Come, Sweet Day

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.

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.

#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 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!

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 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 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.

**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.”

Beautiful poetry book with such positive uplifting content, letting people know they are not alone and God has a plan for each and every one of us. The illustrations accent the poems beautifully (loved the little type/font designs too!) perfect book to visit with during this crazy season of life.

This was a thought provoking read. It is full of insights, poetry and thoughts. I really enjoyed them. It is a quick read, but one to go back to often.

I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.

This is a book of inspirational thoughts for people who are struggling and in pain. The poetry and meditations are encouraging and thought-provoking, helping us to find peace amid life's storms and troubled times. This would be best in a format where the colors would be bright and cheerful. Thank you, Netgalley, for giving me the opportunity to read this

An absolutely stunning poetry debut. Just as worthy of praise as her fiction works. Donaldson shares words about grief, hope, and love that will resonate with any reader.

Reviewed for www.compassbookratings.com

Popular Regency author Julianne Donaldson is back, this time with writings of a different nature. In Come, Sweet Day, Donaldson shares short stories and poetry she wrote during some of her darkest moments. Her work is touching, raw, and relatable -- just what the world needs right now! Donaldson has a magnificent way with words and her writing acknowledges the pain and anguish of life's difficulties. Despite the agony of a divorce, cancer diagnosis, and debt, Donaldson's poignant work conveys a message of hope. In addition to stunning prose, the book has a beautiful layout, with gorgeous images that relate perfectly to the words on each page. Come, Sweet Day is a fantastic length to allow reading it again and again. This book would make a perfect gift for anyone who needs a pick-me-up.

Review of a Digital Advance Reading Copy

For full content analysis, go to www.compassbookratings.com

Beautiful. Vulnerable. Inspiring. A great reminder that YOU ARE OK. I appreciate the author being so honest and sharing her experiences through grief, mental illness, and other trials.

Typically this type of book is something I don’t enjoy and usually can’t even finish. This one I actually finished! It was an easy quick read- Something you could pick up and read here and there when you have a few minutes. I did enjoy it even though poetry isn’t really my thing.

What a beautiful collection of beautiful vulnerability. I ADORED this compilation of poems and thoughts.

I have throughly enjoyed Donaldson's works of fiction for years. This non-fiction piece goes to show that she definitely knows her way around words. The emotions she shows in her writing is amazing.

Also that conclusion that is all about inclusion had me in Tears!

Great job friend.

Thank you Netgalley and Shadow Mountain for the advanced ecopy in exchange for honest feedback.

This short, beautiful book is a compilation of poetry, essays and spiritual thoughts from an author who has experienced some very difficult challenges. The author's prose is beautiful and the words encouraging. There were several parts that spoke to my soul. I absolutely loved it and cannot wait to get a hard copy to read over and over again. Absolutely beautiful!

I received a complimentary digital copy from the publisher but was not required to leave a positive review.

"A few years ago, my life felt really bleak."

This book is full of beautiful words, insights and poetry. Any reader will gain something beautiful for their own lives. Perfect timing for this beautiful book.

2021, Pandemic Part II

We open on a poetry book. A compilation of encouragement and feelings of despair. Reflections of a life that has gone through trials and tribulations. Quite the way to begin 2021, right?

Synopsis:
Bestselling romance author Julianne Donaldson has written deeply emotional, sweeping love stories in Edenbrooke and Blackmoore, often commenting that her characters were a reflection of what she wanted a woman’s life to be: happy, secure, unconditionally loved, and fulfilled. But in reality her own life was far more marked by difficult challenges and disappointments. In her new book, Donaldson reveals her thoughts and feelings from that unsettled time of despair and suffering so women can know they are not alone and that there is hope even in the hard times.

Compiled from years of inspirational words of encouragement to herself on social media—and even bits and pieces of random musings written on scrap paper, this is a unique writer’s journey through a life passage marked by cancer, a bitter divorce, legal battles with her ex-husband, mental illness, and persistent feelings of rejection and abandonment which also rendered her unable to pick up her career as a writer to support herself and her family. Overwhelmed by sadness and almost paralyzed into inaction by despair, she slowly finds her way back to her writer’s toolbox, unpacking the pain and sharing her innermost feelings as if revealing a character’s thoughts in a novel. In her writing she begins to find rays of understanding and acceptance and eventually finds strength from knowing that God’s love and His grace and guidance give greater meaning to our suffering and light the way to hope.

“So, here’s me bragging: I got out of bed today!”

(all quotes are pending final publication)
Girl me too.

POSITIVE: Every day that we get out of bed is a moment won. This collection resonates with how a lot of people are feeling right now – full of darkness, yet embracing hope.

NEGATIVE: A lot of talk about faith. Don’t get me wrong, I have faith and am a spiritual person. However, I don’t usually enjoy reading about it in books. That said, I support her in her journey of spirituality as it helped pull her out of the murk.

OVERALL RATING: 3/5 stars


Thank you to the publishers over at ShadowMountain Publishing for sending me a copy of this eARC.

I was interested in reading this book because I have previously read both of the author’s popular novels and have seen some glimpses of her personal struggles through social media. It is not a memoir, but instead a collection of short essays, poems, and thoughts as she reflects on going through trials with a Christian perspective. It is short, beautifully designed and emotional. I am not a huge poetry reader myself and felt more drawn to her essays (just a personal preference), but all of it was beautifully written. I especially appreciated that unlike many other books of this nature, she is not at the end of her trial and looking back. Instead she is still in the thick of things and trying to find peace and beauty.

For fans of Julianne Donaldson’s books who have wondered why we have not heard more from her, this book shares the answer by taking readers through the personal valleys she has been experiencing. I could not put this book down! As I read her story, I loved this book not for the pain the author has experienced, but rather for the fact that she has shared her journey with readers. It reminded me that no one is alone on the road marked painful challenges. The poetry she has written as well as the photography included all work together to convey a message. Ms. Donaldson has been noted as a gifted fiction writer. You may add the genres of non-fiction and poetry to that as well.

The reality that we all, at some point, go through challenges makes this a book everyone should read. In fact, purchase a copy for someone you know that may be going through a challenge.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the publisher and Net Galley but the thoughts expressed are my own.

I don't generally read poetry, but I'm glad I decided to read this one.

I was surprised to see Donaldson turn to poetry after writing Edenbrooke and Blackmoore, two great Regency romances. This was clearly what she needed to write, and I'm so glad she did. Her poetry spoke to my soul and had me feeling both sorrowful and hopeful. She uses beautiful poems to chronicle a very low time in her life and how, in the midst of this darkness, she was able to realize God's love more than ever.

It's a very quick read, and I would definitely read it again.

Reading Come, Sweet Day reminded me of the Psalms. It was a sweet balm to my struggles and a reminder that I am not alone in them, God knows and He is there and is my stronghold in the rocky times.

I am familiar with Julianne Donaldson because of her two previous novels, Edenbrooke and Blackmoore, and I was not disappointed with this collection of poems and commentary. Beautiful writing.

My gratitude to Shadow Mountain Publishing and Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

I guess I Have two reviews here. The book itself is very touching, insightful, heartbreaking, and beautiful. That said, I got my copy from Netgalley, and the formatting is so off that it was difficult to read at times. (Like, a random paragraph would be inserted in the middle of another paragraph, and after moving to the next page, you figure out where that random paragraph belongs.

Anyway, aside from the formatting issues, I did enjoy this book. I could feel the raw emotion that had been poured onto the page. I’d like to get my hands on a physical copy of this book so I can enjoy the beautiful pictures as well as read everything the way it was meant to be read.

A sweet and short insight into all that has been happening to the author, as well as some beautiful poetry. While it was difficult to read, due to the NetGalley reading option/type face, it was over all a sweet message and a quick read. Thank you for allowing me to read and review it. And I wish the author ALL the best. I'm a huge fan of hers, and I can't wait to read future books!

Come, Sweet Day is a compilation of poetic musings from highly-acclaimed romance writer Julianne Donaldson. Weaving a journey of heartache and hope, Donaldson shares deeply personal struggles through a very hard season of life with open, honest words.

Anyone who has experienced grief will be able to empathize with what this author reveals. I know from personal experience getting out of bed when your life has been wrecked with grief is definitely a feat in its own right, and Donaldson grasps this small victory because she has lived it. Hope does come, and when it does, it is a sweet day.

I received an electronic copy from the publisher though NetGalley. No compensation has been received.

I loved this book! Julianne Donaldson is one of my all time favorite authors and it was fascinating and wonderful to get a glimpse into her life through her thoughtful poetry.

My favorite book is Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson. I was really excited to receive an e-arc of her newest book: Come, Sweet Day

It’s a beautiful book of thoughts, poetry, and scripture to help you in tough times. It’s really short and would make a perfect coffee table book to have out and peruse at your leisure.
Life is hard for all of us- Donaldson shares how her faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ has helped her through the tough times. I love the peace and hope that comes from that knowledge and always enjoy hearing about other’s experiences that help strengthen their faith.

I’d suggest getting the physical copy of this book because some of its charm is missed on the kindle- especially if you read it on the paper white like I did.

Julianne Donaldson’s Edenbrooke is a book that changed my life. That book had more of an impact on me than almost any other that I’ve read (go check my feed for a post alllll about how much I love it), and so when I heard that she was coming out with a poetry/essay collection, I was so excited!

This is not the kind of book I usually tend to gravitate towards. I’ve explored poetry a little bit recently, but definitely not in this vein. But, I am SO GLAD I picked up this book! The messages of hope and healing and light and strength and getting through hard times even when you can’t see the reason behind them are ones that resonate with me so so much, especially lately!

As a woman of faith, I really appreciated the perspective of this book, and the insights showing through these poems and pieces. My belief in something greater than myself is something I hold very dear to my heart, especially in times of darkness and difficulty, and I loved feeling that as I was reading this! This book definitely leans into the religious beliefs of the author, but I think it’s something that can be read and appreciated by all people, no matter what you believe!

If you’re looking for a short, raw, emotional, hopeful, and just all-around soul-lightening read, I HIGHLY recommend this book! I am so grateful for Julianne Donaldson and her willingness to share her thoughts and experiences in such a beautiful way, and this will definitely one I come back to over and over again!

4.5 stars

Fans of Julianne Donaldson's previous historical novels need to approach this book without the expectations of those novels. This is a very personal, religious book that Donaldson is choosing to share with her readers, a brief glimpse into the struggles she has been going through, mainly through poetry. This book is beautifully put together visually. The cover is sweet and happy looking. There are short essays/vignettes where Donaldson shares some of her struggles and then the rest of the book is poems, again about her struggles through everyday life. It is very positive and uplifting, while at the same time talking about realities. There are no titles to the poems. Instead, pictures are used as backgrounds and each poem is differentiated visually by different pictures. The writing reminds me of the writing I did in high school, the poems and vignette style, which is how my creative writing teacher described it to me, meaning that it was very personal to me and not very relatable to anyone else reading it. So, that's how I read this book, as being very personal to Donaldson and that she was sharing it with us as a glimpse into her life and in the hopes that we can both understand her and also that it might help us in what we as individuals are going through.

This is a wonderful, short, very quick read. I look forward to purchasing a copy of this book when it comes out and also would purchase it for friends/family to share with them as well.

This inspirational book connected to my spirit and soul. I felt like Donaldson spoke to where I have been before when I felt like I could not go on. She connects struggles to her faith in God and it was beautifully done. The pictures in the book portrayed the written words perfectly. This is a truly inspirational book that made me feel like it is okay to struggle, there is hope through our Savior. God has my back and He is asking me to grow through it. Thank you to Donaldson for helping me remember that the Lord loves me through the hard times and that there is hope and light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you for helping me feel like someone else understands difficulties. Anyone who reads this book will feel uplifted. Perfectly poetic, I have read it twice and will doubtless read it again and again.

I am so excited and immensely grateful to Netgalley for providing me with a free arc of this highly anticipated collection of poems. I love Julianne Donaldson's fictional works and was curious when I heard that she published a book of poems this spring. I hoped that it would be as touching and beautiful as her stories have been and not only were those expectations met, they were exceeded. This collection was poignant, relevant and such an important read during the pandemic that we've been facing for the past year. Donaldson's words inspired hope, empathy and resiliency in the face of trying circumstances. I am so glad I read this and definitely will be recommending! Thank you Netgalley for a free copy of this arc.

Julianne Donaldson is in the middle of her marathon of life. She admits that she is still in the middle and is looking towards that finish line. With trauma, illness, and divorce, her life has not been mapped the way she anticipated. A single mom supporting her kids, she is struggling, but in the middle of it all, she is seeing God's hand. Through stories and poems she shows us those glimmers of light and hope that she hopes will be a light to others. It's a quick read and an overall very uplifting story. Great for anyone who just needs a little pick-me-up in the hard times of life. Because of the length, I think it would be great for readers and non-readers alike. Short poems that are easy to just pick one at a time. I enjoyed this.

Thanks to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I found this book to be relatable and thought provoking. I appreciated the author's vulnerability and the message of hope and faith throughout the stories and poems in this beautiful book. This book would be great out on the coffee table all year round. Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read a book that had me reflecting on my life with grace and gratitude.

This sweet little book is absolutely perfect. I read it in one sitting, but that was way too fast. I already can't wait to revisit and let the beautiful words sink a little deeper into my hurting heart.
I haven't made any secret of the fact that I've gone through some rough times lately, and Come, Sweet Day is just the balm I needed right now. It's hopeful, yet validating. It's optimistic, yet understanding. It manages to be comforting without the slightest hint of toxic positivity. Reading this book is like warm hug from a dear friend. I can't wait to get a physical copy to mark up and love on!

This beautiful book of poetry reminds me that there is hope even when circumstances are bleak.

Julianne Donaldson is a talented author. I have read and loved her novels. In this book, she shows that she is diverse in her writing skills. She takes a moment and lets the reader know why she wrote her poems, the circumstances, and how she was feeling. I appreciate her insight and her testimony of the Savior.

This is a perfect book for anyone who is undergoing trials, or if you just want something to uplift you spirit.

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Julianne Donaldson is so talented and has a way with words. Whether it’s fiction and you laugh then cry or this book of poetry where you feel the gut wrenching pain and loneliness she mentions. Because you’ve felt it too.

This is such a beautiful book of poems of hope and to remember to rely on the Lord.

The poems and short essays make for a quick read and will make the perfect gift. Or to pull out on a hard day to remind yourself that you’re not alone. Julianne is so raw and vulnerable about her past pain. You can tell that she has wrestled with hopes, wants, needs and expectations and still she finds joy.

There were a lot of great quotes from it but this I think was my favorite

“Hope breathes on The cold embers of tomorrow Until a new fire blazes.”

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for an ebook copy. These are my own thoughts and opinions.

I have read several of Julianne Donaldson’s books and found myself a fan from the first book. Her writing style is intriguing and her books are simply outstanding. So, I was delighted to see this new book come up as it has been so long since she has written a book.

This book is a collection of poetry and little stories of dark times the author has faced and how her absolute trust in God has been her rescue. It is short but emphasizes her strong faith. I hope that people facing their own trials will take time to read it and hopefully gain some insight from it.

I hope that she will also be back to writing her delightful novels once again. Such a great talent God has given her.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review

I love Julianne Donaldson's way with words. In reading these poems and thoughts one can really sense her feelings of vulnerability come through. Many things touched my heart, but, the part that will stick with me is this: "...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. Just because we have to get off the bike and walk for a while doesn't mean we're failing. And someday, we will be able to put air in our tires and adjust our gears and the ride will be easier. Until then, I hold on to grace." I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Huge thanks to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain.

Come, Sweet Day was an impactful, hopeful and spiritual experience. I picked up this book during a time when I needed to feel acknowledged, heard and understood. My reasons were far different from the experiences the author relates to, yet her words and thoughts still allowed me to receive so much comfort. This book was short, only 96 pages, but it left me ‘feeling’ for days. I have never been one to pick up poetry willingly and if that’s how you are don’t be afraid to reach for this one. It was impactful and resonated so deeply within me that I feel I need to write to the author and personally thank her for sharing her thoughts with me. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for hope or peace through Christ.

Thank you to Shadow Mountain for an advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Sweet spiritual and something I can’t wait to have on my shelf! Julianne Donaldson does a wonderful job balancing art and her poetic words of wisdom. I really enjoyed this book.

This is a beautiful book of poems and prose by an author who is known best for her Regency romance novels. Here, she has taken the lessons learned from the hardships she's journeyed through the past few years and offers encouragement to others who may need it. She also bears her testimony of the Savior and feeling His love through those difficult times.

I'm really not into poetry but the way Julianne Donaldson expresses her thoughts and feelings is beautiful. The hardcover book has beautiful pictures.

I received a complimentary digital copy from the publisher Shadow Mountain via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Come, Sweet Day by @writerjulianne was exactly what I needed today/this week/month/year. Basically, where has it been all my life? This short book of poetry is beautiful inside and out, the lyrics and pictures. It is full of short inspiring poems and stories. I loved it and have already shared some with my family. My favorite (if i had to pick just one right now would be the one with bicycle and grace). This would make an amazing Mother’s Day gift or just a pick me up for any sister/friend/woman in your life. Highly recommend!
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#comesweetday #juliannedonaldson #poetry

I read this book just after Easter. It reiterated all that Easter is about. Renewal, refresh and rebirth. That we all go through rough times. These poems and essays, put things in a better perspective and through the love of God, we can persevere all things. Knowing that this author went through challenging trials, and has the strength and courage to move forward, makes these words even more powerful. I pray for all of us, to take our challenges, and find ways to turn them into uplifting events. To better others and come unto Christ.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

“For those who are wondering if they’re alone in feeling weighed down by life, you’re not.” Julianne Donaldson understands what it is like to go through difficult things and to be stretched, but not give up. She assures the reader that she isn’t standing on the other side of trials cheering us on, she’s still struggling along with us.

I first learned about Julianne Donaldson when I read Edenbrooke. It quickly became one of my favorites so of course I wanted to read her new book Come, Sweet Day – Holding on to Hope in Dark Times. This is a completely different kind of book, but just as well written. The author is a woman of faith who shares powerful and encouraging thoughts. Every page has a beautiful picture overlaid with words written in verse. Even the end pages are welcoming and happy with scattered green leaves across the two-page spread.

She says, “It feels like we’re all riding the same trail together and so we must be able to do the same things on that trail. But everyone has a different bike, and some people’s bikes have flat tires and are in high gear…Just because it’s hard doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with me…Someday we will be able to put air in our tires and adjust our gears and the ride will be easier.” p24

I loved everything about this book. Even though I already had a digital copy from the publisher, I bought two physical copies as soon as it was released, one for me and one for a friend. This is the kind of book I wanted to hold in my hands and look at on paper. I think it also makes a nice gift as we are all going through hard things.

It is hard to put into words the effect this little book has had on me. It is beautiful, thought provoking, and comforting. The thoughts and feelings linger long after the last page. Her sorrow and struggles come through clearly but so does the hope and light. I feel like this is a book anyone going through hard things can relate to and feel understood, comforted and uplifted. It deserves more than 5 stars.

Thanks to Shadow Mountain Publishing and NetGalley for a digital ARC to use for my review.

It’s not often that I pick up a book of poetry. In fact, I don’t think I really ever have. But I’ve seen people all over talking about this new one by Julianne Donaldson. And I wanted to read it to check it out.

I loved this book! I loved the way the author shared things about her life lately that would have been hard to share. As well as the poetry that she’d written. This book is so comforting. We are all going to have hard times. And reading through the author’s experiences, as well as her poetry will be helpful. It’s like someone reached out to give the reader a hug.

This book is beautiful too! I love the happy cover. But inside is filled with beautiful images to go along with the poetry. It’s so well done. I loved everything about it.

Hope is something we can all use more of. This would be a great gift for someone going through a hard time. Or just your mom for Mother’s Day.

I was sent an e-copy of Come, Sweet Day as a gift from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Julianne Donaldson is an author I have loved for years, really since a local book club suggested one of her regency romance novels. Later she came to visit our book club and so after meeting her as a person and not just a blurb on the back of a book I came to appreciate her and her stories even more.

Come, Sweet Day was many of those stories and experiences that helped bring her to where she is today in words. She eloquently discusses where she found hope through her words in a way that I could relate to and touched the soul. I highly recommend to anyone who needs a little light in a world seemingly full of dark.

Ever since I have read Blackmoore by Julianne Donaldson, I have desperately anticipated the release of her next book, continually checking to see if one had been released without me knowing about it.

What I did not anticipate was a memoir of sorts of love, loss, resilience, but most of all hope!

This book spoke to me in so many ways and I highlighted a ridiculous amount as I read it. Without sounding trite, I cried and I laughed, ultimately my soul was blessed and hope that I didn’t realize was missing was restored.

“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.”

Thanks to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for the ARC!

There are some very beautiful words contained in this book. Some that contained the ache of sorrow. Some that talk of just being. And many that were full of Hope and what is to come.

I really enjoyed the progression of the poems and words from the beginning to the end. I'll admit that I even had moments that the ache and also the beauty of the words brought tears to my eyes.

Some of these poems are very raw in the emotions that they convey. I think sometimes when we are really struggling that we hold that in and don't share our aches. Granted some aches, it just isn't easy to share. But being able to write or talk with a dear friend or family member through those emotions and struggles can help. It doesn't bring instant healing or solace. And sometimes the struggles last far longer than what we could have thought or imagined. But knowing that someone is truly there who knows the pain and ache and hope (even if that hope is buried deep in the moment), someone who has suffered and felt those same pains, can offer solace and peace to our battered and trying souls. Overall, it is a sweet book that shows we all have our own struggles and aches and sorrows. But we are not truly alone in them. Not that I want others to be suffering and feeling pain, but it helps me to know that I can be more aware of those around me. That I can offer grace and kindness as I want and need that grace and kindness in my life as well. I hope that we all can see the hope that will come, one sweet day.


I received a copy from the publisher, Shadow Mountain, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

I rarely read such a touching book which resonated with me so much.

Julianne Donaldson is by far one of my favourite authors ever. Through her books, she introduced me to one of my favourite genre: sweet regency romances. I read her three first books and was then ready to read anything she would write. Someone who wrote so beautifully, with such feeling, could only be a beautiful person. But you know, an author always stays this kind of ghostly presence behind the book — invisibly seeping through all of it.

Even though I was disappointed when I learnt Julianne Donaldson had stopped writing for a while, and even cancelled a book project, I understood. And I don't regret not reading her never-finished book. Because what she has written here is so much stronger. Of course, I wish all that happened to her hadn't hurt her. But now she is that person I have so much compassion for, especially as I read "Come, Sweet Day" at a point in my life when things weren't great either. So it made me appreciate her new way of seeing things and being hopeful even more.

I loved the message of this book as much as I liked the way it is written. I can really "feel" the words, their rhythm, their beauty. Stories and poems in alternance.
I am not a religious person so the christian references didn't mean much to me, and I would have preferred a bit less of them, but I still liked the message behind them.

Her writings reminded me of words I wrote and spoke for a project once. "We must accept that things cannot always go well, that we cannot always do good. That we may do the right things and yet, obtain the wrong results. . . [But] our lives are made to enjoy the good that exists all around us"

*I received a free copy of this book and this is my honest opinion*

Beautiful. This book brought tears to my eyes and hope for my hungry soul.

I could have highlighted this one in its entirety for the way that it spoke to me. The way that Donaldson writes of her heartaches and trials but then sees the light of hope, the light of Gods hand in her life.

Donaldson’s, Blackmoore is my all time favorite book. I guess some authors just have a way of slipping into our hearts. She writes of the struggles she has had and is still working to overcome over the last few years. These have inspired beautiful, heartfelt poems of peace and longing and all have been inspired by a beloved and enduring Savior.

I’ve always loved the notion of finding God in the dark, knowing that the light is just above the horizon. These poems and words definitely define this sentiment.

I needed this book today. Thank you Julianne for letting us into your head and your heart. We all need a running partner in this marathon of life cheering us on, you did that and I was grateful for this book today.

This is a perfect example of something small that packs a big punch. The book is short and if you chose to read through the entire thing, you could easily do so within an hour, probably with time to spare. But I also think it would be a great book to sit and savor. Allow the flavors to mull around in your mind a bit. Soak in the wisdoms and thoughts. Take in the comforting words, feel them embrace you and hold you in your own trials and hurts. Maybe write down the things that come to your mind as you read a poem or essay. It’s a lovely book that I know I will turn back to over and over.

If friends divide the sorrow and multiply the joy—I feel like Julianne Donaldson’s friend! In this glimpse into Julianne’s experiences I can learn to find hope and joy in the midst of the hardest trials. It is a poignant, emotionally evocative, short and sweet memoir that shows light in the darkest times. Beautifully written verses and essays demonstrate God’s goodness and grace.

“This is the only thing I have written today:
That relationships are more important
Than money or success
And that writing can wait
But living cannot”

Julianne Donaldson is a favorite fiction author of mine. I loved reading her heartfelt poetry. While fiction is always enjoyable, there is something about the vulnerability of sharing one’s reality that never fails to draw me in.

This quote in particular stuck out to me while reading this book. This month has been hectic for me, and I have read much less than I usually do. However, upon further consideration I realized I have done much more living this month than I normally do.

I loved the perspective and insight this book gave me and I would highly recommend it.

Thank you to netgalley for providing me with an eARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I would love anything that Julianne Donaldson writes. This is the kind of book that I could pick up when I was going through a trial and read any page and come away lifted. Her personal experiences and stories were some of my favorites. I think this is one of those books that you come back to over and over again and something new will resonate. I appreciate her vulnerability in sharing such raw feelings so we all can benefit from the insight and growth. Truly special.

Edenbrooke is my favorite book and this was a no-brainer as a must-read. This is a compilation of Donaldson's thoughts of her personal journeythrough trauma, depression and struggles . This is a mix of poetry and prose, some sad and some hopeful mixed together. It is beautifully written, but the mingling of the sad and hope mixed together is what our hard times look like, not just all bad and all good.
This was inspiring to read and the main lesson I take away from this book is God, His Light, Hope, and Peace can all be found in our darkest of times.

Thank you NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for this ARC. The thoughts and opinions of this review are my own.

Anyone looking for hope in dark times would find solace in Julianne Donaldson’s Come, Sweet Day. Ms. Donaldson reveals the pain and seeking she experienced through her divorce, single parenting, and cancer. These specific challenges are not addressed explicitly but they form the foundation on which her universal yearning and hope are based.

Come, Sweet Day is a beautiful collection of poems and essays that are coupled with vibrant, varied, and serene images.

This quick read is based on many Scriptures that give the reader hope, encouragement, and food for reflection. I can easily see the pages getting earmarked for repeated readings of pertinent passages, depending on the reader’s changing circumstances.

Come, Sweet Day cuts to the heart of what it means to seek God in the midst of challenges.

How this book affected me:
I’m not in a particular struggle in life at the moment but have experienced many, as most people have. I could easily imagine the comfort that would come from reading Come, Sweet Day. Even if you hadn’t experienced the exact challenges that Ms. Donaldson has, her raw yearning and pure and hopeful faith would be inspiring for any Christian.

Who would enjoy this book:
This book is designed to be for those “holding on to hope in dark times.” As such, the ideal reader is facing a challenge and looking for hope, strength, and faith that God is near and the sun will shine again. The beautiful images and hardcover make it a thoughtful gift for a friend or loved one who’s in the midst of a challenge.

This is a beautiful and meaningful collection of poems. I am a huge fan of all of the author's work and this book of poems lets her readers in to see her in a vulnerable new way. I am in awe of her bravery and strength. I really appreciate her uplifting way of helping the reader remember God's love in our lives.

I really enjoyed the poems in this book. They were great. I had so many feels as I read them. Some gave hope some while other were more sorrowful. There was so much emotion in this book. It was a very sweet book!

This short compilation of poetry was a nice and uplifting read. The author is vulnerable and shares some of her struggles and meandering thoughts and insights. Overall, I enjoyed it.

I have loved every book I have read from this author. I appreciated this lovely change. Her heartfelt poems are encouraging and emotional. Wonderful and helpful to someone needing a lift for their trials.