Crossing the Centuries Reviewed by Jo Dibblee Author and Founder of Frock Off and Team Humanity Baj

Brenda Hammon's latest book is an enthralling narrative that challenges readers to suspend their beliefs and transports them from what we know to be fundamental to another world that transcends this plane. Crossing the Centuries isn't just a recounting of family history; it's an ancestral tree in which the stories are told in real-time.

It's a source of "what ifs" and guidance for those considering exploring their family tree through a more profound connection. Hammon's vivid storytelling and personal insights provide a path to today from yesteryear.

Documenting the history and day-to-day struggles of life beginning in the 1800s. Through connection and stories shared.

The book is a family odyssey peppered with heartfelt stories and history. Her research is a testament to her commitment to ensuring those written about are honored and respected.

Hammon doesn't merely tell a story; she educates, sharing insights and critical historical moments. Her ability to traverse the then and now is remarkable.

The book begins with her sharing the journey of her 4th great-grandfather and 4th great-grandmother and the challenges and heartbreak they faced.

There are many moving parts to this memoir. I loved reading the stories as they are told firsthand... How is that possible? Remember, as I said, you must suspend your beliefs and dive in. And if you do, you will feel and see those who came before Brenda in your mind's eye.

My favorite narratives are about Stephen and Mary Polly Hammond, whom you will come to know as you walk with them. Their stories are powerful and show the determination and resilience required to live in that century. Hammon comes from a robust stock of people who did what it took.

Reading this memoir was a walk in history, and it included so many critical points in time. Although the stories about war were difficult to read, they remind us all that life is fragile and harrowing.

I highly recommend this book for all the right reasons; entertaining, engaging, and educational. I can't wait to see what Hammon writes next. Who will show up and share their story?

Crossing the Centuries: Connecting to 165 Energies and Spirits in My Ancestral Tree is a work of non-fiction in the genealogy, family history, spirituality, and memoir genres. Penned by author Brenda Hammon, this is a truly unique memoir that delves into the author's quest to connect with her ancestors spanning over two hundred years. Through interviews with one hundred and sixty-five spirits and two years of writing, Hammon explores the stories and experiences of her deceased family members. With a blend of genealogical research and spiritual intuition, she brings her ancestors' tales to life, from American Civil War soldiers to pioneering women and convicts. The memoir is a compelling journey through history, filled with mysterious energies and profound insights into the human experience across generations.

Author Brenda Hammon has a real knack for storytelling that she utilizes to craft a mesmerizing read that blurs the lines between history and spirituality. I was impressed by the meticulous amount of research and lively sense of empathy that Hammon used to breathe life into her ancestors' stories, creating a tapestry of diverse lives and experiences spanning centuries. The narrative is infused with a sense of wonder and discovery as Hammon unveils the hidden truths and untold tales buried within her family tree, and I found it to be very warm-hearted and open throughout. From the struggles of Civil War soldiers to the resilience of pioneering women, each ancestor's story has a unique place in social history that shows how far we’ve come with every generation. There’s a lot of respect for the hardships of the past. Hammon's personal journey of embracing her spiritual gifts adds another layer to the tale that’s even more special, offering readers a glimpse into the profound connections that transcend time and space. Overall, Crossing the Centuries is a transformative exploration of identity, heritage, and the enduring power of familial bonds that I would certainly recommend.

 Crossing the Centuries, by Brenda Hammon, shares her amazing spiritual experiences with her ancestors. Brenda has done something no one has ever done before - she connected with one hundred and sixty-five spirits to listen to their side of the story. This is an unusual and adventure-filled ride for any reader! 

Review by Vikki MacKinnon

Brenda Hammon has an engaging and entertaining writing style. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about her ancestors, their lives, and the hardships they endured and overcame against the backdrop of major historical events. I felt as though I knew them personally and had a front-row seat to their triumphs and tragedies. Thank you, Brenda, for a most enjoyable reading experience.

About Vikki-  Vikki is an Intuitive numerologist and author of Make Today Count-Take Charge of Your Life with Numerology and  The Magic of 8 -  How to Recognize, Activate and Integrate the Energy of Prosperity. 

Review by Literary Titan - FOUR-STAR

April Pulliam

Assistant Editor -Literary Titan  

Crossing the Centuries, by Brenda Hammon, is a fascinating journey into her ancestry's spiritual and historical realms. Hammon connects with 165 spirits and energies from her family tree, offering readers an intricate tapestry of stories that span centuries. Through these connections, she brings forth a rich blend of personal anecdotes, spiritual encounters, and historical narratives that create a unique and compelling read.

Hammon's writing is deeply personal and engaging. From the beginning, she invites readers into her world with vivid descriptions of her spiritual experiences. For instance, the account of her first angelic encounter at age five sets the book's tone, illustrating her early connection with the spiritual realm. This blend of memoir and spiritual exploration makes the book relatable and thought-provoking. Her candid discussion of her struggles with accepting her gifts, such as the intense vertigo episode described in the first chapter, adds an authentic and human touch to the narrative.

One of the standout aspects of Hammon's book is her ability to bring historical figures to life. The chapters dedicated to specific ancestors, like Stephen Hammond and Benjamin Hammond, are particularly compelling. Stephen Hammond's recounting of his sudden heart attack and subsequent spiritual existence provides a poignant and introspective look at life after death. Similarly, Benjamin Hammond's detailed descriptions of life in early 19th-century Connecticut and his soft-spoken demeanor make his story both informative and heartwarming. These chapters serve as a window into the past and highlight the enduring human spirit and its ability to transcend time.

While I enjoyed the book, I felt that the number of spirits and energies Hammon connects with can sometimes feel overwhelming, and keeping track of the various characters and their stories requires careful attention. The process of spirits revealing their stories, Hammon transcribing them, and the subsequent verification through research is a cycle that, though interesting, I believe can become somewhat predictable over time.

Crossing the Centuries is still a captivating read for anyone interested in spiritualism, genealogy, or personal narratives that bridge the gap between past and present. Brenda Hammon's heartfelt writing and dedication to honoring her ancestors make this book a remarkable tribute to family history and spiritual connection.

I really enjoyed meeting your ancestors and hearing their stories from them directly. At times it felt as if they were in the room with me too!

What I loved the most was the mutual love and respect you and your ancestors have for each other in allowing all of your stories to unfold, including yours! Your compassion and dedication in writing this book has provided an opportunity for healing for everyone involved.

I'm looking forward to the "next chapter" in your ancestral family gatherings!

  Sooo... How Was Your Day? is penned by a strong woman who loves to have great adventures and meets life with fun and laughter. Her life has had its share of challenges, from an abusive first marriage to several major medical issues, including a very severe case of vertigo. Several mishaps occurred due to this frightening condition. She and her husband Bud live on a farm in Canada; she has a special kinship with horses as well as other animals on their farm. In Sooo... How Was Your Day? author Brenda Hammon shares forty stories from her life. Although some of these stories involve injuries and sadness, she always kept a positive perspective. One example of this was when she broke her ankle and cloaked herself in the Wonder Woman Denial Cape!
 

Although the funny moments in these stories are entertaining (some may remind you of I Love Lucy episodes), there are also several life lessons embedded in each one. How Brenda pushed herself to overcome certain fears can teach every reader to face fears head-on. She loves to travel and find new adventures, especially in Mexico. She reminds readers not to postpone any desired trips, as one never knows how many days are left in a lifetime. Her style of writing is fast-paced and easy to read. Additionally, there are photos of her, family members, and animals – as well as images illustrating a point she is making. Author Brenda Hammon crafted an engaging book in Sooo... How Was Your Day? It will make you LOL, as she would say…

  I Can't Hear the Birds Anymore by Brenda Portwood is the story of a survivor who was abused psychologically, physically and sexually, but who still managed to find the courage to stand up and take control of her life. The book is not only about helping the abused reflect on the happenings in their lives, but is also helpful to counselors, therapists and educators to recognize, detect and understand someone who has been abused. The author relives her memories of abuse through the story of the five-year-old who was channeling through her. This makes her pour out her story of when everything in her life changed during the summer of her fifth year.
 

The book is honest, the author's emotions are raw, and her struggle to get her life back in order is heart-rending, yet at the same time inspirational. Many of the abusive scenes are graphic and they might be disturbing for readers. The author asks the abused to reach out for help instead of being ashamed of their experiences, and to start living their lives. Many parts in the book are painful and it exposes the realistic side of abuse and being abused. The pain and trauma endured by the abused has been expressed well by the author. I found the story heartbreaking and sad. Sometimes children are the target of negativity, and the book shows clearly how their lives can be destroyed by a few people due to their perverted minds and unhealthy behavior.documents that are easy to understand and engage your readers.

  Hear Me: No Longer Silent by Brenda Hammon is a powerful story in the Breaking the Cycle series, a non-fiction read that recounts one woman’s struggle with the cycle of abuse and how she found the inner freedom to get her voice heard. Brenda’s story starts in the very early years of her childhood when she is sexually assaulted by a hired farmhand and a member of her own family. She grows up with memories of the abuses of her childhood, feeling emotionally and psychologically hurt by the abuses. When she meets Alfred, she believes he'll be the man who’ll protect her, but she couldn’t be more wrong. It turns out Alfred has his own dark secrets, his inner wounds that change him into a dangerous man. Her marriage with him is transformed into the same story of abuse and violence. This book documents her resolve to claim her freedom by speaking out.
 

This is the story of millions of victims and it will come across as a powerful encouragement to victims of sexual assault. I couldn’t help thinking about the drama that took place during the campaign for the 2016 Presidential elections in the US, with women accusing the presidential candidate of sexual impropriety. One immediately understands that victims, especially those experiencing this violation at a very tender age, can shut themselves up, recoil in silence, and suffer over the years. Brenda Hammon’s writing is confident, and the reader immediately notices the honesty and candor with which she speaks. It takes a lot of courage to speak the truth, but when that truth involves one’s brokenness, it deserves to be received as a gift. Hear Me: No Longer Silent is a gift that must be read and shared, a story that encourages abused men and women to take up arms and fight for their freedom and dignity. Well-written, with powerful insights, and a message that can’t be ignored, especially by people of this age.

  Hear Me: No Longer Silent by Brenda Hammon is a powerful story in the Breaking the Cycle series, a non-fiction read that recounts one woman’s struggle with the cycle of abuse and how she found the inner freedom to get her voice heard. Brenda’s story starts in the very early years of her childhood when she is sexually assaulted by a hired farmhand and a member of her own family. She grows up with memories of the abuses of her childhood, feeling emotionally and psychologically hurt by the abuses. When she meets Alfred, she believes he'll be the man who’ll protect her, but she couldn’t be more wrong. It turns out Alfred has his own dark secrets, his inner wounds that change him into a dangerous man. Her marriage with him is transformed into the same story of abuse and violence. This book documents her resolve to claim her freedom by speaking out.
 

This is the story of millions of victims and it will come across as a powerful encouragement to victims of sexual assault. I couldn’t help thinking about the drama that took place during the campaign for the 2016 Presidential elections in the US, with women accusing the presidential candidate of sexual impropriety. One immediately understands that victims, especially those experiencing this violation at a very tender age, can shut themselves up, recoil in silence, and suffer over the years. Brenda Hammon’s writing is confident, and the reader immediately notices the honesty and candor with which she speaks. It takes a lot of courage to speak the truth, but when that truth involves one’s brokenness, it deserves to be received as a gift. Hear Me: No Longer Silent is a gift that must be read and shared, a story that encourages abused men and women to take up arms and fight for their freedom and dignity. Well-written, with powerful insights, and a message that can’t be ignored, especially by people of this age.

Sacred Hearts Rising: Breaking the Silence One Story at a Time by Brenda Hammon is a non-fiction anthology of short stories by various authors. These inspirational true-life stories are all about “breaking the silence” and are actually the first ones in a series. This book, as one is reminded in the introduction, “is not intended to dispense psychological or therapeutic advice, the information is provided for educational and inspirational purpose only.” It is composed of authentic life-stories which are all powerful, heartrending and are easy to immerse yourself in.
 

Sacred Hearts Rising: Breaking the Silence One Story at a Time by Brenda Hammon is a collection of short stories which moved me at so many levels, sometimes to tears. It broaches so many major topics such as alienation, power, and believing in yourself and in your dreams, expectations, self-esteem, manipulation, anxiety, depression. I particularly loved “I’m not crazy” and cannot but share these short quotes: “I am trapped. Helpless. A prisoner of my mind”; “the anxiety, depression, panic attacks crippled me”; “living in a shroud of darkness.” The manipulation of which the main character is the victim is tremendous but also progressive, and this type of story is bound to help a reader face what they had avoided seeing and help them realize what they are going through. I would like to add that this is what I liked the most about this collection: the stories will definitely help numerous women realize that life can be different, that they too should break the silence and get a grasp on their own lives. Thank you so much for these moving stories!

Sacred Hearts Rising: Finding Your Wings, compiled by Brenda Hammon, focuses on the topic of overcoming trauma and discovering personal strength. The book is delivered as a compilation of twenty-seven personal essays, written in a deeply personal style but also designed with an inspirational feel. Topics such as loss and grief are discussed with raw, honest emotional quality, as well as personal experiences of trauma, disability, pain, and mental health issues. Though each narrative is profoundly different, the stories lead to a lesson learned, with some discussion of a turning point for each writer as to when they began to find the strength and resilience to overcome their problem.
 

Brenda Hammon does a superb job in handling these harrowing, heartbreaking, yet empowering tales of overcoming the worst obstacles life can throw at a person. The stories flow from one to another in a well-constructed order, offering different issues and perspectives to create an atmospheric break from chapter to chapter. Though the messages of strength were similar, I never felt as though I was reading the same story twice. I found Rachel Dyer’s “Scoliosis Strong: The Beauty Within” to be particularly uplifting and motivational in its perspective, and “Living With The Hand I Was Dealt” by Kurtis Clay struck similar notes. All of the works were extremely well edited for high readability whilst also staying true to each author’s unique voice. The overall aim of Sacred Hearts Rising: Finding Your Wings is to offer solace and companionship to those in need of strength, and I believe these stories deliver exactly that. A superb and inspirational collection for anyone seeking strength.