Reviews from Readers

It's an honor and a blessing to have received such wonderful reviews for With an Open Heart! As of April 2016 we have 69 positive reviews on Amazon, and we are counting on your support to get us to that *magical number* of 100 so Amazon will help promote our labor of love!

Here's the link to submit your own personal review. Thank you so much!

"This is the most heartwarming tale of the Murphy family and their journey of adopting, caring for and loving a beautiful Boy from China they named Daniel, who had a serious heart condition. It's also a tale of the overwhelming love and support they and Daniel received from Family and friends. Even though you go into the book knowing Daniel is eventually taken by God's divine will because of his medical condition, you will be brought on a journey on how many lives this young Boy touched in just a short 5 months and how love has no bounds, such as time and distance. The only reason I would put this book down is because I, selfishly, didn't want to lose Daniel. And the reason I would pick it up again is because I wanted to get to know this wonderful soul and continue on with him and absorb every detail of his brief time with Lisa Murphy and her Husband, Jimmy. I, personally, have a Son around Daniel's age and this book has touched me so profoundly that I now find myself giving him more hugs and more kisses and showing him more love than ever. Every parent who has a healthy child should read this book and feel blessed and maybe even become closer to God because of it. God bless you Lisa and Jimmy. You are truly Angels walking the Earth! 

 —Dibba D.

“This is an inspirational story about the unconditional love a family shares for a little boy from China before they ever meet him. Lisa Murphy will take you through a faith-filled journey with her family and will have you falling in love not only with their adopted son Daniel, but with the entire Murphy family. May the Lord bless them for accepting His call to share their love with such a special little boy,even if only for a short time.”

—Sara

“Lisa and Jim Murphy's story, "With an Open Heart", touched me profoundly. The courage, strength and grace they showed when faced with the tremendous loss of their beloved son Daniel, and the acceptance of Daniel's graduation to a higher, better place was supernatural. Only God could give them peace and even joy at such a sad time. Their lives personify faith. Faith that our Father alone has a perfect plan for each of us. The Bible verse, Romans 8:28 says: "God works for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose." May God bless the Murphy family as they have blessed others by sharing the story of their little angel, Daniel.”

—Linda

“This book is amazing to me. I cannot fathom the loss the Murphy family suffered when Daniel went to heaven. The fact that he and God touched the Murphy's and so many others in such a profound way is truly amazing. Lisa Murphy writes with an Open Heart. I cannot help but to be inspired by the love, courage, and faith the Murphy family has. Honor Daniel's precious life by reading this amazing story.”

—Scott

“I stayed up way too late to read this book in record time. Lisa Murphy has a way of connecting with the reader that is remarkable. The author manages to beautifully pay tribute to her son Daniel while sharing a compelling story with the world. Well done and I highly recommend it."

 –Kathleen S

“Lisa Murphy's book is so inspirational. It's incomprehensible to travel to the other side of the world to bring home a new son only to have him go to heaven such a short time later. I traveled to China with Lisa and Jim and I can tell you from first-hand experience how much they love their son Daniel and cherished the time they had with him on earth. Daniel brought Lisa and Jim so much joy to their already blessed lives and he was truly a fighter and a healer. Everyone who Daniel met was changed by this amazing little boy. Lisa and Jim Murphy's faith and grace will inspire anyone who reads this book.”

–Allison V.

“As a male, rarely is there a book that stays with me - this one will. Every page testifies to the author's personal character, writing skill and ability to articulate. She does the difficult subject matter more than justice. As in a good novel, it provides the same magnetism to want to keep turning the pages to see what comes next, even if you know the ending. Such an emotional story, done so well. My great admiration and respect for the entire family and all the tragedy they experienced.”

–Thomas H.

“With an Open Heart is a inspirational true love story between two exceptional parents and their adopted son, Daniel. God has a plan for us, and although it may not be the plan we were expecting, the path chosen is given for a reason. This book shows how through tragedy comes light, love, and hope. I know Daniel is looking down at his family and smiling with pride knowing they got it. They understand God's plan for Daniel and embraced it with open arms. I will continue to live my life the way Daniel taught me, to always live, listen, and leap with an open heart!”

—Jaime V.

“Lisa Murphy's story about her family's journey will remind you to let God be your guide...soak in the miracles...and thank him for every moment!”

—Lynn V.

“Beautifully written book sharing an amazing family's journey of exceptional love, faith, & courage. Inspiring must read, book club best choice!”

—Karen K.

“With an Open Heart is a heartwarming and inspirational must read. The author Lisa Murphy captures her family's journey through happiness and then heartbreak with pure love and faith.” 

--Nicki B.

“With an Open Heart is a staggeringly beautiful, soul-altering, enthralling, slap-you-silly-inspiring love story. The Murphy family had to face the unfathomable; the loss of their young son, Daniel. What is resolutely gorgeous about this story is the crystalline grace and faith that led the Murphy's through the quagmire of grief following Daniel's death. The marvelous gist of the book is this: The vastness of their devastation was not larger than their magnanimous love for Daniel, or their deep faith in God. You will be richly blessed as you follow the Murphy family's courageous story.”

Cindie L.

“This work of love is an inspirational page turner. You will be touched by the heart-wrenching story of Daniel Murphy and his family. Their journey will inspire you to see God in any situation, even those that leave most asking, "Where is God?" This book affected me on two fronts. As an adoptive mother of one, this book inspired me to begin the process of finding another child who needs a home and family. This book also breached the fortress of my closed off heart. Let me explain...I had practically shut down the Holy Spirit with negativity and grumbling. While reading this book, I began to hear from the Holy Spirit again. Not once, but several times, perfectly clear. If you have ever lost that, you know what a gift it is when it returns. With an Open Heart has been on my mind every day since picking it up. It will haunt you, in a very good and positive way. This is not a story for religious people or for adoption minded people but a story that everyone can benefit from reading. There is something here for everyone. Allow Daniel to touch your heart. You will not be the same.”

Tracy B.

“I can't describe what a beautifully written story this is. Lisa and her family are truly inspiring, and after finishing the book I knew that I had to renew my Faith and stop sweating the small things in life. In fact, after I finished the book and box of kleenex, I crawled into my daughter's twin sized bed and held her all night. I wish I had the privilege of knowing Daniel, but feel like I got to know what a wonderful and special little boy he was. This is a must read for everyone who has adopted, thinking about adopting, looking for a story about faith, or anyone who just wants to read a true story about one amazing family.”

Kristen D.

“Daniel's story, and the beautiful life lessons that the Murphy family learned along the way are forever written upon my heart. Having recently adopted two little girls from China, one who has been considered terminal due to severe congenital heart defects, the Murphy's story hits really close to home for our family. I read the book from cover to cover in just two days...I simply could not put it down! I smiled, laughed, and sobbed my way through it. It is my prayer that if/when we lose one of our daughters my husband and I can be as strong and faith-filled as the Murphys. This family's love, faith in God, and perseverance through the darkest hours will be ever present in my heart and mind. This book is a must read!!!”

Emily R.

“This is a story well shared with those you know to be walking a path of desperation. It takes your hand and walks with you, guiding you toward a pathway of light and solution. Although I don't think this was the intent when the book took its first breath, it radiates the powerful glow of faith in adversity. You will be enriched in its reading.”

Barbara W.

“With An Open Heart is an exceptional book about a wonderful family who don't take things for granted. I could not put this book down. It made me laugh and cry. Lisa Murphy takes you into her family during the most exciting times in her life and then she opens her heart and shares the times when no mother or father should face. Their faith is amazing and how they turn to God in every situation is just so inspiring. This book is amazing and a must read for anyone!!! Thank you, Lisa, for sharing your beautiful Daniel with the world. We are all blessed by his little life!” 

Tonia B.

"With an Open Heart is a beautifully written true story about the incredible journey of one little boy into his Forever Family. Lisa writes with her own "Open Heart", compassionately, honestly, and most especially with love. The Murphy family showed Daniel the unconditional and unending love of being a part of a family, and they know that he was a gift from God to be cherished. He brought them (and everyone around them!) love and laughter and life lessons. An amazing mission for a child so young. Break out your tissues and prepare to read it cover to cover in a short time, this book is a heartwarming story."

Caroline B.