The Hollywood Book Reviews recommends Turtletoes: Following the Steps of an Angel by Michael Steven Purles, highlighting:
“Readers who enjoy nonfiction, especially memoirs, and who are interested in topics such as parenting and religion will absolutely love this book. The impact faith has on the author’s experiences, and the larger-than-life personality his daughter had, made her the main character of this story and allowed me to feel her strength and resilience in the face of so much hardship and struggle. The emotional foundation of this book, and the way it explores the impact of faith on families and those struggling with health concerns, will resonate with a large audience and keep readers invested in the author’s life and experiences.”
The book Turtletoes: Following the Steps of an Angel by Michael Steven Purles is a heartfelt memoir that chronicles the life of the author’s daughter, who was born with congenital heart disease and intellectual disabilities. Through her unwavering faith, resilience, and joyful spirit, she overcame countless physical and emotional challenges while leaving an unforgettable impact on her family. The book is both a tribute to her remarkable life and a reflection on the enduring power of love, faith, and family.
Michael Steven Purles is an inspiring nonfiction author whose deeply personal writing draws from his own experiences as a husband and father. His work centers on themes of faith, family, perseverance, and personal transformation, offering readers an honest and compassionate perspective on life’s greatest challenges. Through his reflective storytelling and conversational style, Purles shares meaningful lessons that encourage hope, gratitude, and resilience in the face of adversity.
Imagine welcoming a child into the world only to discover she will face lifelong health challenges that most people could never imagine. Every day becomes a journey of uncertainty, perseverance, and unwavering faith. Yet despite the obstacles, she embraces life with remarkable courage, finding joy in the simplest moments while inspiring everyone around her. Through every struggle, her strength becomes a guiding light for those who love her, leaving behind lessons that will last a lifetime.
This is the very essence of author Michael Steven Purles’s memoir Turtletoes: Following the Steps of an Angel. From the very first page, readers are introduced to the extraordinary life of his beloved daughter, whose resilience and unwavering spirit shine through every chapter. As the story unfolds, the memoir becomes more than a family’s account of hardship, it transforms into an uplifting testament to faith, unconditional love, and the lasting impact one life can have on countless others. Filled with heartfelt reflections and powerful life lessons, Turtletoes is both emotionally moving and profoundly inspiring.
Born with congenital heart disease and intellectual disabilities, Purles’s daughter faced challenges that could have easily defined her life. Instead, she chose to meet each obstacle with determination, faith in God, and the unwavering support of her family. Refusing to let being “different” limit her, she embraced everyday life with optimism, touching the hearts of everyone she encountered. Through her journey, the author reflects on the invaluable lessons she taught him about compassion, strength, gratitude, and unconditional love.
As a father, Michael Steven Purles discovers that the greatest transformation takes place within himself. Through his daughter’s remarkable life, he becomes a better husband, father, and human being, realizing that her influence extends far beyond the hardships she endured. Turtletoes: Following the Steps of an Angel beautifully illustrates how faith, family, and resilience can overcome even life’s greatest trials. Profoundly inspiring and deeply emotional, the memoir serves as a reminder that angels sometimes walk among us in the most unexpected forms.
Here’s an excerpt from the review written by Hollywood Book Reviews that highlights:
“Poignant and emotionally driven, this book did a perfect job of balancing the personal experiences with his daughter that drove the narrative with the lessons the author gleaned from them. The heartfelt and reflective nature of the author’s writing really hits home for most readers, as it not only emphasizes the need to take time to experience these moments with family and loved ones that will be remembered for years to come, but it highlights the ways in which things move through others, whether you call it God or faith or if you call it the Universe and the collective consciousness. The personable, conversational tone of the author’s writing will allow readers to connect with the author’s story and their experiences on a personal level.”