A book review: Sheila Walsh

"Beautiful Things Happen When a Woman Trusts God", by Sheila Walsh, did not enlighten, inspire, encourage, or challenge me, as I was hoping it would. While it was hard to even finish this book, I did receive it for free in exchange for my review, so I did read it cover to cover. Overall, this book gets 2 stars. I know that sounds a little harsh, but her message missed me - big time.

The entire book is about trust. It's about her personal struggle with depression, how she went from a successful 700 Club TV co-host to being in a mental hospital, and basically her recovery afterward. I am a Christian woman, but I did not relate to her book much (if at all). Maybe we are at different levels in our faith, I don't know. I'd hate to say "Don't read this book", because it might help someone... but I'm not recommending it.

One excerpt from the book I can relate to: "..can you harbor a private trust in God - is it possible to be a secret disciple?" I think this is an important question, and honestly the one part in the book I would have liked to delve deeper into. If this were a Bible Study book, I think it would've gotten 3 stars. This is the type of book you want to sit down and discuss with others. A lot is left up to question, to talk about. Reading it alone, you don't get to go any deeper and I feel that is where her message was lost.

I think Sheila Walsh tried, I really do. I also think Sheila Walsh needs to hire a better editor (Hey, Sheila, I edit! Email me! *wink*).

I'd love to hear your opinion of the book. Maybe it was a great book and I just really didn't see it. Open my eyes, please. I'd love nothing more than to realize the book is great and I did not waste two evenings reading cover to cover, hoping for it to get better.

I received compensation (the book) for doing this review for Thomas Nelson Publishing. The opinions are honest (obviously) and solely mine.

I am giving this book to one lucky (?) woman -- visit our Facebook page and leave a comment on the post to be entered. If you like Sheila Walsh's books and writing style, you will most likely love this book. I have been told it's her best book so far.