I truly loved Sheila Walsh's In the Middle of the Mess. So many young people as well as old will be able to relate to her struggles and see how she coped with thoughts of depression and suicide and found a "way out". I think teens in my school would really benefit from seeing this healthy, Christian viewpoint on dealing with these feelings. Students who have lost a parent will also be able to relate to her struggles that Sheila so openly shares about. Accepting Jesus and trusting in Him is the only way to receive a peace that passes all understanding. I would love to add this title to our library collection so that others can find healing in the midst of their pain. I give this book 5 stars!

This is a book for Christians and non-Christians alike. Miss Walsh gives solid advice and strong and applicable wisdom, about mental illness survival. Illuminating insight into her personal struggle. How to live a positive and fulfilling life. I highly recommend this narrative. You won’t be disappointed.

An honest book about the pain of life and how to deal with it. Sheila Walsh talks about her own story and battle with depression and grief, how she had to learn to admit the truth of her condition first to herself and then to others.
The main focus in this is to open up about one's own struggles, confess to God and confess to other believers who will hold you up. Walsh pleads with her readers not to let shame silence them, but to let in light and love by being transparent and real. It is especially important to her to open her readers eyes to how well loved they are by God and that they don't have to hold back in front of him. He knows us through and through and we are allowed to voice our concerns, pains and frustrations before him.
I admired how positive this book was in spite of dealing with very tragic life incidents and it was very encouraging to reflect on the fact that I don't have to hide anything from the Lord - instead he wants to have an honest, transparent relationship with me. He wants me to tell him how I truly feel and that should motivate us to talk to him regularly about everything. "...casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you." (1. Peter 5,7)

I thank Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for a copy of this e-book in exchange for an honest review.

This was my first book by Sheila Walsh and I am a little sad to admit that I didn't really connect with it. I understood what she was trying to say, but it felt repetitive and disjointed in places. I've heard Sheila speak and was motivated to pick this up after that because I really enjoyed her live, but it just didn't translate as well on paper. This won't be the last book I read by her, I really think this is more a case of just not totally connecting.

* I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review *

I have struggled with clinical depression for the majority of my life. It is something I do not like to talk about. It's a scarlet letter that I try to hide from the world and I have built up a wall to keep many people from penetrating it. Some can empathize but unless you suffer from the same disease it's hard to really understand the thoughts, emotions, and fight that go along with depression. Depression is hard and it hurts.

Sheila Walsh understands this plight. Suffering from clinical depression herself, I immediately felt a kindred spirit when I began to read In the Middle of the Mess. Sheila is raw, and real, pouring her heart onto every page. She does not sugarcoat her journey through depression and dealing with the loss of her mother, but instead embraces it and focuses on the blessings that can be gleaned from the messy times in our lives.

The truths within this book will pierce your heart as you read the various stories from Sheila's personal life and even though I hate that Sheila has been through everything that she has been through, there is a solace in knowing that I am not alone in my daily struggle with depression. I put down In the Middle of the Mess feeling more empowered than I have in a long time. I am not alone in this fight and neither are you.

Sheila Walsh does it again!! Her books are so authentic and real and vulnerable. In this book, In the Middle of the Mess, she doesn’t cover it with easy answers but talks about how to survive when you are going through trials. Her life’s stories help you realize that we are never the only ones who go through awful, sometimes horrible things. Her faith in Jesus, shows us how to lean into Him and gain strength. I underlined so much of this book and have gone back to quotes she wrote several times.

Sheila Walsh is a practical teacher who writes on a level that everyone can understand and does it in a way that is so encouraging and empowering. Loved this new book.

"In the Middle of the Mess" Is written by Sheila Walsh. Let me tell you something about this author: Reading one of her books is like sitting with a friend. You know, you will laugh and cry. . . And by the end of it, be changed by the grace of God. This book is no exception. God has used this book greatly in my life. Since first reading it, I have read through it a few more times. It continues to bless me and I am thankful she steps out in faith - to speak the message God places on her heart!

This is an open and honest book. I appreciate Shelia Walsh sharing her personal story with us. Her transparency with her readers is touching. Even if you’ve never struggled with depression or suicidal thoughts, this book has something for all of us as we face the struggles in our own lives. Shelia uses scripture to make a compelling case for us to see ourselves as deeply loved by God., and that there is hope through Him.
It’s a book to read, and then read again, as needed during those hard times that come in all our lives.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to give a positive review. This is my honest opinion about this book.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. "As a follower of Jesus, there is power in your story when you don't hide it. Your authority lies in your scars. I can't speak to things I've never struggled with; I can only confess my story, invite Christ into it, then invite you into it too." Sheila Walsh invites the reader into her "mess" through this book. As a woman who has had her father taken from her through suicide as a young girl, and suffered a mental breakdown, she is well-qualified to give advice to many of us who struggle day to day. Reading this book draws the reader closer to the grace of the Father and whispers "it is okay not to be perfect, you may be in a mess right now, but I can use this pain for something good. Just trust me."

This is the first book I’ve ready by Ms. Walsh. While the book was deeper than I expected, I appreciated her willingness to share her story and background. The book focused around the time leading up to and after the loss of her mother. For someone struggling with fresh grief that could make it difficult to read, but her insights are helpful and make you feel as though you are not alone in your struggles.

I admire Ms. Walsh for the way that she has used her story of depression to write words of hope for those also dealing with depression. I almost felt like we were setting in her living room as she was telling me her story and providing words of encouragement. This is wonderful book that is has written another great book that reminded me that God is always with me, even in my mess.

So often, we can think the Christian speakers and leaders who serve us have perfect lives. They are holier somehow. Sheila Walsh pulls back the veil on her personal life to share about her ongoing battle with depression and unworthiness. It's honest and brave, giving God all the glory for helping her realize her great need for Jesus and good friends. This book will be a real encouragement for an individual who struggles with mental struggles.

Wow! Read this book slowly, ingest it, and let the author’s words fully take meaning in your heart. This book hits a spot. The author lays it out unapologetically. She is authentic and gives all of herself to this book. She challenges the reader to let the Lord change them and uses her life story as an example of how it’s possible. Scripture is all over the place which is excellent. Love it when authors don’t just give what they think the Lord is saying but actually use his own words.
I received a digital copy of this book from netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Shelia Walsh has written another book that reminds us that when trouble comes there is a loving God that will wrap you in his arms and will carry you through. Can't wait for her next one..

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a wonderful book.

Absolutely loved this book! Practical advice and encouragement. Reading it was like sitting down over a cup of coffee with a dear friend. I'll be recommending for my Women's small group.

I love Sheila Walsh and her openness and honesty that shines through in all of her writing. In The Middle of the Mess is another great read that will encourage women in their Christian walk.

An amazing book, the author wants us to own our pain, our struggles and to tell it openly and honestly. This is a book of knowing yourself through the eyes of self discovery by not limiting your relationship with God.

In the Middle of the Mess: Strength for This Beautiful, Broken Life by Sheila Walsh is the author's candid look at her struggles with depression. The author deals with this topic as well as other struggles we can face. Sheila uses Scripture and her own experiences to show how Christ's redemption can be found right in the middle of our messes. We don't have to get out of our messes before finding God's help. He will meet us right where we are. I highly recommend this book. I am so glad that Sheila Walsh wrote it. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

This is not my normal "type" of book to read. I generally steer clear of them but I found this one very refreshing. Most of this type of book tell you what the problem is but not how to fix it. Sheila gives you insight into what you can do to help you get through whatever issue you are facing, whether it be depression, marital problems, financial issues, suicidal thoughts, etc. I would recommend this book to anyone who is dealing with something that they truly want to get through. As Sheila says, "You are loved. You are accepted. You are invited to be your real, authentic, quirky self".