So much to chew on, process with this!. It's not a book to rush through, not one to superficially glaze over, but one to digest, slowly take in, even though it could be considered an "easy read." I read and reread the same pages even. I don't do this with most books. I'm typically a fast reader and can devour a book in a day or two. But this? Nope. #savoringeachword This is one book I'll definitely be re-reading, in fact, with highlighter in hand. I rarely read books twice, but reading it through the first time without highlighting helps me to just digest the truth of what Sheila pours out, that it's okay not to be okay, to question and to wonder, to struggle and to wrestle with hard things. Re-reading then allows me to go through it a second time and highlight the "key" sentences that speak to right where I'm at now. Definitely worth TWO reads!

This book is a classic Sheila Walsh. I have gone through a few of Shelia's Bible Studies and I have always loved her stories, lessons and most of all her honesty. I could relate to everything she talking about in the book. This one is perfect for all of us who long to be the 'perfect' wife, mother, friend, woman, etc. but knows that they fall far from the ideal.

It's okay to be depressed.

It's okay to have doubts.

It's okay to not be perfect.

It's okay to be distracted.

It's okay to not be okay.



I became a fan of Sheila Walsh back when she was a purple-haired New Wave singer back in 1981 when I saw her perform at the Greenbelt festival in England. She’s changed over the years. First her music mellowed, then she moved from music to publishing, and these days is more of a motivational speaker, with women as her almost exclusive audience.

Sheila has, I understood from her new book It’s Okay Not To Be Okay, detailed some of her struggles in life in previous volumes. I must admit, I haven't read them, but I’m not the target audience. Given my liking for her early music, I was pleased to be offered a chance to review this one.

In some ways I think it’s a shame when an author targets only men or women. Yet at the same time I can see the value in such specialization. Still, this isn't a book that excludes men, if you don't mind that the illustrations for her points all involve women. There is a lot of meat in this book.

I have known far too many people who put on a false face when things are going wrong in their life. They pretend everything is rosy, they don’t want to bother others with their problems, they don’t want to admit they are less than perfect, they don’t want to bother God. They keep going under their own steam – and their own resources are insufficient to deal with what they are struggling with. Maybe I have even been one of those people. Maybe you are now.

Much of what Sheila has to say in It’s Okay Not To Be Okay is common sense, but it is a message that bears repeating because all too often we ignore common sense. It is tough to admit that we are struggling, tough to change how we think, tough to let go of control (even when we aren’t really in control). Sheila Walsh has been there; she gets it. And she offers a way off the treadmill that never seems to stop, no matter how exhausted you are.

There are two ways you can read this book. You can do what I did and read it through cover to cover (if that term applies to an e-book). Do it that way and you might gain some insights into yourself, into God and the relationship between the two of you.

The other way is slower. You can take time and ponder, “One Step at a Time” as Sheila puts it. Each chapter comes with a couple of questions for refection. If you feel you need to change some things in your life, this may be the way to read it.

Sheila Walsh wants you to know that none of us is perfect, and that we don’t need to walk alone through life. It’s Okay Not To Be Okay. As the book’s subtitle puts it, it is about moving forward, one day at a time. That’s good news for all of us.

“Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.”

I have gone through a few of Shelia's Bible Studies and I have always loved her stories, lessons and most of all her honesty. I could relate to everything she talking about in the book and I feel this book will be a great reference to me in times that I need it.

This book is a classic Sheila Walsh tome and really good! It discusses imperfections in our life and how we can deal with them, even when we feel that we're completely lost due to them! If you love any Sheila Walsh title, it is a must read.

This one is perfect for all of us who long to be the 'perfect' wife, mother, friend, woman, etc. but knows that they fall far from the ideal. Bless you, Sheila Walsh, for reminding us that it's okay to not be okay!
The author writes in such a relatable manner that you find yourself almost feeling hugged by her words. Walsh uses Scripture to back her writing and expresses personal aspects of her life to stress that she, too, feels doubts and insecurity like we do.
A fairly short book, this one is the ideal gift for any person who fails to see that they're fine and loved even if they feel less than perfect.
I received an Advance Review Copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Such a great read. I love how the author is so real as she share struggles and truth with the reader. I always enjoy reading a book that shares scripture that give strength to make it through the troubles in life.
I am thankful for the insight I gained through reading this book.
I received an advanced PDF of this book. This is my honest opinion.

This book stretched me to overcome years of faulty thinking. It was eye opening and challenged me to let go of the unattainable ideas of the past and embrace who I am- right here- right now. It's okay things did not go like I planned. I can still live my best life where I am.

Sheila is a master at revealing her deepest hurts and struggles. Ever hopeful, she epitomizes the meaning of being ' made strong through weakness.' I can't wait to share this book at our annual women'should retreat as a possible study for next year.