NCLA Review -Dr. Archibald Hart states the keys to this book in the foreword: “…this state of languishing is becoming increasingly more prevalent than depression, anxiety, or other mental and emotional challenges…you are meant to thrive and prosper in the abundant life that God offers—to flourish.” Dr. Hart, the author’s father, has hit the nail on the head. The first several parts (there are 6 of them) were things I had always heard in the church. Others not as familiar were Nurturing Love and Relationships, Restoring a Heart of Joy, Renewing Peace and Encouraging Hope for Your Journey. The author gives specific helps for each of these areas with specific exercises to do to help the reader see how the Holy Spirit shapes and helps each of us on our way to discerning the best life for us. The author believes, “When you learn to love imperfect people with God’s unconditional love flowing through you, lives will change and you will change.” Powerful words. By following the reflective questions and practices at the end of each chapter, this can happen for you. Four appendices are added to help the reader learn what steps to take with his/her own flourishing. This book would make a wonderful study for groups as well as individuals. Rating: 4 —RE ( )

I had a love/hate relationship with this book the entire time I was reading it! As a whole, I enjoyed the book and the core message of living your best life, despite the circumstances. I underlined and wrote down quite a few parts of the book, so I guess it was a worthy read! My criticism, however, is that some parts were very heavily academic. Even as someone with a bachelors degree in science, I had a hard time following along with some of the research.

The first few, and last few chapters I found to be the best, as they were easier to read. They contained more stories and practical applications, compared to the scientific studies of the middle chapters. Weber includes meditation exercises and journaling questions throughout the book, with a complete "Creating my Intentional Life Plan" guide at the end, should you choose to engage in that way.

Final thoughts, this was a generally good book, despite the heavy research sections. ( )

Flourish is packed full of help and support. The author touches on many areas of life that may be holding us back from a spiritually and emotionally healthy life.

Her focus on Scripture and on one's relationship with God is at the centre of her work and she uses her expertise in psychology to explain Biblical concepts in a practical way.

Science is the study of what exists in the physical world and most of psychology is the study of the human brain/mind. Some branches of the Church are skeptical of science and psychology. But at its simplest, Christians believe God created everything that is, including the brain/mind. Science, therefore, is the study of what God created and psychology is the study of the brain/mind God created and interacts with in each human being.

The more Christians conquer stereotpyes against science and psychology in the Church, the more they will appreciate the intricacies of how God made us. The more Christians intelligently understand why human beings operate the way we do, the more they'll benefit.

An example from Flourish is learning the detailed ways that our upbringing might affect our relationship with God and with other people. I've seen this in friends who suffered severe spiritual and physical abuse as children, who struggled into adulthood to understand their own turbulent spiritual life and how to work through the distorted views they were given about relating with others.

As a student of science, and of psychology specifically, I can't say how valuable it is to have the latest psychological research explained from a faith perspective. So much of what psychology research has to offer people of faith only confirms the truths taught in Scripture.

The only criticism I have, which is small, is that the tone of the book could be just a little more conversational. Parts of it, including explanations of concepts and transitions between subjects, read just a little bit like a textbook than a conversation between author and reader. But this only pops up in sections, whereas other sections sound very conversational and thought-provoking.

It's a great book and I've only really begun to digest everything in it. I'll be reading it again!

Disclosure: I received a free copy of Flourish from Bethany House. ( )

I obtained this book as an advance reading copy from LT. I thought it would be a good read to encourage someone who may sometimes grow weary and lack enthusiasm in life, but I found it very hard to get interested in this book. Catherine Weber came across in a clinical manner much of the time, making parts of the book rather boring and hard to get through. Also, I was disappointed in how much she stressed the finding of joy to be so much work. Missing was the ingredient of the fact that a Christian should be walking in the spirit and less in the soul - meaning letting God lead rather than focusing on what "I" can do. Even though she does mention living in the Spirit, she then makes it dependent upon human effort. Although she made good points, she kept moving away from our Source of joy, and I was not impressed with the frequent name dropping and her repetitive use of the word languish.
Even though it was not all disappointing, I would not urge anyone to purchase this book as I'm sure there are more Christian focused volumes out there than this one, and ones that are easier to read. ( )

I really enjoyed this book. It's an easy read with practical advice for all Christian women. It's applicable to the lives of so many women: we're so busy doing for others that our own spiritual journey is being neglected. I was inspired to make a few changes that were long overdue. My favorite chapter was about gratitude which I found I was lacking in my own life. Nothing like a little inspiration to start the New Year off right!