Rainbows For Rainy Days: 40 Devotional Readings That Reveal God’s Promises, By Catherine Campbell

[Note: This book was provided free of charge by Author Blog Tours in exchange for an honest review.]

This is a very short book, designed as 40 brief devotional readings, each with an appropriate scripture to start, that are designed to comfort and encourage. However, the brevity of the book does not mean in any way that this book does not repay careful study or even rereading (which, as the book is less than 100 small pages, is not a difficult task anyway). This particular volume is an expansion of a previous smaller series of devotionals, and it would appear as if this volume could easily be expanded to a much longer, even year-long set, if the author and publisher are willing.

When I requested this particular book to read, I did not in any way expect that by the time the book arrived I would need encouragement. Happening to know that my life is filled with many metaphorical (and literal) rainy days, though, I thought it would be useful and practical as a way to help get my mind out of its occasional mental ruts. In that this book proved very helpful, and may do so again, as I will have to keep this book handy as a small volume for quick encouragement, as is sometimes necessary. There are quite a few people who could use encouragement, and this little book is filled with gentle and honest commentary that will certainly provide encouragement to many.

As is often the case, one finds out a great deal about writers as a result of reading their writings. In this small book, one learns a lot about Mrs. Campbell that helps make this a more poignant read. The author reveals her personal insecurities at being known as a relative of others rather than for herself (as her husband is apparently a somewhat well-known Northern Irish Protestant minister). She comments often on her mourning over the death of two daughters afflicted with genetic disorders that led to difficult lives and premature deaths during their youth. She speaks of her love of exotic travel and her deep sympathies for those who are broken and abused. Throughout the course of this excellent work, Mrs. Campbell shows herself to be a gentle and tenderhearted and deeply reflective sort of person.

As can be expected for a volume like this, this book is full of a wide variety of materials given its slim size. There are many scriptural references, including summaries of familiar stories about Jesus Christ, Joseph, David, Paul, and Elijah (among others). There are personal reflections about the author’s own life and family, and there are also a wide variety of beautiful pictures to help uplift and encourage. Though this is not a long book at all, it is a book that packs a fair amount of content into its slim size, and for those who find themselves needing occasional encouragement in tough times, this is a good volume that serves the job well.