There came a time when the tools I had for connecting with the Lord weren't working. I'd only been given a few by the church and I was struggling to know how to find Jesus in the midst of my heartache, my overstimulated early days of motherhood, my loneliness, my longings when the rigid models for prayer and scripture reading felt stiff. This is the book I wish I had then.

Summer Joy Gross offers her personal stories and gentle teaching in the pages of The Emmanuel Promise. I know I've felt so much shame or confusion when I couldn't experience the Lord's presence and these are the words and practices I longed for in those days. This book offers the kindest way forward in understanding the connection between our attachment wounds and struggling to see the Lord's presence with us. I love how Summer offers so much hope for healing as well as tremendously accessible practices grounded in brain science and attachment theory for how to experience the Lord's presence. I've personally experienced so much healing and growth, as I've practiced what Summer shares in these pages. I believe in deeply personal ways that I am loved by God, that his face is turned towards me.

I've been beyond grateful to have learned from Summer Joy Gross over recent years through her podcast (The Presence Project) and in the small groups she's led on Zoom. I've had the distinct privilege of getting to experience her gentle presence, and the way she lives what she teaches and am so glad to tell you that her real life nurturing translates to the pages of The Emmanuel Promise. And you can experience the gentleness of Summer for yourself as part of the reading experience is the opportunity to access videos (lectio divina, guides for the practices) Summer has made to companion the reader through each chapter.

This is a book that I was already planning to reread even before I had finished it. It is so helpful and kind, and I can't recommend it enough. I hope you get to experience the compassion and nurturing of Emmanuel through the gentle mother voice of @revsummerjoy for yourself.

This books was just ok. I enjoyed the first half more so than the second half. Most of it just wasn't my cup of tea.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Emmanuel Promise
Discovering the Security of a Life Held by God
by Summer Joy Gross
Pub DateApr 30 2024
Baker Books
Christian| Religion & Spirituality


Baker Books and Netgalley provided me with a copy of The Emmanuel Promise for review:



The face of God is always shining toward us. God is neither asleep nor indifferent. We don't always experience this nearness or depth of love--especially if we have experienced neglect, betrayal, or indifference as children.


Summer Joy Gross invites you to experience Emmanuel, God-with-us, as the One whose love toward you is secure and unchanging as she draws from Scripture, attachment theory, and her own experience. Using simple, repeatable practices based on biblical teaching and our rich and ancient church traditions, she equips you to build a secure attachment with the God who holds you.




You can rest in God even during life's storms when you are grounded in God's nearness in the ordinary moments.


I give The Emmanuel Promise five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

This is a devotional book that reminds us more and more about Jesus presence with us, just like the meaning of the name Emmanuel. In every aspect of our life, we can see God and it is His promise to us. Hopefully you'll get blessed with this book.

This book is so rich. Summer's research and personal experience with it are articulated simply, clear and informative. I have already received 3 books. One for myself and 2 give aways. Summer has been teaching and testing out her content on our circle in the Presence Project and my attachment with God has shifted greatly. I love how she writes, teaches and holds space for others to walk through the Emmanuel Promise.
I highly recommend this book. Regina Stafford, BCC

This book does a beautiful job of intertwining attachment theory, neuroscience, our story and learning to be in the presence of God. Summer's vulnerability and gentle voice leads you to examine your own attachment to God and provides you with many spiritual practices to connect with the Lord.

The Emmanuel Promise by Summer Joy Gross leads the reader to examine their growing up years and patterns formed, how that relates to their relationship with God and Jesus, and how we might establish a new more accurate connection with Christ in the future.
I have been exploring other facets of the Christian faith outside that which I was raised, and this book has fit quite well in my adventure. I appreciated the explanation of attachment theory and how experience in our young lives can affect our entire life and experience of God. I was not left hopeless and also appreciated the suggestions of how to relearn and have a healthy relationship with the Lord and not revert back to our old ways.
If taken seriously, the info and suggestions offered in this book will help you to rethink and reconfigure your faith and have it based not on the judgment of God but on his nearness wherever you may be, whether that be in doubt or in faith or somewhere in between.
I hope you will give it a read - it will challenge you. I know it did me!
I received a Kindle advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. I hope to get a paper copy in the future and revisit this book at a slower pace, mark it up, and utilize the videos that were linked to in many chapters.