I loved this book's practicality and perspective on showing love in special needs families. While I am not a special needs parent myself, I have some close friends who are and this is a book I will definitely be sharing with them. It is insightful, compassionate and practical. Very readable!

I received an ARC of this book from Moody Publishers. via NetGalley, this review is my personal opinion.

As Special Needs Teacher and aunt of a beautiful eight-year-old girl with cerebral palsy and cognitive delays. I truly enjoy this book for many reasons, all do the concept of the love language is new for me I could see that I've put them in practice with my niece and students, now the difference is that having them define and with specific ideas and recommendations it gives me a new vision on how to approach to different aspect while teaching and on daily life.

As part of a special need family, I know first hand it's a constant challenge one that I know I am not the only that has embraced it, however in the midst of concerns we may want are son, daughter or student to do something, to reach a specific goal and we simply don't know who to do it. This book it's not magical, I won't say that after you put them on practice all well be okay in short time; but like Gary Chapman and Jolene Philo says that knowing your son, daughter or student love language it will help you, to understand them in a profound and more deeply way. With practical and easy advice according to each love language and also with advice to the different people that are involved with the child's life. I believe that this book it's a must-read for anyone that either has a special need family, a professional of the medical or educational field.

When offered the opportunity to read "Sharing Love Abundantly in Special Needs Families," I jumped at the chance! I have read the other versions of the 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman, but he has taken it to a new level in this book, enlisting the help of the wonderful Jolene Philo, a parent who has firsthand experience with both growing up in and parenting in a special needs family.

I loved the easy, conversational tone of the book and how it highlighted the fact that parents who have special needs children are seeking the same kind of support all parents are, but their concerns can often feel multiplied. Add to that the fact that there are some kiddos that can't verbally answer when using the 5 Love Languages Questions, and you see the challenges ahead for parents just trying to best relate to their kids. Chapman offers solutions and suggestions for families to try together or with the help of others.

Often those who don't personally experience the struggles of a special needs family can feel like their help either isn't needed (false!) or that they would not know how best assist. Chapman and Philo are here to facilitate connection with those who live in a special needs family and those who are supporters/ extended family/friends who want to help. Practical, helpful suggestions are found throughout the book on how others can lighten the load.

Another section of the book highlights how those who parent a special needs child can protect and preserve their marriage. I appreciated this perspective, as I have seen many struggle with lack of respite care and marriages falter or end as a result. There is so much giving that happens within the special needs family and often the core relationship can be neglected due to exhaustion or disillusionment caused by the loss of normalcy.

I am a pastor that finds this book a useful tool for those who want to reach out to serve those in the special needs community in a way that is inclusive, supportive and knowledgeable. Learning how to best serve those in our congregations who are differently abled is of utmost importance within the church community. We must not ignore or isolate, we must include.

This is a book that would be helpful for those looking to help special needs families and those families who are afraid to ask for help. We try too hard to do everything ourselves, when God wants us to live in community, no matter what our families look like.

I was honored to read an early copy of this book, thanks to Moody Publishers and #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Very informative. The book was interesting and there was lots to learn in there. Anyone with children with special needs would benefit from reading this book