A Review: "Uninvited" by Lysa Terkeurst

The newest offering from Lysa Terkeurst, "Uninvited," looks at the issue of rejection and how it plays out in our daily lives.  Lysa shares openly and candidly about her experiences with rejection, both actual and preceived. So many people have internalized rejection from an early age and it still causes havoc years down the road. The roots of rejection can run deep and can hinder our relationship with our Creator. Rejection is a powerful tool used by Satan to hinder the good works that God wants to do in and through us.

I've been a fan of Lysa's work for a while, and this book was no exception. I deeply appreciated the Scriptures that she brings forth and the stories that she told from her own personal experience. I especially appreciated her encouragement to replace negative self-talk with truth and the reminder that we need to be grounded and rooted in the unchanging truth of who God is and who He says we are. This book is a true gift for all who ever struggle with believing that you are accepted and loved by God. I finished each chapter breathing out "I'm so glad I'm not alone!" I highly recommend this book!

(I’ve received this complimentary book through the BookLook program in exchange for a review. A positive review was not required and the views expressed in my review are strictly my own.)

Quick Lit: What I've Been Reading Lately

I'm linking up with Modern Mrs. Darcy for this month's quick lit, where I share short and sweet reviews of a few books I've read in the past month. You can also find me over at Goodreads if you are interested in other books I've read or reviewed.


"Present Over Perfect" by Shauna Niequist. I have loved Niequist's writing from the beginning, and this latest collection of essays did not disappoint! She deals with how busyness was wrecking her life--physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Beautifully written and deeply personal, these essays resonated with me. I loved the themes found throughout and it left me thinking about ways I have allowed busyness to wreck my own life. Thought-provoking and wonderful.





"The Nightingale" by Kristin Hannah. This novel shares the story of two sisters, Vianne and Isabelle, as they take two very different paths through World War II-stricken France. Vianne keeps up the home front and tries to survive with her daughter as she waits and wonders about the fate of her husband, called up to fight the Nazis. Isabelle throws caution to the wind and risks everything for the Resistance. This was an incredible book that was thoroughly captivating. Highly recommend!




"The Reading Promise" by Alice Ozma. I picked this book as a result of listening to the Read Aloud Revival podcast. When in fourth grade, Alice and her father make a promise for him to read aloud to her every night. Once they reach 100 consecutive nights, they realize they aren't ready to be done, so they decide to continue their nightly ritual. They call it The Streak and it lasts for 3,218 nights. I love the idea of the book and The Streak. The last several chapters are fantastic. Portions of the book felt a bit slow and a little disjointed. It was a decent read and makes me curious to see about starting a Streak with my own kids.

A Review: "Hope Prevails" by Dr. Michelle Bengtson

Dr. Michelle Bengston is a neuropsychologist who has worked with many clients suffering depression. When she went through her own personal experience with depression, she discovered some missing elements in the treatment of depression. This book, "Hope Prevails" is her story through depression and what she learned in the process.

I really enjoyed this book as a whole. Dr. Bengston did a wonderful job of sharing her story and weaving Scripture throughout. One of the primary focus of the book was to encourage the sufferer of depression to take captive every thought--learn to recognize the lies that we have believed and replace them with the truth. It's an excellent thought that everyone, not just those struggling with depression, can take more to heart. With a heavy emphasis on the role of faith in finding healing from depression, she encourages memorizing Scripture to truly immerse yourself in the words of truth from the Bible. At the end of each chapter, she includes some reflective questions that are great to go through on your own, but would be even better with a close friend or counselor. She also shares some songs that have been instrumental in her journey that may be beneficial for the reader.

This was an excellent book that showcases how spiritual life factors into depression. The questions at the end of each chapter lend themselves to deeper thought and discussion. There is much thought-provoking material captured in this book. With depression so prevalent in society today, Dr. Bengston offers unique, refreshing insights that many will find helpful in conjunction with other treatment and self-care techniques.

(I’ve received this complimentary book through Revell Books in exchange for a review. A positive review was not required and the views expressed in my review are strictly my own.)