It was nearly 25 years ago that my family had to begin dealing with recovery. Though we did not attack the issues using Twelve Steps (we used a model offered by the Minirth―Meier Clinic in the book Love is a Choice), the Twelve Steps were certainly part of our assigned reading. It has now been 15 years since I picked up a book explicitly dealing with the topic. Jean Heaton’s book provided a nice refresher of the lessons we learned and applied years ago.

I enjoyed the way the author took time to explain how each step helped her in her journey and then expanded it to demonstrate how each step can challenge different individuals and families in different ways. The author also connects the Twelve Steps to her Catholic faith by connecting to the Scriptures and church fathers. Each step also includes a devotional asking the reader to reflect on how each step pertains to their own journey.

I was appreciative of how the book helped me review lessons learned 20 years ago and its reminders of how to handle myself when dealing those still dealing with addictive behaviors even if not active addictions.

Though most evangelical churches would probably not place this book into their church libraries, I do think Christians of any type dealing with addictions within their family group could be helped in their journey through the Twelve Steps - whether just beginning or years along the path.

My major concern is that a book of this type can leave the reader thinking that having gone through the book, they have completed the Twelve Steps. For each of us who have followed that path, it is one that must be repeated, again and again. This book allowed this reader to walk it one more time - perhaps someone else needs to walk it again. May this review serve as an invitation for you to do so.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Jean Heaton is a mom, transformed by addiction in her family and committed to sharing her story with others in an effort to provide hope, healing and joy. I love her honesty upfront that she is not a trained professional. She is a woman who was in the grip of shame, desperately clinging to her desire to see healing for her family and her journey to get there. She beautifully blends the twelve-step program with Ignatian Spirituality and provides real life testimony of her own steps forward. An addict affects everyone in their sphere of influence, and no one is left unscathed from the damaging consequences. In the time of recovery, much attention is placed on the addict, but the truth is, the others in their sphere have wounds too. Anyone, from ANY faith, can appreciate the powerful lessons offered and shared in this valuable resource.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own and freely given.