Cover Image: Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire

Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire

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Member Reviews

This is the first Jen Hatmaker book I've read, and I had no preconceived ideas of who she is or her style. It wasn't the book I was expecting, as I was hoping for a more contemplative and faith-based perspective. The title Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire totally describes Jen. If she was a friend of mine I think I could only take her in small doses. She is a strong-willed, opinionated, and intense person who has thought about serious issues and isn't afraid to share what she thinks and tell you how she got there. This often humorous book is written for women, assuming readers are questioning similar areas (i.e. self-esteem, marriage, parenting, eating disorders, social justice, community, friendship) and covers these topics in a way to boost confidence and support personal growth. She does mention that not every topic will resonate with every reader, and I agree. Overall it's a supportive read for those who are looking for a leader with a strong personality to encourage them to confidently step out in faith. Unfortunately there is less discussion of spiritual faith and more encouragement to have faith in yourself.

Thanks to Nelson Books and NetGalley for a digital advance reader's copy. All comments and opinions are my own.

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This book was fun and the advice backed up with science. I will take some of the messages on board in my endeavours to become a more reflective and assertive human. Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for an eARC.

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Jen stays true to form. This helpful and humorous book follows suit with her previous publications.

This book is specifically about helping women be their best selves. She goes through 12 statements, giving scientific evidence for their importance while including humor and personal anecdotes to spice things up. There is an overall Christian flavor, but use of "swears" (as the author puts it) and some political slants detract from its message.

Although I enjoyed most of it, and found some parts thought-provoking, it is not as good as "7" in my opinion.

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Jen Hatmaker has done it again. She has totally inspired me and when I was done reading this book, I felt like it was time for me to embrace being fierce, free, and full of fire. What I love most about Jen Hatmaker is her honesty and her humor. Jen makes it known at the beginning that every part of the book may not resonate with you and that is fine. Wow, that is refreshing for an author of this type of nonfiction to acknowledge that not everything you say will be meaningful to me.

"We are free to exist on this planet in the ways we flourish because there is an abundance of everything: joy, talent, love, dreams, hope, goodness, triumph, creativity, delight... Someone else's space does not diminish yours." This quote was so powerful to me.

This book is relatable and relevant to all women (and the men who love us). Jen Hatmaker empowers women to be unapologetically ourselves and to support one another.

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Jen Hatmaker is a fresh of breath air. She's thought provoking and inspirational. I love how she divided her book into sections so that we could focus on one area at a time; who I am, what I need, what I want, what I believe and how I connect. Jen's got a very warm, almost bff like way of speaking to and connecting to the reader. The audible version gives the listener a taste of her playful personality and makes the book fun and entertaining to listen to. I would definitely recommend this book to women of all ages that are looking to grow personally, professionally and spiritually.

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Ya'll. Holy cow. I love Jen Hatmaker's books, and they've been lighthouses in being curious about my faith, and growing. I knew this book would be great, but I didn't know it'd make my list on top books every human should read. It is chock-full of ways to move through the world, questions to ask, wording for having difficult conversations, and gentle guidance for you to get curious about your life. At the end she has you make a list of 12 statements for your life, and I was overwhelmed with what came up for me. Jen gives us a gift with this book, and it's been amazing. Read it asap. And get a paper copy, because ya'll, half this book is highlighted and tabbed, and it's going to be my birthday gift to all my friends this year. This is a NEED for your bookshelf. If you like Rachel Hollis, Sarah Bessey, Rachel Held Evans, Glennon Doyle, fun lady stories, and deep grace theology this is the book for you. Keep taking up space friends. This book will help you show up fully right where you are at, and is a book needed for our times.

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Jen Hatmaker writes with just honesty and vulnerability. She has a gift of encouraging others to do the same and live authentic lives. Each chapter encourages and challenges us to be a better version of ourselves and to stop out of our comfort zones to do just that.

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4.5 stars

Let me start out by saying I loved this book and this is a book that I will be rereading, especially certain chapters. So why not 5 stars? Because there are a few places where I'm not exactly sure what she's talking about. Perhaps it's because I'm not really plugged into the online community the way she and millions of other people are. Or because she writes the way she talks and sometime I miss something because either I'm not from the south, or she is talking to a younger audience than me. That said, there was a ton I was able to relate to and some that really got my fire burning. I don't think this is a book that can be read once and that's it. I really took my time with this book, partly knowing that I needed time for chapters to sink into me, and partly because I knew I would love it and I didn't want it to end. Never fear, this is a book I will be purchasing and going back to from time to time, even if it's just isolated chapters. While this could be classified as a self-help book, it's also (in my mind) a call to action--to take the time to examine ourselves and then to decide how we want to live in this world, in relationship to the world at large, and also within our direct spheres. This includes our relationship with our God, and although she is not at all shy about talking about Jesus Christ, much about this book could be of benefit to anyone, Christian or no. There were many instances where she talked about something and I would think, "So and so would really love reading this even if she is Jewish." Or "So and so needs to read this even though he is an Atheist." But this book is definitely written from a committed Christian who is doing her best to live the life God created her to live. And that was inspiring. She is absolutely honest and open about her strengths and weaknesses and about the journey she has had to run to work her way through it (or is still working her way through it). Although this is my first book by Jen Hatmaker, I have been aware of some of her work through Facebook over the years, some of the details of which she shared in this book. I knew she got some blowback for some of her work with the LGTBQ community (and I remember being sorrowful for her at the time), and she definitely talks about some of that here. But she didn't whine or complain about the unfairness of it all--she instead stood firm on the knowledge that she was doing the right thing and leaned into her supportive family and friends, and of course, God. While reading this book, several things happened in this country that were absolutely appalling and I was privileged to listen to a conversation she had on Facebook Live with Lisa Sharon Harper. I was so impressed by the knowledge and humility of both women and it makes me want to dig deeper into both their writings. I highly recommend this book and am so thankful to have read it.

Thanks to #JenHatmaker for a book I had to read now and also to #NetGalley and #NelsonBooks for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

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This is my first time reading one of Jen Hatmaker's books, and this gal has done the work. I have so much appreciation for how she weaves together her ideas and thoughts as both a wake-up and encouragement to readers. Although I agreed with much of the book, it just didn't quite hit me in the face the way I thought it would. It might be because I was already familiar with a number of the sources and content that she refers to. Hands down though, this book would've been excellent for a younger version of myself, and I wish it had been out then. If you're thinking about picking this up, I recommend that you do!

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Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire mixes Jen Hatmaker’s personal story, spiritual thoughts, and self-improvement principles to empower women to live in freedom. Reading this book made me feel like the author was a friend I’d known for years. She’s funny, honest, and challenging. I didn’t agree with everything she said and I found the mild cussing to be mostly superfluous, but I did benefit from reading this book and I intend to reread it annually.

Truth lies at the core of everything in Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire. From this concept, comes the freedom and empowerment that Jen Hatmaker invites readers to push for. Whether the chapter addressed who I am, what I need, what I want, what I believe, or how I connect, some part of each anchored in the concept of truth, be it telling the truth, accepting the truth, or searching for the truth.

As I read Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire, I found that some chapters refreshed and affirmed my heart, some challenged previous thoughts, and some didn’t really apply to me. I Want This Dream and I Believe in Spiritual Curiosity ranked as my favorite chapters. I Want to Connect Without Drama was the most challenging as my dysfunctional family creates abundant drama. I recommend Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire by Jen Hatmaker.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

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While I don't agree with all of her views, Hatmaker gives lots of food for thought in this book. I enjoy reading and educating myself beyond my comfort zone. Fierce is definitely one that got me thinking and asking questions. She was pretty clear that that's what she intended for this book to do.

Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for an advanced copy.

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I think I have read all of Jen's books to this point, and this may be the best yet. She helps the reader flesh out exactly who they are and to empower them to live a full and happy life by asking specific questions about several different topics. I feel like the books I am reading are all telling me to just be myself lol.

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Jen Hatmaker is here to share everything she’s learned in her wild ride of a life—from being a powerful woman in the church to receiving death threats—in this delightfully funny and inspiring book. Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire is a guide to listening to yourself and learning to own your space and live guilt-free. She’s written it like a conversation she’s having with a close friend, and it’s impossible to put down.

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This book really hits home to those of us who are trying to be "nice" all the time. It calls out to be true to ourselves and be comfortable in our own skin. I appreciate the words she said about how it is ok to ask for help.
We live in a culture where asking for help is frowned upon, so it is nice when someone reminds you that, asking for help is not weak. She does this all in refreshing humor and while affirming all women. It is a great, uplifting read.

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Jen Hatmaker has a powerful message for Christian women in this book. You are good enough just as you are...you do not to meet other’s expectations to be enough and if you know yourself you can live life as you were meant to live it. I highlighted so much in this book and can’t wait to recommend and buy it for other women in my life.

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Where are all my non fiction lovers? I don’t post as much about non fiction here on Bookstagram, but I definitely have my list of favorite authors. So when @tlcbooktours reached out to send me a copy of @jenhatmaker ‘s newest book I was thrilled! I am only partway through this book because I have been really savoring her words, but this is definitely Jen’s best book yet. I have been a fan of hers since the beginning and her trajectory has been so similar to my personal one. If you are a people pleaser or feel bound by expectations but want to live a life that is Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire definitely pick up this book!! .
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Stuck in people-pleasing or fear, many women hide and pretend, then end up sidelined in their own lives. But what they want is to be brave, to claim every gift, dream, quirk, and emotion inside, to stop performing and start living.

Beloved New York Times bestselling author Jen Hatmaker understands the struggle to find firm footing in a culture that operates from stereotypes and often unreachable expectations. In this new book, she offers women encouragement, challenge, and humor as she helps them identify everything that makes them tick and gain the confidence to live it all out. She leads them through five self-reflective categories—who I am, what I need, what I want, what I believe, and how I connect—and helps them: ☀️identify the exact ways they pretend, and learn instead how to be genuine at all times, in all ways, in all contexts;
☀️be empowered to say yes and no without guilt;
☀️learn to voice both their spiritual questions and convictions; and
opt out of drama and into healthy adult relationships.
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With wry humor, earnest passion, and been-there insight, Jen calls women to the life-giving freedom of leaning into the identity, convictions, and community they've been given.

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I was very excited for this novel. I love Jen Hatmaker and everything she stands for *& believes in, but this book fell a bit flat for me. I was hoping for more classic Jen anecdotes, funny stories, etc., however it felt pretty much like a compilation of every other book she has written before. 3/5 stars for me.

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This is probably my favorite of Jen’s books. She lays it all out there and is completely authentic and honest. She gives readers permission to be their full selves in whatever form that is. You are a blessing, you are a gift to the world. We are better because you are in it with us. Great message and one I personally needed to hear.

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Jen Hatmaker has once again brought unabashed candor and humor to her legions of readers as she shares her insight into today's world and living as Christian women: fierce, free and full of fire!
With encouragement to explore boundaries to transform relationships,and to make truth a guide to joy and freedom, Jen helps address some soul-searching questions in order to find your true self.
I found the book to be part psychology, and part self-help but enjoyed reading it and found it prodded lots of self-reflection for living a fulfilled, truthful and authentic life.
Thank you Thomas Nelson Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

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May 23, 2020
Fierce, Free and Full of Fire
Jen Hatmaker

I read this for the purpose of review for Net Galley. Initially I was hesitant about the book.
She writes for today, encouraging women to be who they are not what someone expects them to be.
She also gives thought provoking subjects as to a woman's value, view and vision. She is not afraid to face the issues head on.
In the beginning I thought she was a bit negative on males but soon realized she is simply very positive on females and desires for the female to see her self valuable and important in every day life. Each woman's life looks different but each life has a definite place in life.

So, ladies take heart and be looking to finish the course set before you, not the one set before you.

Thank you Ms. Hatmaker

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