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Denise C. Herndon Harvey is a Christian author, speaker, and transformation coach. Her books include the children’s book Growing Up Sassafras: Where Is My Daddy? Emergence of Me: Discovering My Identity and Courage Within, with a companion workbook forthcoming; and He Restores, a Kingdom Book Award finalist and Readers’ Favorite Bronze Medal winner. She is an Amazon bestselling contributing author to several multi-author devotionals.
Her writing explores faith, family restoration, and the transformative power of God’s love. Moved by the hurt and hopelessness she has witnessed in families, using her voice to encourage healing, strengthen identity, and inspire transformation through Christ.
Denise appeared on television, radio, and podcasts, and her work appeared on Disney’s Times Square digital billboard. She joined literary events including the Tucson and Los Angeles Times Festivals of Books, Seoul and London book fairs, the Readers Magnet Festival of Storytellers, and the New York Library Association Conference and Trade Show.
Denise holds a Master of Arts in Human Services Counseling, with a concentration in Family Advocacy and Public Policy, from Liberty University. She also earned dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Psychology, with concentrations in Christian Counseling and Crisis Counseling, and a minor in Biblical Studies. Her professional credentials include certifications in life coaching, grief coaching, mental health coaching, and voice coaching.
Denise has been married for more than 42 years to her husband, a retired Air Force veteran. They have two adult children and six grandchildren.
Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite
In He Restores by Denise C Herndon Harvey, widowed matriarch Myra James invites her long-divided family to a lake house for Thanksgiving weekend. She believes that faith, good food, and honesty can finally heal decades of bitterness, secrets, and unforgiveness. She is joined by her son, Michael, and her niece, Faith. Slowly, the family reunion cracks open everything the family has buried for years: the father, Edward's affair with his wife’s friend, an affair that resulted in a son, David; David arrives as an unexpected guest; the truth about Faith’s biological mother; Nelly’s bitterness toward Samuel, her ex-husband; and wounds that range from abortion, addiction, and infidelity. Hearts begin to soften as each confession comes out around the dinner table and the fire pit. There are apologies, and, one by one, Myra’s children find their way back to each other and to God.
Denise C Herndon Harvey delivers a powerful sermon on love, healing, and forgiveness without actually preaching. He Restores is crafted with purpose and heart, and you will not only root for the characters but also laugh, smile, cry, and ache for them. Each character has a distinct, unique voice in the story and a nuanced thread in the family canvas. You will love to watch as Nelly transforms from a hardened attorney to a prodigal daughter and how young Jennesis becomes the moral compass of the family. The writing is crisp, and I loved the moments of prayer and reflection, along with the biblical references. The author builds tension through the growing number of revelations and confessions, with each conversation leading to another buried secret. The unhurried pacing, driven by well-crafted dialogue, is intentional and meant for readers to feel the emotional currents of the story. If you want something that inspires faith and healing through dialogue, then pick this book.
