Lil and Peter have a daughter, Amy. Debbie and David are the parents of a little girl themselves. The two families don’t know one another, but their daughters–both in comas–have managed to find one another. Lil and Peter, both believers in God’s Word, have never once given up or given in to their fears as they watch and wait for Amy to recover. Debbie and David, on the other hand, don’t find themselves as trusting in the Lord. They watch their daughter, Melisa, and hope for a miracle, but their actions don’t show their faith in it ever happening until, that is, they meet Lil.

A Visitor to Heaven’s Garden of Blessings, by Joyce M. Englehardt, is the touching story of how one couple is led to discover God’s Word through their daughter’s coma and hospital stay. The closeness they develop with another couple, Lil and Peter, opens up a whole new world of faith, hope, and promises of an eternal life. Lil’s vivid dreams of her daughter lead her to understand that Amy’s coma was no accident and actually served a purpose much bigger than any of them could ever have realized.

Englehardt’s entire work is a beautiful testimony of faith, hope, and love. From the beginning to the end, readers are treated to glimpses into Lil’s dreams and the amazing way in which her daughter, Amy, is able to communicate with her about, not only her own feelings, but about Melisa’s as well. The evidence of the miracle is clear each time Lil talks about her dreams. Amy’s ability to communicate with her parents through their dreams is quite amazing and leaves readers with a feeling of hope and renewed faith.

One of the most visually stunning aspects of Englehardt’s writing is her description of the garden itself. The image of blessings being bestowed through the children in the garden is quite breathtaking to behold. I don’t know that I have ever read anything described in such a tender and loving way.

Debbie and David’s curiosity and desire to feel more spiritually connected is obvious, and their questions are genuine. I was reminded of questions I used to ask my grandmother as we had Bible study when I was a little girl. There’s a different level of curiosity when it comes to spirituality, and the author demonstrates it well through Debbie and David.

I was moved by the plight of both families and appreciated the overwhelming focus on developing a relationship with the Lord. Readers who are struggling with their faith or have met with a situation that seems too heavy to bear will welcome Englehardt’s story with open arms.

Pages: 212 | ASIN: B07957BJMV