Readers say it best.....
The best way to capture the unique potential in The Twelve Gifts of Life is to share some of the actual letters from readers of the author’s previous book The Waiting Child:
“I was up until 1 a.m. and got up at 6 because once I started reading, I couldn’t stop…it was that powerful….the writing is just so honest and not once did you disappoint by going over the top with emotion… this book is truly a gift to anyone who reads it….”
--Marney Keenan Rich, columnist for The Detroit News
“…this certainly isn’t a “chick book”! To me it is a book for anyone with a heart, who is prepared to discover that there is a spirit within each of us—parent or child—that goes beyond race, culture, age. It is the human spirit that we all share…It is a story about a pure soul that will not be crushed by events or circumstances. It is a peak at our true likeness in the image of our maker. Very timely given the roar of events that would like to fool us into thinking evil has preponderance over good…because of the hope and triumph of this story, I am now awaiting my daughter from China…” ----Bruce P.
“…after reading your book, I ordered a case of them and gave them to everyone. I knew that we were too old, too settled and had just the right number of children…One night my husband Stan come out of the living room with big tears rolling down his cheeks. His finger was in your book marking his place and he said ‘I hate this book’...as a result we are now adopting a dear little five-year-old boy. We are deeply grateful to you and Jaclyn for this book. I am sure we would never have opened our hearts for this roller coaster ride without it. I have no doubt that there are many little souls headed for homes today that would have stayed in orphanages without your story…” ----Tina, Stan, Laura, Anna and David K.
“…the impact of your book cannot be measured in royalties…if one child has a home because of your book, its success is immeasurable…and I am very, very sure that your words have had a huge influence on people’s lives. I know this from what people have told me. Your words inspired me to make the decision to adopt… I wonder how your words have affected people on other levels. Who knows how many people have been made aware of both the children in China and the organization to help them because of your book? So many people have told me that they have been so incredibly touched by this story…” ----Asa M.
“I can’t tell you what an incredible, indelible impact your book has had on my soul. Jaclyn is one incredible girl and you portrayed her story with such eloquence and compassion and beauty that this book is very hard to put down, almost impossible. I hope the importance of this book inspires you to publish again...you have a wonderful talent...” ----Lesley C., Australia
”… I had to take the opportunity to tell you how much your book has impacted our lives. I first read about your Jaclyn in a women's magazine. I could not stop crying. As soon as I could, I ordered your book and read it from cover to cover in about 6 hours. I was touched to the bottom of my soul. I wept, knowing there were thousands of children waiting at that moment in time. I knew most would never know about family like my children did, or like most American children do. I cried knowing one of those children waiting could be mine…my husband and I have two boys and thought we had completed our family. Boy, were we wrong. Jaclyn and your family have encouraged us to adopt… Thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I can never repay you for the blessings this journey has brought and will bring to me and my family. Our life and our Christian path have been forever changed because of your story. God has worked in our life as I know he has in yours. God bless you. Please keep us in your prayers as we wait for our daughter.”
--Melinda H., Alabama
” I feel like I know you because I've read your book 5 times in the past year. It was one of the main reasons I decided to adopt my son, who is a waiting child in Shanghai. I hope to travel to adopt him in late September…. Thank you for writing Jaclyn's and Lee's story and for inspiring me to find my son.
" --Fran Lo G.
“…When I read about Jaclyn's endless pursuit of a better life for her Xiao Mei Mei...I knew that my Mei was out there and would need me...our family needed her...and so I began the adoption process. I will fill out each paper with glee...pay each dollar to agencies with faith and honor...and realize that the gift of family is the greatest one I will ever have in this life--worth more than any thing I could ever buy or own. Thank you for your story and your willingness to share it with others. Thank you to Jaclyn who never gave up on Lee. May God grant you the peace and happiness that comes from a tiring and satisfying day of being a mommy...the most wonderful title of all!”
--Dawn M., Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
“You, Jaclyn, and your entire family are truly an inspiration to the old adage that you can really cando whatever you want in this world, if only you put your mind to it!...because of your story I am now waiting for a baby from China! I can't wait for your second book to be published.” --Julie B. Colorado
”I am 15 years old. I just wanted to say that I just finished reading “The Waiting Child” for the second time… I want you to know that because of this book when I am of age and can adopt I’m going to adopt children from China. You are TRULY an awesome person.”
-- Caileen H.
“I don’t think that I’ve read such a beautiful story in years! This book is costing me a fortune in waterproof mascara and Kleenex…I woke up the other morning and just had tears streaming onto my pillow thinking of Jaclyn…” --Katie G.
“I feel compelled to let you know how much “The Waiting Child” impacted my life and the lives of my friends. Let me start by saying that I finished reading the book two weeks ago and since that time, I have lent it out to five people. The fifth person told me this morning that she is going to miss her husband's softball game tonight in order to go home and finish it. That's how amazing Jaclyn and Lee's story is - it is captivating! I have been talking about it nonstop and once my friends read it, they too can't stop talking about how awesome it is. There are several people waiting in line to borrow it and they are upset when they find out they have to wait!
What truly amazed me about this book is how God can use a four-year-old to touch so many lives. We adults think that we know everything and it is so humbling to think about how God sometimes has to use the innocent and pure heart of a child to get our attention to the needs and suffering around us. It is obvious how His hand has been all over Jaclyn's life from the beginning and I cannot wait to find out what wonderful plans that He has in store for your daughter.
I now feel that I have been called to adopt and am actively finding out more about the process. My friends and I wait expectantly for your next book to come out. You are such a gifted writer! May God continue to bless you and your family in a very special way.” ----Jill B.
“After reading the book I told my dear husband that we were adopting from China! This book is exactly the reason we have Zoe Faith right now! Cindy, you have brought home a lot of children with that book! “ ----Robin D.
“I had great difficulty putting you book down. When I concluded it I was struck with the gift your family has given to all your readers. The tenacity of you all is a great inspiration. The most compelling part of the book is the humility that underlies each sentence. Your ability to intertwine the triumph and the tragedy of life, and to keep it all real, can’t help but inspire greatness in anyone who reads the story. Jaclyn is a heroine…I have been inspired to contribute to China’s orphanages and am directing all the funds from our firm fundraiser to this cause in Jaclyn’s name…” ----Barb R.
“…After reading Jaclyn’s story I knew immediately that we had to adopt an older girl and was recently matched with a beautiful orphan girl in Jiangxi, China. Thank you for all you and Jaclyn have done and continue to do for older child adoption…” ---Di M.
“…I was so captivated by Jaclyn’s’ story that I am now pursing my second adoption from China…we are considering naming this child Jaclyn because she has touched my heart so much through your writing and sharing…” ----Elisa C.
“..I will treasure this book always. Thank you for the book....thank you for sharing Jaclyn’s story. I know how much Jaclyn has touched my heart and I can only imagine the good her story will do when it touches other people’s hearts…it was because of Jaclyn that I adopted my first child and I am now fighting the urge to begin the paperwork again for a second adoption…” -----Eve V., Miami, FL
“ ..I have never cried and laughed out loud so much with a book. Truthful, compassionate, not super sweet...amazing. We need this book, especially right now. I can’t wait for your next one…” ----Jen H.
“…It is very difficult to put the book down once you start…Jaclyn is truly rare—a grown- up woman in a child’s body. She has seen more and been through more than most of us who die at an old age. If I were younger, without a doubt I would be over in China or some other country adopting children…this is, by far, the greatest book I have ever read—and I read a lot of books! I’ve told almost everyone I know about the book….”----Lynn N.
“....thank you for writing your book…after reading your book we decided to start the paperwork for adoption…” ----Sue B., Winston-Salem, NC
“Your book inspired us to adopt…in fact, I wish we could adopt again and again but we are of modest means…” ----Christy and Tim K., Newbury Park, CA
“I was finally able to sleep last night. I could not sleep until I finished your book. I can’t tell you how many times it brought me to tears…I am buying copies of it for everyone I know. I’ll be looking forward to your next book. I would love to hear stores of all your daughters…you are an amazing story teller...” ----Debbie G.
“I got your book from a friend who also couldn’t put it down…Jaclyn’s story gives all of us such hope...because of this story I am now in the process of adoption. I cannot wait for you second book…bless you for writing this book…” ----Michelle N.
“…by the way, in case you are counting up the number of families who are going to China to adopt after reading the book, add two more! Jaclyn (and her mom) are very persuasive….” ---Lynn S.
“It took me an entire weekend to read this book only because I had to keep putting it down in search of tissues. I have loaned my copy to friends and everyone falls in love with Jaclyn and her spirit…” ----Tammie H.
“…after reading your book I immediately became a sponsor to a child in an orphanage in China through “Half the Sky” foundation. Next year I will sponsor an older child…” --- Lisa P.
“..As I write this I have tears in my eyes… reflecting on this book, I came to realize that adopting from China was our destiny. How could I ever have considered even trying to have biological children???” ----Carrie M.
“After reading the last page of your book, I knew I had to write to you. Thank you for your big mother’s heart and for your willingness to share your journey. Your book was inspirational…because of this book I am determined to follow God’s prompting and believe that my life plan now includes a little girl from China…” -- --Lilyann S.
“
“I was up until 1 a.m. and got up at 6 because once I started reading, I couldn’t stop…it was that powerful….the writing is just so honest and not once did you disappoint by going over the top with emotion… this book is truly a gift to anyone who reads it….”
--Marney Keenan Rich, columnist for The Detroit News
“…this certainly isn’t a “chick book”! To me it is a book for anyone with a heart, who is prepared to discover that there is a spirit within each of us—parent or child—that goes beyond race, culture, age. It is the human spirit that we all share…It is a story about a pure soul that will not be crushed by events or circumstances. It is a peak at our true likeness in the image of our maker. Very timely given the roar of events that would like to fool us into thinking evil has preponderance over good…because of the hope and triumph of this story, I am now awaiting my daughter from China…” ----Bruce P.
“…after reading your book, I ordered a case of them and gave them to everyone. I knew that we were too old, too settled and had just the right number of children…One night my husband Stan come out of the living room with big tears rolling down his cheeks. His finger was in your book marking his place and he said ‘I hate this book’...as a result we are now adopting a dear little five-year-old boy. We are deeply grateful to you and Jaclyn for this book. I am sure we would never have opened our hearts for this roller coaster ride without it. I have no doubt that there are many little souls headed for homes today that would have stayed in orphanages without your story…” ----Tina, Stan, Laura, Anna and David K.
“…the impact of your book cannot be measured in royalties…if one child has a home because of your book, its success is immeasurable…and I am very, very sure that your words have had a huge influence on people’s lives. I know this from what people have told me. Your words inspired me to make the decision to adopt… I wonder how your words have affected people on other levels. Who knows how many people have been made aware of both the children in China and the organization to help them because of your book? So many people have told me that they have been so incredibly touched by this story…” ----Asa M.
“I can’t tell you what an incredible, indelible impact your book has had on my soul. Jaclyn is one incredible girl and you portrayed her story with such eloquence and compassion and beauty that this book is very hard to put down, almost impossible. I hope the importance of this book inspires you to publish again...you have a wonderful talent...” ----Lesley C., Australia
”… I had to take the opportunity to tell you how much your book has impacted our lives. I first read about your Jaclyn in a women's magazine. I could not stop crying. As soon as I could, I ordered your book and read it from cover to cover in about 6 hours. I was touched to the bottom of my soul. I wept, knowing there were thousands of children waiting at that moment in time. I knew most would never know about family like my children did, or like most American children do. I cried knowing one of those children waiting could be mine…my husband and I have two boys and thought we had completed our family. Boy, were we wrong. Jaclyn and your family have encouraged us to adopt… Thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I can never repay you for the blessings this journey has brought and will bring to me and my family. Our life and our Christian path have been forever changed because of your story. God has worked in our life as I know he has in yours. God bless you. Please keep us in your prayers as we wait for our daughter.”
--Melinda H., Alabama
” I feel like I know you because I've read your book 5 times in the past year. It was one of the main reasons I decided to adopt my son, who is a waiting child in Shanghai. I hope to travel to adopt him in late September…. Thank you for writing Jaclyn's and Lee's story and for inspiring me to find my son.
" --Fran Lo G.
“…When I read about Jaclyn's endless pursuit of a better life for her Xiao Mei Mei...I knew that my Mei was out there and would need me...our family needed her...and so I began the adoption process. I will fill out each paper with glee...pay each dollar to agencies with faith and honor...and realize that the gift of family is the greatest one I will ever have in this life--worth more than any thing I could ever buy or own. Thank you for your story and your willingness to share it with others. Thank you to Jaclyn who never gave up on Lee. May God grant you the peace and happiness that comes from a tiring and satisfying day of being a mommy...the most wonderful title of all!”
--Dawn M., Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
“You, Jaclyn, and your entire family are truly an inspiration to the old adage that you can really cando whatever you want in this world, if only you put your mind to it!...because of your story I am now waiting for a baby from China! I can't wait for your second book to be published.” --Julie B. Colorado
”I am 15 years old. I just wanted to say that I just finished reading “The Waiting Child” for the second time… I want you to know that because of this book when I am of age and can adopt I’m going to adopt children from China. You are TRULY an awesome person.”
-- Caileen H.
“I don’t think that I’ve read such a beautiful story in years! This book is costing me a fortune in waterproof mascara and Kleenex…I woke up the other morning and just had tears streaming onto my pillow thinking of Jaclyn…” --Katie G.
“I feel compelled to let you know how much “The Waiting Child” impacted my life and the lives of my friends. Let me start by saying that I finished reading the book two weeks ago and since that time, I have lent it out to five people. The fifth person told me this morning that she is going to miss her husband's softball game tonight in order to go home and finish it. That's how amazing Jaclyn and Lee's story is - it is captivating! I have been talking about it nonstop and once my friends read it, they too can't stop talking about how awesome it is. There are several people waiting in line to borrow it and they are upset when they find out they have to wait!
What truly amazed me about this book is how God can use a four-year-old to touch so many lives. We adults think that we know everything and it is so humbling to think about how God sometimes has to use the innocent and pure heart of a child to get our attention to the needs and suffering around us. It is obvious how His hand has been all over Jaclyn's life from the beginning and I cannot wait to find out what wonderful plans that He has in store for your daughter.
I now feel that I have been called to adopt and am actively finding out more about the process. My friends and I wait expectantly for your next book to come out. You are such a gifted writer! May God continue to bless you and your family in a very special way.” ----Jill B.
“After reading the book I told my dear husband that we were adopting from China! This book is exactly the reason we have Zoe Faith right now! Cindy, you have brought home a lot of children with that book! “ ----Robin D.
“I had great difficulty putting you book down. When I concluded it I was struck with the gift your family has given to all your readers. The tenacity of you all is a great inspiration. The most compelling part of the book is the humility that underlies each sentence. Your ability to intertwine the triumph and the tragedy of life, and to keep it all real, can’t help but inspire greatness in anyone who reads the story. Jaclyn is a heroine…I have been inspired to contribute to China’s orphanages and am directing all the funds from our firm fundraiser to this cause in Jaclyn’s name…” ----Barb R.
“…After reading Jaclyn’s story I knew immediately that we had to adopt an older girl and was recently matched with a beautiful orphan girl in Jiangxi, China. Thank you for all you and Jaclyn have done and continue to do for older child adoption…” ---Di M.
“…I was so captivated by Jaclyn’s’ story that I am now pursing my second adoption from China…we are considering naming this child Jaclyn because she has touched my heart so much through your writing and sharing…” ----Elisa C.
“..I will treasure this book always. Thank you for the book....thank you for sharing Jaclyn’s story. I know how much Jaclyn has touched my heart and I can only imagine the good her story will do when it touches other people’s hearts…it was because of Jaclyn that I adopted my first child and I am now fighting the urge to begin the paperwork again for a second adoption…” -----Eve V., Miami, FL
“ ..I have never cried and laughed out loud so much with a book. Truthful, compassionate, not super sweet...amazing. We need this book, especially right now. I can’t wait for your next one…” ----Jen H.
“…It is very difficult to put the book down once you start…Jaclyn is truly rare—a grown- up woman in a child’s body. She has seen more and been through more than most of us who die at an old age. If I were younger, without a doubt I would be over in China or some other country adopting children…this is, by far, the greatest book I have ever read—and I read a lot of books! I’ve told almost everyone I know about the book….”----Lynn N.
“....thank you for writing your book…after reading your book we decided to start the paperwork for adoption…” ----Sue B., Winston-Salem, NC
“Your book inspired us to adopt…in fact, I wish we could adopt again and again but we are of modest means…” ----Christy and Tim K., Newbury Park, CA
“I was finally able to sleep last night. I could not sleep until I finished your book. I can’t tell you how many times it brought me to tears…I am buying copies of it for everyone I know. I’ll be looking forward to your next book. I would love to hear stores of all your daughters…you are an amazing story teller...” ----Debbie G.
“I got your book from a friend who also couldn’t put it down…Jaclyn’s story gives all of us such hope...because of this story I am now in the process of adoption. I cannot wait for you second book…bless you for writing this book…” ----Michelle N.
“…by the way, in case you are counting up the number of families who are going to China to adopt after reading the book, add two more! Jaclyn (and her mom) are very persuasive….” ---Lynn S.
“It took me an entire weekend to read this book only because I had to keep putting it down in search of tissues. I have loaned my copy to friends and everyone falls in love with Jaclyn and her spirit…” ----Tammie H.
“…after reading your book I immediately became a sponsor to a child in an orphanage in China through “Half the Sky” foundation. Next year I will sponsor an older child…” --- Lisa P.
“..As I write this I have tears in my eyes… reflecting on this book, I came to realize that adopting from China was our destiny. How could I ever have considered even trying to have biological children???” ----Carrie M.
“After reading the last page of your book, I knew I had to write to you. Thank you for your big mother’s heart and for your willingness to share your journey. Your book was inspirational…because of this book I am determined to follow God’s prompting and believe that my life plan now includes a little girl from China…” -- --Lilyann S.
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