Throughout the pages of this phenomenal book, I found myself experiencing personal convictions for letting go of certain negative mindsets in exchange for the priceless treasures of lessons learned through the true-to-life story of Bishop Henry Hearns.

HOW ODDS EVEN THROUGH GRACE is an extraordinarily rich and powerful instrument for bringing inspiration and positive change. It’s timeless and relevant to every generation and creed. Definitely a must-read!"

- Etasha Arnold

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"How Odds Even Through Grace is one of the best books I have ever read.

I think it is a great book for African American studies. It should be in every Afro American Museum."

- G. Dawson

It tells of the struggles, challenges and triumphs of a Black man born in the south who rises to success on the west coast. It is honest, refreshing and inspiring and also shows the struggle between good and evil. I was especially inspired where he writes about having achieved success (which he sometimes referred to as "stuff") and this accumulation of stuff eventually led to the loss of his family. And in the end, families are more important than stuff because stuff will pass away. Once I started reading the book, it was difficult to put down as I was hanging onto every word and sentence; sometimes with sadness, sometimes with expectation but always with anticipation. This book is also filled with history. It is a life changer."

- Faye Lewis

How Odds Even,” written by my dear friend Henry Hearns, will gift to its reader godly wisdom, as well as insights into hardships few of us ever will experience.”

- Jack W. Hayford

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"This book I could easily see on the silver screen.

There is so much that can inspire people and give them hope."

- Moses Burton

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"Bishop Hearns’ book is simply amazing.

I really enjoyed reading about the history of his family and the wonderful people he encountered along his journey to becoming the dynamic man he is today."

- William Sims

From his mother’s courageous spirit during childbirth to Hearns becoming the first African American mayor of Lancaster, CA. Not only has he kept his family memories alive but his words give hope to those who struggle with life’s adversities.  Bishop Hearns is a beautiful soul. Having read his life experiences, I have been touched by the heartwarming stories of his life under Jim Crow Law and the hardships he endured from a small boy on a sharecropping plantation to the inspiring man he has become today. Hearns has shown his readers that living a life of “Better, not Bitter” can truly be an awesome testament to all people, regardless of their race." 

- Denise Smith

Social and Behavioral Science Division

Antelope Valley College

Having lived in Lancaster, CA for a number of years, and have since moved to an affluent suburban neighborhood of my home town of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; I reminisced of the day that I was in Bishop Hearns' church in Little Rock, CA.  I googled Bishop Hearns to get the name of that church and found that he had written an autobiography.  I was highly interested in reading about him since his highly anointed church was the first church where someone, that I did not know, walked up to me and said, 'God told me to tell you that He wants to bless you.  Financially!'  Sure enough, two weeks later, I got a check in the mail from the IRS.  I had owed taxes that year and made a mistake in my math.  The IRS reimbursed me.  Have you heard of such honesty coming from the IRS?  In reading Bishop Hearns' book, it rang out that he himself had always been an honest man.  God anointed him with honesty in his ministry, work life, and family life.  I met Bishop Hearns in-person in his office, years later, through his son, "Buddy", Henry Hearns, Jr.  Bishop Hearns' tranquil and peaceful presence that day, spoke volumes of the type of man he is! Read his book if you want to read about a positive individual who exudes a confidence that only comes from an obvious intimate relationship with self, others; and chiefly, from God."

 - A Sister in Christ

Hearns provides that intimacy of his thoughts, feelings, career and family choices and, most importantly, his development as a follower of Jesus.  In our reading of his story, his unlikely-to-be-significant beginnings morph into a prominent secular and spiritual leader-to-be-admired and, if possible, emulated.  Hearns’ early discordant interaction with white individuals and society at large also undergoes a transformation from hatred to love.  He loves us, and we love him!  The hand of the Almighty has been and remains on Henry, and by joining with him as we read this powerful account of his life, we also feel we are within the attention and loving-kindness of our God."

- Roe Leer