Crossing the Centuries

Connecting to 165 Energies and Spirits in My Ancestral Tree

Non-Fiction - Genealogy
566 Pages
Reviewed on 05/12/2024
Buy on Amazon

    Book Review

Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite

Crossing the Centuries: Connecting to 165 Energies and Spirits in My Ancestral Tree by Brenda Hammon is a mesmerizing journey into her past. It explores her genealogy and spirituality, woven with personal anecdotes and historical narratives. Hammon’s unique approach to storytelling captivates readers from the very first page, inviting them into a world where the past and present intersect in profound ways. “To help fulfill my purpose in this life, I must find out about my past.” These words open this rich and meticulously researched book permeated with spiritual undercurrents. Hammon's memoir is a candid exploration of her spiritual journey. From her childhood encounters with angels to her adult experiences as a psychic medium, the story is marked by moments of introspection and growth. Her willingness to confront skepticism and doubt from others and within herself comes across as authentic and makes her journey inspiring.

The author describes her encounters with her ancestors in an emotionally enlivening and captivating way, providing a glimpse into the lives of ordinary individuals who lived through extraordinary times. From soldiers in the Civil War to pioneers forging a new life in the wilderness, each ancestor comes to life through Hammon's vivid descriptions and keen insights. The personal connections she forms with these spirits add to the poignancy of their stories. One memorable experience involved Stephen Hammond, an Ohio farmer whose restless spirit sought a connection with Brenda. Through their encounters, Brenda gleaned insights into Stephen's life, family, and the adversities he faced. Similarly, Brenda connected with Benjamin William Hammond, a soldier in the War of 1812 whose vivid narratives illuminated the harsh realities of wartime experiences. Additionally, Brenda encountered Mary 'Polly' McKibben, whose spirit embodied resilience in the face of marital adversity, inspiring Brenda's path of self-discovery and empowerment through her ancestors' stories. Her struggles with burnout and physical ailments serve as powerful reminders of the need to prioritize one's well-being, even in the pursuit of a higher purpose. Through her journey, Brenda Hammon learns valuable lessons about the delicate balance between giving and receiving. Crossing the Centuries is a beautiful book filled with spiritual insights, engaging moments, and a unique path to discovering one’s purpose.

K.C. Finn

Crossing the Centuries: Connecting to 165 Energies and Spirits in My Ancestral Tree is a work of non-fiction in the genealogy, family history, spirituality, and memoir genres. Penned by author Brenda Hammon, this is a truly unique memoir that delves into the author's quest to connect with her ancestors spanning over two hundred years. Through interviews with one hundred and sixty-five spirits and two years of writing, Hammon explores the stories and experiences of her deceased family members. With a blend of genealogical research and spiritual intuition, she brings her ancestors' tales to life, from American Civil War soldiers to pioneering women and convicts. The memoir is a compelling journey through history, filled with mysterious energies and profound insights into the human experience across generations.

Author Brenda Hammon has a real knack for storytelling that she utilizes to craft a mesmerizing read that blurs the lines between history and spirituality. I was impressed by the meticulous amount of research and lively sense of empathy that Hammon used to breathe life into her ancestors' stories, creating a tapestry of diverse lives and experiences spanning centuries. The narrative is infused with a sense of wonder and discovery as Hammon unveils the hidden truths and untold tales buried within her family tree, and I found it to be very warm-hearted and open throughout. From the struggles of Civil War soldiers to the resilience of pioneering women, each ancestor's story has a unique place in social history that shows how far we’ve come with every generation. There’s a lot of respect for the hardships of the past. Hammon's personal journey of embracing her spiritual gifts adds another layer to the tale that’s even more special, offering readers a glimpse into the profound connections that transcend time and space. Overall, Crossing the Centuries is a transformative exploration of identity, heritage, and the enduring power of familial bonds that I would certainly recommend.

Romuald Dzemo

Crossing the Centuries: Connecting to 165 Energies and Spirits in My Ancestral Tree by Brenda Hammon is an extraordinary book that transcends traditional genealogical exploration, exploring deep into the spiritual realm to uncover the stories of Brenda's ancestors. Hammon presents personal anecdotes, historical facts, and supernatural encounters in each chapter to create a captivating and enlightening narrative. Hammon's journey is marked by a profound sense of purpose, driven by her desire to understand her place in the world and the legacies of those who came before her. Her vivid descriptions and heartfelt reflections draw readers into her world, where encounters with spirits and visions of the past blur the lines between reality and the supernatural.

Brenda Hammon candidly explores her spiritual gifts and the challenges. Her journey toward self-acceptance is inspiring and relatable, from her early childhood experiences with angels to her struggles with controlling her psychic abilities. Her honesty and vulnerability are striking. As Hammon digs into her family history, she introduces readers to various characters, from Civil War soldiers to pioneer settlers, each with their own stories. Through her meticulous research and empathic connections with her ancestors, Hammon breathes life into figures long gone, offering readers a glimpse into the trials and triumphs of past generations. Themes of forgiveness and the power of familial bonds are brilliantly developed. Whether recounting the harrowing experiences of her ancestors on the battlefield or the quiet moments of strength and perseverance in the face of adversity, Hammon's storytelling is both poignant and powerful. Crossing the Centuries is more than just a genealogical exploration—it's a book that examines how ancestors' lives provide the light into finding purpose and one’s place in the world. Hammon's journey of self-discovery reminds us that our ancestors are not just names on a family tree but living spirits whose stories continue to resonate with us today. Well-researched and cleverly executed, this book will inspire readers to discover their pasts and find out how these shape their future.