In Bloom is a collection of stories from Kayla’s life from childhood through to motherhood about feelings of insecurities and inadequacies. The stories are grouped into themes such as rejection, fear and boys, and are very vulnerable at times touching on topics that most of us probably hide away inside.

You should read this book if you feel you are alone about feeling insecure and inadequate. This book doesn’t offer tips or exercises for you to work through to develop your confidence, but it has abundance of “you are not alone”. I highlighted lots of quotes as I read the book and looking through them again has given me the feeling of having a friend who understands where I’m coming from.

In Bloom is classed as a Christian book, but I’m not religious and felt the bible quotes were appropriate and well used. Plus Kayla’s view on Christianity is very positive and about lifting people up, which is always a good thing.

Have you ever struggled with insecurity, fear, felt you were less than enough, or wasted too much time comparing yourself to other? If you can say “yes” to any of these, then this is a book to add to your TBR (to-be-read) pile.

Aimee’s latest contains numerous personal stories in an honest, transparent way. She discusses her struggles with insecurity and finding her identity in Christ, and she wants to help the reader do the same. Various areas are addressed, including our bodies, our gifts, our relationships, and our pasts. The reader will likely find at least one area relatable. Aimee’s writing style is very conversational, and it often feels like she’s speaking right to you (and that she has been spying on you, as well!). Appropriate scripture verses are referenced throughout.

You can read the full review on my blog: https://lmckeeediting.blogspot.com/2018/01/in-bloom-by-kayla-aimee.html

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy as part of the B&H Blogger Program/Launch Team, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.

Thoroughly enjoyed the content of this book. The author's witty banter, and down to earth format made it an easy read. Each section of the book was related to a real life story that helped form an immediate connection to the topic, not only as a female, but also as an individual. At times the flow of the material was choppy, feeling more like several blogs put together, but the overall voice of the book was clearly heard through the deep analysis of self-reflection, and consistent encouragement through quotes and scripture.

This gem of a book tackles what could be considered an epidemic. We, especially women, have all had feelings of awkwardness, insecurity and shame. Aimee cracks the myth of not being enough wide open with her words. She shares sweet and silly anecdotes but also points to what the Bible teaches about us being created in the image of God. Every woman, both young and old, should read this book. It was freeing to be reminded I’m exactly who I was created to be.

Have you ever felt like you’re just not enough? Not pretty enough, or not smart enough, not tall enough, or not funny enough? Do you compare yourself to other people and wish you had what they have? Have you ever struggled with your faith, or with who you are as a person? If you have never felt this way, then move along, no need to read this book. But if this sounds even just a little bit like you, then I promise you will benefit from reading In Bloom. It is raw, emotional, funny, a little bit sarcastic, and a whole lot of REAL.
It’s almost as if Kayla read my 90s diary (if I had one that is) and embellished it with her own stories.
This book is classified as Christian lit, but you don’t have to be a Christian to fully appreciate the overall message of this book. It is full of bible passages (and a few quotes from Mean Girls), but it is most definitely not preachy. In Bloom allows you to confront your fears and fills you with grace. This will be the book that you will be picking up to read time and time again, when you just need someone to tell you that whatever it is your going through, it’s going to be ok.

An honest look at what every single woman faces, insecurity. Kayla takes story from her childhood and weaves a tale that I am certain most of us lived. The feelings of loneliness, fear of rejection, just wanting to belong, things we have all felt at one point in our lives. With doses of humor and honesty, Kayla gives hope and encouragement to all women.

FREEING!

Whether you’re the new girl in school, the awkward girl in braces/thick glasses (or both), all the teenage angst, the bride trying to impress her husband with her culinary skills and cook his favorite dish “just like his Mother made it,” the new mom who who isn’t quite sure she’s ready to be fully responsible for a new baby or someone struggling to “find yourself” - all women have suffered/are suffering/will suffer from the from the feelings of inadequacy and inferiority. Kayla Aimee’s fantastic new book, In Bloom: Trading Restless Insecurity for Abiding Confidence gives an open an very honest look into some the causes and takes you to the Scriptures to find answers to help women regain their confidence. This book also comes with a Discussion Guide included in the back as a Bonus for Small Groups, Book Clubs, etc.

Early on, Aimee talks about how often other people’s word’s have reduced us and made us feel invisible, inferior, inadequate or ashamed. Aimee wrote these beautiful words that are like a balm to those who have been wounded by words: “Shame is our captor, and we were never meant to be held captive. We were meant to be captivated.” ... “Our entire covenant is based on redemption. And the Bible holds the blueprint to interrupt our insecurity.”

This book is filled with many deep concepts that will touch your soul. You will want to write them down in a journal. Print them on Post-Its to be reminded all throughout the day & night. Write them in the pages of your Bible.

We are created for such a time as this! Be a “cut through the roof” friend! (Luke 5:17-19) This is YOUR moment!!

I was provided an ARC of this book by the Publisher & NetGalley. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own and without influence.

January 19, 2018 – Shelved
Review I really enjoyed Kayla Aimee's first book chronicling her daughter's premature birth, then the multiple struggles and scares they endured in the NICU. It was a lovely mix of inspiration, humor and real life struggle.

I was excited to read her second book, In Bloom. Unfortunately, this book didn't feel like Kayla Aimee's voice. It was if she was trying too hard to be a motivational speaker. The anecdotes didn't resonate. The bible verses seem very forced and shoehorned into the paragraphs. The whole premise seems like it's trying to get SEO points by hitting all the self-esteem oriented woman click bait keywords. I was uncomfortable, not motivated. I couldn't relate to the way the message was being delivered.

I kept reading looking for that sparkle of her first book and of her past blog posts. I didn't find it. So I moved on to another book. Maybe I'll come back to In Bloom at another time.

I was selected to be a member of the launch team for the latest release from Kayla Aimee.

This book is delightful. It is funny, endearing, encouraging, and truly relatable in Kayla's stories, experiences, references, and humor. I am so excited to be part of the launch team for this book, and highly recommend adding it to your 2018 reading list. We all have our insecurities, and it's reassuring to hear you're not alone.

I felt like the author had opened my heart/head and saw all my insecurities from my whole life. I loved that she taught from the scriptures which gave weight to her principles. This book was recommended to me by my sister who knows my weaknesses almost as well as I do, and I will be recommending it to my daughters.

A funny, encouraging, and honest look at insecurity in the life of the Christian woman. I wish I could have read it years ago.

*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.

I wouldn't have picked up this book were it not for the author, as I am not a practising Christian. Having read "anchored", I really liked Kayla Aimee and her style of writing so wanted to read her next book and I am really glad I did. Although there are biblical references in the book, I didn't find them 'in your face' or overwhelming, and they related well to the subject being discussed. It was so great to know that sometimes other people are going through a crisis of confidence for many reasons and helped me feel less alone. A very enjoyable read and one I am glad to have been able to review.

I really loved this book. Kayla was very honest with her struggles with insecurity and finding confidence through her identity in Christ. She tackled a number of areas where women struggle with insecurity: our bodies, our pasts, our gifts, our relationships, and our parenting to name a few. I felt like we could be good friends who bond over Baby Sitters Club books and 90s nostalgia. The book spoke to me personally but I also think it would be a very helpful and encouraging read for teen girls as well. A great book for women to remind them of the freedom and confidence we can have in Christ.

Insecurity and self doubt can occur at any time and any age. The author shares personal life stories while giving encouragement and hope. Each person has their own life experience and the way we handle these experiences can be a blessing to us and to others. This book made me laugh and cry. I kept thinking how some of the stories remind me of my own life. Great book. I received a copy for free and this is my own personal opinion.