.

I chose to review this book because I and my family are going through a very dark place emotionally in these past weeks, months, and yes few years. We are already drawing on God's strength and support and have found Him to be the comfort we seek in the dark hours of the night of this life experience.

The section "Comfort in Dark Places" begins......

On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. I cling to you; your right hand upholds me. —Psalm 63:6-8

It continues.....

For those of us who rest in Christ, the darkest hours and the stillest silence are but the shadow of His wings over us. There, think on Him, sing to Him, cling to Him. He does not leave us but brings us help. He upholds the restless the weary, and the downtrodden. Keep watch, wait, and remember Christ, your "very present help in time of trouble."

So while I might have designed the cover a mite differently and colored the pages somewhat more colorful, the softness and gentle colors don't really detract and perhaps they actually let the weight of the words of comfort speak more forcefully to our souls.

A good book to have around, to share, to read from time to time.

About the book: When someone is grieving, what should we say? How can we help? How do we comfort without offering shallow platitudes? In times of sorrow Scripture beckons us to look up and out, because our help comes from the Lord. The Book of Comforts stands in the gap between suffering and hope, offering readers the abiding comfort found in Scripture.

The Book of Comforts is a beautiful four-color book of readings that offer biblical consolation and encouragement in seasons of trial and grief. Scripture selections are accompanied by brief devotions, alongside designed Scripture passages and photography.

Grief, loss, and pain are significant and unavoidable parts of the human experience, but they’re often overlooked or minimized. In moments of heartache and challenges we either crumble or we discover the richness of God's love. Scripture deals plainly and honestly with suffering and simultaneously points people the rich hope we find in God.

The Book of Comforts:

• Offers long-term comfort in a beautiful and inviting format
• Designed to be accessible to a wide audience
• Visually attractive and engaging
• Scripturally focused

The Book of Comforts offers a meaningful way to walk through hurt, heartache, challenges and difficulty, aided by the truth of God's Word. It is a beautiful and comforting gift for those in hard places—because though we don't always know what to say, the gift of divine consolation is always helpful.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimntary copy from the BookLook Blogger Review program to facilitate this review. Opinions are mine alone and are freely given.