Book Review: 31 Heaps of Hope by Ashley Joseph a.k.a. The Hope Dealer
31 Heaps of Hope is a devotional “made to help others by promoting hope, love, and encouragement.” Written by Ashley Joseph, a.k.a. The Hope Dealer, this 31-day journey is both intimate and uplifting, guiding readers to discover hope not as a fleeting emotion, but as a steady and powerful force rooted in God’s promises.
Drawn from Joseph’s personal experiences, each daily entry or “heap” invites the reader into a reflective space. Through short stories (fiction and nonfiction) and testimony-style writing, Joseph creates a devotional that feels personal and deeply real.
One of the Heaps that I enjoyed is titled Self Love. Life has a way of pulling us in every direction. We can easily overcompensate for others while neglecting ourselves. Joseph challenges the common tendency to overextend ourselves while neglecting our own well-being. She writes:
“You can be everything for everybody but that will never fill the void of what YOU loving YOU feels like.”
This heap is a timely reminder how important it is to think of one’s mental health and happiness. Self-love is not selfish but essential. Joseph wraps up with a key question: What does self-love look like to you?
In a world where self-love is often misunderstood or criticized, Joseph stands firm in encouraging readers to know themselves in order to walk fully in their God-given purpose. This devotional touches on themes like relationships, waiting, forgiveness, trust, healing, and more. All delivered with honesty, vulnerability, and spiritual insight.
One particularly touching entry, Saving Nineteen, reveals Joseph’s own emotional depth and struggles. Her vulnerability invites readers to face their own pain and remember they are not alone. It's a gentle, persistent reminder that even in our darkest hours, hope is present and help is within reach.
What sets 31 Heaps of Hope apart is its balance of truth and transparency. Joseph doesn’t claim to have all the answers, but she does offer companionship through the lens of faith. Her writing is accessible, heartfelt, and encouraging, making this devotional suitable for readers at any stage in their spiritual walk.
With authenticity and compassion, Ashley Joseph reminds readers that hope is not optimism. It’s a bold and grounded belief in God’s faithfulness.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Where to Buy: Available now on Amazon. Be sure to share it with others. You never know who might need to hear these words.
