Amy C O'Reilly

I'm not quite sure I can write a review for this book without getting emotional. God knew I needed this book and he knew exactly the right time for me to read it. I felt such inner peace as I began this story and couldn't wait to see what God was wanting to share with me. I have always loved stories about Mary. She is someone who was chosen by God to give birth to the King of Kings. We don't know what she was really thinking as she obeyed and trusted God. The author mentions one of my favorite songs called, Mary, did you know?" Did Mary have any idea what was in store for her and her son? Mother's want the best for their child and Mary was no exception.

I appreciated the author sharing her struggles with eating disorders, depression and self image issues . I could so easily relate to the author as I have struggled all my life with similar problems. In a dysfunctional home, there is really no one to turn to. I knew Jesus and I did cry out to him many times. What was missing was my love, faith, trust and relationship with Him. Have you ever wondered what your purpose was in life? I asked that every day. Just like Mary, God has a plan for each of us. Whatever the calling is, it is no less important than giving birth to Jesus.

When the author talked about having friends to call she struggled with friendships with other girls. Oh how I know what that is like. Growing up I had no friends. I was very shy and because of what was happening to me at home, I didn't want anyone to get close to me. I became closed off as a child and grew into an adult not trusting anyone. But God in His grace and mercy gave me someone I trust completely. My husband is my best friend. I can tell him anything and he loves me unconditionally. Mary had a friend she was able to turn to who was Elizabeth. God knew just what Mary needed and gave her a friend she could share things with.

I loved each chapter of the book and felt ready to fully understand the life of Mary. The book is written in a way that is easy to follow as she includes scriptures to go with each chapter. I liked the prayers she places at the end of each chapter. Mary comes alive in the book and we follow her as she gives birth, rekindles a relationship with Joseph and finally comes to the realization that Jesus was going to pay the ultimate price.

It is hard to imagine having to watch your child suffer and you can't do anything to help. Mary was there as her son was on the cross and with her faith she knew that it was his destiny. She never spoke but I wonder what was going on inside her. Perhaps she was asking God for strength. The author asks the question, " Do we love and trust him enough to surrender all?" In this moment it was clear to me that Mary was surrendering all to Him. She was grieving but still knew that God was there to comfort her.

As the author concludes the book, it gave me time to search my heart and seek Him knowing that he has always been there, just like He was with Mary. I am encouraged to grow deeper in His word and "be assured that faith will lead you to the ultimate source of Hope and Love."

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.… (más)

"Mary treasured up of these things and pondered them in her heart" Luke 2:19

This Bible scripture is found in the introduction of When Only Faith Begins and first-time author Amy C. O'Reilly gives readers a lot to ponder in the rest of her book. It is evident that she has deeply researched the life of Mary, Mother of Jesus, and we are reminded how this young girl was chosen to be the mother of Jesus Christ, how she treasured this honor, and how she had to watch her son die. In each of the fifteen chapters, O'Reilly shares details from Mary's life with some of her own thoughts and experiences and she also begins each chapter with Bible scripture and ends with a prayer.

When Only Faith Remains is listed as a book for personal growth and Christian living and I feel that the author has accomplished this. It is inspirational and thought-provoking and I believe it can be used for both personal or group Bible study.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.… (más)

“Mary’s story is that of every mother and every woman who is brave enough to say yes to Christ and yes to the life He wills for her.”

When I began reading “When Only Faith Remains”, I did not know what to expect. Classified under Christian living and personal growth, I hoped that it would not prove to be dry or simply a recitation of facts. Sometimes, as much as I hate to say it, Christian nonfiction can be hit or miss. It can be marketed to a general audience but written for a seminarian. So I was absolutely delighted to find that Amy O’Reilly’s book (and her first one, at that) is not at all boring or incomprehensible for the layman.

As a matter of fact, “When Only Faith Remains” reaches out to the reader regardless of denomination or affiliation. I love that! Far too often we fail to look past the trivialities over which we quibble rather than focusing on that most important element of our faith: Jesus Himself. O’Reilly does a wonderful job of using Scripture to hone in on the life and particularly the unwavering faith of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Also laudable is her method, which does not seek to create a possible narrative for Mary’s life and thoughts but instead uses the information given in the Gospels, coupled with cultural history and her own maternal wisdom to offer a study of this strong woman of faith. While Mary’s story is familiar, “When Only Faith Remains” calls attention to the interweaving of Scripture from both the Gospels and the Old Testament, as well as how events in Jesus’s and Mary’s lives foreshadowed what was to come at Calvary.

This short book can be used as a devotional, with each chapter ending with a prayer and seeking to strengthen the reader’s faith journey. I also consider it part Bible study because of the author’s skillful examination of Scripture and how she uses Scripture to illuminate Scripture. Her own life and maternal experiences are poignant examples of how we can manifest faith like Mary amid life’s inevitable vicissitudes because “Faith uncontaminated by the world is believing that Hope and Love is a Person, not a feeling.” Furthermore, while Mary and her faith journey are the subject of this book, they never overshadow the Savior.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through CelebrateLit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.… (más)

I find it difficult to picture what life for Mary must have been like before an angel visited her to say she would be the mother of Jesus Christ (our Lord and Savior). The Scriptural references and personal experiences of Amy C. O’Reilly come together to form a book worth reading. I found it difficult to put this book down.

Her recognition that all of our journeys to faith take different paths, but we all need salvation. One of my favorite quotes from the book is, “When God greets us, He comes as a friend who promises to stick closer than a brother…”. Having a tumultuous relationship with my sister, I can only long for the type of relationship God wants to provide.

So if you are interested in reading a book that delves into the life of Mary, mother of Jesus, check out this book for yourself.

I received a copy of this book for my fair and honest review.… (más)