Cherished with Love from Above: A 5-Star Review

Cherished with Love from Above ~Danny Frigulti

Book Review: Cherished with Love from Above by Danny Frigulti

Some books find you in the most unexpected ways… and this was one of them.

I actually met Danny at the gym, of all places. I was on a bike, completely immersed in The Moonshine's Wife by Twyla Smith, when he came over and started a simple conversation. It turned out he was a teacher turned author, and before I knew it, we were talking about books.

If I’m being honest, I was secretly more interested in some of his other titles at first. This one wasn’t what I would normally reach for. But he was certain. He told me this was the book I needed to read. Not just a recommendation, but something he truly felt led to share.

And when he spoke about it, you could feel it.

There was something deeply sincere in the way he described grief, love, and the challenges of truly loving and being loved. He spoke about understanding love through God’s eyes, and that moment alone made me pause. You don’t often meet someone so intentional about a message like that.

Going into it, I’ll admit this isn’t my usual genre. I tend to stay away from religion and politics in my reading. But this book shifted something for me.

It wasn’t about preaching. It was about love.

The kind of love that asks you to go deeper. The kind that reminds you not to settle. The kind that reflects commitment, especially within marriage, in a way that feels both grounding and aspirational.

Even with the scriptures and quotes woven throughout the book, each one serves as a gentle reminder of God’s love and just how deep that love truly goes. It never felt overwhelming, but instead intentional and heartfelt, reinforcing the message in a meaningful way.

What stood out most was the reminder that there are people who choose to love fully and intentionally. That kind of love exists. And it is worth waiting for.

And then, at the end, the book does something unexpected. It invites you to reflect. There’s a sort of “homework” moment that asks you to sit with what you’ve read and apply it to your own life.

I’ll be honest… I’m not there yet. I’ve got a few more books on my list before I’m ready to fully step into that kind of reflection. But I appreciate that it’s there, waiting.

This book is a solid 5 stars for those who adore being loved and who have a heart for God. It speaks directly to that space with sincerity and purpose.

Overall, this wasn’t the book I thought I would pick up…
but it was the one I’m really glad I didn’t pass by.

Enjoy — in light N love. ✨

Book Review: The Moonshiner’s Wife by Twyla Dione Smith

The Moonshiner’s Wife marks an impressive debut for Twyla Dione Smith, a real estate agent turned historical fiction author. From the first pages, it’s clear that this story is thoughtfully written, with history woven seamlessly into the narrative rather than simply placed around it.

Set firmly within its time period, the novel shines in its attention to place. Smith includes specific locations that ground the story and create a meaningful connection between the reader and the setting, making the world feel lived-in and authentic. This sense of place enhances the emotional depth of the story and adds richness to the journey.

What stood out most to me was the way Smith addresses the challenges and hardships of the era with genuine heart. The struggles feel real, handled with sensitivity and care, and never lose sight of the human cost behind them. It’s a story that doesn’t shy away from difficulty, yet remains compassionate throughout.

The journey to the ending is not an easy one—but that’s what makes it so rewarding. The conclusion is beautifully sweet and deeply satisfying, offering warmth and hope after a challenging path. By the final pages, the story lingers, leaving you with a full heart and an appreciation for both the characters and the history they inhabit.

The Moonshiner’s Wife is a strong, memorable debut that will appeal to readers who love historical fiction with emotional depth, authentic settings, and a heartwarming payoff.

🎙️ Listen to the Author Interview

Want to hear directly from Twyla Dione Smith about the inspiration behind The Moonshiner’s Wife, the historical research process, and her journey into writing her first novel?
👉 Click here to listen to our exclusive author interview:
Creator Interview with Twyla Smith