The Little Love That Could

“Capone’s latest book opens with a prologue that establishes its central, unifying theme. In it, she explains that the title of the work was inspired by the story of the ‘little engine that could’; it’s fitting, she says, because it’s how ‘love seems to have shown up in my life: underdog love, tenacious love—small love that turns into big love.’ Over the course of sixty-five pieces, the author examines how various aspects of love have touched her life. Her subjects include her bond with her adoptive family, her volunteer work with her church and an organization that aids girls in Guatemala, her trips to Italy with her husband, and the importance of friendship and finding connections with others. . . . Capone’s Christian faith is a central element of many essays . . . and she delivers her spiritual messages with nuance and grace. . . .

“A thoughtful, inspiring collection that may appeal to fans of Erma Bombeck’s and Anne Lamott’s work.”
—Kirkus Reviews

“Capone’s humorous and faith-laced autobiographical anecdotes arguably cast a wider net than variants on the theme of love. . . . The book imparts sage messages of wisdom that come from age and having experienced the highs, the lows, the anguish, and all the happiness that life has to offer. Simple messages such as a smile goes a long way; making amends and saying you’re sorry should be on one’s daily to-do list, not on one’s bucket list; children have a voice; one is never too old to learn something new; and there are ample rewards in random acts of kindness.

“While some of these may sound like bromides . . . they are given new life when seen through Capone’s witty and energetic perspective. The engine behind her advice is her spirited prose, which has the power to change one’s own point of view as well as transcend demographics.

“Whether in need of entertainment, inspiration, or merely a different perspective on life in general, The Little Love That Could has something that will fit each bill, for a recommended blend of memoir and self-help.”
 —Self Publishing Review

“This collection of over sixty mainly autobiographical short pieces . . . might be understood as gentle sermons . . . or prayers. Reading Pamela Capone’s brief essays is like having a heart-to-heart conversation over a cup of tea with a kind, funny, honest friend who has emerged from a life touched by sorrow with her heart gloriously intact.

“. . . The Little Love That Could is a refreshing reminder that faith and joy exist within an honest accounting of our imperfect days. This series of personal and faith-based essays compassionately guides readers through the doubts and struggles to a place of greater peace, appreciation, and understanding.

“IR VERDICT: In The Little Love That Could, author Pamela Capone is passionately committed to using her own life experience—written in accessible, compassionate prose—to help, advise, and heal.”
—IndieReader

“Pamela Capone shares her epiphanies in a moving collection of personal essays that explore the power of love and her transformation from orphan to child of God. . . .

“When loving foster parents took her in, she was filthy and malnourished, a self-described ragamuffin who spent decades overcoming the belief that she was unlovable. Now a hip, gregarious California powerhouse in her mid-50s, Capone confides that it took God’s unconditional love to set her straight.

“Mixing the style of a motivational speaker with evangelical zeal, Capone reveals herself as a kind, generous woman who has mastered the skill of turning small talk into big conversations. Each chapter is a modern parable ending with a lesson about tenacity, forgiveness, generosity, and God’s grace. . . . Capone pulls from personal experiences, Eastern spirituality, self-help gurus, Bible verses, and pop culture, even using invented words . . . when traditional vocabulary fails. Together, these elements create a warm, entertaining, and edifying read.

“Although Capone’s male, Christian God may not be everyone’s deity, her insightful, good-natured stories represent the best of human nature, sharing universal truths that can be appreciated by people of all cultures.” —Blueink Review

“An amazing compilation of wonderful stories that inspire love for self and, more importantly, for others. Through her family experiences and wonderful friendships, Capone shows how love can change and empower lives. . . . She also includes friends’ stories, people who have given up their comfort for the benefit of others, and meaningful historical accounts such as that of Rosa Parks. The stories are filled with beauty, love, and courage. They show what simple acts of kindness and pluck can achieve. . . . They also touch on social issues, and the accounts reveal deep-rooted problems that can be solved through compassion and putting others first. . . . The Little Love That Could is a must-read for anyone longing for some warmth and inspiration.”
—Readers’ Favorite

“Pamela Capone’s The Little Love That Could is a spiritual autobiography told in vignettes—about living with your own flaws, choosing to be a helpful force in the lives of others, and expressing gratitude for blessings. . . .

“The book imparts its perspective well across its many different stories, reinforcing connections between Capone’s faith and her daily reflections. Life lessons come through in an endearing, self-critical but good-humored tone. . . . Capone’s revelatory vulnerability around her own tendency to be too sensitive and her bouts of impatience result in original takes on common subjects such as marital spats and gratitude for life’s gifts. Gentle self-mockery . . . and colloquial phrases . . . lighten the tone in a pleasing way. . . . The end result is a cohesive, satisfying memoir.”
—Foreword Clarion Reviews