Cover Image: Take Heart

Take Heart

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Member Reviews

I have really enjoyed this new devotional from the (in)courage community. When a friend shares how they experience Jesus in their own journey through pain or trial there are invaluable lessons learned and encouragement shared. The devotions in Take Heart have that “friend sharing” kind of feel as they point toward hope in the God who is always enough. The devotions are written by a diverse collaboration of authors with a wide range of life experience who share with transparency and empathy. Perfect for the stress of this crazy moment in time.

I received an ARC from the publisher for honest review.

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Relatable, applicable and honest. That’s how I feel about this book. Take Heart (100 devotions...) is full of true stories that will meet you where you are in your time of need, and give you the encouragement you need to keep going, or the hug you need to keep from falling apart. (Edited to add that I was fortunate to receive an advanced copy from NetGalley & the publisher.❤️)

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It is no coincidence that this devotional was published in 2020. People who weren’t struggling in life before 2020 surely are now. “Take Heart” is a must-have for every woman because we all have times when life is not okay. The 100 devotionals are packed full of hope, empathy, and truth. When times are hard, it helps to know someone else has been there and come out on the other side. Whether you are struggling with marriage, family, loss, depression, or just day-to-day life, this devotional will encourage you and point you to the One who makes everything turn out well in the end: JESUS. I plan to keep copies of this important book to give as encouragement gifts to friends in hard seasons.

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This book is a blessing. This year has been rough to say the least with fires in California covid 19 in the world and so much loss. From loosing loved ones to people losing jobs, homes it’s been a difficult year.
This book brings perspective into the scene. God is sovereign, yes but he is as close to us as the mention of his name. He brings peace when we need it most. He brings joy when our strength is gone. This book of devotions is a welcomed and needed fresh air.
Get a copy of book today and for the next 100 days you will have scriptures to help you when days are long and hard. You will read encouragement when loss is great. You will find validation for your grief.

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Need some encouraging words to start your day, or keep you going when the times are tough? Take Heart is the perfect devotional to read in 2020 when so much of our lives seem far from normal. Many women, often in challenging circumstances, have openly shared their heart in these fairly brief entries in order to be an encouragement to someone else. This isn’t an answer book; it won’t solve your problems. But it lets you know that you are not alone in spite of feelings of uncertainty, loneliness, inadequacy, physical challenges and many other emotions which can drag us down if we don’t remember the true source of comfort for us all. This devotional has consistent reminders that we are cherished and loved with an everlasting love. I highly recommend this book, which will be released on October 20.

“… remember that God promises to be with the brokenhearted. Period. No restrictions or expiration dates.” Mary Carver, Take Heart

I received an advance copy of this book in return for an honest review.

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I have loved reading this devotional! As a disclaimer right outta the gate, I led the launch team for this book, so I am quite biased, as you can imagine! The contributing writers were raw, real, and relevant to the real, walking-around lives of women like me. They didn't gloss over their pain or suffering, or spin it to sound like they were super-spiritual. There was nothing uppity about them. Such a refreshing change from some of the devotionals I've picked up and leafed through in the past. What a gift for hurting hearts.

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I enjoyed this devotional very much! I love the honesty of the writers sharing their personal struggles while offering encouragement. Each devotion is short, offering a scripture and a prayer. Any woman will find themselves in these devotions which are relevant for such a time as this!

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Life isn't always like you've imagined it. Take Heart is an encouraging devotional designed to help you through hard times with Scripture and relatable stories.

What I liked:
-Some devotionals can gloss over real problems and real life. This is not one of them. It does not deny God's power over our problems, but it acknowledges that sometimes we have to walk the hard road. Thankfully, God is with us through those hard times! I highlighted this passage: "He is not surprised by your weakness, nor is He turned off by it. Instead, He longs to comfort you in it." I also made a note of "God promises that even in our pain, we are seen. We count."
- The overarching theme to these devotions would be that life is hard, but God is with you. Even through the hardest times! I appreciated that the authors shared not only their problems but their hope. I found that the writings were authentic about the pain of the challenges faced, but also full of hope in God's presence and provision.
- I did read more than one a day so I could review the book. As an empathetic person, this did overwhelm me at times. However, that speaks to how well the devotions are written, as they made you identify with the trials the writers were experiencing.

Items to note:
- There is a style choice for the headings, at least in the advance reader copy I had, to keep all of the words in the heading in lower case. This isn't a choice I would have made, especially when Jesus' or God's name was used.
- Not every devotional applies to me, and not every writer approaches their Christian walk the same as I do. You may come to the same conclusions. It's always good to read with discernment, no matter what you are reading.

I do think that this could be an encouragement to the many women who will read it!

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What a perfectly timed book for a tough year. I was lucky enough to read an ARC of this fantastic book. I have yet to meet a person who has not experienced challenges, pain, suffering, stress, or other hard emotions. The reasons are as varied as the people who live them. This book has so many different, heartfelt devotionals, there are sure to be a number each reader can relate to. Plus they are so well written that you are drawn in even if you haven't experienced the situation personally. I highly recommend reading this book, I think your soul will feel seen, and maybe even more hope filled or at least a little lighter after reading it.

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Take Heart is a devotional that is on time for the climate that we are in. If you are hurting and need to be encouraged this is the devotional for you. I connected with the book from the intro throughout.  Its filled with 100 devotions by wonderful women authors like Liz Curtis Higgs, Jennifer Dukes Lee , Michele Cushatt, Jen Schmidt, and Kristen Strong among others. Some of my favorites that really spoke to me were the devotionals titled " Unraveling Anxiety,  A Different Kind Of Freedom, When Sadness Sits On Your Lap, New Life For Dry Bones, and Tired Of  Being Scared." All of the devotions are life changing and offers hope. You can use the subject in the back of the book to  read devotions based on subject or your favorite author. This is a devotional that you will highlight, take notes in the margins and want to share with another woman.

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This is such a beautifully written book. I am so glad I got the opportunity to read it! This devotional was written by a variety of authors, with stories of struggle and faith that could inspire anyone. The Take Heart devotional is written with heart. The women and their stories will inspire, encourage, and comfort people from all walks of life. I found many passages so applicable to life, and so helpful. Highly recommend.

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This devotional is so amazing! The stories are so applicable for each day and the authors cover an array of topics! Easy to read and understand! Such a great and uplifting devotional! I highly recommend!

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I enjoyed starting my morning with Take Heart. Some situations applied to me and some did not. I often walked away refreshed and encouraged.

When I just wake up, I cannot dive deep into some devotionals. But this one was just perfect. It often made me step back and feel thankful, encouraged, refreshed, or contemplative...depending on the day.

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Relatable, short daily readings by different women. This book has nuggets of golden encouragement scattered everywhere!

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I am not finished the entire book yet, but every morning I open a new page to the exact words I need to hear that day. I love the different stories by different authors. Each story has spoken to me in it's own way. Highly recommend this book.

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This devotional covers a wide range of topics-everything from being overweight to anxiety. I feel like there is something in this book for everyone, and while you may not relate to every one of the contributors’ stories, you’ll find you can learn something from each of them.

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This devotional isn't your average. It flows well. It doesn't feel limited or separated, so if you forget a day you will not have to worry about catching up as you can go at a pace that feels right for you. I found it difficult to put down. On most occasions, I felt as though I was sitting with my best friend chatting about life. Every woman has a story in this book that could touch them. I've laughed, I've cried, I've had my heart and mind opened. The prayers at the end of each devotional are organic and profound. This book exceeded every expectation I had and every woman in my family will soon have a copy. My sincere hope is that this book touches your soul as it did mine. I received this book in digital format as part of a promotion from NetGalley yet my review is my own honest thoughts.

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This is an amazing devotional. There are 100 days in this devotional on various subjects. It can be started at any time and on any day. All of the entries are so encouraging for you or someone you know. This has been one of the most rewarding reads and rereads for me. I received a free copy for participating on the Launch team.

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What a great devotional especially in 2020! With so many trials, stressful times and every day challenges. “Take Heart” from the (in)courage community shows us we are not alone in our struggles and dark times. This book reminds us that God is faithful and Always beside us, wanting us to be happy and prosper. I would highly recommend this Devotional especially in 2020!
I received a early digital copy from Net Gallery for my open and honest review.

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I’m really enjoying Take Heart by the team at (in)courage. They are short devotionals that pack a punch. They are especially good for the year we are having and the emotions many are feeling right now.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.

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