Guinn is a skilled dramatist of her own character, unafraid to portray herself in a bad or selfish light. She also writes with a novelistic attention to detail; here, she describes her office at the Cessna factory: "The room smelled of typewriter ribbon, fresh paper, and cigarette smoke that hovered around the ashtray on my desk. The office sounded of tapping on typewriter keys, clicking on adding machines, and an occasional bing on the window next to me when some guy on the assembly line below threw a rivet at the window beside my desk." The result is a substantial and nuanced chronicle of perseverance.

A rich, complicated account of surviving life's trials.

Kirkus Review

This sweeping memoir grabs your attention from the opening of its pages until the last word you read. It is told in such a way that it is as if you are living out moments of life with this author in real-time. For a memoir, it is quite a triumph! ... This gritty book about real life tells a salvation story in its ugliness and beauty. Times were different and the author does an amazing job of remembering details and sharing insights for the reader to get a true feel of the life and world as it was that she was immersed in. ... The transformation of lives lived in this book is beautiful to behold. The last line, especially, ties everything together, is completely satisfying and makes me cry. ... in "For the Love of God," a mother's heart is shown holding nothing back. The rawness of this book and the honesty are not to be missed! It is a must-read.

Reedsy Review

Author Jackie Guinn gives everything of herself on the page to offer readers a deeply moving memoir that is sure to touch many hearts. Jackie's resilience and unwavering devotion to her daughter are truly inspiring, highlighting the strength that can be found in the face of adversity. I really enjoyed the feel of the narrative, with warm touches and gentle turns of phrase ... . Guinn's honest and heartfelt prose captures the raw emotions of her experiences, inviting readers into her world with empathy and authenticity. I loved the way she described other people who had come into her life for the better. Overall, I would certainly recommend For the Love of God for fans of inspirational true stories everywhere.

Reader's Favorite

For the Love of God is a deeply moving and poignant read that captures the essence of parental devotion and the capacity for personal growth and healing. Jackie Guinn's ability to convey emotional depth and impart life lessons in a well-written narrative is commendable. The vivid descriptions of the 70s era add a nostalgic touch and make the book engaging for readers. ...

The contrast between Jackie's grief and loss with her naive introduction to Christianity allows readers to empathize with her and find moments of lightness in her story. The pictures at the end of the book gave it a personal touch that beautifully resonated with the emotions and experiences

Reader's Favorite

In For the Love of God by Jackie Guinn, the author utilized suspense to great effect, which made me look forward to subsequent chapters as she filled me in on various events of her life. The book also took me on a roller-coaster of emotions as I read about the unconditional love that Jackie had for Jenny, despite the circumstances of her birth. ... Jackie also ensures every event and emotion is vividly described, which will help capture the imagination of the reader. Readers will also appreciate the steady narration, which adds to the overall appeal of this memoir. I look forward to reading something else by this author.

Reader's Favorite