Book Review – Princess Sophia’s Gifts

About the Book
Princess Sophia’s Gifts by Diane Hovey is a modern fairy tale that explores one family’s significant tragedy and subsequent survival. Like all fairy tales, it contains universal truths that can enrich the lives of those who read and ponder it.

The recipient of the Writer’s Digest 17th Annual International Self-Published Book Award Honorable Mention in the Children’s Picture Books category, Princess Sophia’s Gifts is a tale of loss that nonetheless guides readers in a journey of discovering, in the author’s words, “what makes our spirits dance.”
When a kingdom’s beloved princess suffers a tragic accident, it underscores the realization that loss can happen to anyone. As Princess Sophia hovers somewhere between life and death, she “meets” spirit women who give her special gifts for her return to life as a severely disabled child.

Like all families, the royal family is devastated by Sophia’s tragedy. Trying to make sense of it, they journey to find a cure, to restore life to the way it once was. The family discovers that not all questions have answers, and that in loss there is also opportunity for growth and healing.

Deliberately written as a fairy tale with the requisite princess and her admirers, this book for all ages highlights transformation and resilience and provides a way to examine the gifts or personal strengths within everyone, especially those who are different.

Based on a true story, this richly illustrated book honors the essential spirit inherent in all human beings and was written, notes the author, “to honor life experience and the wisdom these experiences make possible.”

About the Author
Dr. Diane Hovey received her Doctor of Philosophy degree in Family Social Science from the University of Minnesota where she studied with leading experts in stress theory. Her research and personal experience has given her depth and insight into how families manage the challenges of ongoing health conditions; she promotes creative expression as a vital means of transforming lived experience in a manner that builds family well-being and community understanding.

My Take on the Book
This book was a treasure and a tale that turns tragedy into fairy tale as well as a learning experience for all who read it. I loved the messages of compassion, acceptance and spirituality.

The story is an important read for families with any disabled members but also for children to better understand the disabilities that people have around them.

The artwork within the book was breath-taking! I have never seen the art of Sara Butcher before, but since reading this book, I have been looking for other books that she has illustrated!

I am the type of person that loves to have my children see and understand the diversity around them and the author does a great job of allowing readers to see this as well. Not only does she incorporate different ethnic groups into the story, but she also makes sure that though the princess is a typical fair and light-haired child, she incorporates many other colors of hair and skin tones throughout the book!

Overall, this was a great book with a great message that I would encourage you to read as well!

You can find the book on Amazon!

This book was written for aHeARTT Publishing who provided the complimentary book in exchange for my honest review.