Book Review-Bloom by Kelle Hampton

I was so excited to get this package in the mail last week...

I'm also excited to be linking up to my very first Book Club Linky at From the Guest Room. I just happened to have ordered this at the perfect time and am happy to be able to squeak in! This is my very first book review that I've done here on this blog and I'm not sure if there is a technical side to reviews, but I am just going with what I thought and how it has affected me. Oh, and I will try not to write anything that may 'spoil' the book, just in case you haven't read it yet, but I will probably reference a few things!

I've been reading Kelle's blog, Enjoying the Small Things for a little over 3 years now. She is simply amazing, inside and out. If you are not familiar with her or her blog, I highly suggest that you head over, you will not regret it! She is my daily pick me up, my daily reminder that life is good, full and that there is always a rainbow after a storm.

Let's just say that Bloom did not disappoint. One thing that I love about Kelle is that her positive outlook on life oozes from every word she writes. Whether it is her brutal honesty and vulnerability that she shares when she writes about the birth of her youngest daughter, Nella (love that name!) who was born with down syndrome. Or the thankfulness that overcomes her later on. She simply has a heart of gold, and I would love to be able to say that I have a piece of that gentle and vibrant soul in me.

I barely made it past page two before I had to go grab a kleenex...before I knew it the whole box was gone and I was bawling hysterically. One thing you should know about me is that I can be a bit of an emotional wreck at the best of times. And me crying is not a pretty sight...but I digress...

I knew prior to buying the book , that it was basically a documentation of Nella's first year of life. But I had no idea how in depth it would be. It wasn't hard to place yourself exactly into every chapter and re live every moment. I tend to put myself into every character while reading a book or watching a movie. It made me think and wonder what I would have done if I ever was in a smiliar situation. Would I react the same way? Would I ever be honest enough with myself to say those harsh words aloud? To relive an experience that hurt, but also brought so much joy? Would I be as accepting?

One thing that struck me while reading this book is the sense of togetherness. The role that family and friends played since the very beginning of Nella's birth was incredible. The "Net' as Kelle called them. Oh my goodness I'm getting choked up again... It's truly happy to see loved ones gather around to support and give unconditionally and you can certainly see where Kelle gets her spirit and zest for life from.

There is nothing that I could write that could come close to how this book will affect you, how bone chilling real it is and how you will wish that Kelle was your neighbour so you could go skinny dipping in her pool, and your friend to hold your hand when things get tough. Along with gorgeous photos and documentation of heart to heart text messages and letters, Bloom is nothing short of what you would expect from a mother's love. Whether you have kids of your own, or are hoping for kids one day, this book will hit close to your heart and hopefully leave you with a sense of hope that good things do come in the littlest packages, even surprise ones.

This post was sponsored by Four Marrs and One Venus