Jamie Ivy is a master at getting people to share their real stories on her podcast, The Happy Hour. Now learn her story. If You Only Knew, will have you laughing, crying, and nodding your head and saying, “me too.” By revealing herself, Jamie reminds us just how similar we all are. This is a great book to read alone or in a group.

There's not really much to say. My suggestion is to pray and read your Bible. Wait on God and let him lead. Timing for one person isn't necessarily the same for someone else. We all have story to tell.

I think everyone’s got a skeleton or two in their closet. I know I certainly do. This isn’t the time or place to really talk about the bad I’ve done in my life, but, suffice to say, it’s enough that I was curious about Jamie Ivey’s If You Only Knew. The book — while aimed more so at women readers — is about all those sordid mistakes you’ve made in the past, and how you might be able to come through them to a place of peace. Given that the author is a conservative Christian from Texas, you know the answer to the predicament: Jesus.
I’m not going to admonish the author for her beliefs, because that’s not how I roll. But after reading John Shelby Spong’s upcoming book Unbelievable, I had a hard time reconciling God and/or Jesus as a supernatural person living in the clouds up in the sky. This version of God is sort of what Ivey presents to us, so, whether you like it or not, that aspect of the book is something you’re going to have to sit with. That said, there are still parts of If You Only Knew that are relevant to everyone, no matter what your leanings are in the culture wars. Take away the atonement theology and doctrine of sin that Ivey believes in, and you’d have a book that liberals like myself wouldn’t have too much of a hard time swallowing. (That said, I think this is a book best suited for conservative evangelicals.)
Ivey has a folksy style of writing that is woman-to-woman, and she does have a fascinating story to tell. Being a conservative Christian, she talks of her regrets of becoming sexually active at the age of 16, getting pregnant twice in her late teens and early 20s, and suffering two heart-wrenching miscarriages. You can see, given her background, why her story may be problematic to share. At the same time, progressive Christians like me may feel for the author, because this “shame” (her words) that she’s lived with really isn’t all that bad at all. If she didn’t live in a patriarchal conservative Christian culture, she may have realized that birth control (rather than trying to abstain, which is what her church taught her) may have been a viable option. If Ivey lives with any shame, it should be that the very religion that has given her her freedom from her past also saddled her with poor education around expressing her sexuality in a healthy way at a younger age.
I really wanted to reach out to the author and tell her, “The pain and torment of suffering miscarriages aside, your story really isn’t all that horrible.” There are far worse “sins” (again, the author’s terminology) to commit. In all her sexual encounters, for example, she was in a monogamous relationship. For two, and I lightly kid here, she never put an icepick between the eyes of any of her lovers. I don’t want to make light of the fact that she lost two children, but, really, is having pre-martial sex a really bad thing? My take is that God has got bigger fish to fry when it comes down to it: what you do in bed and when and who you do it with shouldn’t really be an issue with God if you’re consenting adults.
That all said, there are parts of If You Only Knew that are astounding for their honesty. The part of the book where Ivey spends some time talking about her addiction to pornography as a woman is startling, if not refreshing to hear. I also liked the way Ivey talked about being vulnerable with other people, which allowed her to really move into a more loving, committed relationship with the man she would eventually marry. Beyond theological leanings, my only complaint about If You Only Knew is that Ivey can be a bit jokey at times — probably in a move to lighten the mood a little on what would otherwise be a pretty dead serious topic. It strikes the reader, though, that the author might be lacking a little confidence in the story she’s weaving, but, given her background and the audience she’s probably really writing for (ie. evangelicals), one can see how humor might be needed to defuse the powder keg she is lighting with her tale.
Also noteworthy is the author’s talk of wearing letters that she’s pinned to herself, even if it’s a scarlet “W” for whore. It’s a stark reminder that we are probably most judgmental of ourselves, and that’s something that everyone needs to hear — no matter their theological or political leanings. Thus, even though parts of If You Only Knew weren’t really for me — I don’t believe that Jesus died for my sins, thanks, because that would mean that God is a punitive God, and who needs a punitive God in their lives, right? — there were still some takeaways. In a sense, If You Only Knew reminds us that we are all worthy of being redeemed for the wrongs we’ve done, and there actually aren’t any real wrongs that you can do that aren’t forgivable to some degree.
In the end, If You Only Knew is for those who have the skeletons in their closet (probably you) and still hold dear to conservative doctrines of the church (maybe not you). Though it doesn’t present a version of God that is aligned with my beliefs, at no point does Ivey judge — so neither should I. Read this book, then, if you want to hear one woman’s story of being at inner war with herself and how she was able to move past that. It may not be for everyone, but If You Only Knew is worth reading for those who have secrets locked away, and are wondering how to bring them out into the open to fully banish them.

Jamie's honesty and vulnerability is unlike most other books within this genre. I found that parts of this book were very refreshing and uplifting, while other parts were convicting and somber. This is truly a story of redemption and optimism!

I have been a fan of Jamie Ivy's podcast "The Happy Hour" for a long time so I was eager to read this book from the moment I heard she was writing it. I really had no idea about her life outside of the podcast and I found her story captivating and frankly a little shocking at times. She indeed was a very lost soul who, upon finding Jesus, transformed not only who she was but who she believed herself to be. Jamie has an incredible sense of humor and a very authentic and original voice in her writing that made this book very easy and enjoyable to read. Jamie is nothing short of real and I give her incredible props for putting herself out there with the message that you too can find yourself no matter how far gone you feel you are. My one negative with the book was that it ended! I wanted more!! Jamie really needs a sequel because there is so much more to her life when that last chapter ends and I would love to read her journey further. I received an e-copy of this book for my fair and honest review.

This book is 100% worth the read. Jamie shares her story in such an honest, vulnerable way that it's impossible to read without feeling like you're best friends. Her honesty gives the reader the confidence to own their own story and find God throughout it all. You will spend the entire book nodding your head, saying "yes!" or "me too!". If you're in a place where you're not sure of God's place in your story, you're not sure there's coming back from mistakes you've made, or you're struggling with some particular "sin" (and let's face it, who of us isn't in one of those scenarios at some point in our lives?!), this book, Jamie's words, will inspire you and show you that at any point, you can find God in your story. This is definitely a must read!

Jamie Ivey is so real and extremely transparent in this book. I don't know that I have ever read a book from a Christian author that has been more real and authentic. However, I found myself hanging on for some crazy big secret or story. Her testimony is very powerful. However, maybe a full introduction at the start would suffice.

I've been a fan of Jamie Ivey through Instagram and her podcast, and was pleasantly surprised to see her voice and personality coming through clearly in her first book. If Only You Knew is her journey as a Christian growing up in the church, but not having a transformed life until she went through many hardships. She gives so much hope to Christians who believe the lies that they are screw ups and can't be open and vulnerable to others. My hope is that her bravely opening up about her past, others will feel comfortable seeking safe relationships where they can be vulnerable as well.

I really really enjoyed this book and Jamie's refreshing honesty about her journey. She shares her story in a way that encourages others to do the same. It was raw, humble, funny, and most of all it points people to Jesus. I was reminded again and again that there is no shame or guilt when we run towards the Father.

I pray and believe this book will help many other women find freedom. Thank you, Jamie for sharing your story and inviting us to your time on the Happy Hour In these pages.

Finally an honest and refreshing Christian author who takes us on a journey of redemption. I LOVED Jamie's book. I was highlighting, underlining, laughing, and crying throughout every chapter. It was so refreshing to hear a woman open up about a real past and topics that don't usually appear in Christian circles or the church. I felt Jamie's pain, her heartache and the freedom she experienced in Christ as her life changed. Thank you for being brave - for opening up and sharing your beautiful story!

I've been a long time listener of The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey. She brings the same humor and authenticity from her podcast into her book. Because I've listened to the majority of her podcast episodes I was familiar with many of the life experiences she shares in this memoir, but familiarity doesn't diminish the impact of the truth she shares about the freedom we can experience through Jesus. She is real about herself and the gospel.
Jamie's thoughts on "sin shock" were especially meaningful and I'll be thinking about how it effects the way I love others for quite a while.

A little to much religion for my taste. The cover fooled me to believe that it was a cosy chiclit.

What if people knew all the moments of my past that I am not proud of? What if you really knew me, the parts that I’ve hoped to forget and worked to conceal? For so long, I was so afraid that if you only knew the mess I am so good at creating in my life, then things would be different. In many ways, my greatest fear was what you might think of me if you only knew the whole story.

These are the thoughts going through Jamie Ivey's mind as she become vulnerable in her memoir If You Only Knew. I am a huge fan of Jamie Ivey and her podcast The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey. It was so interesting to learn more of her journey of faith and where she has come from. I really appreciated how she kept coming back to the truth of the gospel. It was refreshing, encouraging and engaging to read. It was a fantastic reminder of the truth of who we are in Christ.

I received a copy for review of NetGalley and the publisher.

Full disclosure: I received a free e-galley from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Mrs. Ivey tells her personal story of God’s redemption through her wandering, lapses, and growth. Because we are often our worst critics, she ultimately forgives herself and acknowledges God’s grace.

Recommended for public libraries, small group discussions, or on your own.

This book had me thoroughly hooked from the beginning! I am a huge fan of Jamie Ivey and her The Happy Hour podcast. Her book has that very same authentic and raw quality that listeners love about her podcast. Jamie gives readers insight into the beautiful story that is her walk with Jesus. She chronicles the messy and broken pieces of this life that resonate with each and every reader because we all have our own struggles and obstacles that have been part of our stories as well. She also shares the beauty and freedom that can only be found in a life lived for Jesus. I appreciate Jamie's willingness to be vulnerable as she shares "the big things in life, the little things in life, and everything in between." Jamie's journey to freedom in Jesus is a reflection of His love for His children and will speak life to all who read this beautiful work. I will definitely be recommending this book to my friends and family!

I am a big fan of Jamie Ivey's podcast so I wanted to read her book to learn more about her. I did not expect the book to speak to me in the way that it did. The book awoke in me feelings that bubble under the surface that I don't like to acknowledge. The book is loving reassurance for anyone who has struggled with feeling that their "tarnished" past makes them less of a Christian or not as loved by Christ as other people. Jamie bravely shares her own past and comforts the reader with the reassurances of Christ's love for us. The book reads in a very conversational style but was not lacking in content. I plan to reread the book and gift it to others.

I was so very lucky to be picked to be on Jamie's launch team. This book was so raw and vulnerable. I have loved "getting to know" Jamie on her instagram stories so while I was reading I could hear her voice. This is a must read for those of us who are sinners (all of us) and think we still need to live with that sin hovering over our heads (all of us). God's grace and forgiveness is enough. This can be a tough read - Jamie is very honest about some really tough subjects. Thank you Jamie for being real.

Jesus is better.

That's the theme of Jamie Ivey's book, If You Only Knew. In her memoir, Jamie recounts her struggles with sin and shame, inviting her readers in to her life's story.

"Being vulnerable—sharing our need for a Savior—points people to Jesus and not ourselves," writes Jamie.

This is exactly what she does. Jamie vulnerably and beautifully shares her story—the good, bad and ugly parts—and by reading it, you see a clear picture of Jesus.

Jamie reminds her readers that no one is too far gone to be rescued by God's love and grace. She urges her readers to find their identity in Christ, not their sin.

Though written for women, I would encourage both women and men to read this book. Through sharing her story, Jamie explains the gospel and gives a beautiful picture of God's love, mercy and grace.

In "If You Only Knew", podcaster and author Jamie Ivey explores the topic that many (if not most) Christians tend to avoid, shame. In an open and honest look at her past and present, she tells the reader about some of the struggles she has faced in her Christian walk. With great candor, she points to the fact that "Jesus is Better". As an avid listener of The Happy Hour podcast, I was greatly looking forward to this book. It did not disappoint. I hope that through the podcast, more stories such as hers can be told, so the stigma of shame can begin to be addressed.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley.

The easiest thing to think that the way things are is the way they are supposed to be. That we have no choice in how things in our lives will go. Though I do believe in some destiny I also believe that we can make choices to direct what that destiny will be. I believe we must listen the to guidance in our hearts. Reading through Jamie's story made me realize how much hiding we do in this world. We hide the feelings we have about what we really want, really believe. We hide the way we feel about ourselves.
Jamie gets real in telling her story. She has opened her heart to see that others need to read what she has gone through and still goes through and that we can all make a difference and be there for someone going through something.
Life should never be done alone.