Enchanted Excurse

Disclosure: I received Hope Prevails: Insights From a Doctor's Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson complimentary from Revell. Provided I give an honest Review.

   Synopsis from Goodreads:

 Neuropsychologist Offers Hope to Those Struggling with Depression As a board-certified neuropsychologist, Dr. Michelle Bengtson sees the devastation of depression. Early on, she practiced the most effective treatments and prescribed them for her clients. But when she experienced depression herself, she found that the treatments she had recommended were lacking. Her experience showed her the missing component in treating depression. In "Hope Prevails," Dr. Bengtson writes with deep compassion, blending her training and faith, to offer readers a hope grounded in God's love and grace. She helps readers understand what depression is, how it affects them spiritually, and what, by God's grace, it cannot do. The result is an approach that offers the hope of release, not just the management of symptoms. For those who struggle with depression and those who want to help them, "Hope Prevails" offers hope for the future. 

 My Review: While reading this book I found it awesome to finally read a book from an author who understands what depression and anxiety is about. I hate that she has gone through it, or that anyone has gone through it. It is best to have books on these subjects from folks who have gone through the same things. Because you know they know how to relate more to you. 

I did find she was repetitive in a few chapters, to where I felt I thought I was rereading a chapter. Other than that I do love that she incorporates scriptures and talking about how God has helped her through her depression. This book would be great to do a weekly bible study with others, because at the end there are questions in the way you can discuss with your bible study group about what your answers were to the questions. Also my favorite thing at the end of each chapter she posts christian songs that have helped her throughout her depression and writing this book. Which I am going to of course go on Spotify and add all of these songs and make a happy playlist to see if it helps me out. I also love learning of new music and new christian music especially. They are always great to listen play to try and get your depressed self back up to cheery. I think this would be a great book to try if you go through any anxiety or depression, because it doesn't hurt to read a book and see if the author says something that just might click for you. Here is a LINK to click to see where to purchase this book for yourself. Have a Blessed Day!

Disclosure: I received Untangled: Let God Loosen the Knots of Insecurity in Your Life by Carey Scott complimentary from Revell. Provided I give an honest review.

Hello Loverlies! Have you ever felt so tangled up in insecurity that you didn't know how to untangle yourself? Well that's what untangled by Carey Scott is about. She talks about the different sections in her life where she was tangled up. She then goes on explaining how she allowed God to help her slowly untangle those knots.

I have to admit that I didn't love this book, I only liked it. It does have some great information on how she overcomes the certain tangles of her life. Maybe I wasn't as in love with it because she talks about her insecurities with raising her children. I do not have children, so it makes it hard to relate with her. I think if I wait a few years and reread it when I have children, then it will be more helpful. The author not only discusses insecurities with raising children, but also insecurities with her busy work life. Again this makes it hard to relate, for I am not able to work because of my anxiety. although it was harder for me to feel as if this book reached out to me, she does share some good insight in this book. If you feel this is what you are needing then give it a try. I know I will give it a second chance. You can purchase this book on AMAZON. Have a Blessed Day!

Synopsis From Goodreads:

All women want to feel is valued. But problems arise when we seek confirmation that we are "enough "using the world's standards. Almost from birth, we are trained to find the approval and acceptance we crave in the eyes of family, friends, and even strangers. The result is that we cannot believe we are who God says we are--accepted, loved, beautiful, and treasured. We get tangled up in the world's assessment and our own self-judgment. With hope-filled writing and plenty of hard-won personal advice, Carey Scott shows women how to untangle their self-esteem from the world and anchor it in Jesus. She lovingly shows readers that God was intentional in how he made them and that he is well pleased with his work. Women will learn practical strategies to escape unattainable standards and the performance-based measuring stick of the world, and find comfort in the fact that they are not alone on the journey.

About The Author: Carey Scott is an author, speaker, and certified Bible life coach who challenges women to be real--not perfect--even when real is messy. She speaks to women's groups and writes an online devotional designed to help women be who God created them to be. She lives in Colorado with her husband and their two children.

Afternoon Loverlies! What do I think of when I read the words "The Beauty Of Grace"? I basically view it as exactly what it states. Grace is Beautiful and Elegant, especially the Grace God gives us. He doesn't have to be merciful and loving to us, but God is because he loves us. I am very thankful for his Grace. Whenever you don't feel loved at all, by anyone, it is awesome knowing God loves you. 

 I received a book from Revell called The Beauty Of Grace: Stories of God's Love from Today's Most Popular Writers. The editor/photographer for this book is Dawn Camp, and the foreword was written by Holley Gerth. This book has short stories by many authors about how they find God in their daily struggles. I enjoyed reading each story because it shows just how human we are, and how we all struggle with similar issues. No one is perfect and we are all going to go through rough times in our lives. The best thing to do is to find God in those struggles. Yes, I know, it is easier said then done a lot of the times. You know why? Because we let ourselves get in the way of finding him. I think this book is a great way of reassuring myself that there is hope, these authors have found that hope in their struggles. Why can't I? Also God forgives me if I mess up and he has never given up hope on me. He just sits there patiently waiting for me to get up, brush myself off, and try again. I believe this book is great if you are looking for some inspirational stories. The cover is beautiful to look at and so are the pictures that are on the inside of this book. If this type of book is your style of reading, then it is a must, that you read this book. What do you think of when you read the words "The Beauty Of Grace"? I would love to read what y'all have to say. Have a Blessed Day!

Synopsis From Goodreads:

In this hectic life, we all need a little peace, a little quiet, and a little beauty. Combining heartfelt stories from some of today's foremost writers and bloggers with stunning photography of God's incredible creation, "The Beauty of Grace" is a haven of calm contemplation amidst the chaos. 
This uplifting collection includes moving stories of cultivating friendship, waiting on God, choosing joy, staying connected, and more from popular writers such as Jessica Turner, Lisa-Jo Baker, Holley Gerth, Ann Voskamp, Bonnie Gray, Tsh Oxenreider, Leeana Tankersley, Emily Freeman, Margaret Feinberg, and many others. Each story is accompanied by an uplifting Scripture verse, and the book includes Dawn's stunning photos. Foreword by Holley Gerth.

Authors: Kayla Aimee, Tina Anderson, Lisa-Jo Baker, Laura Boggess, Stephanie Bryant,  Dawn Camp, Mary Carver, Robin Dance, Mary DeMuth, Christin Ditchfield, Annie F. Downs, Margaret Feinberg, Joy Forney, Sara Frankl (Gitz), Emily P. Freeman, Holley Gerth, Bonnie Gray, Amber Haines, Seth Haines, Jennifer Dukes Lee, Kelley J. Leigh, Lisa Leonard, Shannon Lowe, Sarah Markley, Elizabeth W. Marshall, Shelly Miller, Angela Nazworth, Tsh Oxenreider, Laura Parker, Katie Kenny Phillips, Rachel Anne Ridge, Deidra Riggs, Jen Schmidt, Arianne Segerman, Melanie Shankle, Kristen Strong, Leeana Tankersley, Jessica Turner, Ann Voskamp, Edie Wadsworth, Kristen Welch, Maggie Whitley, Lisa Whittle, and Amanda Williams

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Afternoon Loverlies! I received The Crimson Cord: Rahab's Story written by Jill Eileen Smith from Revell books to review. I was excited to get this book to review because I heard good things about it. I think Smith did a marvelous job in this dramatization of this story, I really don't think I would enjoy anyone else's telling of it. I love that she shows how faithful Rahab was, especially when she got to know the Lord. Since I decided to choose Faith as my word this year, I believe this is another great story for me to remember when I start to have doubts in my Faith. I will say the beginning is very emotional, because of the men that Rahab had to deal with. I just love how brave she is and how she doesn't give up. This book was very easy to get into and kept me on the edge of my seat. I am going to have to keep reading Smith's books, I just love how she puts the story together. I recommend reading this book and also recommend reading the Bible verses about Rahab. I think it is always best when reading a dramatization of a story in the Bible, that you go back and read the scriptures also. Have a Blessed Day!

Synopsis From Goodreads:

Wife to a gambler who took one too many risks, Rahab finds herself sold as a slave to cover her husband's debt. Forced into prostitution by Dabir, counselor to the Syrian king, Rahab despairs of ever regaining her freedom and her self-respect. But when Israelite spies enter Jericho and come to lodge at her house, Rahab sees a glimmer of hope and the opportunity of a lifetime. In one risky moment, she takes a leap of faith, puts her trust in a God she does not know, and vows to protect the spies from the authorities. When the armies of Israel arrive weeks later, Rahab hopes they will keep their promise, but she has no idea what kind of challenges await her outside Jericho's walls--or if she will ever know the meaning of love.

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Hello there Loverlies! I received another book from Revell to review. This book I received is called Breathing Room letting go so you can fully live by Leeana Tankersley. I have tried and tried to read and get into this book, but I have found it hard to keep focus and find it enjoying. Maybe it is because of my own anxiety being a bit extreme lately? Maybe it is the way it is written? I cannot fully figure it out and it makes me frustrated. The cover is very pretty and the book seemed like it would be very uplifting to read. Sadly I couldn't get all the way through the book. I guess you can say, I'm kind of on the fence about it. At least of what I have read so far. I will admit I can relate to her on what I have read, the depression and the stressful situations. I want to say though, if this book seems like something you would enjoy to at least give it a try. I would hate for someone to miss out on reading this book if it actually speaks to them and helps them. Have a blessed day!!

Synopsis From Goodreads:

Leeana Tankersley, like so many of us, began to feel overwhelmed by life. And like so many of us, she assumed she was struggling not because life is inherently difficult but because she was personally failing in some way. She knows firsthand what it is to bully yourself, to put yourself down for not being able to keep it all together, to compare yourself to others and find yourself lacking. But she's also discovered that all of the hurt and hostility and pain only add up to a life of holding your breath. What if we could exhale and let go?

"Breathing Room " is her beautiful release of self-condemnation, her discovery of the rest that comes when we give ourselves some space to breathe. She draws readers in through shared experiences of perfectionism, jealousy, and striving and shows them how to let go, how to be radically on their own team, and how to experience the broad grace that Christ has offered all of us. 

Anyone who has been trying to do it all, who has been putting on a strong front and yet secretly struggling, will find in "Breathing Room" both a trusted friend and a generous Savior.

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Afternoon Loverlies! I finally have received this book I have waiting on called Finding Spiritual Whitespace written by Bonnie Gray. First off the cover on this book is gawgeous!! It is so simple and just brilliant! This book was very interesting to read, I read it in about a day. But I know I am going to have to go back and reread and rethink the questions that are at the end of every chapter. This author writes about her rough childhood and how it brought about PTSD. She also explains how she has been getting through this with God's help, and the actions she and her therapist have decided she should do. I felt I could easily relate with her about her anxiety attacks and about lack of friends when you are dealing with mental health issues. Sadly, you do find out easily who the true friends are in these situations. 

Gray also speaks about how everyone needs to find their spiritual whitespace. Take time for themselves to rest, relax, and just be with God.  You can find whitespace in everything, be it crafting, drawing, drinking tea, or even staring at God's beauty. There are plenty more activities or non activities you can do to find your whitespace. She states, "whitespace signifies space for a story." I think this book will be easy to read daily, just like a devotional book. I really enjoyed reading this book and will enjoy reading it again and again. Also go over and check out Bonnie Gray's blog HERE. She has been posting a 21 days of rest challenge for anyone to do, which looks interesting. Her link is also where you can purchase the book for yourself. :) Have A Blessed Day!

"Our souls are canvases too, longing for quiet and beauty. Just as beautiful art needs whitespace, we need whitespace: spiritual whitespace. Our soul needs rest. To find balance and beauty."

Synopsis from Goodreads

Move beyond Coping and Surviving to a Rejuvenating Place of Soul Rest How many of us find ourselves exhausted, running on empty with no time for rest, no time for ourselves, no time for God? Bonnie Gray knows exactly what that's like. On the brink of fulfilling a lifelong dream, Bonnie's plans suddenly went off script. Her life shattered into a debilitating journey through anxiety, panic attacks, and insomnia. But as she struggled to make sense of it all, she made an important discovery: we all need "spiritual whitespace." Spiritual whitespace makes room--room in one's heart for a deep relationship with God, room in one's life for rest, room in one's soul for rejuvenation. With soul-stirring vulnerability and heartbreaking honesty, Bonnie takes readers on a personal journey to feed their souls and uncover the deeper story of rest. Lyrical writing draws readers into Gray's intimate journey through overwhelming stress to find God in a broken story and celebrate the beauty of faith. Guided by biblical encouragement and thought-provoking prompts, Gray shows readers how to create space in the everyday for God, refreshment, and faith. She also offers practical steps and insights for making spiritual whitespace a reality, right in the midst of the stress-frayed stories in every season of life.

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Evening Loverlies! I have finished reading One More Last Chance by Cathleen Armstrong. First thing I will share with y'all is the synopsis found on Goodreads.

Sarah Cooley has come home to Last Chance, New Mexico, for one reason–because it doesn't change. After an engagement gone bad with a man who wanted to change everything about her, Sarah is more than ready for the town whose motto may as well be, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Chris Reed, on the other hand, wants nothing more than to spark some change in the little town. As the new owner of the Dip ‘n’ Dine, he’s shaking things up to draw folks from all over the Southwest into his restaurant. As it turns out, the winds of change are blowing into Last Chance–just not in the ways that Sarah or Chris might expect. With the same evocative writing and fascinating characters that won fans for her debut novel, Cathleen Armstrong invites readers back to Last Chance for a soul-searching, romantic story of two people navigating the twists and turns of small-town life.

This book is the second book of the A Place To Call Home novels, but they are easily read without reading the other books I have noticed. This book just seems like a perfect movie for Hallmark, I am hoping there is a movie of it already. If there isn't a movie made of it, there should be. It was a very sweet story about overcoming some life struggles that can be hard. As I read more into it I got really anxious just to see what will happen, and this author did not disappoint with what happens. lol Reading this book makes me want to live in the country, even though I'm sure once I was there, I probably would go bonkers. I like being able to look around at stores whenever I can, but it does make me miss the country. The people in this town Last Chance seemed to always want to help one another. It makes me hope that I can be as kind and giving as they are. Sometimes with my anxiety it will make ya wanna just be a hermit, when really deep down ya just want a friend there. I loved Elizabeth, sarah's grandmother, she was very kind and you knew she was a God fearing woman. I would love to be a grandmother like that when I get older. :) Again this was a very sweet and great story to read. Reading this book will not be a waste of your time, so give it a chance. 

Have A Blessed night!

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