Return to Joy: Finding Healing in the Arms of Your Savior

Bev DeSalvo draws from her personal experience with abuse and difficult relationships during childhood to bring hope to those who are hurting. She clearly defines the freedom and hopeful future which can be found in the love of Jesus. I loved the optimism and ,well...joy! which radiated throughout this book. It was easy to read; I began and finished it one Sunday afternoon. However, I recommend reading this book more slowly with time to ponder the stories and truths within. Also, I think it would be good to give some thought towards the discussion questions.

Although my review is positive, I can't give this book 5 stars because it wasn't as life-changing as other similar books I have read within the past few years. It was good though and I have no negative comments.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my review.

In Return to Joy, Bev DeSalvo shares her own story of healing from past pain to draw other women along a journey toward intimacy with their Savior. The road to healing is arduous and long. But when we bow our pain in worship, this broken road leads to the heart of God, where all masks are removed and divine comfort can be experienced.

On this journey, understanding the true nature of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit brings healing and restoration to all father, relational, and mother wounds. Learning to aggressively fight against Satan, who is devious but not creative, replaces his evil lies with the truth of God so that they no longer define the person. Recognizing that God is always “with me” leads to a place of rest where there is no fear of being rejected or abandoned. As a result of these new insights, the reader can finally return to joy and experience emotional and spiritual balance. Out of the overflow of intimate worship, God becomes their refuge, provider, and protector, enabling them to move toward others in forgiveness and true community.

Includes a ten-week Bible study.