The Title of this book hit straight home with me as I was asking myself the very same thing after my husband died suddenly. “Where do I go from here?” Even more so, “How do I go on from here?” The change was definitely unwanted but I had no clue on how to go on boldly. Mrs. Neff understood as not only had she faced being a widow, but many, many more painful life altering experiences.
Her message was something that I definitely needed. She understood the path I have so unwillingly been placed upon. She not only understands but has traveled it ahead of me and come out on the other side! This gives me hope! It not only covers the loss of a loved one but other defeats people face. While losses may differ coping with each one is much the same. The author gives you the bare bones tools to help yourself move ahead and let God lead.
I have been reading many books on the death of a spouse, but this one was different. Mrs. Neff doesn’t just share the details of her hardships but also the healthy biblical way to look at them. She covers emotional, mental, and even physical pitfalls to watch out for. I liked the way she directly addresses wrong mindsets and ideas a grieving person accepts.
The book is filled with wonderful illustrations and biblical truths to guide you in the new way of thinking you need to embrace. I found it uplifting and refreshing. Even though my loss is so new and fresh, I got a glimpse that there is a future ahead for me. I realized that God still has a plan for me and will work that plan, but it is my choice as to whether allow Him to. While I would not make all the choices the author did in her life, the basic truths and skills she shared can be applied to anyone’s life. I am still grieving deeply but this book gave me a light at the end of the tunnel, and the hope of moving forward one small step at a time. A very different book on loss!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Moody Publishers in exchange for my honest review. I am not required to write a positive review.

Okay I have to make room for another book on my bookshelf! This one is a keeper. It is one I will reread and study many times over. When I first read the title I thought, “Okay another pie in the sky, Pollyanna book about how to be happy.” I was so wrong!
The author does not promise some quick fix ideas to a happy life that everyone would like to find. I liked this as I do not believe there are any. Instead he turns to God’s word and opens the door to what true happiness and how to achieve it realistically, God’s way.
I liked his honesty in the fact that happiness doesn’t consist of our mood or circumstances. In fact, it means facing some hard truths, biblical and personal truths about ourselves and our relationship with God.
He uses the Bible story of Joseph’s life and all the mistreatment, setbacks, heartaches and tragedies he faced and overcame by relying on God. I have always found these scriptures inspiring and encouraging but Mr. Giovannetti opened my eyes to even more lessons and truths. There are many more scriptures and Bible examples to study and “renew” your mind. The eleven “secrets” aren’t secrets at all but “meat” right from God’s Word that presented in a new way. He helped me see that in trying to obtaining happiness the worlds’ way, we are working against God, and then shares how to work with Him.
I loved the stories he shared about people today and his personal testimonies. I was pleasantly surprised at the delightful humor throughout the book. This book was a double blessing to me. Not just in the sound Bible teaching and inspiration but with having just lost my husband it is an encouragement in finding true happiness with the Lord. A book you WILL want to read.
I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.