One Call Away by Brenda Warner

I was given the opportunity to review One Call Away by Brenda Warner. Known to many as NFL star Kurt Warner's wife, Brenda writes this book to share with her children and her readers who she is beyond that identity. Starting with her childhood she tells her story. The story of her family, her military career, a troubled first marriage, single parenthood and then the ups and downs of life with Kurt and the NFL.

Being from St. Louis, I watched Kurt's amazing "fairytale" rise to the Superbowl with the Rams. I am somewhat familiar with his rags to riches story and have been impressed with his Christian witness. I heard some of the media talk about Brenda following the Superbowl, but really didn't know much about her story. It was very interesting hearing her story in her words.

This book hooks you from the first paragraph. The writing style captures your attention and holds it. I found it hard to put it down and finished it in a couple of days. Her story is often a difficult one, but through all the ups and downs, the tragedies and triumphs, she continually points to the One who is in control. This is a story of faith, of trust, of learning to hand over the reins to God, learning that she is not in control and that God's plans may not be comprehensible at times, but He is in control and she can trust Him. She very candidly shares details of her life and the circumstances that shaped who she is. While it is a story of trust and faith, it was not an overly preachy book. Faith is just the thread that weaves this story together.

As often is the case with people in the public figure who has dealt with controversy this book does sometimes have the feel of "this is my side of the story". A chance to make a defense for things that have happened. Not knowing all the details and not really having followed the media hoopla that surrounded the Warners, I can't really make a call on all that. I am sure there are many sides to the stories here. But, I didn't feel that that detracted from the story too much. It was still a compelling book of someone has become famous but has managed to keep her eyes on Christ and use her platform for good. One who is human and not always perfect and can admit that.

I received this book from Book Sneeze and Thomas Nelson publishers for review.