It's funny how you sometimes read things and think, "This is out of season for me," but you do your best to try to tuck away whatever wisdom you can because you know that season is coming for you again...sometime. Myself, I have just completed a major transition in my life and thought that I was fairly well settled in, so I started reading this book with a bit of reflection on that season. But then, it took several days to get back around to it and finally read the last chapter, which sat waiting for me. I had it open on my desktop every day, but things kept pulling me away until finally, I made the time...not realizing I made the time on a day in which I received news about another change coming in my life. So here I am, and all of a sudden, the last chapter strikes so differently than the first nine.

I think this is a valuable book. It's relatable. It seems like it was written from a perspective that many could relate with, even if the particulars of change in their life may not quite be the same. While the author mentions several possible changes one might experience, she hyper-fixates on her most recent change (churches/location/vocation), and so it can kind of create a little bit of a box that sometimes feels like it's closing in. But then she references other types of change again, and you feel that box expanding to include you.

With so much praise for the book, you might be wondering why I only give it three stars. My reason for that is simply this: I don't think I read anything novel in this book. That is, it's the same thing the church, culture, and psychology have been saying about navigating change for decades (at least). So there's nothing really groundbreaking or life-changing or mind-blowing in these pages, and I cannot think of even one turn of phrase strong enough to have been worth quoting. So it's an authentic book, well-written, worth the read...but not really something profoundly new on the market. Thus, an average rating for a common book.

But yes, you should still read it. I mean, if you're looking for a book on this subject and have this one as an option, go for it.

Change can be rough, change can be liberating. Change is the one constant we all experience. In the pages of this book, Andy's life experiences and inspiring wisdom gained from Bible scripture shared, are navigational beacons empowering us to recognize where we are and where we want to be. We are reminded to choose joy, integrity, gratitude and grace in new rhythms. Braving every change that comes our way, we can come alive knowing we are surrounded and loved by God through it all! Get your copy of Braving Change today, you won't regret it!

"One day, one choice, one step at a time." Grief is weird and messy and can make us feel alone. Braving Change was a beautiful story of validation for big feelings. It was also challenging to read, not because of the writing; that was smooth and natural. It wasn't easy because it was so real it required me to be honest with myself. The personal stories are so natural they offer comforting connections and leave you looking at yourself and your life with introspection. If you read this book, do yourself a favor and answer the reflection questions at the end of each chapter with unashamed and brutal honesty. If you're looking at your life and asking hard questions about what grief is and find yourself mourning family, friends, a job, a move, or a decision- read this book with an open heart and mind.

Andi andrews did it again!!! She is such a wonderful writer. She allows you to truly see the raw side of her and what she has been thru while allow God to show her the changed that needed to be made. If you need help with being guided in the life changes that happen this is a book for you. She is just like a friend that is helping guide you thru those changes. At the end of each chapter their is always reflection to help guide you and then a prayer. Highly recommend this book Braving Change.

Andi Andrew is the author of many Bible studies and devotionals for women. Her latest, "Braving Change: Release the Past, Welcome Growth, and Trust Where God Is Leading You" is well-suited for anyone going through a change or transition in her life. Andrew writes with candor and transparency, sharing her own difficulties with change. This book consists of 10 chapters, each of which ends with a Scripture meditation, reflection questions, and guided prayer. Andrew refers to each transition as either a mountaintop (joyful), valley (painful), or plateau (in-between) experience. I really appreciated how Andrew kept referring back to Scripture and reminding her readers to keep their eyes on God.

This would be a fantastic book for any woman going through a season of change (and let's face it, who isn't?). Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.