Jan Silvious is a wife, mother, grandmother, successful author and life coach. This latest book confirms why she’s such a successful author, writing about a topic that of late has proved to be very popular: putting things in perspective and being kind to yourself. Jan uses anecdotes to help illustrate her points in such a way that readers come away feeling encouraged that wherever they may find themselves at any given moment it is perfectly OK, and that the time spent there is only for a season, and not forever.

Her writing is sensitive, easy to read and provides any reader with a sense of being understood and accepted. It becomes clear what season Jan is talking about throughout the reading of the book, which promotes self-examination and the opportunity for healing. The book consists of ten chapters each dealing with a particular theme, for example, grief and hope. It’s these themes that are seen as the different seasons of life. It’s a very special and thought-provoking book, one which can provide both insight and comfort to its readers. Highly recommend.

I received a complimentary copy of the book for review purposes from Tyndale House. ( )

Title: Courage for the Unknown Season
Author: Jan Silvious
Pages: 208
Year: 2017
Publisher: NavPress
My rating 4 out of 5 stars.
When I started reading the book, I wondered if it would have any nuggets of wisdom for me to glean, and it truly did have some! There were a few places I didn’t quite glean as much. Perhaps that is based more on my season of life than anything. Either way, I think chapters 8 & 9 have much to share with those who are caretakers or were caretakers of aging parents.
I had the blessing of being able to be that person for my husband’s parents. It wasn’t always easy and sure it did not always feel like a blessing at that time. When one sees parents aging and declining, there is grief that goes right alongside other emotions that are mixed and complicated. It has been a few years since that season for me and now both my husband and I look back and are seeing the wonders God did and the memories we have that we cherish.
Now, as my sons grow into adults and one recently married I am in an unknown season. With unknown seasons there are many emotions experienced, questions, insecurities and such. Unknown seasons bring change without the benefit of foresight because we don’t see it coming. It seems like we awake and there the season is on our face. The author shares nuggets that I have stored in my heart and mind to remember as I take a step each day and close my eyes at night, closing my day with prayer.
The book isn’t long, so people can read it and quickly gain insight and encouragement. Plus, it is a good book to use for discussion groups of various kinds. ( )