This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Doreen Chombu for Readers' Favorite
Hope Verdad Presents: The Bench by Francesca Flood is a captivating collection of stories that explore the mysteries of life and death. Seated on a park bench, Kip, a man who has lost his wife and everything he owns, receives a sense of divine peace after speaking to a strange being. A grieving mother receives a message about unconditional love, while Liam, a boy who has lost his father, learns to forgive past mistakes. A prisoner comes to terms with his actions, becomes remorseful, and earns a chance to rebuild his life and bring happiness to others. Meanwhile, Cotton, an elderly man who fought in World War II, contemplates the ongoing issues of hate and violence throughout history. He meets a mysterious young man on the bench who reveals a deeper understanding of human nature, the concept of free will, and the potential for love to overcome hatred.
The Bench seeks to answer life's most profound questions, such as why bad things happen to good people, what happens in the afterlife, and why people harbor hatred for one another. Francesca Flood guides readers to these answers through relatable stories, conveying messages about loss, resilience, forgiveness, destiny, and free will. The stories also present a powerful message about redemption and the spirit of love in the afterlife. Our earthly perception of love is often limited and skewed, making us forget that we are all made of the same spirit and that death comes to everyone. The author discusses important concepts such as the seven deadly sins, heaven and hell, and coping with grief. The book contains religious themes that offer hope and comfort to the grieving and explore the afterlife. I enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it to anyone who appreciates thought-provoking stories about life after death.
