Thriving in the Barren Place Review

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A Book Review

Recently, I had the opportunity to be on the launch team for Thriving in the Barren Place by Paula Romang. Paula is a friend from church, and I was honored to read her inspiring memoir. Her book released earlier this week, and I am happy to share my review and be a part of her book launch team. Please scroll down to read more about Paula's book and my review. Also, please check out this new book on Amazon. 

More About the Book

What if the hardest seasons of life could lead to the deepest encounters with God?

Paula Romang and her husband, Mark, were overjoyed to welcome their twin boys, Matthew and Luke—though their early arrival led to an unexpected journey through the NICU. From the start, their smaller twin, Matthew, faced overwhelming medical challenges, including profound special needs and a debilitating seizure disorder.

Paula’s faith had been strong but untested until the weight of Matthew’s suffering forced her to lean fully on God. The journey was marked by heartbreak and transformation as she became a faith warrior with an unshakable reliance on Jesus. In her desperation, she encountered the Lord in ways she never imagined:

“For where else, but in desperation, would the Lord of All Creation stoop to walk with me? Where else, but in pain, would the Suffering Servant carry my impossibly heavy load? Where else, but in loneliness, could I find such a Friend? Without the pain, I could never have known Jesus as I do, for by it, the Almighty One has become my strength, my peace, my comfort, and healer of my broken heart.”

Thriving in the Barren Place is a testimony to the God who remains present in suffering—the One who strengthens, comforts, and heals even the most broken hearts.

My Review

Thriving in a Barren Place is an inspirational memoir about a mother caring for her disabled son even during the darkest of times. Paula Romang’s honesty throughout the story is both heartbreaking and inspirational. As a mother of a son who has also gone through medical challenges, this story hit close to home and provided encouragement. What I love about this memoir is that the author clung to her faith and grew stronger through all the challenges she and her family faced. It shows that even when God’s plan is difficult to understand, He still takes care of His children and knows what is best. The chapters flow easily, keeping you engaged throughout the story. There are also Bible verses and questions at the end of each chapter to help encourage readers in their spiritual journey. I believe this memoir would be a wonderful read to encourage those who have children with disabilities, but also as an encouragement to other readers as well. I give Romang’s memoir 5 stars. 

To find out more about Paula Romang, please visit her website at: www.paularomang.com/