Stones - simple stones of varying shapes and sizes, colors and texture - Stored in boxes, and drawers or carried in pockets. What causes us to lean over as we walk down a beach or on a trail in the woods to pick up these small things? This story explores this very thing.

Claire is a traveling journalist on assignment overseas while her marriage disinegrates on home soil. In her pursuit of her career she has neglected those things most dear. During a drive in the country she is invited into the home of an older woman to listen to a story that will forever alter her life. This sweet story told by the old lady is easily retold to children - who will appreciate it very much. In these pages we are reminded that God has made each of us with wonderful gifts. Each of us is precious and valuable!

I encourage you to read this book and discover the royal gifts - and finally the fourteenth gift.

Special thanks to the author and Nettie Hartsock of Booth Media Group for this review copy. ( )

Readers of this book will gain two stories in one. The main character, Claire, is finding that the majority of her time is spent far away on writing jobs, and less spent with her family. It isn't until she hears a fable about "the thirteenth gift" that she begins to re-evaluate her priorities. Claire is easy to relate to, in that most find that life has too many distractions, and not enough time to sit back and reflect on the "gifts" we are given at birth, such as wonderment, imagination, and joy.

The fable within the story is really well written, and gives a sample of the reasoning behind the action of picking up and keeping stones, often subconsciencly, when we come across them on the beach, or in a park. The fable, short though it is, is very sweet and inspiring, and made this reader pause to reflect on it's message; to reconnect with the gifts we are each born with.

Charlene Costanzo is talented with the written word, and was able to mold what seems like a short and simple story into something that was very entertaining and highly inspirational to read.

As an added bonus, the back of the book contains discussion questions pertaining to the story and to life in general, and we can read more about the author as well. This is a nice book to pick up when one needs a "lift"; I could see it brightening a dismal day. ( )