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Alicia M. Smith, author of "Common Stones" (awarded a total of FOUR GOLD MEDALS from Readers' Favorite Awards (1) and Nonfiction Authors Association (3)), grew up in the suburbs of her beloved, Detroit, MI, but in 2008, Nashville, TN, captured her heart. She resides there with her husband, Ryan, two precious children, Jayden and Reese, and ball-crazy Welsh corgi, Bagel. Her passion, simply put, is helping others ... in any capacity. Alicia empowers others to not only believe in their strength from within, but also the strength bestowed from above.
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Common Stones is a work of Christian non-fiction exploring different themes around faith and experience, penned by author Alicia M. Smith. Self-described as ‘a glimpse into several different worlds, in an effort to become more acquainted with our own’, the book sets out to explain the differing but equally difficult life experiences of a series of people who have overcome their problems, with a view to how we can all learn from those moments. Written as a series of essays which profile each case, the stories offer inspiring examples of fighting on, using faith and self-help techniques in order to reach a higher ground beyond the struggles.
Author Alicia M. Smith uses a gentle helping touch in dealing with the topic of survival in this collection of anecdotes, biographical tales and teachable, advisory moments. The book is very well organized to ease you into the concept before the stories begin in earnest, approaching the topic in a wide, more relatable way before it gets into specific detail. Some of the scenarios are harrowing in nature, but not graphically depicted, making it all the more incredible to see how the people Smith writes about have overcome their personal hardships. Further to this, the narrative style is never too invasive, almost like a counseling voice that sits back and allows the reader their own reflections, but also presents a bigger picture view of each case. Overall, Common Stones is an excellent message and a piece of essential reading for those who may be losing their faith or joy in life at the moment.
