Available at Amazon.com.

Publishers Weekly Featured Review January 28, 2008

Gifts of Passage: What the Dying Tell Us with the Gifts They Leave Behind
Amy Hollingsworth. Thomas Nelson, $19.99 (192p) ISBN 978-0-8499-1920-6

Few events in life leave us more vulnerable and potentially open to God's gifts than the death of a loved one. The death of Hollingsworth's father while she was writing her first book, The Simple Faith of Mister Rogers, gave her the opportunity and desire to discover what legacies the dying leave behind. While searching for the meaning of her father's final moments, Hollingsworth talked to or read about others who had experienced gifts in the midst of loss, and movingly recounts their stories. While some of the anecdotes are familiar, such as C.S. Lewis's loss of his wife, Joy, many of the most touching are of ordinary people whose gifts are occasionally physical—e.g., a locket that had not yet been given—but more often are ones of relationship. Hollingsworth concludes with the powerful story of her father's death and her discovery that his last moments offered her much needed healing of their difficult relationship. Those who question whether God orchestrates all that happens in our lives will struggle with that implied theology here, but those who find comfort in that perspective will experience Hollingsworth as a warm and gracious companion for the grieving process. (Apr. 29)

Please visit:  www.GiftsofPassage.com!  Read Chapter One of Gifts of Passage here .

“Amy Hollingsworth has given us a wonderful gift in this book, enabling us to view death from a new and different perspective, which is a rare gift indeed.  I can honestly say I have never thought about discerning the gifts that loved ones wanted to give us before their deaths, whether intentionally or unintentionally.  Yet it makes perfect sense to me now, for they do want desperately to give us one last gift before they die.  Hollingsworth uses stories, literature, dreams, and biblical examples to awaken in us the desire and even a sense of holy urgency to discover, understand, and cherish these gifts.  It made me ponder my past losses in a new way.  I received gifts I did not know were there.  I cannot thank Amy enough.”

Gerald Sittser, bestselling author of A Grace Disguised:  How the Soul Grows Through Loss. 

“Amy Hollingsworth’s writing is reminiscent of Henri Nouwen in its vulnerability.”

Sean Herriott, host of national Catholic radio program Morning Air™ on Relevant Radio^®

“In this compelling book Amy Hollingsworth's remarkable gift with words unfolds a thesis that is both powerful and gentle:  there are gifts left at the time of passage.  The outcome is a wonderfully comforting perspective on life's final transition.”

SQuire Rushnell, bestselling author of When God Winks

“If you have lost someone in death, this profound book will give you peace – and insight!  Amy Hollingsworth boldly shares her wounded heart, after the death of her father, in the writing style and poignant insight of C.S. Lewis.  In the midst of grinding pain and tears, Amy gives hope, spiritual support, and optimistically encourages people to look for the gift which their loved one has left behind.

“Amy was one of my encouragers as I walked through the pain of losing my wife to breast cancer.  Amy writes from real life – she has been where you are!  She is authentic, vulnerable, and radiates a warm connection with God.”

 Jim Conway, Ph.D. is the president of Mid-Life Dimensions and author of Traits of a Lasting Marriage, When a Mate Wants Out, Men in Mid-life Crisis, and Women in Mid-Life Crisis.