The value and worth of this book far outweigh its size. Those who read it will find much to ponder, much to gain and much to pass on to others in daily encounters and engagement, as well as in special circumstances requiring insights relating to life’s intricacies and realities, blessing and purpose. These are conveyed in simplicity, imaginatively and creatively. They are grounded in profound spirituality with a good measure of solid practicality. Real life experiences, are seen and given account of in a way that allows for identification with them, leading to better self-understanding or better ways of handling things that have been found troubling. The writer’s creative skills, mature spirituality and practical outlook have made this work a treasure for those who would wish to meditate on the apparently simple but profound, ordinary but of extraordinary significance, routine but with fresh and invigorating impact. I do recommend this work as worthy to be owned for timely as well as repeated reading.

To Tell You the Truth – as the book is aptly entitled – is a must read! The author recounts her faith journey creatively using insightful, full disclosure journal entries and poems. Her use of clear and simple, yet thought-provoking language makes it an easy read. Nonetheless, it requires a reflective posture which will evoke a personal commitment to change, encouraged by her use of personal insights on her struggles with a variety of emotions. For example, the book features her struggles with anger, but also provides useful tips on how to convert this emotion instead to glorifying God. For me, I found the Happiness Quiz to be an interesting eye-opener – and it will be one of my go-to resources. I think it could be yours too.

To Tell You the Truth is a poetic baring of the soul of a young author in the freshness of innocence and without any reservation. It is also a comfortably teasing, incisive, intimate introspection which gives the reader/listener the privilege of doing the same. Reading or listening to her “voice” engenders peace with oneself and encourages bravery to also “tell the truth” as one identifies with each sweet sharing. The CD is an excellent travel companion in its forthright content, immaculate diction, soothing tone and accompanying music.

…I have started the CD and I am love, love, loving it so far! So, great! … It’s a wonderful accompaniment…when I’m driving – it takes me to a very peaceful place….

To Tell You the Truth is a book that allows not just the writer but the reader to bare his/her soul as well. The poems invoke a sense of togetherness where the reader can identify with the thoughts of the writer. I also loved that I was able to draw strength from some of the poems. The pictorial energy that flows from the book attracts the reader like a bee to a flower. A great gift and travelling companion, this book is a must-have.

 The content covered in this book of selected poems and journal entries is comprehensive in scope, deep in thought and challenging to the mind. Miss Peart has shared with us ideas and perspectives which draw us to consider how we are living and whether we are finding true meaning in life. The contents are not for a single reading; we can return to the readings time and time again as we seek to study the scriptures and to experience spiritual growth in our lives. To tell you the truth, this work has helped me to reflect on my life and to commit to greater study of the scriptures so that I may honour the Lord by the way I live.