Believing in yourself and your own unique gifts, even in the wake of tragedy and grief, is a difficult feat to accomplish. It's in these darkest of moments when we see what we're truly made of.

In "Willow's Gift," author Connie Myslik-McFadden introduces us to modern heroine Willow, who has just survived a heartrending, near-death experience. In the days that follow, Willow discovers a new telepathic bond with the animals around her and soon realizes they are to become her greatest allies and teachers.

When a forest fire threatens to destroy her family and the wild canyon she loves,...