Welcome Home! is a book I would probably have left untouched had I seen it in the book store. Smiling faces and waving flags, with the “faith” type implications of “extreme joy,” tend to have that effect on me. But luckily I met the book first online, and read the review and interview with the author before I saw the cover. It sounded intriguing – Extreme Makeover without the clamor of TV, and a fascinating look into the life of a family that “medically challenged” doesn’t even begin to describe.

Kimberley Woodhouse is an inspiring, yet very down-to-earth Christian mother. When I read of her situation, her many situations, I immediately knew I wouldn’t cope. I wouldn’t have a chance. Then she tells how God turns can’t cope into can, and introduces extreme joy on the way.

There are several Bible studies hidden in the book, but they read like part of the story, just desperate conversations with God where Kimberley learns and passes on what she finds. She knows God doesn’t deliberately send trials to fall on her. But He does use every trial to teach, and she lets Him, turning back to and relying on His word and His incredible timing and provision to show the way.

Kimberley comes across as a real friend and tireless advocate, a wonderful mother to her children, and a really fun writer. She takes the reader with her on an inspiring journey, from scary birth of son to daughter's dangerous life, from smelting South to frozen North, from house to rental to homeless to Extreme Makeover.

I really did enjoy this book. I really felt uplifted. And I really recommend you try it for yourself. I even like the cover now I know the owners of the smiles. ( )