"I'm so glad I read your story. It was the sort of book I didn't want to put down. I always wanted to know what would happen next. Your openness and honesty about your own struggles are an inspiration and the way you have continued to trust in God--no matter what--was such an encouragement. Your attitude in making the best of your situation shows through all that you write--and it sounds like all that you do . . . It does me good to be reminded that life is tough for others too, but we have a God who doesn't let us fall, and carries us when we need that. The end of your book where you shared how God allowed you to "soar" was so beautiful. I've always loved the verses in Isaiah, but now I have a new picture to add to that!" Fiona Burrow, Australia

"Jo, I finished your book last night. One of those you can't put down once you start. Loved it. You have really been through a lot. I admire the love you have for Jesus. You keep going when many would have quit." Lorrine  Arnott, WA

"I devoured your book and shared it as part of my Bible study since it focuses on faith.” Vicki Orr, California (former pastor)

"Many scenarios reminded me of places and things I did when living in Colorado Springs and working as Recreation Director with Deaf and Blind Students--even skiing at Winter Park . . . though I had only a suspected case of MS and wasn't diagnosed in 1977. I was officially diagnosed in 1999. Other places reminded me of times when my cousins took me jeeping. Keep up the great inspiring work." Mary Jane Anderson, FL

"I was totally caught up in your story--couldn't put the book down. I am totally and completely in awe of your endurance, your faith, your stamina, your hope in spite of all obstacles. Suffering -- blessing or curse. God's will or simply the result of human will? I certainly am NOT qualified to answer these questions. You are. That is another reason your book is so awesome. You can speak to these questions with total integrity - 'the right' to do so." Wilma Messenger, NY

"Jo has written a honest book about the everyday struggles of life. Besides sharing about the heartache of divorce and the issues of a step-family, Jo is insprational in writing of her faith during the diagnosis and living with MS. I was touched how open Jo was to share her failures and her successes, knowing many of 'characters' in the book would read it. Having met Jo at a women's retreat, then reading her book - her incredible realationship with God that is genuinely communicated in her writing. The book is uplifting and gives hope when life seems too much; always pointing to God as her strength and always praising him for his activity in her life. Jo inspires me to seek a deeper and more personal relationship with my Savior." PattyL, AMAZON REVIEW

"What amazes me is that in spite of Jo's circumstances, throughout the book, she remained faithful and prayed to God. NO MATTER WHAT she was going through; whether it be extreme physical pain, emotional pain or a combination of both, she was going to remain in communication with the heavenly father and was going to continue to do the right thing and seek and communicate with the Lord. When I read the book, I was in the deepest and darkest time in my life with loss and depression. Jo's book gave me encouragement, much encouragement. No one can imagine what life is like with a debilitating disease except the person going through it. Hearing Jo continue to love the Lord and have faith even when she had every right and natural inclination to be angry, depressed and bitter changed the way I looked at my own situation and gave me hope when I had none. A must read." tc, WA (male) AMAZON REVIEW

"What a delight to receive your book in the mail last week. I confess, I tried to 'save' it to read after an upcoming surgery this week, but I read it all this past weekend. Smile. I feel as though I know you pretty well now--thanks for being honest and transparent--the only way we truly encourage others!" S. Brinkerhoff, PA

'"This is an exciting testimony of one who walks victoriously through a life of illness, heartaches and disappointments!" Eunice, Hansen, co-founder of Christian Renewal Center in Silverton, OR

"I loved your book. It is awesome! I didn't want to put it down. You have been through so much and all I have to go through is a needle with chemo therapy!" Kandy Thomas, WA

"How encouraging, uplifting and challenging for me, the mother of a precious daughter diagnosed with MS at age 26, to read Jo Franz' story, Soar Unafraid. Jo writes so openly of her challenges with multiple sclerosis and its impact on her life, her family, and her mobility. She shares her innermost thoughts, as she struggles each day with this disease and yet allows God's grace to faithfully lead her moment by moment. She never gives up! She enjoys life to the fullest with each step in the day. I am challenged to do the same and 'Soar Unafraid.'" Karen Bernhardt, WA, AMAZON REVIEW

"Your book has strengthened me to praise God no matter what happens. You have been a great blessing to many people and I say, 'Thank you, God, for Jo's life.' God really works in different ways in different lives. Your book gave me the fastest reading I have done in many years. I am passing it to my son who is a medical doctor to read before he leaves for the UK." Overseer Dr. Solomon O. Abe, National President, The Bible Society of Nigeria

"Many years ago, I met Jo at a church retreat where she was an inspirational speaker and shared her love of the Lord through her singing. I was impresed with her deep faith and obvious joy in spite of the painful trials she had endured. There were times through the years that I wondered how she was and when I myself was diagnosed with MS two years ago, my curiousity about how she was grew. A good friend, living in the same county as Jo, clipped a newspaper article about Jo, thinking it might be of interest to me. I was so surprised and delighted to know that Jo had written a book. I promptly ordered it and read it. It was as I knew it would be--filled with honesty, love, pain and joy. Jo is able to capture with words raw emotions that both captivate and encourage the reader. Thank you Jo for being the example to all of us of what it means to 'soar unafraid.'" Paula Boyd, CA, AMAZON REVIEW

"Reading the vulnerable prayers Jo recorded over the years was my favorite part of Soar Unafraid. No one can conjure up a relationship with God like that. It's built over years and years of intimacy and dependency. You and I are invited to develop that same deep relationship with God, simply by reading Jo's precious prayers. Even if you don't have MS, have never been through a divorce, and haven't suffered through childhood abuse, Jo's amazing story will touch the secret places of your heart. Read Soar Unafraid. You will fall in love with Jo and her precious Abba." Shawna Marie Bryant, CA. AMAZON REVIEW  

"I picked up this book, planning to read a few pages before I went to sleep. Two hours later, I had to make myself put it down! What a testimony to God's love, grace, and mercy. On every page, Jo reminds us that regardless of where life takes us, God has a specific plan for us. I just pray I'll be as faithful as she has been when the hard times come. This book is awesome!" Vonda Skelton, NC, AMAZON REVIEW

“For some time now I have spent time Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings with you (and other times too). I’ve treated myself to a breakfast sandwich, and a cup of tea in a quiet corner of the restaurant with “Soar Unafraid.” What a life you have led so far!! Each person has a story to tell. Thank you for sharing your story of Victory in Jesus through the ups & downs of your wild ride. God bless you as you continue your adventure with Him." Ruth Stamper, WA

"Jo's life models how to trust God in the midst of pain and heartache and even how to accept them. Her life and testimony have encouraged countless women dealing with their own personal tragedies, but I was moved by the transformation of her formerly emotionally scarred husband, Ray. He has shown me how to be a godly husband and father. Terrific book!" Gregory H. Smith, CA, AMAZON REVIEW

"We were planning this year's retreat and thought that a book club segment would be good as one of the options for the afternoon workshops. The theme for the reteat was Free to Soar, so your book seemed a perfect choice. The book club workshop went very well and other women purchased a copy after the retreat to take home and read. Thank you so much for sharing so honestly with us." Jeanette Abelsen, WA

"If you've heard Jo speak and sing, her book adds dimension to what you already know about her life challenges. Whether her problems have been caused by her genes or her relationships with others, the strength she finds from her walk with God and sharing that with others will leave you wanting to share this book with your friends." Judith Blevens, WA, AMAZON REVIEW

"This book is great for anyone who has any kind of chronic illness or wants to grow in their faith. I have bi-polar disorder and Jo's words were very encouraging. I read how she trusted God through her MS attacks. It is well worth your time and money to experience this journey with Jo. Enjoy!" Teryl Gallagher, WA, AMAZON REVIEW

"Jo's book is a story of triumph over adversity. In addition to coping with the very significant challenges that multiple sclerosis can bring Jo also copes with mental and emotional challenges in life with a certain grace and also a strong connection to God. The book is inspiring to read and gives on an understanding of how one's life can be more full with the presence of God in the midst of all of life's uncertainties." Lisa (Physical Therapist), WA, AMAZON REVIEW

"I wanted to let you know that your book was a tremendous encouragement to me. I struggle with my marriage, my children, my mom, myself and God. It helped me think what my priorities should be. Faith is sometimes a hard thing to do. But once you go through the issue, it's like, why did I ever doubt? In your book, it has helped me not to want to give up praying and hoping. Your book has given me hope that in God's time, his plan will come about and that I need to keep on praying and hoping and keeping the faith strong in God, especially through the times that I feel the most vulnerable to the world. I truly am excited about your book and I want to share it with many people." Contessa Timmerman, WA, AMAZON REVIEW

"I read your book almost as soon as I got it. What an incredible story! " Jan Parsneaus, CA

"You have so blessed me! I could not put Soar Unafraid down. (And I rarely feel that way about a book.) The Lord ministered to me, convicted, encouraged, and challenged me as I read your story. Your vulnerability. Your attitude of joy, love, and complete surrender to the Lord and His will for you made every chapter powerful and inspiring. I'll delight in referring it to others!" C. Barnes, CO

"I read it cover to cover! I couldn't put it down. What a testimony of God's faithfulness in your life and your obedience to His will, even at great cost to you and those you love." Judie Amen, AZ

"What a GREAT book! I savored every page and loved your wonderful word pictures! I know God will use it over and over and over again. I can guess at the toll it took on you to write this book but I know God will use it for eternal purposes!" Jan Mathers, OR

"Jo, you write as beautifully as you sing. I'm thrilled to read how you soar unafraid! I will purchase copies of this wonderful book for seminary students!" Bonnie Robinson, wife of Haddon Robinson, interim president of Gordon Conwell Seminary, (former president of Denver Seminary), MA

"I do believe you, Jo, are the female counterpart to Job. The more you suffer, the more you cling to God, allowing His Word to be a lifeline to your soul. I could relate totally to Ray towards the beginning - his anger towards God for letting you suffer in spite of your love and faithfulness to God - I have felt that way myself. But you let the suffering accomplish the perfecting of your faith instead of letting it destroy you and that's why you are such an inspiration and example to the rest of us!" Ruth Peters, CO

"We both enjoyed reading your story from beginning to end! What a life you've lived! Jerry and Allegra Donaldson, CO

"We loved your book. It is simply wonderful." Nancy and Bill Ritts, TX

"I read Jo's memoir and found it to be truly inspiring. Regardless of religious beliefs or preferences there is a message for all. Basically, to enjoy life to the fullest regardless of your circumstances." Paul Monroe, WA