Strong Brave Loved by Holley Gerth

Do you find yourself wanting someone beside you to cheer you on? Maybe you just need a little word of encouragement or praise? That’s where this book comes in…

Thank you Revell for my gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.

Synopsis: Bestselling author Holley Gerth feels like your best friend, your supportive sister, and your biggest cheerleader. She understands that you want to be a woman who looks life in the face and says, “You can’t beat me.” A woman who knows love is a risk and reaches out anyway. A woman who understands kindness takes real courage. Who doesn’t fake it or try to hide her scars. Who fights to believe she is who God says she is and helps others do the same. Strong, Brave, Loved offers 60 short devotions to empower you to be that kind of woman. It’s simple, personal, and practical, with room for you to journal your own responses and reflections. With these concise and compassionate devotions, Holley leads you on a journey of discovery as you learn to live in freedom, hope, and holy courage.

This book is really beautiful inside and out. This is a devotional book that comes to you as that cheerleader; as a shoulder to laugh and cry on. It helps you take a look at who you are as a woman and how to empower your own self. Each devotion is pretty short and sweet, which comes with its pros and cons. Being a full-time working mom, it’s hard to find time to dive into the Word. These short devotions help to do just that. On the other hand, there were a lot of times where I was looking for more from these writings. I felt like I could’ve whipped through the devotions in 5 minutes on some days where I was wanting a more intimate discussion to come out of it. Maybe it’s something that I can come back to on another day and feel differently about? All in all, it’s a lovely book.

3.5/5 Stars

100 Ways to Love Your Husband & Wife by the Jacobsons

Do you still date your significant other? That’s been our biggest goal this year as a couple – to date each other more. Sometimes all it takes is a little something to show them how much you love them and care for them above all else.

Thank you Revell Reads for my gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.

Synopsis: Couples with great marriages know one simple truth: the best marriages are made up of many everyday decisions that say, “I love you” rather than those that say, “I love me.” When we put the other person first, even in little ways, we find true fulfillment.These books offer husbands and wives practical, hands-on advice to start applying immediately. Maybe you are just entering into marriage and want to start off on the right foot. Maybe you have made some mistakes along the way and are struggling to connect. Or maybe you want your marriage to go from good to great. Wherever you currently are in your relationship, let the Jacobsons help you learn how to love your husband and wife well.

What I like about these book is that they are short and sweet. They are easy to take with you as a reminder when you need it the most. For example, if you are feeling frustrated in a disagreement, pull this book out and look for some encouragement. What I don’t like is that it’s almost too simple. I want a guide like this to go deeper into why they chose those 100 things to love your husband and wife. More than half of it was common sense or self-explanatory. I found my husband and I laughing at a few of these tips, and not in a good way. They just seemed silly and mundane. We wanted something more heartfelt and deep. That’s not to say there weren’t any tips like that in this book, because there certainly are. I just was looking for something more.

2/5 Stars