Gathering Courage

The 2017 Illumination Book Awards honored Gathering Courage: A Life-Changing Journey Through Adoption, Adversity, and a Reading Disability, with the SILVER, Enduring Light Medals Award, for Christian Thought.

"There's a straightforwardness to the writing style that moves along at a lovely cozy pace... Her story is a testament to the power of having positive influences / people in one's life, how a simple kind word... just the display of someone having faith in you... can sometimes be enough to move mountains... 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!"  EpicFehlReader

"Gathering Courage by T.A. McMullin is an American story filled with adversity, triumphs, heartbreaks and great personal victory. T.A. McMullin will transport your mind through the epic words of a female pioneer who never gives up no matter the challenges she faced!  ...  I held my breath after every chapter and you will too!"     Charmaine Caraway - The Visionary Woman

"Overall, this memoir is a testament to the endurance of the human spirit in the face of emotional and physical pain. The author consistently notes the need for love and encouragement when dealing with both people and animals as well as the necessity of prayer and thankfulness... Readers will feel as if they're walking alongside McMullin as she tells her story and advises readers how they, too, can survive setbacks; ..."   KIRKUS REVIEW 

Readers relate to this book because of either their own learning disabilities, or their children or grandchildren. I like the message of tenacity and not giving up...It is also a message that you can be anything that you want to be if you have the desire... Every pastor or principal would do well to recommend this book and also have T.A. come and speak to their congregation and faculty.   Dr. Charles Higgs, Pastor, & Adjunct Professor at Dallas Baptist University