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.

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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.

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.

A strong and honest message that has helped many women I know. The author is a great example of how to allow vulnerability and authenticity into her work.

I love this book. Lysa uses life experiences and scripture to help deal with life’s disappointments. There is so much information in their book that I will be reading it again. Definitely read the short upside down story in the last chapter.

I received an advance digital copy of this book from the author, Nelson Books and Netgalley.com. Thanks to all for the opportunity to read and review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

It's not supposed to be this way is a common enough phrase. What is uncommon is Ms. TerKeurst's work that brings the Gospel to the forefront when we doubt God's plan for us. A beautiful book.

5 out of 5 stars. Highly recommended.

I have been a fan of Lysa Terkeurst for a long time. I love how authentic and real she is about her life and tragedies that she has endured. The reflection part at the end of each chapter with questions, scripture and prayer was a great help. I absolutely love her prayers.
This book is for anyone hurting or feeling alone and needing encouragement.

Thank you to Lysa and Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the eARC

I was so excited to have the opportunity to read this book because of the countless podcasts I have listened to this year featuring Lysa and this new book of hers. I was immediately drawn to add this to my reading list when I thought to myself, “FINALLY! A book about suffering written by someone who has actually been there.”

I’m so grateful to Lysa for being willing to share her struggles of her cancer diagnosis and of her husband’s affair. Her vulnerability is admirable.

I especially liked this book because it was written in the midst of her trials. As she was taking the reader through the Christian perspective of suffering, she was sharing how she was currently experiencing suffering and how she applied scripture to it. I will definitely be recommending this to many people I know.

Love Lysa Terkeurst and this is another powerful book. I’ve recommended it to several friends who have all enjoyed it. A little repetitive at time but excellent.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion. This book hit me right where I am. Lysa offers practical tips and verses that speaks right to the hurting heart that so many of us have. She doesn't just fill this book with the tired cliches that fill so many self help books. She points you to God the Father and Jesus, the healers of our souls. I hate that Lysa had to go through the heartaches that she did but as she states they weren't for nothing. These trials were for others to see the goodness of God and that you don't have to lose hope or faith.

I feel like this is Lysa’s best book. It’s very raw, very descriptive, and very relatable.

She shares her heart and how Jesus met her where she was.

It’s a must read for anyone who feels their life hasn’t turned out the way they thought it would.

This is my second book by Lysa TerKeurst. I wasn't impressed by the first one, which was written years before It's Not Supposed To Be This Way. She has grown a lot, which makes the message in this book all the more believable: God grows us through painful situations.

In this book, Lysa invites us into the pain, uncertainty and overwhelm she felt during a particularly trying season in her life, and she shares the lessons she learned. The lessons she learned are deep: trusting God in uncertainty, finding joy in disappointment, not giving in to the attacks of the enemy, even if the sin he's tempting you to indulge seems sweet and you think you deserve the break.

Throughout the book, I was encouraged to look at God as my loving father, the one who knows the beginning from the end and who has my best interest at heart. I was encouraged to embrace disappointment, be honest about it, and hand it over to God.

I recommend this book to women who are living with disappointment. It's well written, doesn't offer empty advice and trite answers. I think it can be very helpful and encouraging.

I received a free review copy from Thomas Nelson via Netgalley. Thank you.

It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way; Finding Unexpected Strength When Disappointments Leave You Shattered by Lysa Terkeurst is a book I cannot stop talking about. I would highly recommend this book to any woman who has had that thought. And I suspect that is most of us.

Lysa is real. Don’t expect just Christian platitudes. She is going to get real with you about life and her own struggles. She addresses many different types of issues: unanaswered prayer, persistent pain, relational fractures, disappointing friendships, and heart-wrenching losses.

My favorite part of the book is where she would tell you where she was in her own life as she was writing the chapters. Books take so long to publish that it helps you know where she was when she was writing each chapter and she had no idea how her own struggles (and there were several) would turn out.

Lysa provided so many things in the book to help others. She provided insights (the two Gardens) and stories (tanned feet) that will help you remember the points she was trying to make. At the end of each chapter she would provide key truths to remember, scriptures and prayer. She created an entire chapter for fighting words to use when you feel attacked by the enemy.
I read this book on Kindle and highlighted a lot of it (fighting words, prayers, scriptures). I want to purchase it and make copies of some of the pages to put in predominant places.

I am now looking for additional books by her and I am considering this one as a bible study.

I received this book from Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review.
You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.

I've read several books by Lysa TerKeurst and this was by far my favorite. Her raw and unapologetic look into the last few tumultuous years was like sitting down with a friend.

My favorite part/biggest take-away was her "between two gardens" (The Garden of Eden in the beginning and the Restored Eden in Revelations). It was the first chapter and it GRABBED me.

Each chapter has a "reflection" part but Lysa's much more in-depth than most (Bible verse, reflection questions, and beautiful prayers). I wish I could tell you my favorite part of each chapter (Tan Feet - y'all. It's so good). I highly recommend this book. It's not a book that's vapid and full of "atidotes" - it's a book that brings clarity and gives you guidance when you feel like you are drowning.

The title of this book is a real attention grabber! Doesn’t the title resonate with us as we experience life and all its disappointments? Indeed, reality very often ends up so very far from the life we had hoped- or expected.. How much more remarkable is that the writings of Bible teacher Lysa TerKeurst resonate profoundly as well as she tackles the subject!

First and foremost, Lysa TerKeurst’s writing is authentic; she exposes personal tragedies. The reader is not subjected to lofty idealism, but rather is privileged to the insights of someone who deeply understands daily disappointments and life-altering loss. Lysa earns the readers’ trust and respect by this vulnerability on her part. Furthermore, the writing elements Ms. TerKeurst utilizes are noteworthy: beautiful imagery abounds; poignant and thought provoking word choices are exemplary! Delightful!

The issues addressed are across the board: unanswered prayer, persistent pain, relational fractures, disappointing friendships, heart-wrenching, severe loss. While Lysa’s examples and personal experiences provide her the authenticity to write, it is her biblical insights that are the treasure. She shares how she discovered unexpected strength as she wrestled between faith and feelings- and how the reader can tap into that same power! Through deeply profound biblical insights, she focuses on how to get through painful situations with life altering, new and fresh perspectives.- to see and experience God in the midst of it all.

I have read many, many ‘Christian life’ books and this one is one of the best. It is not theoretical, but EXTREMELY practical, applicable, and relatable! Highly recommended!

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I’ve been a fan of Lysa Terkeurst a while now. I was excited when I heard about this book. In true Lysa fashion it did not disappoint. Lysa shares a very raw and emotional time in her life. Although tearing at my heart strings it gave me hope and inspiration. Definitely recommend!

Perhaps the most significant part of this book is its raw form. Lysa was living this story, and she didn't know how it would end. She shares Scripture as if they were her lifeline. It's a balm to those who are hurting and wondering why this or that is happening to them. We used this book in our June book club.

A very open and honest account of her life and struggle and how trusting in God can bring you through. I enjoy all of her books and have done some of the Bible studies that correspond to the books. A very definite read for everyone who struggles.