"This is by far the most candid and practical approach to blending a family I've ever seen. Reverend Dana hits the nail on the head with virtually every statement. I found myself saying, 'Finally someone understands.' The need for blending is becoming more important but is seldom specifically addressed. This is a fantastic book. If you're blending a family, both of you should read this" (Michael K. Jones, PhD, PT, author of Bridging the Gap between Health Care & Fitness).
About the Author: Rev. Dana Porter Ashton is the youngest of four daughters of the late Rev. Dr. William Robert and Mrs. Doris Ann Porter. She attended public schools in Washington, D.C., then continued her education at Howard University, where she graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Human Development. Rev. Dana completed her Master's Degree in Christian Counseling from Maple Springs Baptist Bible College and Seminary, and earned her Master of Divinity Degree from Howard University. Rev. Dana is an ordained Itinerant Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church and is currently the proud Pastor of Union Chapel AME Church, Cambridge, MD. She also serves as an instructor for the Baltimore Annual Conference Board of Examiners, the educational body that prepares ministers for Ordination in the AME Church and as the Worship Leader for the Second Episcopal District Women In Ministry. Rev. Dana has traveled extensively throughout the country and abroad preaching and teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, and directing and singing with many choirs. She has coordinated and spoken at various retreats, workshops, and programs. Rev. Dana served under her father for several years and has a powerfully uncanny love for those who have given up and have no hope. Prior to her pastoral appointment, Rev. Dana served as pastor of Bethel AME Church, Chesapeake City, and as the assistant to Dr. Frank Madison Reid, III, at Bethel AME Church in Baltimore, Maryland. God has anointed her with a compassionate heart and healing power, which led her to develop the Healing Hearts Women's Fellowship, where she ministered to women who have been hurt in any manner. Rev. Dana is the wife of her high school sweetheart, Maurice Anthony Ashton. She is the mother of Brittany Alexandria, her joy, God mommy to Kisha, her heart, Ma Dana to Marcellus, Malcolm, and Monay, her angels, and Nana to Dionte, Zion, Elijah, and Dayna Amaya, her precious ones. Her favorite scripture is John 15:16 which confirmed that God had an assignment specifically for her and her favorite word that God uses is "BEHOLD," which reminds her that God is always up to something.