Author Marcia Tabram Philips has penned an extremely valuable guide to help children cope with challenges. "Children Heard, I Love You More Than Chocolate" is tightly written, without fluff, for a quick-read but packed with practical information and sound advice. It is a must read for all parents, divorcing-parents, single-parents, wanna-be parents, grandparents and counselors. - John DeFrancesco, Author, "The Common Sense Guide to Publicity"

     I wasn't going to read your book as I divorced my child's father when she was 3 weeks old however, your first line pulled me in and I couldn't stop reading until the last page. After 30 years, I have to give you credit for helping me reconcile issues I hid under the rug never facing. Now I am at complete rest, have forgiven, am moving forward in new ways. I was so impressed with your book, I am getting another to send to my daughter so she might understand my thinking, what challenges I faced, and to help guide her as she raises her children. I want her to have a healthy marriage. Thanks for writing this important life changing book. - Joan, 60, grandmother

     My marriage to my childhood sweetheart was spiraling out of control. We had no communication and I feared my daughter might follow the same path as my son. I opened your book to a page I thought relevant to that day and read. You spoke about communicating loss and gave suggestions for opening up conversations with your children. I tried your method and was surprised how my daughter opened up as we discussed our mutual feelings of loss and what we could do to remedy our situation. We had the best chat ever. Thank you for writing from your heart with such sound advice! - Larry, 43, separated dad of teenage daughter and imprisoned son

(Update: This dad and his childhood sweetheart both read the book, have worked at communication, survived many bumps, and are now solidly back together realizing the value of their marriage and parental commitments.)

     I love the easy and clear way you explain child rearing situations. It's like I have a friend sitting right next to me and we are chatting one on one about my issues. I kept saying, "How did she know?" Thanks for being my friend and supporter, you made sense of my past mixed up life! I do love my kids More than chocolate! - Rebecca, 34 year old mom

     Thanks a million for saving 3 kids and their parents. I never realized how much my kids were adversely affected by my divorce. After reading your book, I have gained a new outlook and have rethought my approach to parenting. Now it's "co-parenting." - Tom, divorced dad of 3

     At first it brought up old wounds, however as I began reading your book, Children Heard, I love you More than chocolate, the more I found the book healing. - Frank, 67, divorced parent of 6

     What a remarkable piece. Full of confidence and direction to build confidence in the reader to fight complacency. Change something, if only the drapes! I venture you have made a difference in many lives. - Sue, 52, mother of 2 challenging teens

     My life has been changed by you now. With some humility I saw through your eyes the way the clutter of the past and disorganization of systems robs energy from me. I return to the challenge with new vigor bourne of your fire. I read about reconnecting p.213-4, written with great sensitivity and gentleness. I saw the reflection of a frightened little boy down in that well. Thank you for writing this work. - Dan, 63, divorced dad of 2 boys

     When I met you at my store and out of the blue you suggested I needed your book, I couldn't believe how on target a stranger could be. I did in deed need your book! I had been going through a hell with my child and his dad. Thanks to your book I have made some changes in my thinking and my approach to parenting and it's working! - Lisa, 35 year old divorced mom

     Stepping back, I look and am reminded of Blake's allegorical story, Iron John, whose thesis is that one is wounded by life and then proves mettle by what is made of that wound, how they use it, how their fire for life springs from the pain of the wound and its healing. You have done much with yours. I am inspired to do more with mine as the anniversary of departure comes on Thursday and will go unnoticed by all but a few. As Willie Nelson said, "pain writes." - John, 59 year old widowed dad of 2 daughters

     Thanks for showing me how beloved my family is to me! This Christmas I gathered the family around the tree first calling the eldest family member to the chair I placed out front. I laid my hand on their shoulder as you suggested and proceeded to share with each member present why I was blessed with them in my life and what expectation I had of them. I couldn't believe how spiritual using your family blessing technique was. This simple activity from your book inspired greater unity and understanding with both my grandchildren and children. My whole family down to the two year old granddaughter couldn't wait to hear why they were important in my life. We've never been closer. I had to tell you. Now the kids are taking this idea to their other families. - Herman, 60 year old dad of 3, granddad to 5

     During my 38 years here, we've worked on a number of projects, which have focused on divorce and the challenges and changes that divorce brings to a family. It was interesting to see the reference in your book to the way we dealt with the topic of divorce on Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. We wish you well. - Hedda Sharapan, Associate Producer for Mrs. Fred (Joanne) Rogers

     "Yours is a tremendous ministry that is among the most important in our country. The children of today are the adults of tomorrow...and with a firm and solid base for growth, they will have more opportunity for becoming positive, well-adjusted men and women." - Robert H. Schuller, The Crystal Cathedral