three-time #1 best-selling author
“If we treat everyone special, then special is all we see”
I See Jesus
Diane and her husband, Tony, were given news that every parent dreads. Their son, Leo, would not likely see his third birthday.
Diane found herself faced with an experience that could have broken her. Yet, her faith grew stronger, due in large part to Leo’s influence, as well as God’s plan.
Spring Splendors
Join Leo and his friends and family into the life of a boy with special needs.
With tons of adventures and fun things to see, we can learn about how Leo lives life so wonderfully! And who doesn’t love the season of spring and the fun it brings?
See what Leo does next in the full series of Living Life with Leo.
Autumn Adventures
Join Leo and his friends and family into the life of a boy with special needs.
With tons of adventures and fun things to see, we can learn about how Leo lives life so wonderfully! And who doesn’t love the season of fall and the fun it brings?
See what Leo does next in the full series of Living Life with Leo.
For residents of Southeastern Wisconsin, please note that these books are also available for purchase at Elmbrook Church bookstore located in Brookfield, WI.
For residents of Eastern Iowa, please note that these books are also available for purchase at River Lights bookstore located in Dubuque, IA.
Book Reviews
“‘I See Jesus, Three words that changed my life’ by Diane Nienas is an extremely powerful narrative of a young, innocent girl coming of age through physical and psychological trauma, heart ache and young love. Her journey through adulthood is chocked full of discouragement, loss and pain, and equally supplied with encouragement and love. Diane weaves a story of beauty in the simplicity of making each day an opportunity to celebrate the life of her family members, especially her son, Leo. In the process of managing Leo’s illness, Diane opens her heart, realizing that her and her son’s roles have switched: Leo is the teacher! Our young hero helps his mother and others find divine intervention, the beauty in simplicity and how to live and love one day at a time to find inner peace. This story shows a family’s struggle to find points of light where darkness prevails. Their examples of faith, hope and love shine brightly for us all.” ~Andrea L.
“If you have ever felt God couldn’t possibly love and care about you, but desperately want to believe He does, then ‘I See Jesus, Three words that changed my life’, is the book to help you on your journey to finding God and His, never-ending love, mercy, and guidance. In her book, Diane Nienas is courageously transparent as she discusses the many challenges and choices she has been forced to deal with in her life, including the deaths of two of her children. What makes this book unique is how God uses Diane’s terminally ill son, Leo, to transform her from an empty young woman searching for a moral compass, into a wise, mature woman of God. Diane’s memoir will be a light in your life and will guide you towards a hope and life in Christ.” ~Liz S.
“Whether you are spiritually strong or weary, Diane Nienas’ memoir is sure to warm your heart and bring you comfort. ‘I See Jesus, Three words that changed my life’, is an inspiring account of how God’s redemption is possible if you are still enough to receive His messages and believe you are worthy of His love. Nienas is rawly truthful, yet delicate, in sharing her childhood and young adult life journey void of truly knowing God and His greatness. When terminal illnesses threaten to take the lives of two of her children, she trusts in the sacred messages communicated by her precious child to fully rely on God and surrender to what has become her family’s journey. From heartbreaking accounts of watching her children struggle with the unthinkable to touching moments and events, Nienas reminds us throughout this personal account that the light and love of God prevails even in the darkest of times. Personally, I was not quite prepared for my intense emotional response; my tears flowed freely and frequently! A large box of tissues is highly suggested!” ~Jen M.
“Reading ‘Living Life with Leo’ has been such a bright spot in my day! it is so special to read a book that involves inclusion for special needs children. The idea that someone’s inability should not limit their ability to enjoy life and have fun experiences is a message that everyone needs to know and live by. When you read ‘Living Life with Leo’ to yourself, or your loved one, you will be filled with adventure and joy flipping through the pages. It is an engaging book that shows the world anything is possible if special is all we see.” ~Valerie H.
“There are a multitude of children’s fictional picture books, many of which are based on actual people. However, there are not a lot of stories like ‘Living Life With Leo’. This story details the autumn adventures of Leo and his beloved family as they illustrate just how special daily life can be with a spectacular person like Leo in their lives. The artwork is playful and meaningful while depicting the fall festivities of a child living, but not confined, to a wheelchair. With a beautiful cardinal hidden in each page, readers of all ages can interact with this beautiful and touching story as they get to live a life with Leo.” ~Maura L.