Step Talk

“Practical Pointers from Poignant Stories
This anthology is heart warming and heart breaking with stories that demonstrate the complexities of
making blended families work successfully. The anthology includes practical pointers from sources
representing every aspect of blended families.

Articles from award winning Christian authors reinforce the importance of the book and strengthen and
enhance the principles shared by the other contributors. I was deeply moved by Vanessa Miller’s
contemporary fiction story based on biblical Hannah’s plea for a child of her own. I also benefited from
Kevin Wayne Johnson’s challenge to a commitment to fatherhood. Dr. Vivi Monroe Congress presented a
working definition of blended families, illustrations from biblical families, and an excellent summary of God’s
design and plan for the family. Editor, Valerie L. Coleman, provided an excellent write up of a case study
done by Brenda McKinney, M. S., L. S. W. The study highlighted the idiosyncrasies and innuendos that
reflect relationship dynamics in the blended family.

The book also provides biblical principles and practical examples of things to look for as you find yourself
preparing for or already positioned in a single-parent or blended-family situation. Money issues, custody of
the children and extended families are all important concerns addressed in this comprehensive, well-
organized anthology.

Blended Families An Anthology is a valuable resource, with a Christian emphasis, for anyone
contemplating becoming a part of a blended family or already deeply involved in the process of working out
these complex relationships.

This anthology is poignant and practical, well articulated, and heart warming.”

~ Richard Blake, Amazon.com reviewer This review is featured in the Feb. 2007 Midwest Book Review

"God and the Stepfamily
Valerie L. Coleman has brought together a diverse and eclectic set of contributors for this anthology of
mostly first-hand experiences with blended families — families with kids from previous marriages and
relationships, foster kids, grandkids, etc. Most essays concentrate on (1) the hardships and (2) the role
their faith in God played in getting through the bad times and appreciating the good times. Recommended
for families going through the process of integrating new family members into the whole, or for parents at
their wit’s end looking for hope.”

~ Tim Brandhorst, Amazon.com reviewer

"Something For Blended Families
Few books actually address the real concerns and issues facing “blended families;” those are the new
families that come about through the remarriages of parents. In her book Blended Families An Anthology,
Valerie L. Coleman compiles a group of outstanding short essays, life experiences and even a couple of
fictional tales that fully illustrate this new family status. She starts off with her own personal story and some
of the issues and problems that she encountered. This story alerts the reader that this is not going to be an
easy task, and for most couples that want to build a new family; great faith and love will be needed.

The anthology is not only entertaining, interesting and full of little personal wisdoms but it is also an
inspirational look through the eyes of a Christian. Practical tools and biblical principles are at work in the
editing process as Coleman places appropriate Bible passages for the stories.

The book is an insightful look at the real world of modern life. It is well written and intelligently edited. The
book has a place on the bookshelves of all single, divorced and remarried parents. You will find that you
are not alone; and some of those very issues that you may be facing others have already experienced.
Their experiences and thoughts just may be of help to you in working out your own family matters. I
recommend this book for Christian families who are dealing with this same kind of issue."

~ Bill McDonald, author and former president of Military Writers Society of America

“No one can give a better perspective of blended families than one who has a first-hand account. In this
eye-opening anthology, a wealth of talent combines with a wealth of experience and the end result is
heartwarming, empowering and inspiring! Each offering, be it scripturally based or a slice of the author’s
own reality, will give the reader a better understanding of what family is really all about.”

~ Kendra Norman Bellamy, national bestselling author of Crossing Jhordan's River and More Than Grace

"Valerie Coleman provides an opportunity to learn and become more sensitive to the challenges of those
living in blended families. This book is a quality resource for pastors, ministers and lay persons."

~ Marion Witcher, author of Sowing My Tears, Reaping His Joy

"Blended Families An Anthology brilliantly illustrates the obstacles and triumphs that often occur within
blended families. Each story serves as a powerful testimony of God’s love and encourages believers to
forge ahead with confidence. This book will positively impact all who are open to receive the messages it
relays."

~ Lynel Johnson Washington, freelance editor

“Blended Family An Anthology was filled with words of wisdom and grateful advice, opening my eyes to a
very different side of the word ‘family.’ One learns that although ‘bad things may happen’ there is always
hope and a way to repair damages of the heart and soul, if two people really want to make it work. I was
captivated and moved from the first story to the last, realizing as I read this anthology that with a lot of love
and faith, families have a way of healing. Blended Families is definitely an anthology worth reading and
treasuring for centuries to come.”

~ Sylvia Hubbard, author and founder of Motown Writers Network