"This story touched me in so many ways. I feel like a better person since read it. Your love for the Lord and humanity is so awe inspiring. I am so moved by your story. I too am adopted. My story is much more loving but still a challenge. Everyone should read your book. I believe that if everyone were to read Gathering Courage we could have a much kinder and gentle world. God bless you."

"Through my life I've seen those who have faced adversity handle it in much different ways. Some let it tear them down and never seem to escape letting it bury them for a lifetime. Others just seem to muttle through and survive it. Still, others harness the grace of Jesus Christ and thrive. This is what McMullin did with her life. She used the adversities of her childhood along with non-parental encouragement to build a life of serving others while overcoming the shortcomings in her own life ... This book is simply a real good book to read and a great story of overcoming.

The other thing I'll have to admit is that it will draw a bit of a spotlight into your life and make you wonder what you've done with your life. Especially if you haven't had as many hurdles in your life as the author. So beware, this book could also prick your conscience. All in all, this book is a great read about a great woman overcoming a difficult upbringing and a learning disability."

"Gathering Courage by T.A McMullin is a heartfelt account of the journey through adoption, fostering and life. Terry McMullin is honest with her highs and lows, her loves, her losses and her constant faith in a God who loves her unconditionally. Terry McMullin writes about her struggles with dyslexia ... there is a marvelous section on dyslexia saying what it is and what it isn't. It's very powerful. Words have the power to bring life or death. We need to always speak 'Words of affirmation... [to] break chains.' I loved the sentiment that 'Forgiveness is the gift we give ourselves. Animals can bring healing ...' Towards the end of the book, I became totally undone as she described how she would give Border Collie, Katie a forever home. It was my favorite passage in the whole book (maybe because I have given a rescue kitty a forever home). Thank you, Terry McMullin for your account of your life. Thank you for your love and your perseverance to always help and look out for others. A beautiful account that will make you cry. Read with tissues nearby. "

"I was so excited when I received this book from the author as I had won a contest…It helped me to read this as when you grow up any other way than your parents it is always good to read books like this. This author wrote me a little note inside and it is so true. It says "Encouragement does make a difference!" and I will never forget that. This is a grand slam out of the park for T.A. McMullin!"

"T.A. McMullin is an ordinary person that has lived an extraordinary life because from an early age she learned to “trust God with all her heart,” and “lean not on her own understanding.”
When you read this book, you see that because she was faithful to God, God was always faithful to her. During the hardest times in her life, you can see where God sent her a friend that said or did exactly what she needed at that time. By trusting in God she was able to put herself through college, make life long great friends and excels in life where others may have used their circumstances to muddle through life. I really enjoyed reading this life story; to see how God is faithful when we truly trust him is so encouraging. I must tell you that I had to reread chapter 23 (no spoilers) because I couldn’t see all the words through the tears. This book will uplift and encourage you in your own personal relationship with God. It is beautiful designed and put together. I am incorporating one of her worship habits; I am making it a point to be thankful for three things per day and letting God know just how thankful I am.

"Gathering Courage is the perfect title for Terry's journey! Her story was so well written at times I felt I was by her side feeling her heart break and disappointment. I found myself in tears crying out from the chapters asking "Why??" There were moments I could feel my soul hurting for Terry that I would have to set her book down and walk away. This is a must read for all! Terry's unconditional Love and Faith in Jesus Christ is what has inspired me most! Her story has gifted me with the reminder that Nothing is Beyond God! Terry's story ends Triumphantly and I am Amazed at all that she has been able to achieve! I plan to share this story with a friend of mine and will ask her to do the same when she is through. Terry is proof that God will see you through!

"I had the opportunity to read this book for free so that I could review it. I really enjoyed this book. Once I started, I did not put it down. This is an encouraging book for anyone who has to compensate and overcome a disability in their life. Terry had many struggles: she was in an abusive home, adopted, struggled with self image and adversity, and on top of it all had a reading disability due to dyslexia. This story is how she overcame and even triumphed in ever endeavor she attempted. This is a story that will inspire you to do your very best no matter what hand you are dealt in life. I loved this book."

"McMullin's way of telling her story, as well as certain details of her life she relates, reminded me a bit of the life and books of Temple Grandin. Similarly inspiring, that's for sure!"