A Bounty of Books

Defiant Joy: Taking Hold of Hope, Beauty, and Life in a Hurting World
by Stasi Eldredge is a call to fulfill the biblical command of living a life of joy. Using primarily personal anecdotes, Eldredge illustrates how Christians can, and should, live a life full of joy not just in spite of hardship and adversity, but in the face of it. Though her message applies to both men and women, Eldredge writes for a primarily female audience.

Anyone familiar with the primary message of Ransomed Heart ministries or John or Stasi Eldredge will find familiar material in this book. That is my primary problem with Defiant Joy. It has good content and a great message, but it feels a bit too familiar. Having read almost everything the Eldredges have written, I expected a familiar message, but I did not expect one that was the exact same, which is what I felt Defiant Joy was.

Putting aside the above complaint, Defiant Joy is a great resource for those who are either completely unfamiliar with the concept of living a joyful life in Christ, or those for whom that is a particular struggle. As in her other works, Eldredge invites the reader into parts of her own story, which helps to better communicate and cement her message.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookLook book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

Enjoy: Finding the Freedom to Delight Daily in God's Good Gifts by Trillia J. Newbell is about learning to enjoy all of the gifts of life God has given us. Newbell discusses nine different areas of life such as work, possessions, and creation in which children of God can find delight in Him.

Newbell does a good job of pointing out the broad ideas of enjoyment in each area without crossing into legalism. She always does a good job of mentioning common objections which can prevent people from finding enjoyment in each area. At the end of each chapter, there is something called "The Enjoy Project" that gives practical steps to take to find more enjoyment in the area of life the chapter discusses. Newbell advises the reader at the beginning to keep a journal, or do "The Enjoy Project" with a partner or small group for accountability. There are also discussion questions in the back to use if one does go through Enjoy with a small group.

Overall, Enjoy is a good resource for those who take themselves too seriously, or who have a hard time consistently enjoying life. Joy needs to be cultivated, and this book is a great resource for that.

Blogging for Books provided this book to me for free in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255