Insecurity has long been my unwanted companion. Since I’d love to be free from it, I chose this book from a virtual shelf. The bright, pretty blooms also called to me.

Kayla Aimee writes about tough subjects with lots of laughter and entertaining sarcasm. She tells many stories based on her past, and uses humor to open the door to dealing with past pain. Her hurts include suffering from bullying, always wanting to fit in, self-image problems, recovering from her parents’ divorce, and a child who was in the NICU for six months. She speaks about how her faith anchored her, chased away her insecurity and ultimately helped her bloom with confidence.

You’ll like this book if:
- You have a dry sense of humor
- 90’s pop culture is your jam
- The perfect world painted on social media both attracts and repels you
- Quotable quotes make you happy
- You enjoy cute stories about little kids

Here’s a sampling of the many well-written, faith-based quotes from In Bloom:

- The small slight that we’re currently agonizing over is magnified by the power of memory.
- Rejection is hard. Because regardless of our age, we all just want to fit in.
- One of the worst feelings in the world is to not be seen. No one wants to go through life unnoticed. We all just want someone to tell us we matter.
- Keeping up appearances is such a heavy burden placed on women.

If you’re looking for a light, funny read that still packs loads of spiritual truth, I recommend In Bloom.

Thanks goes out to Netgalley for a free review copy of this wonderful book.

I loved this book. Kayla seriously writes like she could be my best friend. Did she look in my middle school diaries? I related to her so much. The topic of identity and self-acceptance can be a bit heavy, but she tackled it head on with humor and grace. This book gave me confidence to be myself and that all God's plans are good. From another girl who's hair tends to grow triangular..solidarity. Total solidarity.

Kayla was able to capture feelings I'm sure every woman has experienced and articulate them in a way we can understand. She understands the feelings of inadequency and not being enough and she gave us pratical tips on how to rewrite our narrative and make it our own. We don't have to be or even look like what the world says. We must be who God says we are.

I know what you are thinking. Why is a guy reading a book intended for women? Good question! I’m married to a woman. I’m the father of one. I pastor a slew of them. That is why I was glad to read the newest book from author Kayla Aimee entitled In Bloom: Trading Restless Insecurity for Abiding Confidence published by B & H.
As my daughter, who is now 19 and is attending college, was growing up I often wondered about the battles that were going on in the heart of a young girl. As she struggled with insecurity and life, I often thought to myself that what she needs to do is be resilient and strong. I don’t think that I quite understood the pain that she was facing.
In this book Kayla Aimee chronicles her own life and struggles. Through the art of excellent storytelling, she takes us on a journey into her own life, a journey that she admits leaves her vulnerable and exposed. Her greatest fear is that her dad might read the chapter on sex. Through her journey you see the struggles of a teen, a young single adult, a wife, and a young mother. You also see her applying God’s Word to her life. You learn about mercy, grace, friendship, and empathy. This book has allowed me to appreciate the journey of ladies all around me.
I think that the author is a great story teller who is able to bring you into her life. Once again I’m not a lady, but I have seen one after another speak of how they related to her struggles. I believe that this book is going to be a blessing to the women who read it.
Since we are all better together, the author has given you discussion questions in the back of the book so that a group of ladies could journey through this book as a group. I’m thankful to be a part of the team who helped launch this book.
I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

I loved In Bloom! This book is about letting go of feelings of insecurity and inadequacy and embracing who you are in Christ. Kayla Aimee is a witty author and this whole book had me nodding my head and my heart whispering "me too". I've always been the awkward girl. Case in point- I was reading this the other night in a busy public place while waiting for my husband. As if being the nerd in the room, reading and sitting alone, isn't bad enough...I was laughing out loud. A lot. Yep, bringing the awkward since '79! 🙋🏼The author uses her personal experiences as a beacon of hope and encouragement. If, like me and many women, you struggle with confidence and feelings of inadequacy, then this is the book for you. Thank you @bhpub for this advance reader.

In Bloom
Trading Restless Insecurity for Abiding Confidence
by Kayla Aimee
B&H Publishing Group (B&H Books, Holman Bibles, B&H Español, and B&H Kids)

B&H Books
Christian
Pub Date 06 Feb 2018


I am reviewing a copy of In Bloom through B&H Books and Netgalley:


In Bloom reminds us that we are not alone, that most women have dealt with the feeling of not measuring up.


If you ever were made to feel ugly, or unintelligent, if you ever felt left out or laughed at in girlhood or womanhood In Bloom will remind you that you are not alone.


In Bloom helps us to deal with feelings of insecurity and inadequacy and replace them with steadfast truths and spiritual affirmations. We will learn to replace our need for approval with the enduring promise of acceptance. We will also learn the importance of uncovering our purpose, unlock our potential and celebrate the unique individual God made us.


I give In Bloom five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

Loved, loved, loved this book!!! Such a good read for anyone struggling with doubts and insecurities. I felt like Aimee was writing to me personally... and sometimes about me! Highly recommend!!!

If you are a woman insecurity comes just as naturally as breathing. Even the most seemingly put together woman deals with insecurity. Just when you think you have become a grown up and left junior high and mean girls behind, there they are right next to you.

But did you know that you don't have to live like that? Kayla Aimee helps us take an honest look at the insecurities that plague us. She shares her own humbling but hilarious experiences and allows us to take a peek inside her journey to confidence. She shows you how to flip insecurity on its head and walk in confidence through a trust in the abiding grace of Christ.

I really enjoyed Kayla's first book, Anchored, and I enjoyed this one just as much. Kayla is willing to be vulnerable in order to help others reach a deeper relationship with Christ. I really think young women and mothers will benefit the most from this book but I'm a 50+ woman and I also found the book to be thought provoking. I appreciated the way that she encouraged us to look back at all the awkward and sometimes painful events that fed our insecurities. But instead of wallowing in it she reminds you to acknowledge the ways in which Christ brought you through it and encourages you to see what you learned from it.

This is a quick read that also allows you to interact with it through questions. I think it is a lovely book to read yourself but it would also make a perfect selection for a small group of women to read together.

I received an e-copy of this book to facilitate my review.

Insecurity doesn't just happen to us as we are growing up. It can happen at any time in our life, when we find fault with ourselves whether physical, choices in our life or circumstances beyond our control. Women in general can be so hard on themselves and at times on each other which makes these insecurities a daily trial, but with our heavenly Father we can find confidence in all that we do.
Kayla Aimee has written her soul baring story dealing with insecurity and how she found her confidence following and trusting in the Lord. She gently reminds us that it isn't about the story we have written for our life, but the one that the Lord has written. We can change the narrative that we've been telling ourselves for years while looking to the Lord because He has the only voice that matters.
I found In Bloom brutally honest and refreshing. I will be looking forward to reading more books by Kayla Aimee in the future.

This is Kayla Aimee’s second book and I love it just as much, if not more, than her first. “Friendship happens when someone risks starting the conversation.” Kayla starts the conversation by being honest, raw, and funny about her struggles with confidence; her challenges with insecurities. She shares stories that are relatable to all women of all stages of life and invites us to be open as well. The questions in the back will help women have deeper conversations and friendships with each other. Thank you for sharing your story Kayla!

Today I am reviewing the book “In Bloom” by Kayla Aimee.

I am writing this review only because I received a free copy through >Netgalley.com so I could review it. I really hate writing reviews like this one, because I really did not like this book at all!

I could not find anything of interest in this book. I pushed on reading it, hoping it would improve, but it did not. All of a sudden I reached the end of the book, and I thought “that can’t be the end, there is no conclusion, nothing to remember.” I re-read the last few pages to be sure I had not missed something. There was just nothing there.

I rarely read a book that leaves me feeling that I have wasted my time. Unfortunately, this is one of those rare times. To be fair, there are women who have enjoyed this book. For that reason I am giving you the link below where you can buy 1 book and get 1 free, a BOGO! Perhaps you will like it better than I did.

–>Click to get your BOGO!

Most women that I know seem to deal with feelings of insecurity and inadequacy. In today’s world of advertising, social media we are in a culture that is fueled by makeover shows, celebrities, and advertising that tells us how to dress, how to look and how to live. Most of the average day to day women have been hurt by the lasting memories of mean girls, or by other events much more wounding to the soul, we can become accustomed by self-doubt that it becomes ingrained to our self-image and thinking.
The focus of this book is to retrain our thoughts and to take another look at who God has created and how much He loves us and because He loves us we can love ourselves.

Kayla Aimee has written a book that many women can relate to. As you read the book you feel like she has reached into your own life and pulled out hidden feelings that you may not even realize are there, until you think yes, I’ve been there and felt that too.

Kayla Aimee has written a funny story using her own transformation from the self-doubt and inadequacy using examples from her own day to day life. In this book, she opens the way for women to:
• Identify the deep-seated sources of our assumed inadequacy and replace them with steadfast truths of scriptural affirmation.

• Replace our need for approval with the enduring promise of acceptance.

• Uncover our purpose, unlock our potential, and celebrate the God-given gifts in our unique personality.

This book is for every woman who longs for belonging, they will journey through Kayla’s writing and the biblical promises.

What I enjoyed about this book is the fact that the writer is so easy to identify with. I found myself in many of the examples of her own life that she wrote about and that made it so much easier to understand that I am not the only one dealing with accepting myself and who I am.

Any woman dealing with insecurities of any type would really appreciate this book. It is written by a woman who has been there, written in a warm, friendly way that invites the reader in and makes them feel welcomed.

At the back of the book is a study guide, so that this book can be read and discussed as a group or individually.

I've been following Kayla and her blog for quite a few years now, since first hearing about her and Scarlette's story through a message board after Scarlette was born. (Which, if you haven't read her first book Anchored: Finding Hope in the Unexpected you should check that out too!)

So when I received the email looking for people to be part of the launch team, I signed up not really knowing much about the book but knowing if Kayla wrote it I would certainly enjoy it!

Little did I know how much this book would really resonate with me. Insecurity, feeling inadequate or inferior are feelings every woman of every age deals with, and I have definitely had my struggles with them. This book will force you to dig up past hurts, disappointments, and insecurities and help you to learn to see yourself as God sees you.

This book had me literally laughing out loud at some of Scarlett's antics (like when she thought her new baby brother was a robot), cringing at other moments, and nodding along with the biblical truths found within this book.

I just felt like Kayla really put into words so many things I've felt but didn't know how to say. So many times she talked about situations that felt so personal and close to things I've gone through or thought about some of the mixed messaging found within the church and society.

The bible verses throughout the book are used well and come across naturally without sounding forced or in a beat-you-over-the-head-with-a-bible kind of way.

Overall, there is a lot I could say about this book! This book had discussion questions in the back and can easily be used in a book club or bible study. Kayla Aimee is someone every reader can easily relate to and I think this book is a great first step towards overcoming our insecurity and helping us to live and see ourselves how God wants us to.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has come. (2 Cor. 5:17)

I received an e-book copy of this book from NetGalley and B&H Books in exchange for an honest review.

Insecurity is one of those funny things that is ironic in its very nature. Everyone who struggles with it thinks she is the only one, and yet you'd be hard pressed to find a woman in any room who didn't say she struggled with it at least once in her life.

Kayla tackles this pervasively isolating topic head on in her new book. Kayla is a wonderful story teller and so it's easy to read what she has to say, without feeling instructed, lectured, or preached at. But her words are rich and meaningful. She approaches her topic with a, "sister, let me tell you what I've learned about this," tone, rather than a "sit down and listen to what I'm gonna tell you." As she tells her story, you can't help but glean from it truths for your own walk.

She challenges the reader to examine the lies she believes about herself, to evaluate whose approval she's seeking, and to find significance, purpose, and truth in the heart of her Creator.

The story telling is a bit back and forth (think "This is Us") but it's evident that her meandering is purposeful, drawing you "further up and further in" as she peels back the layers of her story, and of her challenge to you.

I think this book's greatest strength is its ability to appeal to women across the age spectrum. Teen girls will identify with the "thick of it" that many of the stories are set in. Young marrieds and moms of small children will identify with newlywed and new mom Kayla, and even those who feel they've conquered insecurity will be challenged to reflect on all God has taught them and delivered them from.

Kayla is heavy and direct on the use of scripture, but she is not preachy and the truths she explores are true even for the nonbeliever.

Kayla is laugh-out-loud funny, which makes this a very entertaining read, as well.

At the end of the book, a study guide is included, which makes this a useful tool for both personal and group study.

One caveat for moms or youth leaders considering this book for tween girls. While the topic of insecurity is very relevant for young women, adults should know that Kayla does discuss a choice she made in her youth to have marital relations out of wedlock. She treats the subject respectfully and tastefully (no vulgarity or graphic descriptions), and she speaks freely about what that decision cost her, but adults should know that the topic is discussed, so that they are prepared for any questions should they arise.

I love this amazing book. It is great read for women of all ages. I love how the author Kayla told the story of her experiences, her downs, and her triumphs.

If you’ve ever struggled to remove shame, insecurity or not enough from your thoughts then this is the book for you. Kayla shares from her heart on these same struggles and walks through the path to hope and healing with a firm foundation set in God’s word telling who you are in Christ!!!

Kayla Aimee’s writing has always spoken to me. She is an inspiration for the everyday mom, friend, and spouse. She doesn’t put on an act to seem invincible or flawless. She lets her flaws be known to her readers to draw in the everyday woman.

‘In Bloom’ could have been written by me in each stage of my life. It’s the same uplifting message I would give to any of my friends who are in doubt of their self-worth or place in this crazy world, but something I never quite believe applies to my own life. The self-doubt, need to belong, and need for security in our relationships is something most of us can relate to. She keeps you laughing and thinking throughout the entire book in a way only Kayla’s writing can do. She tells embarrassing stories, stories of overcoming fears, and stories about her incredible tribe of friends.

I love the references that focus your thinking back to teachings in the Bible, without any judgement on others beliefs. She uses many quotes throughout the book and the Bible verses blend in perfectly, tying it all together like a little bow.

It always helps when an author has the same sarcastic sense of humor and wise cracks that you do. I highly recommend reading this book, but also keeping a copy around, maybe filled with sticky notes to come back and read the uplifting text anytime you need a pick-me-up.

I love the sampl, cute and funny, a personal experience of motherhood.

When I was in school, I was not a cool kid. Shocking, I know. Even though I went to a very small private school (the Duggars have more kids than we had students.), there were still groups of who was 'in' and who wasn't. It felt that way to me at least. While I had friends, I wasn't into a lot of the same things, and I was a bit nerdy. I was definitely a late bloomer, and I still cringe at pictures of myself taken pre-2005. I've never been really athletic, or sporty, so I chose to spend a lot of my recesses indoors, reading or working. I never really felt like I belonged with a certain group.

Add to my nerdiness the fact that my parents were divorced. I think coming from a broken home nearly always leads to insecurities. I was the only one of my friends to come from a divorced home, so I always felt like I was missing out. I was also the oldest in my family, so I didn't have an older sibling to gently shepherd (or even violently push) me into the teenage world. So, I stumbled awkwardly, never quite finding my way. I remember times when I would go to school, and find out that my class had gotten together for something the night before, but had forgotten to invite me. It only served to bruise my already weak self-image.

But, I made it to the other side of high school. I guess I always thought I would wake up one day as an adult feeling confident, beautiful and unashamed. Well, I've been out of school for several years (no need to state how many), and I have yet to reach that radiant, confident place. I'm a married mom of two wonderful boys, but my old insecurities still plague me.

I don't talk about the insecurities that I wrestle with. No one does. That's why we all seem to think that we face them alone. In her new book In Bloom Kayla Aimee talks openly about how we all strive for acceptance from others, from ourselves, and even from God. But, that's not how God meant for our lives to be. I love that this book opens with the verse that says we are new creatures in Christ. We can push off our old shame and insecurities, and live full, confident lives through Christ.

Kayla deals with everything in this book, from showing up for her first day of seventh-grade in the wrong shoes, to worrying that her friends don't really like her. The book is full of hilarious stories about Kayla's daughter, Scarlette, and it's these light-hearted moments that allow her to really deal with the tough issues--even ones like sexual sins.

I felt like nearly every page of this book spoke straight to me. From feeling like I wore the wrong clothes, to having funny hair, to singing on the swing (American Idol still hasn't called), I could relate to so much of Kayla's story (although I always saw myself as the Mary Anne of the BSC). And, not even just in childhood. I have that 'acquaintance' who goes out of their way to make me feel or look bad, I struggle with fears that people don't really like me, and I hate the phrase "post-baby body." And, like her, I'm learning to let it go, and live like the woman God wants me to be.

I love that Kayla addresses the importance of embracing our own gifts. It's not prideful to know that you are good at something, and it's not wrong to want to shine in the gifts God has given us. But, too often, I compare myself to others, who seem to be doing so much better at life than I am, and I just give up altogether. I needed the encouragement offered in these pages. I need to have words of affirmation spoken to me, and reading In Bloom made me realize that. I also realized that others need words of affirmation, too, and I should be giving them! We need each other to give support and encouragement whenever we can.

The fact that I spent half of the time I read this book laughing, did not change it's impact on me. There are a lot of powerful truths here, woven among the funny stories. I thought I was the only person who struggled to see my worth as a daughter of God. But, I've been learning recently that most of us have issues with insecurities. God didn't intend for us to live in the shadows, but He wants us to bloom full of love and grace. He has made us new, and He wants us to live that way.

If your tired of a life of comparison, shame and insecurity, I highly recommend the new book In Bloom: Trading Restless Insecurity for Abiding Confidence by Kayla Aimee. Click here to pre-order!



I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my review. All opinions are my own, and a favorable review was not required. This post contains affiliate links.

This is a wonderful book. The Amiee is open, honest, and transparent.
She shares her struggles with finding contentment with her identity in God and not in the eyes of others or the world. I laughed, I cried, I got angry at how others treated her, and I rejoiced at her finding her identity in Christ.
All women could benefit from reading this book, but I think young women/young mom's will get the most out of it.
I highly recommend this book!
I received an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for my honest review of this book.