Encore Book Reviews and Count Up

Goal:  Encore book reviews needed: 50

Book reviews so far on Amazon: 17

Book Reviews needed: 33 

Book Reviews

Nik Day (Son)

I read this book while on a cruise with my family, and even during all the fun and distractions, I couldn’t put it down. Of course, it’s personal to me—after all, the author is my mother—but beyond that, it was moving to read stories I’d never heard before and to see familiar moments told from her perspective.

This book is about resilience, identity, faith in Jesus Christ, and the deep bonds of family. I laughed out loud, I cried (genuinely), and I walked away reflecting deeply on my own eternal identity and the kind of person I want to become.

Whether you’re seeking inspiration, struggling to find your place in the world, or simply need a reminder that God is aware of you, this book offers comfort, clarity, and hope. It’s not just a family memoir—it’s a guidepost for anyone navigating the storms of life while trying to stay anchored in faith.

Nik Day— Singer/songwriter of Christian music and songwriting coach

Jan Skousen

This important memoir is a deeply spiritual, timely, and powerful account of one woman’s journey with same-sex attraction. Kris Day shares her story with refreshing honesty— in her own candid words and through the voices of her children, some of whom are gifted songwriters. She weaves her experiences as a homeschooling mother of six together with the struggles and triumphs of a sometimes-challenging marriage to Allen, who is bipolar. She writes about her mixed orientation marriage, their family values, and the tools they used to overcome their challenges. Her vulnerability invites you into her world, and you’ll be grateful she does — for her story brings hope and has the power to change you forever.

Jan Skousen—friend and homeschool mentor

Marya Moosman

Kris Day is my first cousin. My father and her mother are brother and sister. Kris is also one of my closest and dearest friends and we have shared much over the last 30 years. She has shared with me her knowledge and wisdom, her love and her testimony, has given me a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on. I remember so clearly the evening many years ago when Kris and I sat on the bank of the creek in the Durtschi Family pasture and she told me about her same-sex attraction. I wasn’t sure what to think at that time. I’d never thought about anything like that before and I didn’t really know what to say, but I knew I loved her and was grateful that she had trusted me with that knowledge. I’m not, nor was I, sure why she chose to tell me about that at that time, but it became important to me later on. Two of my children are also same-sex attracted and when I needed someone to talk to, she was the only person I knew who would understand.

I thought this book was going to be mainly about her journey with same-sex attraction, but it is so much more than that. It’s also about the struggle of mental illness and despair and resilience. It’s about love and family and commitment. It’s about listening to and following the Spirit. It’s about trials and perseverance and faith. This book helped me understand that there’s is a reason for my children being the way they are, and it’s not something they can just decide to change and walk away from. Although they may not have had the spiritual experiences that Kris did, there’s a plan for them and I know that Heavenly Father and our Savior love them unconditionally, as They do each of us. They are always there for us and are waiting for us to let Them in. I believe that is the most important thing we can take away from Kris’s story.

Don’t skip the music! It’s so important to the overall message and feeling of the book. Take time to listen to each song and read along with the lyrics. It’s truly incredible how the songs, written by her children, fit into her story, even though they were not written for it. The music is what brought the emotions close to the surface for me. My tears flowed freely more than once. This book made me sad and it brought me joy. It gave me hope and it brought me peace. Perhaps there is something in it that will help you, too.

Jan C.

5.0 out of 5 stars Be yourself and never apologize or feel guilty for who you are and know you are loved.

September 12, 2025

 If you’re looking for a good read look no further, Kristine‘s memoir is completely, equivocally, transparent, with no apologies, and zero guilt for the way she lives her life the way we all should feel about our own lives no apology no guilt. If you’re looking for a book that will make you smile, laugh, and tear up, you found it.

Brett O. text Sept 16, 2025

Wow…. I got your book yesterday, just finished it, and totally loved it… Impressive! I want to take a moment to ponder and then respond with my [book] review. Thanks Kris (and Allen) for this important work of love! BTW, watching Nik perform, I can see both you and Allen in this talented, handsome young man. Miracles!?!?!

Couldn’t put it down… too good. Well written, but especially poignant since I know and love you and Allen… and now your beautiful family to some extent. Thank you for your incredible courage and perseverance to complete this Herculean task.

Brett O.

Heidi T. Wed 9/17/2025 (My daughter)

Just finished your book. It was amazing. I cried a lot. The music made it so awesome. I almost didn’t listen to some of them since I know them but decided to anyway, and it really enhanced the story. Very cool idea.

I couldn’t stop reading it!

Thanks for sharing your story. I wasn’t going to read it initially, at least for a while, but I read the preview and really wanted to keep reading. It helps me a lot to process certain things and to have answers to why things were the way they were. I’m glad you chose Dad and each of us. I think it’s a really important message right now. A hard one for some, definitely.

I wished that Alyson’s songs were recorded. It will be interesting to see people’s reactions who aren’t connected to the story, like my book club.

Karma B. Sept. 22, 2025

Kris,

Thank you for considering me a friend and trusting me to read your book, and you also left me the choice to read or not to read it.

I previously knew nothing about your tendencies and the choices you made in the past.   The thing that stood out to me to continue the read was when you decided to go to your Bishop to let the Atonement of our Savior take place.  

(Yes, menopause is interesting too.  As for me, I felt like the woman of 12 years with the issue of blood that the Savior healed.  I believe that men go through womanpause in a different way. 🙂  

Matthew 22:36-40 – Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart … And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.     I feel that both you and Allen portray this commandment, even as an example for all of us who know you both.   – That is where the Love of Jesus Christ our Redeemer and Savior comes to each of us individually.  

You have special gifts and talents and have blessed all by it.  Truly your family, children, grandchildren etc. are the ENCORE of your life.  That which gives you Joy, uplifts others.

There is much I could say about your book – you are a gifted writer, along with other great gifts.  We are all of God’s children.  You ended with your testimony in many chapters.  I love how your children are poets and musically talented, and how you applied them in your storyline.    The beauty of the Saga of a straight rainbow and how God is in the details of your life, also.  

In closing, I want to share the 2nd verse of Oh, the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus, (pg. 1015 it reminds me of your book):

2. Oh, the deep, deep love of Jesus — Spread His praise from shore to shore!

Praise His mercy, praise His goodness; Praise His love forevermore.

How he watcheth o’er His loved ones,  Died to call them all His own;

How for them He intercedeth, Watcheth o’er them from His throne.  

I give you #10 on your book!  It is excellent!!! 

 Love you, Karma

Nita M. Sept. 21, 2025

Kris,

I just finished your book last night. Wow it was amazing! I was one of the ones who already knew about your struggles, but what an amazing uplifting book. I think it will give a lot of people a lot of hope. Thanks for being so humble and willing to write it. It was so well written and the music adds so much. I loved it. I got it on kindle and used the text to speech function. And I just stopped and listened to the music at each of the links. Thanks for writing it. I was so surprised by Ben’s songs. I knew Nik was amazing but I didn’t know Ben was so amazing too. I felt so sad about your dad not being able to talk to you about his struggles that would have been such a game changer. The song you said Nik could play when he was 6… I was like, What?!?. I giggled about the rainforest in your house, only Kris. Our choices matter.

Adrainne E. Sept. 20, 2025

 I read your book and loved it! You did a phenomenal job writing, sharing, and expressing yourself. Thank you for being so vulnerable and open um about the struggles you and your family have gone through. It helped me to shift some of my thinking as well as understand some of my loved ones better. I also deeply appreciate the realness of you that I feel I know better now. I respect you coming your faith, and your journey so much. You are amazing!

Georgann R.

5.0 out of 5 stars Honest, Poignant, Courageous!

Reviewed in the United States on September 17, 2025

 I’ve known Kris for many years. We have been backyard neighbors. In all that time I never suspected all the struggles and trials she went through. I always admired her dedication to her children and the depth and breadth of her home education…totally loved the rain forest!

 What touched me the about her story, was the fact that in most cases, the faces we see every day, don’t show the fears, trials, worries, pains or weaknesses. We all have them. Her courage in telling her story, the resulting freedom she feels and her acceptance of herself, is an example to us all to not be judgmental and to realize that we should treat everyone kindly. We don’t know what their hurts and anguishes are. Even when we do, that love and kindness should not be with held.

 I’m especially touched by her testimony of the Savior, that he is the light and direction in the storms we face. We need to trust in him for his Tender Mercies and Miracles. He knows us and “has our backs” and his love never wavers!

From: Heidi M. 

Sent: Monday, October 13, 2025 

 Hi Kris! I am a friend of Jan Skousen, who introduced me to your wonderful book. I enjoyed it so much and read through it in just four days! (I am not a quick reader, so that’s really saying something. 😊)

 I love to read while lounging on the chaise in my family room where the afternoon light streams through our glass front door. On Saturday, as I was in the middle of reading your book, a rainbow suddenly appeared on the page! And not just a rainbow–a straight rainbow! I could not believe it! I immediately snapped a picture so I could share it with Jan. I have goosebumps now as I’m typing this and thinking back on that little “God wink” (as my grandmother would have called it).

 I had already been thoroughly enjoying your book, but that little rainbow, (sent from God in my opinion) was just icing on the cake– solidifying to me the beauty and authenticity of your story. Your vulnerability is inspiring, and I am so grateful for your willingness to share your unique and complicated story. 

 One of my main take aways from your book is that the Savior is so very mindful of us. My struggles may look different from yours, but my ability to have the Savior guide me through life’s challenges is the same. I hope to be as willing to let Him do so as you have been. 

 You are an inspiration and I am better for having read your story. Thank you for being so real, raw and authentic. We need more Kris Days in this world. 

 With gratitude and much admiration,

Heidi

Heather C

 I just finished reading “I Can’t Miss The Encore”. It was such a heartfelt book. I was moved by Kris’s strong determination to follow God. Her story clearly illustrates what scripture has always taught: following God will most likely be a rocky adventure, but the rewards are worth every minute of it. Because Kris speaks with raw honesty, openly, hiding nothing, pulling back the curtain and letting the reader see her and her life so plainly, so clearly, her message and testimony of God’s great love for her (and all of us) shines brightly. I feel honored to know her through her story. Her story is my story. Our story. The trials may be different, but the struggle is the same. The struggle to be seen, known, and loved. The struggle to overcome the natural man. These are hard challenges. Kris has inspired me to keep trying, keep going, keep trusting in the Lord. It’s going to be all right. It’s going to be worth it. Leave the messes behind and look forward. Thank you Kris.

Heather C.

Adrianne E.

Kris’s book offers insight into personal experiences in such a way that helped me feel first, that I knew her better, and second, that I could understand and better empathize with those I know who have similar experiences and feelings. I appreciate her candid openness to topics that are personal and sensitive in nature. I loved the theme of the book: that her children are her encore…what a true statement that is. Kris’s dedication to parenting the way she felt was best for her family is so inspiring to me. I feel inspired to travel and experience places the way they did and still do. This was a captivating read…I couldn’t put it down until the end!

Katholyn H.

I loved this book. It was thought provoking, helped me to reflect on my own life experiences, and was so inspiring.

Reviewed in the United States on November 3, 2025

Reviewed in the United States on November 1, 2025

Reviewed in the United States on November 5, 2025