What do you think?
Rate this book
An Unseen Angel: A Mother's Story of Faith, Hope, and Healing After Sandy Hook
“From the deepest pain a mother can imagine, comes a beautiful book whose message of redemption and healing touches all of us. A testament to the best parts of human nature and the power of resilience." ―Lee Woodruff – Contributing Reporter for CBS This Morning and New York Times Best-selling author "Alissa Parker's personal journey brings you out from the depths of that fateful day at Sandy Hook Elementary School to lessons applicable to everyone on how to rise above the evil and hardships faced in our lives." ―Mark Shriver, bestselling author and president of Save the Children Action Network As the mother of one of the children who died at Sandy Hook school in Newtown, Connecticut, in 2012, Alissa Parker had her world shattered by a mass murderer's rampage. She was left to make sense of her daughter's life and death and to rebuild, seeking a deeply spiritual path to carry on with her life and find new meaning and purpose.
As a co-founder of SafeandSoundSchools.org, a touring national advocacy group that helps people take action to make schools safer, Alissa has talked to hundreds of parents around the country about her ordeal and how she was able to endure the unspeakable horror of Sandy Hook.
An Unseen Angel takes readers though Alissa's complete journey, chronicling the moment-by-moment account of the day that began with every parent's worst hearing, "There's been a shooting at your child's school." It follows her faith-filled spiritual path to coping, healing, forgiving, and eventually feeling gratitude for the life and love of her daughter Emilie. She describes a bond of love between a mother and daughter that is so profound it transcends the physical body and touches Alissa and the people who loved Emilie who feel her presence every day. And she articulates her deep Christian faith, which guided the answers to Alissa's gut-wrenching, post-tragedy This is the first book about the school-shooting tragedies with a focus on faith and spirituality. As we learn Alissa's story, we are introduced to a special little girl who was wise beyond her years and whose lessons about life and the transcendent power of love continued even after she had passed away."
As a co-founder of SafeandSoundSchools.org, a touring national advocacy group that helps people take action to make schools safer, Alissa has talked to hundreds of parents around the country about her ordeal and how she was able to endure the unspeakable horror of Sandy Hook.
An Unseen Angel takes readers though Alissa's complete journey, chronicling the moment-by-moment account of the day that began with every parent's worst hearing, "There's been a shooting at your child's school." It follows her faith-filled spiritual path to coping, healing, forgiving, and eventually feeling gratitude for the life and love of her daughter Emilie. She describes a bond of love between a mother and daughter that is so profound it transcends the physical body and touches Alissa and the people who loved Emilie who feel her presence every day. And she articulates her deep Christian faith, which guided the answers to Alissa's gut-wrenching, post-tragedy This is the first book about the school-shooting tragedies with a focus on faith and spirituality. As we learn Alissa's story, we are introduced to a special little girl who was wise beyond her years and whose lessons about life and the transcendent power of love continued even after she had passed away."
192 pages, Paperback
Published April 4, 2017
52 people are currently reading
1508 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 309 reviews
Read
August 25, 2017In the wake of a tragedy of the magnitude of a shooter killing children and teachers at Sandy Hook Elementary School, Newtown, CT on December 14, 2012, a book written by the mother of her child’s death could be nothing less than a 5 star read. Yet, how do I tell you about this account of a day so horrific, and a mother’s personal grieving that truly explains its impact on me?
Alissa Parker must find her way to her own peace as each of us also struggles to make sense of this senseless act. Certainly her journey is heartbreaking but also a spiritual one as she seeks the help of God to sustain her faith in the beauty of life and the gift of her years with Emilie. You may not share her faith or her belief that Emilie’s presence surrounds and embraces her family but you cannot deny the power of her ability to survive, to love, to forgive.
Like many, I wonder at the lives that would have been. Alissa Parker nudges me to see this in a different way, to see what has been given beyond what has been taken. Through her words and shared pictures of her daughter, Emilie Parker, Alissa Parker has given us an unforgettable reflection on love and the gift of hope.
Alissa Parker must find her way to her own peace as each of us also struggles to make sense of this senseless act. Certainly her journey is heartbreaking but also a spiritual one as she seeks the help of God to sustain her faith in the beauty of life and the gift of her years with Emilie. You may not share her faith or her belief that Emilie’s presence surrounds and embraces her family but you cannot deny the power of her ability to survive, to love, to forgive.
Like many, I wonder at the lives that would have been. Alissa Parker nudges me to see this in a different way, to see what has been given beyond what has been taken. Through her words and shared pictures of her daughter, Emilie Parker, Alissa Parker has given us an unforgettable reflection on love and the gift of hope.
April 3, 2017
Actually I don't think there is a high enough star rating for this book!!! It deserves at least 10!
I have been trying to put my words on paper about this book. Then I decided there are no words that would adequately express how much this book touched my heart.
I had a chance to hear Alissa talk about her tragedy in person. It was just as hard to put into words then how I felt as it is now after reading the book.
I am also a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Her stories inspired me, and touched me so deeply and still do. It wasn't until I finished reading her book, that I realized it doesn't matter what religion, background and color etc. we may be, this book is inspiring. It teaches about love, healing, and finding our way though tragedy. Every one will experience some kind of tragedy, at some point in their life. Whether little or big. What this book teaches, is how to go about healing after the tradegy without becoming bitter.
I cannot imagine what Alissa and her husband Robbie and family went through on that fateful day, and still do. Yet she has found a way to be happy and find healing in the simple things in life. She has found a way to connect with her sweet child that is no longer with her physically on this earth, but is still very much with her.
I cannot tell you how emotional this book made me either. This is hands down one of my biggest fears every day as a mother. When I send my kids off to school every day, and have actually gone through some shut downs at school because of kids who make bad choices. I cannot fathom a life without my children in it. Yet, I see through this book, and through my own faith that we are never really separated. Though we may not always be together physically, we will always be together.
If you are suffering with loss in any way, please take a moment to read this book. It doesn't take long. It is powerful, and uplifting. It is inspiring. Although the reason for this book is horribly tragic, the words written on the paper and the sweet pictures included, far out weigh the tragedy.
I cannot thank Alissa enough for being willing to put her thoughts into words to inspire others. This book has changed my life. It has given me a greater understanding of life after death. It has increased my faith, and understanding of the importance of always treasuring those moments with our kids while they have been placed in our possession on this earth.
I could go on an on about how much this book has touched and inspired me, so I hope you take the opportunity to experience it for yourself. You will not regret it. The sweet feeling of peace that came over me while reading it, I hope will stay with me for a very long time.
Source: I was given this book as part of a blog tour. I was not compensated in any way for this review. These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.
I have been trying to put my words on paper about this book. Then I decided there are no words that would adequately express how much this book touched my heart.
I had a chance to hear Alissa talk about her tragedy in person. It was just as hard to put into words then how I felt as it is now after reading the book.
I am also a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Her stories inspired me, and touched me so deeply and still do. It wasn't until I finished reading her book, that I realized it doesn't matter what religion, background and color etc. we may be, this book is inspiring. It teaches about love, healing, and finding our way though tragedy. Every one will experience some kind of tragedy, at some point in their life. Whether little or big. What this book teaches, is how to go about healing after the tradegy without becoming bitter.
I cannot imagine what Alissa and her husband Robbie and family went through on that fateful day, and still do. Yet she has found a way to be happy and find healing in the simple things in life. She has found a way to connect with her sweet child that is no longer with her physically on this earth, but is still very much with her.
I cannot tell you how emotional this book made me either. This is hands down one of my biggest fears every day as a mother. When I send my kids off to school every day, and have actually gone through some shut downs at school because of kids who make bad choices. I cannot fathom a life without my children in it. Yet, I see through this book, and through my own faith that we are never really separated. Though we may not always be together physically, we will always be together.
If you are suffering with loss in any way, please take a moment to read this book. It doesn't take long. It is powerful, and uplifting. It is inspiring. Although the reason for this book is horribly tragic, the words written on the paper and the sweet pictures included, far out weigh the tragedy.
I cannot thank Alissa enough for being willing to put her thoughts into words to inspire others. This book has changed my life. It has given me a greater understanding of life after death. It has increased my faith, and understanding of the importance of always treasuring those moments with our kids while they have been placed in our possession on this earth.
I could go on an on about how much this book has touched and inspired me, so I hope you take the opportunity to experience it for yourself. You will not regret it. The sweet feeling of peace that came over me while reading it, I hope will stay with me for a very long time.
Source: I was given this book as part of a blog tour. I was not compensated in any way for this review. These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.
January 18, 2017
I really wanted to like this book. I wanted to read how faith helped this family to cope with this unthinkable tragedy. I can't imagine what I would have done.
Alissa Parker is convined that her daughter Emilie is literally now an angel who's always nearby and is helping and comforting not only her but others.
I can imagine that this thought is comforting and may be encouraging for some readers, but it is a kind of deception that has nothing to do with biblical angels. I'm sure there are angels, but angels are a different creation, they are not humans who have died and gone to heaven.
Alissa Parker is convined that her daughter Emilie is literally now an angel who's always nearby and is helping and comforting not only her but others.
I can imagine that this thought is comforting and may be encouraging for some readers, but it is a kind of deception that has nothing to do with biblical angels. I'm sure there are angels, but angels are a different creation, they are not humans who have died and gone to heaven.
February 2, 2017
On December 14th, 2012, America & beyond was sent into utter shock at the brutality and tragedy that took place at Sandy Hook Elementary. One of the 20 children murdered that day was Emilie Parker, who had immediate family connections to Ogden, Utah. Close to where we lived and also a member of the same faith, I felt an extra level of compassion towards this family. As a mother of a then Kindergartener, my first thoughts were to not even take him to school that afternoon. He had half days, and I caught the news as we were getting ready to go. With heavy heart, I approached our school like most parents probably did, with anxiety in my soul. I stopped in the office to talk to the staff who hadn't heard the news yet. Needing to talk I stayed for a little longer than I usually would. After this event our school took on new ways to implement added security, though it was still hard to send my little ones off to school. Like most parents, what happened at Sandy Hook that day - deeply affected us all.
For Robbie & Alissa Parker, Emilie's parents, they were thrown into a living nightmare. One of my supervisors at work lived close to Alissa's family, and knew them well. She would tell us about the grief they were feeling as a community, and gave us a little insight. We worked together in a Bookstore & Clothing Distribution Store, owned by our Church. I was blessed to be working in the Distribution Center at the time, and it was a great blessing to me to be touched by the sensitivity of my supervisors thoughts, and the Spirit, as we went about our work. I recall one day I arrived at work, and was told Alissa & Robbie had just been in there. I was so grateful that I had not been on shift. What would I have said or done? I've been in that situation of deep grief over a immediate family member, and feel empathy for those who are suffering too. It still doesn't make it easier to express that. As I went about my work, I suddenly felt prompted I should stop and pray for the Parkers. "Hey!" I thought. Just how am I supposed to do this in the store? It was unusually quiet, and I decided to step into the Temple Room, which is a small quiet room in which we keep our sacred temple clothing, and spend time with those going to the Temple. It's a beautiful space to me, small, and nothing stunning in design. But I always loved going in there with people preparing for a special moment in their spiritual journey. I went in and knelt down and the Spirit overcame me in such a powerful way. I pled with God to touch their lives with peace, to help them feel His presence. It was short, and I got up and went straight back to my work, but I'll never forget the prompting or that moment. Grateful I had somewhere peaceful I could stop and act.
It's been 4 years since that dreadful day, and occasionally I've wondered how they were coping. How they managed to go forward. Survive. A few weeks ago this book 'An Unseen Angel' by Alissa Parker popped up in my books to review collection for Shadow Mountain Publishing. I felt a gut wrenching ache. There is no way I can read that book I thought. Just no way. I'm just going to have to skip over it and move onto the next fiction book waiting in line. I felt the same in-trepidation I felt over picking up Elizabeth Smart's book. It took me months before I could face that one. Today, I decided to pick it up. The first 25% of this book I literally sobbed with tears pouring down my face. I don't even know where Alissa found the courage to write these words. As I turned the pages though I felt utterly astounded and amazed at the ability, the faith, the determined will to survive this. At the outpouring of love that came their way. Do not knock the human race. The blessings that poured from people in their community and all over the United States reminded me that despite all the troubles we face, all the conflict, differences of opinion etc, love abounds.
Alissa has so poignantly invited us to share in this unbelievably heartbreaking journey. I can't imagine her bravery, to open her private thoughts, emotions & experiences and share them with us.
If you're feeling like you're in a bad place, upset, angry, struggling, in need of hope... seek out this book. It will be released in April, and I tell you, you will see your life a little differently.
What touched me the most was the special, sacred experiences they have encountered individually and as a couple as they have walked, cried, mourned this difficult road. The recognition that Emilie has been there, touched their lives and many others in unique and special ways is testimony building. The moments, the people, the way events fell into place before the tragedy and after. When you loose a loved one, that you have been very close to, and especially when it's been unexpected or too soon, you are occasionally blessed with 'moments'. They won't be like you expect or probably wish for, and you can't even explain them to another person, without taking away the sacredness of it. I have experienced it, and I believe in every, single, one of these experiences Alissa has eloquently shared.
Thank you to Shadow Mountain & Netgalley for the complimentary copy. This is my honest review.
For Robbie & Alissa Parker, Emilie's parents, they were thrown into a living nightmare. One of my supervisors at work lived close to Alissa's family, and knew them well. She would tell us about the grief they were feeling as a community, and gave us a little insight. We worked together in a Bookstore & Clothing Distribution Store, owned by our Church. I was blessed to be working in the Distribution Center at the time, and it was a great blessing to me to be touched by the sensitivity of my supervisors thoughts, and the Spirit, as we went about our work. I recall one day I arrived at work, and was told Alissa & Robbie had just been in there. I was so grateful that I had not been on shift. What would I have said or done? I've been in that situation of deep grief over a immediate family member, and feel empathy for those who are suffering too. It still doesn't make it easier to express that. As I went about my work, I suddenly felt prompted I should stop and pray for the Parkers. "Hey!" I thought. Just how am I supposed to do this in the store? It was unusually quiet, and I decided to step into the Temple Room, which is a small quiet room in which we keep our sacred temple clothing, and spend time with those going to the Temple. It's a beautiful space to me, small, and nothing stunning in design. But I always loved going in there with people preparing for a special moment in their spiritual journey. I went in and knelt down and the Spirit overcame me in such a powerful way. I pled with God to touch their lives with peace, to help them feel His presence. It was short, and I got up and went straight back to my work, but I'll never forget the prompting or that moment. Grateful I had somewhere peaceful I could stop and act.
It's been 4 years since that dreadful day, and occasionally I've wondered how they were coping. How they managed to go forward. Survive. A few weeks ago this book 'An Unseen Angel' by Alissa Parker popped up in my books to review collection for Shadow Mountain Publishing. I felt a gut wrenching ache. There is no way I can read that book I thought. Just no way. I'm just going to have to skip over it and move onto the next fiction book waiting in line. I felt the same in-trepidation I felt over picking up Elizabeth Smart's book. It took me months before I could face that one. Today, I decided to pick it up. The first 25% of this book I literally sobbed with tears pouring down my face. I don't even know where Alissa found the courage to write these words. As I turned the pages though I felt utterly astounded and amazed at the ability, the faith, the determined will to survive this. At the outpouring of love that came their way. Do not knock the human race. The blessings that poured from people in their community and all over the United States reminded me that despite all the troubles we face, all the conflict, differences of opinion etc, love abounds.
Alissa has so poignantly invited us to share in this unbelievably heartbreaking journey. I can't imagine her bravery, to open her private thoughts, emotions & experiences and share them with us.
If you're feeling like you're in a bad place, upset, angry, struggling, in need of hope... seek out this book. It will be released in April, and I tell you, you will see your life a little differently.
What touched me the most was the special, sacred experiences they have encountered individually and as a couple as they have walked, cried, mourned this difficult road. The recognition that Emilie has been there, touched their lives and many others in unique and special ways is testimony building. The moments, the people, the way events fell into place before the tragedy and after. When you loose a loved one, that you have been very close to, and especially when it's been unexpected or too soon, you are occasionally blessed with 'moments'. They won't be like you expect or probably wish for, and you can't even explain them to another person, without taking away the sacredness of it. I have experienced it, and I believe in every, single, one of these experiences Alissa has eloquently shared.
Thank you to Shadow Mountain & Netgalley for the complimentary copy. This is my honest review.
July 29, 2025
This book was expectedly heart wrenching, but I wasn’t prepared to sob through most of the book. It was an emotional journey that deepened my faith and compassion. I remember the day of the Sandy Hook Massacre crying quietly in the library during my senior year. Reading more details and hearing such a personal account of one of the families was devastating. I was touched to see the way so many people reached out and supported this family and felt personally blessed by the tender and personal stories shared by Alissa. Alissa’s account inspired me to face tragedy with faith and be a more loving present mom.
July 16, 2025
I am absolutely speechless. This book bolstered my faith in ways I didn’t realize I even needed. It was amazing to read a first hand account of a mother and her struggled to grapple with the Sandy hook massacre. I will forever cherish the raw way she transcribed her story and the she let all of us in to her personal experiences.
July 23, 2017
This was an amazing book. Full disclosure, Alissa Parker is my cousin, and I've followed her blog for quite some time following the Sandy Hook shooting. At the heart of Alissa's writing--both in her blog and this book--is how to deal with loss. How can a parent deal with the loss of a child when the death makes no sense, rationally or emotionally? And how can one deal with personal tragedy when you find yourself suddenly thrust into the heart of a national debate over gun control and mental health, and you are put front-and-center in the limelight with everyone looking to you for answers?
It's heart-rending.
I imagine that much of the psychological healing and processing that would normally be private and could happen at your own time and your own pace, now has to happen in full view of the world. As if you've suddenly become an icon or a spokesperson. That would be extremely difficult. And because we are who we are, we want a moral to the story: i.e., Do we forgive Adam Lanza? Do we try to understand his tragedy? Do we blame gun laws? Do we blame the Constitution? Is there goodness that can come out of this tragedy? What do we expect of the parents and survivors of Sandy Hook?
I don't know any of these answers. All I know is that this is a beautifully-written book that gives the reader a glimpse into the heart and mind of Alissa as she deals with the most difficult event of her life and its aftermath. I cried almost constantly. I recognize how unbelievably courageous it was to write and to give the reader access to her innermost thoughts and feelings. In that regard, it is sacred and I feel privileged for having read it.
It's heart-rending.
I imagine that much of the psychological healing and processing that would normally be private and could happen at your own time and your own pace, now has to happen in full view of the world. As if you've suddenly become an icon or a spokesperson. That would be extremely difficult. And because we are who we are, we want a moral to the story: i.e., Do we forgive Adam Lanza? Do we try to understand his tragedy? Do we blame gun laws? Do we blame the Constitution? Is there goodness that can come out of this tragedy? What do we expect of the parents and survivors of Sandy Hook?
I don't know any of these answers. All I know is that this is a beautifully-written book that gives the reader a glimpse into the heart and mind of Alissa as she deals with the most difficult event of her life and its aftermath. I cried almost constantly. I recognize how unbelievably courageous it was to write and to give the reader access to her innermost thoughts and feelings. In that regard, it is sacred and I feel privileged for having read it.
April 10, 2017
I live near the community where this event took place, and I attended church with the Parker family, and still happen to live here- so it was with great sorrow that I read this book. It is an inspiring story of living through a horrible and senseless tragedy and learning to have faith in God and his plan and learning to forgive and be happy again. It is a story of hope and miracles. I truly believe in life after death- that our departed loved ones can be with us in spirit to comfort us and that we can indeed feel of their presence and love. Families are meant to be forever- if it wasn't so then there would be no purpose to our life on earth. God wants us to come to earth as families- so he wouldn't want that to end when we die. I'm grateful for that knowledge and I hope that those who don't have that knowledge will gain a better understanding of that blessing by reading this book. Thank you to Alissa for sharing these deeply personal stories, our church congregation still think of you and your family with love and tenderness and sadness too.
November 14, 2017
I’ve known about this book for at least a year, and intentionally did not read it. Knowing the Parkers and living in the area where this happened, I had no desire to relive everything. What more could the book say that I didn’t already know anyway? But after spending some time with Connecticut friends this past weekend, I finally felt the desire to read Alissa’s words to the world. My friend helped me see that this book was not merely a retelling of a horrific tragedy; but it is a story of faith, hope and healing. I read the entire book while traveling yesterday, and really loved it. I felt some healing of my own begin as Alissa shared her and Robbie’s experiences. I believe in angels — I’ve had one very special angel by my side often in my life — and I believe that God loves all of his children and will answer our prayers, and comfort us in ways that only He knows how. Thank you, Alissa, for sharing something so personal. I will proudly display this book on my shelf.
Read
February 6, 2017Honestly I don't know how to rate this book. Due to the content of a mother opening up her feelings about leading up, in the thick of it, and the aftermath of the Sandy Hook shooting. I cried through most of the book. I mean ugly cry. You would have to be soulless not to. I love how Alissa Parker was honest in her feelings in everything including the shooter. I also loved all the good and positive that came as well. Life is so precious.
July 23, 2019
Wonderful book from the Mother's point of view of losing a daughter in a horrific tragedy. I too have lost a daughter but under very different circumstances. I could definitely relate to many of the experiences she went through. It took me awhile to read because I needed to read it in small doses due to the memories it evoked. Great book.
February 27, 2024
This was a heartbreaking, heart wrenching story, told in the most beautiful way. I sobbed multiple times through reading this short book and my perspective about life and death have changed, probably forever. I am so grateful for Emilie's mom, who took the time to write this book and share her story of grief and forgiveness, loss and love.
July 24, 2025
Absolutely heart-wrenching. I can’t even fathom the pain. I’ll have a first grader this year, so it especially hit hard. It definitely makes me want to keep my kids close!!
This book shares the reality of grief, as well as the beauty of faith and healing. Despite the tragedy, I was inspired by how much kindness the family was shown.
This shooting happened while I was on my mission, so I never knew the details or that a member of my faith was personally affected.
This book shares the reality of grief, as well as the beauty of faith and healing. Despite the tragedy, I was inspired by how much kindness the family was shown.
This shooting happened while I was on my mission, so I never knew the details or that a member of my faith was personally affected.
November 17, 2019
How could I give this beautiful little book any less than five stars?
I remember being very affected by Newtown, having a brother who was 7 at the time, and seeing Emilie’s face on the television with her bright blue eyes. My heart broke for her family’s loss. I am truly happy that she is in a better place now and continues to do what she was always meant to do. Inspiring and life affirming.
I remember being very affected by Newtown, having a brother who was 7 at the time, and seeing Emilie’s face on the television with her bright blue eyes. My heart broke for her family’s loss. I am truly happy that she is in a better place now and continues to do what she was always meant to do. Inspiring and life affirming.
April 6, 2017
I clearly remember the day that Adam Lanza entered Sandy Hook Elementary School and killed 20 children and 6 adults. I was at the elementary school I work at now. I remember the horror I felt as the details started to come in. But the emotions I felt were nothing compared to those of those who lost a loved one that day. Alissa Parker's 6-year-old daughter was among the twenty children whose mortal lives ended that day. In this book, she walks the reader through her experiences both leading up to that day and the year that followed. I'll admit that I shed plenty of tears reading this tender account of a mother's love for her daughter, and the grief that followed her loss.
As Alissa and her family struggled to deal with this tragedy in their lives, they sought for a way to somehow find healing in the face of utter heartbreak. I can't really do Alissa's account justice, I can just recommend that you read it. Yes, it's a story of tragedy and grief, but it's also a story of family, friends, and compassion. It's a story of evil choices made and the resulting anger and bitterness that often accompany such things. But it's also a remarkable story of forgiveness, and peace, and God's love. The photographs that accompany the story reveal a beautiful little girl who touched the lives of many, far beyond her years, both in life and death.
I admire Alissa's willingness to share such an incredibly difficult experience with the world. And even more so the tender experiences of prayers answered. While the story revolves around a tragic event, it still manages to show beauty coming from ashes and the love that God has for his children and His willingness to help us through the challenges we face.
As Alissa and her family struggled to deal with this tragedy in their lives, they sought for a way to somehow find healing in the face of utter heartbreak. I can't really do Alissa's account justice, I can just recommend that you read it. Yes, it's a story of tragedy and grief, but it's also a story of family, friends, and compassion. It's a story of evil choices made and the resulting anger and bitterness that often accompany such things. But it's also a remarkable story of forgiveness, and peace, and God's love. The photographs that accompany the story reveal a beautiful little girl who touched the lives of many, far beyond her years, both in life and death.
I admire Alissa's willingness to share such an incredibly difficult experience with the world. And even more so the tender experiences of prayers answered. While the story revolves around a tragic event, it still manages to show beauty coming from ashes and the love that God has for his children and His willingness to help us through the challenges we face.
March 17, 2018
I steeled myself going into this book, knowing it would be sad, but thinking that I could prevent myself from feeling too much anguish, since I already knew that Emilie would be killed in the Sandy Hook shooting. I was not prepared for the deluge of tears this book brought on. I was driving in a rainstorm and practically had to pull off the road because I couldn't see through the tears in my eyes. Another time, I was working out on a treadmill at the gym, UGLY SOBBING, in public.
Despite my steely resolve not to be too emotionally affected by the story, I was hit in unexpected ways. It was the acts of love and kindness and mercy that other people showed to the Parker family that had me sobbing. What a great example of ministry through earthly angels.
My understanding was expanded as I read the stories of people who had had experiences with Emilie, once she had died that helped her mother to understand what Emilie's heavenly ministry was. Having lost several family members I've been thinking a lot about the various types of work they might be performing in the spirit world, and hearing these experiences helped me to accept a wider range of positions of ministry and to find peace in those works.
This is a truly beautiful book. The writing is good. The author is so honest and vulnerable in sharing their family's story. I'm really grateful that she would allow so many others to see into their lives and hearts.
The audio book was read by the author--Alissa Parker. It felt very intimate to have her sharing her words in her voice.
Highly recommend to everyone.
Despite my steely resolve not to be too emotionally affected by the story, I was hit in unexpected ways. It was the acts of love and kindness and mercy that other people showed to the Parker family that had me sobbing. What a great example of ministry through earthly angels.
My understanding was expanded as I read the stories of people who had had experiences with Emilie, once she had died that helped her mother to understand what Emilie's heavenly ministry was. Having lost several family members I've been thinking a lot about the various types of work they might be performing in the spirit world, and hearing these experiences helped me to accept a wider range of positions of ministry and to find peace in those works.
This is a truly beautiful book. The writing is good. The author is so honest and vulnerable in sharing their family's story. I'm really grateful that she would allow so many others to see into their lives and hearts.
The audio book was read by the author--Alissa Parker. It felt very intimate to have her sharing her words in her voice.
Highly recommend to everyone.
December 27, 2019
This was such a heartbreaking event and Alissa has been on my mind so much since it happened. My tears would run down my face and splash on my new baby daughter as I nursed her while I read Alissa's blog. I thought about her when my daughter was the same age as Emily the day she was killed. I've often wondered how any mother could come back from something so ugly and evil. But in Alissa's own words, "Evil didn't win that day." Alissa has strengthened me by sharing the event, her reaction, the service she received from others, her healing, and the tender mercies and quiet assurances she's received from heaven that Emily is okay and still so involved in their family. Although I'm not Alissa or the mother of any of those sweet children, I think I share feelings of mourning, heartache, confusion, and a touch of cynicism toward the world that many others experienced after this happened and Alissa's book provided me with closure and healing as well. I want to be Alissa's best friend. I don't know her but I sure love her as if she was a very special friend.
May 5, 2017
I cried along with the rest of the country the day I heard about the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School. I am a first grade teacher, and I know the feelings of love and attachment teachers have for the little ones in their charge. I know the sweet innocence of these little beings that are just beginning to experience their independence from their families. The shootings rocked me to my core. I have especially been drawn to the story of Emilie Parker, as we are the same religious background, which was evident to me from the very first moment I saw her parents in an interview.
This is her mother's story of grieving, sorrowing, accepting and forgiving. I imagine Alissa Parker's early feelings are typical of a parent experiencing what she experienced. But instead of letting it canker her soul, as soon as she was able, she looked for and found the miracles that helped her in her journey back to happiness.
This is her mother's story of grieving, sorrowing, accepting and forgiving. I imagine Alissa Parker's early feelings are typical of a parent experiencing what she experienced. But instead of letting it canker her soul, as soon as she was able, she looked for and found the miracles that helped her in her journey back to happiness.
September 4, 2017
From the beginning... God has used his angels as His emissaries in conveying love and concern for His children... Usually such beings are not seen. Sometimes they are. But seen or unseen they are always near. Sometimes their assignments are very grand and have significance for the whole world. Sometimes the messages are more private. Occasionally the angelic purpose is to warn. But most often it is to comfort, to provide some form of merciful attention, guidance in difficult times. -Jeffrey Holland
March 20, 2019
Wow! I read this book with the expectation of learning more about what happened that tragic day. I was not expecting to learn so much about faith, hope, and the ministering of angels. I have not faced a tragedy like this family has, yet felt like the words were so applicable to me personally. I am grateful for the example of this family and that they were willing to share the lessons they learned because I learned so much as well.
August 14, 2017
I had all the feels reading this. What a powerful story.
A couple of my favorite lines from the book...
"Keep your hearts tender toward the Lord, and He will visit you with comfort and a peace that passes all understanding." -Jeffrey R. Holland
"With every person we meet, we may be entertaining an angel unawares"
A couple of my favorite lines from the book...
"Keep your hearts tender toward the Lord, and He will visit you with comfort and a peace that passes all understanding." -Jeffrey R. Holland
"With every person we meet, we may be entertaining an angel unawares"
July 11, 2017
Wow this was a powerful book in many ways. I can't imagine what this family went through but I learned so much about God's trust and love and His way to provide that has helped me with my own struggles.
February 20, 2018
I was going to read this slower over a few Sundays, but I started it I had a hard time putting it down. I am awed by this woman's faith. It brought tears to my eyes during a few parts.
Read
February 16, 2018“An Unseen Angel,” by Alissa Parker, is an amazing, but super sad book about loss and healing. This book is the true story of a little girl named Emilie. In the beginning of the book, Emilie gets shot during the sandy hook shooting. Her mother struggles with it and she feels like she lost a part of her. She can’t do anything and she feels helpless. However, as time goes on she learns that Emilie will always be with her and she learns how to move on.
I loved this book! It was so sweet and so touching. I loved how the Emilie’s mom focused on Emilie’s death, but she also focused on adding memories with Emilie and how many good times she and Emilie had. I liked how this book had some sad parts but it also had some funny parts. I don’t think I would’ve enjoyed the book as much if it was all sad. I also really liked how the author wrote about how people helped her and how they reached out to her even if they didn’t know her. The way she wrote showed how grateful she was and how much she appreciated all the love and support. A lesson I learned from the book was people make mistakes and we all need forgiveness. In one part of the book, Alissa goes and visits the shooters father. When she firsts meets him, she has nothing but hard feeling towards him because of what his son did. However, as she talks to him and learns about their family past, she learns to forgive him and his son.
I loved this book! It was so sweet and so touching. I loved how the Emilie’s mom focused on Emilie’s death, but she also focused on adding memories with Emilie and how many good times she and Emilie had. I liked how this book had some sad parts but it also had some funny parts. I don’t think I would’ve enjoyed the book as much if it was all sad. I also really liked how the author wrote about how people helped her and how they reached out to her even if they didn’t know her. The way she wrote showed how grateful she was and how much she appreciated all the love and support. A lesson I learned from the book was people make mistakes and we all need forgiveness. In one part of the book, Alissa goes and visits the shooters father. When she firsts meets him, she has nothing but hard feeling towards him because of what his son did. However, as she talks to him and learns about their family past, she learns to forgive him and his son.
May 27, 2017
When I first heard about the Sandy Hook tragedy I had just finished reading at the school with my son and his first grade class. I was shaken to the core as I vividly pictured the sweet 1st graders I had just left in a situation like the one at Sandy Hook. I had to resist the urge to go and get my son and just hold him for the rest of the day, thankful that I still could. I still can't grasp the sorrow and pain that those families and that entire community has been through.
Grab a box of tissue if you decide to read this. I cried through the entire book. Yet somehow I could not put it down. I don't do sad, my mothers heart can't take it, but I am so glad I read this. This mother has written an honest and emotional account of her very personal journey. Reading it reminded me to hold my children a little tighter, love my neighbors a little better and to trust in the Lord and his plan. Thanks for sharing your story.
Grab a box of tissue if you decide to read this. I cried through the entire book. Yet somehow I could not put it down. I don't do sad, my mothers heart can't take it, but I am so glad I read this. This mother has written an honest and emotional account of her very personal journey. Reading it reminded me to hold my children a little tighter, love my neighbors a little better and to trust in the Lord and his plan. Thanks for sharing your story.
January 28, 2023
Many will remember December 24, 2012: President Obama recalled it as being the darkest day of his presidency; families across the nation were stunned by the news: a school shooting, this time at an elementary school: twenty children were dead at Sandy Hook, in Newtown, Connecticut. For Alissa Parker, this was the day her sweet daughter Emilie was murdered. In this book, she tells Emilie's story, both before that tragic day and her experiences -- both of despair and healing -- afterward.
With the twentieth anniversary of Sandy Hook being just a few weeks ago, I couldn't help but think back to my own heavy heart that day; I had two children in elementary school at the time, one a little older and one a little younger than most of the victims. My heart broke again as I considered that those first graders never got to grow up to take AP classes or join the marching band as my sons did.
I admire Alissa for writing her story and sharing Emilie with us after the tragedies they endured, both on that day and since. Her journey of healing and faith leaves me feeling hopeful and inspired. I'm glad I read this short memoir.
With the twentieth anniversary of Sandy Hook being just a few weeks ago, I couldn't help but think back to my own heavy heart that day; I had two children in elementary school at the time, one a little older and one a little younger than most of the victims. My heart broke again as I considered that those first graders never got to grow up to take AP classes or join the marching band as my sons did.
I admire Alissa for writing her story and sharing Emilie with us after the tragedies they endured, both on that day and since. Her journey of healing and faith leaves me feeling hopeful and inspired. I'm glad I read this short memoir.
November 11, 2017
Read this in a single sitting and, I’m not going to lie, bawled through the whole thing. I’m emotionally drained.
Alissa discusses memories of her daughter, Emilie, who was killed at the Sandy Hook shooting. She then goes through her grieving process and how she was able to emerge from this horrible situation with help from others along the way, including Emilie.
“I have also learned that forgiveness is not a simple process. It is a choice that needs to be made over and over again, with each fresh hurt and each missed milestone in Emilie’s life. But I discovered that as I became willing to let go of my anger and judgment toward Adam Lanza, rich blessings of comfort and understanding flowed into my life. When I laid my anger at God’s feet, I found Emilie again.”
Alissa discusses memories of her daughter, Emilie, who was killed at the Sandy Hook shooting. She then goes through her grieving process and how she was able to emerge from this horrible situation with help from others along the way, including Emilie.
“I have also learned that forgiveness is not a simple process. It is a choice that needs to be made over and over again, with each fresh hurt and each missed milestone in Emilie’s life. But I discovered that as I became willing to let go of my anger and judgment toward Adam Lanza, rich blessings of comfort and understanding flowed into my life. When I laid my anger at God’s feet, I found Emilie again.”
March 10, 2019
This book was hard to read, and yet also hard to put down. From her mother’s descriptions and anecdotes of little Emilie, I felt like I knew her, and grieved right along with the Parker family as the unthinkable happened. This book had me weeping as I felt Alissa’s raw emotion and loss. Tears also came reading about the family’s process of healing, the tender mercies in feeling Emilie’s presence with them, and in learning of the many beautiful ways others reached out to support the Parkers and honor Emilie’s life.
January 8, 2021
I pretty much cried through most of the book. It was inspiring, raw, beautiful, devastating. I connected to this story because of the recent loss of my dad. The spiritual experiences that happened to them, made me reflect on the experiences I had after my dad's death.
This also hit me straight in the heart being a teacher and remembering that day vividly. That day changed the way I think about school safety. Whenever we have a lockdown drill, I think of what happened that day. I pray that it will never happen again.
This also hit me straight in the heart being a teacher and remembering that day vividly. That day changed the way I think about school safety. Whenever we have a lockdown drill, I think of what happened that day. I pray that it will never happen again.
August 10, 2022
I finished this book a few days ago, and have waited to write a review as I have been pondering and reflecting on this mother's honest, open, heart wrenching, and redemptive story--it is one of those stories that sticks with you for days. Reading it felt very much as if I was reading a mother's personal writings, perhaps in her journal. At times I would feel a bit uncomfortable, as if I was intruding into her private thoughts and experiences. And yet, I am glad that I stayed with it because I was impacted in a tremendous way. The descriptive subtitle "a Mother's Story of Faith, Hope, and Healing" describes it well. Her journey through acceptance, healing, and forgiveness is beautiful and I feel grateful she was willing to share her personal experience.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 309 reviews