Book Review ~ You're Not Enough (and that's okay) by Allie Beth Stuckey ~ 3/1/2025

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Title:   "You're Not Enough (and that's okay)" by Allie Beth Stuckey

Series:  N/A

Format:  Hardcover

Date Published:  May 5, 2020

Publisher:   Sentinel

Stars: ****

 Blurb:

Is your quest to love yourself more actually making you miserable?

We're told that the key to happiness is self-love. Instagram influencers, mommy bloggers, self-help gurus, and even Christian teachers promise that if we learn to love ourselves, we'll be successful, secure, and complete. But the promise doesn't deliver. Instead of feeling fulfilled, our pursuit of self-love traps us in an exhausting as we strive for self-acceptance, we become addicted to self-improvement.

The truth is we can't find satisfaction inside ourselves because we are the problem. We struggle with feelings of inadequacy because we are inadequate. Alone, we are not good enough, smart enough, or beautiful enough. We're not enough--period. And that's okay, because God is.

The answer to our insufficiency and insecurity isn't self-love, but God's love. In Jesus, we're offered a way out of our toxic culture of self-love and into a joyful life of relying on him for wisdom, satisfaction, and purpose. We don't have to wonder what it's all about anymore. This is it.

This book isn't about battling your not-enoughness; it's about embracing it. Allie Beth Stuckey, a Christian, conservative new mom, found herself at the dead end of self-love, and she wants to help you combat the false teachings and self-destructive mindsets that got her there. In this book, she uncovers the myths popularized by our culture of trendy narcissism, reveals where they manifest in politics and the church, and dismantles them with biblical truth and practical wisdom.

My Thoughts:

  This book was the February 2025 selection for the Good for the Soul Women's Book Club.  It was our first non-fiction book for the Club.  This was also a Read-A-Long where we discussed our weekly selections via chat.  So much fun!

I had never even heard of Allie Beth Stuckey before reading this, her debut book.  I have to say that I agreed with almost everything she wrote and stands for which was a pleasant surprise.

The book is broken into seven sections:

Introduction

Myth #1:  You Are Enough

Myth 2:  You Determine Your Truth

Myth 3: You're Perfect the Way You Are

Myth #4:  You're Entitled to Your Dreams

Myth #5:  You Can't Love Others Until You Love Yourself

Conclusion

There were so many "nuggets" that I tabbed and tabbed and tabbed.  I had so many favorite quotes that I'm not even going to try to pick and choose but I did particularly enjoy Myth #4 as it really resonated with me.

Allie Beth Stuckey backed her concepts up with Scripture which I loved!  The Conclusion was particularly well-written.  We don't have to be enough, because God is enough.  "He is LORD.  The Great I Am.  Our Creator, Sustainer, Reconciler, and Hope.  He is a King to be worshiped and  Leader to be followed.  He does not exist for us, but we exist for Him." pg 191

If your interest is the least bit piqued, I suggest that you read this book.  You won't be disappointed.  I'll definitely be checking out her second book "Toxic Empathy".

Onto the next book :)

Book Review ~ Women of the Word by Jen Wilkin ~ 12/11/2023

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Title:   Women of the Word by Jen Wilkin

Series:  N/A

Pages:  163

Date Published: July 31, 2014

Publisher:  Crossway

 Blurb:

Many Christian women find great encouragement and joy in and through women's Bible studies. However, popular Bible teacher Jen Wilkin is concerned that sometimes we let our emotions rule our study of Scripture and forget that the Bible is primarily about God, not us. Challenging hungry women to go deeper in their study of Scripture, this book will help you refocus your efforts on feeding your mind first and foremost. Whether you're young or old, married or single, this accessible volume will energize and equip you for Bible study aimed at transforming both the heart and mind.

My Thoughts:

Wow, it has been FOREVER since I finished reading a book or written a book review!  January 2023 as a matter of fact.

I purchased this book off Amazon after watching Jen Wilkin on "How to Faith a Life"'s podcast.  (I'll share it below.)  I was thoroughly impressed with Jen's knowledge and passion for women to really study the Word of God.

I enjoyed reading this book as I am attempting to read my Bible through in a year in 2024.  I've read the Bible through many times but this time I want to really study and apply what I'm reading.

Jen does a great job of teaching the Five P's of studying.

1.  Study with Purpose

2.  Study with Perspective

3.  Study with Patience

4.  Study with Process

5.  Study with Prayer

She then pulls it all together with an example study of the book of James.

I had set myself a goal of reading one chapter a day but found that I always wanted more at the end of one chapter.  When I found that I wanted to keep reading, I was so excited!  I ended up finishing the book within a few days.

I definitely recommend "Women of the Word" and look forward to reading more books by Jen Wilkin in the future.

As promised above, here is Faith's podcast with Jen:

Onto the next book :)

Book Review ~ The 10 Commandments of Marriage by Ed Young ~ 7/23/2021

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Title:  The 10 Commandments of Marriage by Ed Young

Series:  

Pages:  216

Date Published:  October 1, 2014

Publisher:  Moody Publishers

 Blurb:

Marriage is God's idea. He planned it. He designed it. And if you follow His blueprint, it will be more rewarding, more loving, more exciting than you ever imagined.

In 10 Commandments of Marriage, Dr. Ed Young shares the “thou shalts” and the “thou shalt nots” of successful relationships—straight from the pages of God's Word. Long-married couples will find love-building precepts that will revive a failing marriage and make a great relationship even better. Soon-to-be-marrieds will discover what marriage is all about and gain priceless insights into starting on solid ground.

In words that are profound, often humorous, but always biblical, Dr. Young draws from decades of counseling couples to provide 10 commandments for a lifelong marriage that sizzles. God wants your marriage to be nothing short of incredible. And it could begin with this amazing book.

My Thoughts:

I can't believe that I'm finally writing a Book Review.  The last one I wrote was in March.  I should have known that a non-fiction read would be the way to break my reading block/slump.

This book caught my eye at the store because (as you might know already) my daughter will be getting married in 3 short weeks!!  (Yikes!)  All things wedding and marriage have been on my mind lately.  I purchased the book after reading the blurb on the back of the book and seeing just what the "10 Commandments of Marriage" were.  I love that they were listed plainly for all to see before buying the book.

Originally, I thought the book would be a great gift for Kaylee and Shawn in their soon-to-be married life.  I wanted to read it first to make sure I was gifting good, Biblical reading material.  I will be giving this book to them but I might have to buy another copy to keep for myself!

As you might be guessing, I loved this book!  I have never read anything by this author before, but his writing style is so easy to read and entertaining as well as informative.

Some of my favorite chapters were:

"Thou Shalt Be Selfless"

"Thou Shalt Continually Communicate"

and

"Thou Shalt Romance the Home

I easily could have listed all 10 chapters because they were ALL so very good.

I highly recommend this book to those engaged, young in marriage and those who have been married for YEARS.  I wish my husband were the reading type so we could read it together!

I purchased this book at Wal-Mart.

Onto the next book!

Book Review ~ Generous Love by Becky Kopitzke

 

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Title:  Generous Love by Becky Kopitzke

Series:  N/A

Pages:  224

Date Published:  April 3, 2018

Publisher:  Bethany House

 

 Blurb:

 

If asked, most of us want to make a difference, to live and love generously. But we get caught in the crazy rush of household routines, work demands, cranky attitudes, difficult people, exhaustion, worry, and pride, and once again we fail to love the people around us at all--let alone well. We too easily default to focusing more on self than on others, on receiving more than giving, in ways we don't even recognize. We dream of reaching out. We just . . . forget. Or don't have the energy.

Using relatable stories, discussion questions, and careful application of God's Word, author and speaker Becky Kopitzke gives you the inspiration and practical tips and ideas you need to see the opportunities around you, to reach out, to live generously, and to love others bravely and selflessly. To bless and be blessed is to actualize the joy of Christ--and to propel love forward.  

My Thoughts:

 

This is my second read from Becky Kopitzke, the first being The SuperMom Myth which I loved!  When I saw Generous Love on sale at www.christianbooks.com I snatched it up.  Well, added it to my cart :)

 

The subtitle is:  "Discover the Joy of Loving Others First" and that is exactly what the author shared in this book that was well written and chock full of Scripture.

 

Becky goes over what a blessing is, a blessing toolbox and the Four P's of Blessing:

 

1.  Presence

2.  Possessions

3.  Perspective

4. Prayer

 

She even talked about what do to when others are hard to bless and poses the question:  "Are YOU hard to bless?"

 

This book reminded me of a saying my Grandmother used to always say, "You will receive a blessing!"  It was her way of saying "thank you" when doing a kind act for someone else.  Such a sweet memory and a saying that we still teach OUR kids today :)

 

I really enjoy this author's voice and am definitely going to be looking for more read by her.

 

Please see my header for the "Way of Salvation!"

  



Colletta

 

 

 

P.S.  I'd love for you to sign up to get a Pen Pal for 2020.  Click HERE for more information.

Book Review ~ Made Well by Jenny Simmons

 

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Title:  Made Well by Jenny Simmons

Series:  N/A

Pages:  197

Date Published:  October 10, 2016

Publisher:  Baker Books

 

 Blurb:

 

From the woman fighting cancer to the man who has lost his child to the girl sinking into depression, so many of us are engaged in daily battles as we long for healing. When he walked the earth, Jesus said to an unwell man, "Do you want to be made well?" His invitation stretched beyond physical healing--he sought to restore the soul. The same invitation stands for us today.

For anyone struggling on the journey toward wholeness, singer/songwriter Jenny Simmons offers a resting place and a friend along the way. With personal insight into emotional pain, she invites readers to encounter a God who is working out their restoration--often in surprising "half-baked" ways. Her humorous and inspirational prose lights a path toward wholeness. Anyone trying to find their way to spiritual, mental, and emotional healing will benefit from Jenny's vulnerable and compassionate stories of being made well in the midst of a messy life.   

My Thoughts:

 

I don't know what to make of this book...

 

Some stories were poignant, insightful and encouraging.  Others were just plain strange:  such as eating scabs and grief being a little girl in the woods.

 

It seemed disjointed in some ways and I found myself just wanting to get done with the books so I could move on to the next read.  I admit to wanting more from this book based on the title and subtitle.

 

The author is/was (?) a member of the band Addison Road.  I thought I'd leave you with the song that is referenced in the book:

  



Colletta

 

 

 

P.S.  I'd love for you to sign up to get a Pen Pal for 2020.  Click HERE for more information.

Book Review ~ Keep It Shut by Karen Ehman

 

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Title:  Keep It Shut by Karen Ehman

Series:  N/A

Pages:  206

Date Published:  January 6, 2015

Publisher:  Zondervan

 

 Blurb:

 

Keep It Shutby Karen Ehman explores how to better control your tongue, knowing what to say and how to say it, and realizing when it is best to say nothing at all.


From Bible times to modern times women have struggled with their words. What to say and how to say it. What not to say. When it is best to remain silent. And what to do when you’ve said something you wish you could now take back. In this book a woman whose mouth has gotten her into loads of trouble shares the hows (and how-not-tos) of dealing with the tongue.


Beyond just a “how not to gossip” book, this book explores what the Bible says about the many ways we are to use our words and the times when we are to remain silent. Karen will cover using our speech to interact with friends, co-workers, family, and strangers as well as in the many places we use our words in private, in public, online, and in prayer. Even the words we say silently to ourselves. She will address unsolicited opinion-slinging, speaking the truth in love, not saying words just to people-please, and dealing with our verbal anger.


Christian women struggle with their mouths. Even though we know that Scripture has much to say about how we are—and are not—to use our words, this is still an immense issue, causing heartache and strain not only in family relationships, but also in friendships, work, and church settings.         

My Thoughts:

 

I love the title of this book as well as the subtitle:  "What To Say, How to Say It, and When to Say Nothing at All"!

 

I snatched this book up at Ollie's because I had been struggling with something I had said to friend about another friend that could be considered...GASP....gossip!  Chapter 7 was particularly enlightening to me in this respect.

 

The author did a wonderful job of giving constructive criticism while still encouraging.

 

I enjoyed her real-life examples throughout the book to emphasize her points and topics for each chapter.

 

The book is also chock full of Scriptures, of course, many of them were from Proverbs but there were also Scriptures from throughout the Word on how our speech should be full of grace.

 

I thought of adding my favorite "snippet" to this review, but to be fair, there were so many great thoughts and ideas that I had a hard time deciding on one.  You'll just have to read the book!

  



Colletta

 

 

 

P.S.  I'd love for you to sign up to get a Pen Pal for 2020.  Click HERE for more information.

Book Review ~ The Super Mom Myth by Becky Kopitzke

 

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Title:  The Super Mom Myth by Becky Kopitzke

Series:  N/A

Pages:  217

Date Published:  December 1, 2015

Publisher:  Shiloh Run Press

 

 Blurb:

 

"This book isn't about raising kids. It's about raising Moms. . ." says author, speaker, blogger, lunch packer, and sidewalk chalk artist Becky Kopitzke.

 

In a Pinterest-perfect culture, you've likely sensed an accelerated pressure to measure up. Then you either weigh yourself down with guilt or become resigned--desensitized, even--to this so-called failure. 

 

The Supermom Myth--with humor and grace, yet all the while maintaining a firm grasp on reality--aims to empower you to become the mom God created you to be. With 8 chapters, each personifying a "dirty villain" of motherhood, including The Grouch on the Couch (Anger), Worry Woman (Fear), and The Calendar Queen (Busyness), Kopitzke offers a gentle reminder to rest in the super power of our grace-filled God.      

My Thoughts:

 

 Finally!  A book review!  I has been FOREVER!

 

I gave up trying to finish a fiction book and headed to my nonfiction shelf where I picked out "The Super Mom Myth" to give it a try and get me out of my reading slump.

 

It worked!  I actually finished a book!

 

I loved reading about the "Dirty Villains" of motherhood and could identify with most, if not all, of them.

 

I loved the author's writing style and flew through the book.  I even looked up other books by Kopitzke and ordered one which I can't wait to receive and read!

 

The book is full of Scripture.  One of my favorites was:

 

"Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from Him."  Psalm 127:3

 

There were so many quotes that I would have liked to share but I would have had to rewrite the whole book in this review.  I really can't pick out a favorite so I'll leave you with the last few lines:

 

"Because I'm a mom; therefore, I matter.  AND SO DO YOU.

 

This was a great read for all the mothers out there no matter what age your children are!

 

I do have to mention that I did have some issue with the "Sinner's Prayer" in the book.  Please click HERE to see the Biblical Way of Salvation!

 



Colletta

 

P.S.  I'd love for you to stop by my shop:  Colletta's Kitchen Sink Shop!

Nonfiction November ~ 2019

Nonfiction November comes at a great time in my life.  I've been in a major reading slump and think nonfiction might just be the way to climb out.

Nonfiction November is hosted by:





Katie at Doing Dewey
Julz at JulzReads
Rennie at What's Nonfiction
Sarah at Sarah’s Book Shelves
Leann of Shelf Aware



I haven't read very much nonfiction this year but a did read a couple.  They were:

 

 

I mostly read inspirational nonfiction but would love to mix it up with some biographies or autobiographies.  I'm hoping to get some inspiration from other participants!

This November I "plan" to read the following but it is subject to change :)

 

 

These are all book that I have on my TBR shelf but I'd love to read "Incredibull Stella" if I can get my hands on it.

Do you plan on reading any nonfiction in November?

Colletta

First Lines Friday, 56 and BBH ~ 10/25/19

Today's "First Lines" and "56" are from:

  

First Lines

I'm a mess.  I really am.  I'm not talking about my physical environment--the crumbs you will find in my butter or the laundry piles that spill out of every closet in my house.

 Page 56

 

Before we do anything wrong and before we do anything right, God has named and claimed us as God's own.

 

 

Q.  What is your favorite horror book-to-movie adaptation?

 

A.  I don't do horror books OR movies.  They scare me too much!  lol  The most I can handle is a suspense and then it is iffy.  I know.  I'm a wimp!

Colletta 

I'd love for you to visit my Etsy Shop:  Colletta's Kitchen Sink Shop !

Also linking up to:

 

Book Review ~ Beauty Begins by Chris Shook and Megan Shook Alpha

 

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 Blurb:

 

You are, and always have been, beautiful.

“Beauty begins. That’s the point of this book. Our understanding of beauty got started somewhere and somehow, and probably due to someone. Now that may have been a good start, but then again it may not have. But regardless of what your past looks like, we want to offer up this word of hope: it’s never too late to make peace with your reflection.”

We live in a culture that’s obsessed with beauty. Walk by any magazine stand, turn on a television, or visit the local shopping mall, and you’ll be bombarded with the images and ideals that our culture believes are the epitome of what it means to be beautiful. And if you’re like most women, you’ve probably spent countless hours trying to measure up to this standard of beauty whether you realize it or not.

But if you don’t make peace with your reflection, you’ll end up declaring war on yourself.

That’s where mother-daughter team, Chris and Megan Shook, want to help. In Beauty Begins, they explore the origins of beauty (hint, it didn’t start with a fashion magazine) and challenge each of us to trade the pressure of perfection for God's perfect love.

Poignant, relevant, and relatable, Beauty Begins is for every woman who wants to reclaim what it means to be truly beautiful.

Do you feel beautiful?
 
When you look in the mirror, what do you see? Others may tell you that you’re beautiful, but do you believe them? Why not? Don’t let another day go by without believing and knowing that you are fearfully and wonderfully made.
It’s time for you to exchange society’s cookie-cutter suggestions for what is beautiful and instead discover and reclaim what true beauty looks like – and the One who created it.
In Beauty Begins, Chris and Megan Shook share with you their own experiences and struggles with appearance and body image, as well as equip you with the wisdom to distinguish what’s artificial beauty and what’s real. Filled with heartfelt encouragement, insightful challenges, and undeniable truth, after reading Beauty Begins, you’ll never look in the mirror the same way again.

 

My Thoughts:

 

I can't believe my last book review was almost 4 months ago!  Crazy!

 

I was in such a reading funk (I go through those now and again) that I decided to switch things up with a non-fiction book and this one jumped out at me from my shelf.

 

I thought it was going to be all about not looking at the outer self.  Instead it was all about looking at the INNER self and then the outer self will follow.  Such a slight difference but so thought provoking!

 

The book has three sections:  The Beautiful Truth, The Beautiful Struggle and The Beautiful Rebellion.  I think The Beautiful Rebellion was my favorite as I had never thought about being a rebel as a good thing.  I kinda like the thought of being a rebel :)  It is a good thing!  Really.

 

I loved how each chapter ended with Reflection Questions (just one or two) and a Prayer.  It really brought the whole chapter together and made an impact.

 

"Beauty Begins" was such a great book; for me as a 41-year-old wife and mom as it would be for my soon-to-be 18-year-old daughter getting ready to start College.

 

I think I'll have her read it this summer :)



Colletta

 

P.S.  I hope you can stop by my ETSY SHOP!

What I'm Reading ~ 10/15/18

Today I'm reading:

A fiercehearted woman looks life in the face and says, "You can't beat me." She knows love is a risk but reaches out anyway. She chases Jesus with a tender, world-changing wildness. She never gives in, never gives up, and never lets go. Best of all, the potential to be a fiercehearted woman is inside each and every woman on earth.

In her most powerful book yet, beloved bestselling author Holley Gerth inspires her readers to become the stronger, braver, truer women they long to be by sharing personal stories of her own struggles and victories. As readers join Holley on this journey, they'll discover a freedom they never imagined could be theirs: the freedom to experience life, love, and faith to the fullest because fear can no longer hold them back.

For the woman who is restless or longing for more, Fiercehearted is an invitation to the life God has always meant for her to embrace.     

What are you reading?

Colletta