I have heard of this author but this was my first book to read. I was drawn in by the idea and also comments that I heard from others. 

I appreciate that the author is willing to share her own story even when it is a difficult story to tell. That takes courage. 

I will admit I am a critical reader. I want to see Christian books based on God's truth. 

I thought there were some helpful things in this book. 

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

There is unexpected strength to be found
President of Proverbs 31 Ministries and New York Times best-selling author Lysa TerKeurst compares our lives to living between two gardens - Eden and the yet-to-come Eden restored in her book "It's Not Supposed To Be This Way. Finding unexpected strength when disappointments leave you shattered", published by Nelson Books. She acknowledges that there are things that break beyond repair (p. 17), or deals with lies such as "God won't give you more than you can handle (p. 111). TerKeurst deals with the disappointments and disillusions that we feel and that leads readers to question the reality of God and she tries to help readers how to handle them. I feel personally challenged by chapter 8: "Letting Go fo What's Holding Me Back", especially when TerKeurst asks: "What if the worst parts of you life are actually gateways to the very parts you'd never want to do without?" Indeed, this book is not just for reading, it is a "book-that-makes-the-readers-work".
I highly appreciate the book. TerKeurst is very personal, honest, real, vulnerable, and transparent and bases the book on the Bible. She has included the "Going to the Well" segment at the end of each chapter as a recap with statements to cling to, scriptures to soak in, questions to reflect, and a prayer. This challenges readers to go deeper with what they have read. At the end of the book "9 Scriptures for Surviving the Times When God Seems Silent" tackle some lies and give biblical truth, and a list presents the main scriptures used in the various chapters. The notes can serve readers as reference and for further research about the topic. I recommend this book for those who feel lost and who struggle as well as for those who are next to them and sometimes don't know how to help.
The complimentary digital copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge, but I have also bought a printed copy for myself. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#ItsNotSupposedToBeThisWay	#NetGalley

This book couldn’t have come at a more perfect time. It’s been sitting on my shelf since Christmas time. And I just picked it up because it was practically screaming at me. God saved this book for the perfect moment, the moment I would need it most. The message of this book is living giving and hopeful, one full of the grace of God, one that applies to everyone at some point or another. I love how raw the author is about her story, encouraging the reader to keep seeking the Lord and living for him in the midst of things that are hard, unexpected and unwanted. There is applicable scripture and other women’s testimonies all over the book. It’s practical and insightful and makes the reader want to dig down deep and journey with God through their pain. Excellent book. I highly recommend it. 
I received a digital copy from netgalley. I was in no way required to write a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

Thank you NetGalley and publishers for an ARC. All opinions are my own.

This is a wonderfully written book that encourages perseverance in the midst of pain and unforseen circumstances. TerKeurst is vulnerable and shares devastating circumstances that caused her pain both physically and emotionally. I enjoyed her authenticity and the idea of pursuing Christ, no matter the circumstance. Although people sin, which affects those around them and life on Earth is fragile, God is still good!

Lysa TerKerurst continues to challenge her readers in areas and gives hope of growth and life in others. A new and intriguing way to look at life.

This was a really personal book and I am so thankful the author was able to write this in the midst of everything she was going through. Too many times books on this subject are written by someone so far removed that it ceases to be helpful.

Wow. Lisa’s writing is always so honest and challenging. This book is no different but goes so much deeper as she shares the trials she has encountered and how the lord has pushed her through. Great read!

I've read many of Lysa's books before and enjoyed them and this is no different! Like Lysa I have experienced some devastating losses and life changes and this was an excellent faith-based guide on ways to overcome disappointment and accept the reality of your situation.

Oh the vulnerability and scripture centering heart of Lysa Terkhurst! This book was so relatable and resonated deeply with some of the frustrations and NOs I'm currently walking through. My heart hurt for the pain that Lysa walked through, but I was so grateful for her teaching and wisdom in the ways to turn to God instead of away from him.

This book absolutely shattered my heart. I read it after a friend lost her baby, while my brother-in-law was in the final stages of his battle with cancer, and I'm well acquainted with Lysa's personal story. I love the title because I think it's almost the exact phrase every single human heart screams at some point in our lives--and it's true. None of this--the hurt, pain, disease, suffering, etc.--is supposed to exist. God's design didn't originally include death or suffering or sin. And yet, man fell and here we are. The amazing thing about all of it, and what Lysa highlights so beautifully, is that God is with us through it all. He didn't want this for us, but He carries us through. I love this book and will return to it time and again I'm sure. It's incredibly comforting and helped reframe the way I view personal suffering. Highly recommend!

I received this book from Netgalley for review and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Lisa has a very personal story to tell. She shares her faith through severe marital trials, devastating illness, pain and loss. She relates her story with advice she used herself in this season of suffering. She points to a God who loves with a view to personal repentance and turning from sin.
( Note: Since then, her views are becoming less reliable and less trustworthy within the faith community. I recommend this book, yes, but will no longer be purchasing or recommending her books and studies to others)

I received an ARC from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley this review is my personal opinion.

I truly believe this is one the book that everyone should read it, all do from the beginning she explains all the process she lives through her husband infidelity, this story is so much more than that. Lysa Terkeurst shared not only Biblical insights and helpful recommendations for those hard and difficult times. I cry (a lot) while reading this book, her honesty touches my heart. All do I am single, and maybe some will think: Well I’ve never been married so why should I read this book?.  Or maybe you are happily married. But in total honesty, we all have that moment when things don’t go according to “the plan” and what happens in that in-between moments?. It hurts and it is painful, what I like about this book, Is not only pretty words to make you feel great about yourself. But an honest and center bible advice on how to navigate through those unknown waters. How to trust God, even when it doesn’t make sense. That even in the dust, God can and will do miracle in us. 


Truly grateful for the ARC of this book it was a beautiful and unexpected blessing in my life.

We’ve all suffered disappointments. Sometimes those disappointments are blips on our screen, but other times they are soul crushing. Those are the times we often question why God let this terrible thing happen to us or to a loved one...even though we trusted and prayed about it. This is a beautiful, openly honest book about how to navigate those times. Filled with beautiful analogies, author created parables and scriptures to help you look at your heartbreaks in a different light. Thank you to Netgalley for this digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author, for the opportunity to (try to) read a copy of it's not supposed to be this way in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion.
I'm very sorry to say that I did not finished this book. As passionate reader as I am, I really hate to abandon book and left it unfinished. I was really excited about the book after I've read the description. But, unfortunately, this book just was not for me

It's Not Supposed to Be This Way was a heartbreaking read. The author was so vulnerable with what had happened in her life and you can't help but ache for her. I read her book Uninvited last year and loved it. This one wasn't as strong of a read for me, personally, but I do give the author credit for writing about such a difficult time in her life and still being able to help others. 

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

I just adore people who are transparent, vaunerable, and can make you laugh. Lysa TerKeurst check’s all the boxes in her latest novel It’s Not Supposed To Be This Way, Finding Unexpected Strength When Disappointments Leave You Shattered. This is my very first book of Lysa’s that I have read. Her personality shines through her writing. There were moments where I was laughing so hard I was snorting. I feel that as you read this book and I am going to guess, much of her writing, you get to see a glimpse of who she is. 
I really enjoyed this book for the sheer fact that she is transparent and vaunerable with those who are reading. She makes it very clear that she wants you to feel she is with you through this and know what it is like to walk through disappointments. She is brutally honest in what she has went through and how this had made her feel, a vaunerbility that is rare but so needed today.
I admired her love for God displayed throughout each page. She reminds those who are reading that it is okay to lay down your cares before the Lord. Her metaphors of dust to clay and scriptures used to display are only something that can be inspired by the Holy Spirit. 
The only thing that I had a hard time with was that her style of writing towards the end of the book was very all over the place. but it did however tie all back in very nicely. I cannot help but wonder if that how God intended it to be.
Who would I recommend this to? Those who are struggling with disappointment. I believe this book and the tools that you have been provided with can assist you to grow closer to God and to continue and endure the rest of the journey that lies ahead.
Overall I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars. The only reason I marked it down a star is because I had to re-read to comprehend part of the book due to the style of writing being all over the place. However, this does not take away from the heart and soul of this book.

Acknowledgments
A huge thank you to you that is reading this review. You make this dream come true possible! I want to thank Lysa for her sheer vulnerability and the good belly laughs that I needed. Last but certainly not least, I want to thank the publisher Thomas Nelson who waited so patiently for this review. Thank you for being a blessing to me with this book and for those who pick it up.

I read Uninvited a while back and enjoyed it, but this book was even better. I found it a bit all all over the place but that did not bother me as it reflected the struggles Lysa was going through perfectly. This book is not about Lysa having it all figured out, it's about her in the midst of struggle as she writes, opening up and being honest about her situation, which makes it so much more relatable. A truly encouraging read.

What can I say about this book that hasn't already been said? An aching guide to navigating those moments when life seems to gut punch you with more than you bargained for, more than you thought you could handle, more than you thought you could survive. 

It's emotional, which may mean it takes longer to read than it's page count indicates. It needs processed and might push you in areas you wish you could forget. But the author makes it simple to digest: in each chapter you get a "Remember" portion that highlights key points from the chapter, a "Receive" that lists applicable Bible verses, and finally a "Reflect" section that pushes the reader to apply the concepts to their own life. A journal would go well with this book! And a box of tissues...the reality of the author's own pain only makes it hit that much harder. Highly recommend.

This book is amazing! I have walked through alot of the same things and she has really helped me understand the why and how to heal with this book. We all face disappointments. This book is for anyone! Its a great read!

I was in a Bible study at church and we needed this book. The Bible teacher had notes from the book for us two read but I wanted my own version of the book. Thankfully NetGalley was offering this book to read and review. This book was insightful and helped me changed for the greater purpose God has for me.