Blended Families: An Anthology

by Valerie Coleman

With divorce, single-parent households and family crises on the rise, many people are experiencing the tumultuous dynamics of blended or stepfamilies. -The disillusioned ex can create a vortex of... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0978606604
• ISBN13: 9780978606602
• Release Date: October 2006
• Publisher: Pen of the Writer, LLC
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

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Practical Pointers from Poignant Stories

This is an anthology of heart warming and heart breaking stories that demonstrate the complexities of making blended families work successfully. The anthology includes practical pointers from sources representing every aspect of blended families. Articles from award winning Christian authors reinforce the importance of the book and strengthen and enhance the principles shared by the other contributors. I was deeply moved by Vanessa Miller's contemporary fiction story based on Biblical Hannah's plea for a child of her own. I also benefited from Kevin Wayne Johnson's challenge to a commitment to fatherhood. Dr. Vivi Monroe Congress presented a working definition of blended families, illustrations from Biblical families, and an excellent summary of God's design and plan for the family. Editor, Valerie Coleman provided a comprehensive write up of a case study done by Dr. Brenda Mc Kinney, M. S., L. S. W. The study highlighted the idiosyncrasies and innuendos that reflect relationship dynamics in the blended family. The book also provides Biblical principles and practical examples of things to look for as you find yourself preparing for or already positioned in a single parenting or blended family situation. Money issues, custody of the children, extended families are all important concerns dealt with in this comprehensive, well organized anthology. The book is a valuable resource, with a Christian emphasis, for anyone contemplating becoming a part of a blended family or already deeply involved in the process of working out these complex relationships. This Anthology is poignant and practical, well articulated, and heart warming.

Splendid!

Blended Families An Anthology is a splendid book to read. It allows you to understand what to expect when families blend together - the good & the bad. A book you don't want to miss if you are in a blended family situation or not!

God and the stepfamily

Valerie Coleman has brought together a diverse and eclectic set of contributors for this anthology of mostly first-hand experiences with blended families--families with kids from previous marriages and relationships, foster kids, grandkids, etc. Most essays concentrate on (1) the hardships and (2) the role their faith in God played in getting through the bad times and appreciating the good times. Recommended for families going through the process of integrating new family members into the whole, or for parents at their wit's end looking for hope.

Something For "Blended Families

There are few books out there that actually address the real concerns and issues facing "blended families"; those are the new families that come about through the remarriages of parents. In her book "Blended Families: An Anthology", Valerie L. Coleman complies a group of outstanding short essays, life experiences and even a couple of fictional tales that fully illustrate this new family status. She starts off with her own personal story and some of the issues and problems that she ran into. This story alerts the reader that this is not going to be an easy task for most couples that want to build a new family; great faith and love will be needed. The anthology is not only entertaining, interesting and full of little personal wisdoms but it is also an inspirational look through the eyes of a Christian. There are also some practical tools and biblical principles at work in the editing process as Coleman places appropriate Bible passages for the stories. The book is an insightful look at the real world of modern life. It is a well written and intelligently edited. The book has a place on the bookshelves of all divorced and remarried parents. You will find that you are not alone; and some of those very issues that you may be facing others have already experienced. Their experiences and thoughts just may be of help to you in working out your own family issues. I recommend this book for Christian families who are dealing with this same kind of issues.