Review: Hope Prevails

Hope Prevails by Michelle Bengtson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Hope Prevails is a biblically sound "prescription" written by a doctor for those experiencing depression. The Scriptures are used extensively throughout the book making this a biblically based model for true healing, not just a management of the symptoms of depression.

As a neuropsychologist of more than 20 years Dr. Bengtson uses her training and experience to tell her about her struggle with debilitating depression and the story of how she was healed. She offers readers a light for their path through the darkness of depression.

I was provided with an Advance Reader Copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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Review: Unfrozen: Stop Holding Back and Release the Real You

Unfrozen: Stop Holding Back and Release the Real You by Andrea Joy Wenburg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Have you ever felt silenced? Or like you were too much for some people, yet somehow not enough? Me too.

In her debut book, Unfrozen, Andrea Wenburg gently takes the reader on a journey of discovering their true voice by telling the story of how she found hers. The pain of not feeling heard was palpable. I cheered her on through the very last chapter, and the last sentence was so satisfying to me as a reader.

This book is based on her life-changing experience of watching the Disney movie, Frozen. The movie, it's songs, and characters are ubiquitous for a reason! The message of the movie struck a chord with the movie-going public, both young and old alike, in a way that very few movies have. The movie's message is timeless and applicable to all, and so is the message of Unfrozen. We all have a voice. The world needs to hear our heart's message.

Accompanying the book will be a six-part course that readers can engage in to find their voice and for personal growth.

I recommend this book to anyone who needs to find their true voice so they can be heard in this very noisy world.

I was provided with an Advance Reader Copy by the author in exchange for an honest review.

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Review: Healing from Hidden Abuse: A Journey Through the Stages of Recovery from Psychological Abuse

Healing from Hidden Abuse: A Journey Through the Stages of Recovery from Psychological Abuse by Shannon Thomas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I will tell you from the outset that "Healing From Hidden Abuse" is a much-needed book.

Shannon Thomas speaks from her professional experience as a counselor about the effects of what she calls "hidden abuse," meaning abuse that does not leave markings or scars on the body of the victims (those she refers to as survivors) but on the soul.

Thomas refers to the abusers as "toxic" people because they are poisonous. She uses common language to carefully explain the types of abuse that many people encounter: psychological, emotional, mental, spiritual. She also differentiates between common relational issues between people and toxic behavior which evidences itself in observable patterns.

The author then goes on to spell out the patterns of behavior that give clues to help the reader see the bigger picture. Then, the way out of an abusive relationship, along with the steps to take in recovery are laid out clearly and simply.

The journal prompts at the end will be very helpful to anyone who finds themselves in this situation.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who suspects they, or a loved one, may be in a relationship and suspects hidden abuse.

I received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for my honest review.

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