**I received a free copy of this ebook from the publisher via NetGalley. My choice to review and the words I’ve used are my own—as always.***

I enjoy poetry for its ability to succinctly capture a sea of emotions in a few well-chosen words. This collection of insights and poetry succinctly capture reminders that God is good and with His children at every point of the journey, not just the easy and pleasant ones.

There is much hope and comfort in that truth and in this collection.

An excerpt from the beginning, “I have learned that nobody is immune to dark times. I have also learned to never take for granted the times when things go well…I had a choice. I could look down to where I was going and fall into hopelessness. Or I could call to my God. I could reach up to Him, believing He would grab hold of my hands. And then, with the devil pulling me by the feet and God pulling me by the hands, I would be stretched. Oh, that stretching can be painful. But it’s so much better than giving up, looking down, and letting despair claim me.”

Another from later on, “I ask myself often, ‘What’s wrong with me? Why is this so hard?’ But in a gift of grace to myself, I am now telling myself that just because it’s hard doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with me. Just because our progress is slow doesn’t mean we’re not trying.“

My experiences are not the same as the author’s, but her desire to cling to God and learn in her wilderness *with Him* is encouragement and comfort for me. I am eager to share this book with others who, in their own wilderness, may also be praying or pleading, “Come bright hope/Come, new song/Come, sweet day.”

This is a beautiful book. It is filled with Faith, Hope and over-coming despair with Charity. Julianne is a wonderful poet and shares some very deep and powerful knowledge she has gained through her severe and sometimes debilitating trials. But I think what I came away with most of all was the love she has for her children and her friends. She has tried to surround herself with good people and it shows. She has worked to love her life and enjoy the time she has with her family. I truly enjoyed it and hope she can continue to find peace through her Savior and Friend. I loved it and I can't wait to share it with everyone.

First sentence: I know every single person out there is dealing with a lot of hard things. But for those who are wondering if they’re alone in feeling weighed down by life, you’re not. I want you to know that you can be a good person and still have really heavy burdens in this life, and it doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong.

Come, Sweet Day is a book of poetry and short prose pieces by Julianne Donaldson. Donaldson generally writes fiction, but this is a more intimate and personal book written from a place of faith, hope, and honesty.

I have enjoyed her novels. I am not as open to "loving" poetry in general. But I liked this one. I wouldn't go so far as to say it was super amazing and life changing. But I liked it. I appreciate her honesty and insights.

A quick read full of encouragement. Julianne Donaldson is one of my favorite authors. I am so sorry to hear, through this collection, a bit of what she has been going through these past years. But I am so so happy she is writing again, and encouraged by the faith she has clearly leaned on and bravely shared. The story about the garage is perhaps my favorite, so poignant and relatable.

This book was so inspiring and uplifting to me. These thoughts and poems of hers was soul searching at its rawest. I did enjoy this quick read and believe me it has opened my eyes.

I received an ARC from Netgalley for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

A lovely collection of poems, thoughts, and short writings about finding peace, hope and joy no matter where you are in your journey. Julianne Donaldson is a gift!

I read this author’s fictional best seller, “Edenbrooke” years ago, and I was happy to read her book of essays and poems. This was a very short book on the musings of her real life pain and the beauty and hope she has found in God’s presence. I can tell it was written with her heart.
~Thank you to NetGalley and Publisher~

#ComeSweetLove

This book was raw soul searching and just what I needed. The poetry comes from deep in the depths of the authors soul. The poetry was touching and brought me to tears. I also loved the essays that she shares. Thank you, Julianne Donaldson, I'm grateful you shared what is on your heart, please keep writing, I love your books.

A gripping, poignant and honest look into the soul of one who has struggled through some dark days and been reminded that God is always there and always enough. The writings are real and raw, and Julianne’s heart is evident in every single entry. I am thankful for the opportunity to partake in her journey of healing and discovery and honored to have been able to participate in her inner most thoughts and prayers during this time. What a gift she has given to others out of her own pain.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own, freely given.

This beautiful little book could not have come to me at a better time. I am so grateful to NetGalley for allowing me this opportunity. What a blessing I received this morning...sitting by our Christmas tree, hot cup of coffee in hand, able to read in one sitting. Thought-provoking, reflective, and inspiring, "Come, Sweet Day" will remind the reader to breathe, pray, rely upon our Lord, exactly the things I needed today. Julianne Donaldson has woven together beautiful and encouraging words, poetry and hymns to help heal and to help remind us to place our worries in the hands of the One who loves us more than anything and carries us through the hard times. Thank you, Ms. Donaldson. Once this lovely book arrives on the shelves I will be gifting it to many, and reading it myself, many many times.

This is a poignant, lovely, and deeply moving collection of essays and poems. Come, Sweet Day is full of hope, healing, and courage. This is one I'll return to again and again. Many thanks to Julianne Donaldson, the publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced copy.