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Becky’s best friend—her German shepherd Max—is the victim of a fatal accident. The angel Amanda’s comforting visit inspires Becky to commit her life to sharing her love for Max with other animals. When Sarah experiences sadness and anxiety over returning to school and being separated from her mom, Amanda helps Sarah see the importance of a good education. A fun day of shopping turns into a nightmare for Kristy when she gets separated from her mother and stuck in an elevator. Amanda comforts Kristy until help arrives. Chronic illness prevents Daryl from playing outdoors with friends. Amanda visits during Daryl’s surgery to allay his fears. Together, they have an amazing dream day of play. Amanda’s friendship gives Peter a listening ear to express his feelings, share memories of his dad, and finally heal from the pain of losing his father. Danny is being bullied and suffering in silence for fear of making things worse. Amanda intervenes and gets Danny the help he desperately needs.
This collection of children’s stories epitomizes trading beauty for ashes. Out of the tragedy of losing her newborn daughter, Amanda Leigh, the author has created the character Amanda, a beautiful guardian angel who watches over and comforts children in need. Each story in the collection deals with an issue that would be difficult for a child to comprehend—death, grief, separation anxiety, fear, and bullying. Each time, the angel Amanda appears, offering comfort, wisdom, and friendship that has long-lasting effects on the children’s lives well into adulthood. The healing power of friendship is a key recurring theme. The book also demonstrates how a simple act of kindness can positively impact and change the trajectory of a person’s life. The author encourages young readers to use faith to withstand life’s many challenges and storms.