Have a Beautiful, Terrible Day! Daily Meditations for the Ups, Downs & In-Betweens offers a refreshing and honest perspective on living with uncertainty and finding joy in the midst of pain. The author, who was diagnosed with stage IV cancer at the age of 35, shares her insights and experiences on topics such as gratitude, grief, hope, fear, love, and faith. Each day's meditation is accompanied by a quote, a scripture, a prayer, and a reflection question that invites the reader to explore their own feelings and beliefs. The book is not a guide to overcoming or escaping suffering, but rather a companion for embracing it and learning from it. Kate Bowler writes with humor, wisdom, and compassion, and her words challenge the reader to live each day fully and authentically. Have a Beautiful, Terrible Day! is a book that will inspire and comfort anyone who is facing a difficult situation or who simply wants to grow in their spiritual journey.

Thank you to the author, Convergent Books, and NetGalley for the eARC.

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Have a Beautiful, Terrible Day!
Author: Kate Bowler
Source: NetGalley & Convergent Books
Pub Date: Jan. 23, 2024

I need to be honest. I have had trouble sleeping of late, and I am tired. So, I decided to take charge and reset my bedtime routine. No more reading in bed by the light of my Kindle, no more caffeine, complete breathing exercises, and read Kate Bowler. Have a Beautiful, Terrible Day is another winner for a writer who knows the ups and downs of life and yet covers the reader in encouragement and inspiration. Each night, I read something from Kate’s book and write the date on the page and my thoughts, then I say the prayerful thought and turn my troubles over to God. Why didn’t I think of this before? It works for me. There is a reason that Kate Bowler’s words comfort me. I would encourage you to buy this excellent book NOW and give yourself some grace and peace. #HaveABeautifulTerribleDay @katecbowler @convergent_books @netgalley #thoughtfulness #mindfulness #encouragement #kindness #empathy #life #trials #sleep #inspiration #love
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I received a complimentary copy of this ARC. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. Thank you to the publisher, Netgalley, and the author for the opportunity to read this novel. Pub. Date: Jan. 23, 2024
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Kate Bowler's 'Have a Beautiful Terrible Day' is, in true Bowler fashion, a source of inspiration that can halt you in your tracks. Her words provoke deep contemplation, urging readers to reflect on life's complexities. However, it's important to note that the book carries a distinct religious tone that might not resonate universally. Bowler's unique blend of inspiration and spirituality may deeply connect with some readers while potentially distancing others. Regardless, her ability to infuse profound meaning into everyday moments is a testament to her storytelling prowess, and whether religious or not, I highly recommend anyone who is in a tough place, or navigating how to find more peace in their lives- you will find it among Bowler's words.

A beautiful weaving of benediction, prayer, and devotionals for the everyday and the crappy day. I love Kate’s work and was excited to get an advanced copy to review for. NetGalley. I highly recommend her beautiful work.

Kate Bowler does it again with
Have a Beautiful, Terrible Day | Daily Meditations for the Ups, Downs & In-betweens.

A few of my fave meditations in the book:
for when things are falling apart, you’re being too productive, for learning to rest, when you’re awake in the night

I love the format and approach with these daily meditations. They meet you where you are-whether a good or bad moment and give hope for working through daily life issues.

Kate Bowler acknowledges suffering is very much a part of life. Have a Beautiful, Terrible Day is Bowler’s way of reconciling both her suffering (she writes about her current battle with chronic pain) and her faith.
Have a Beautiful, Terrible Day can be read straight through or bit by bit. The reflections begin with a Bible verse, pulled from various translations. A reflection follows, written in Bowler’s unique style, which is honesty and humor. Prompts follow many of the reflections. Reflections vary in length, but none of them are long.
Bowler’s writing is conversational, not preachy. Her way of her writing grants the reader permission to acknowledge how difficult life can be at any given time. Meditations are followed by reflection prompts. The reflections are practical ways to put the meditations into practice.
There are 89 meditations split into three sections. The first section covers different situations for day-to-day living. Section two mediations are devoted to Lent and the last section covers Advent, for those that practice Lent and/or Advent.
Have a Beautiful, Terrible Day is a book I will revisit again and again.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #ConvergentBooks for providing a copy of #HaveaBeautifulTerribleDay in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are more own.

I have loved all of Kate Bowler's books, and this one is no exception. Kate is a lovely writer, and I found this book to be both comforting and thought provoking.

Kate consistently brings the blunt big sister energy that I need.

Her words are kind, spirit-filled, and honest. They are not covered in glitter and cliches. They feel like drinking a warm cup of coffee on a sun-soaked patio with your dearest friend. The kind of coffee date with smiles and tears and a deep sense of peace.

I like the "take what you need, when you need it" style of devotions, and I also can't wait to dive into the Lent-specific devotionals in the coming weeks. These blessings and devotionals, much like those in The Lives We Actually Have, are the kind you will come back to time and time again. It's not a book to read once and tuck into the shelf - it's a companion to keep on your nightstand for the days that are both beautiful and terrible. Which let's face it, is all the days.

When you’re going through something tough, the last thing you need is a well-meaning acquaintance suggesting you “look on the bright side!” or that “God never gives you more than you can handle!”

The first thing you need, is Kate Bowler.

I’ve followed Kate both with her books, and on Instagram for several years now, and she always says exactly what I need to hear.

It’s not always cheerful, but it is always hopeful and kind.

In this book, Kate offers the reader bite-sized blessings for “when you’ve screwed up”, “quieting an anxious mind”, and “when you’re not sleeping much” and a tonne more, relatable topics.

My favourite aspect was her “Have a Beautiful, Terrible Lent!” section.

Forty thought nuggets to get you from the Pancake Breakfast to the Empty Tomb.

No platitudes. No toxic positivity.

Just care. And empathy. And truth.

Thanks to NetGalley and Convergent Books for this weighted-blanket of an ARC.

Kate Bowler just gets it. Have a Beautiful, Terrible Day! is the devotional for those of us leading lives that are messy, complicated, happy, sad, and real. "In moments of dull despair, I pray for Wonder." Kate's book is a reflection on life and offers blessings, reflections, and steps on getting through the highs and the lows. Perfection is impossible, but this book will steer you toward choosing an attitude of gratitude and wonder.

Thank you to Convergent Books and NetGalley for this ARC.

Kate Bowler is so good at speaking to our ordinary days and helping us find meaning in all of it. I really loved these blessings over good, bad, and UGLY days. I'm looking forward to picking this back up during Lent to read those blessings as well. Highly recommend.

Kate Bowler has hit it out of the park again! She finds a way to give meaning to the little meaningless moments in our lives and a name to the tiny heartbreaks. Thank you for this devotional/poetry/prayer/self-help book. I will most likely gift it like I have done with her previous books and sell to customers looking for insight that is not pandering or in line with Instagram perfection.

Any book by author Kate Bowler is a must read for me! Her down-to-earth realness, her ability to express what so many of us feel, her strong faith, and her honest, personal writing style captivate me every time. She always presents much food for thought, doesn't shy away from telling it like it is, fully understands how difficult life can be, yet always encourages and uplifts.

This book of meditations is about finding God's grace, peace, and joy no matter what type of day you're having. There are a lot of situations that arise in our daily living that can easily put us in a negative frame of mind. Bowler recognizes that this is part of life, and the cost/pain of being human, while focusing on the fact that whatever is going on, God is with us, always.

I will continue to read everything this author writes. Five stars from me; I highly recommend this book of meditations.

My sincere thanks to Convergent Books for allowing me to read a DRC of this book via NetGalley. Publication is 1/23/24. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own and are freely given.

This is such a welcome book. A beautiful devotional that deals with both the beautiful days and the terrible days that we all get. Each devotional has a bible verse, an introduction, the devotion and a reflection. The devotions can be read in order, or not, binged on or read individually. There is no right or wrong way. But whatever you are going through, there is a devotion for you here.

As with all Kate Bowler books, this one is exactly what you need. She has a sense of reality that many books of this sort lose.

I was so excited to see Kate Bowler had a new title. “ Have a Beautiful Terrible Day” weaves life’s complexities, blending vulnerability and wisdom seamlessly. This title offers a heartfelt reflection on the beauty and challenges inherent in our journey, making it a must-read for those seeking both solace and inspiration.

Sigh. How to start to describe this book.
Truly it was an honor to get to read an early copy of Have a beautiful, terrible day. I adore Kate Bowler with all of my heart and while I’m convinced that I would love and gush over anything she wrote - grocery lists, meal plans, anything really - this felt especially precious and personal.
A collection of blessings and reflections, this book can be devoured in a sitting or taken bit by bit, depending on your mood. There were so, so many blessings that spoke to the weariness in my spirit, that made me feel seen and understood.
I underlined enormous amounts of this book, and do truly feel that when I possess a paper copy, I will just keep it out, and read a bit of it every day for the rest of my life, and it will help me make it through.
At around 82% I got very weepy, because I knew it would be over soon, and I had felt so cared for reading it. '
Thank you Kate. You’re a true gem and we are all so lucky to have you.
And thank you to the publisher Convergent and to NetGalley for the digital ARC - I’m so grateful.
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Kate did it again. With this new collection of blessings and reflections, Kate Bowler offers words of encouragement and hope, and void of cliches and tidy bows, for both the beautiful and the terrible days. (And the beautifully terrible, terribly beautiful days.) While her first book of blessings (The Lives We Actually Have: 100 Blessings for Imperfect Days) resonated with me more than this one, it's still a 4-star read and one I'll recommend -- especially for Lent or Advent, as this title offers daily readings for each. Thank goodness for writers who call it like it is while also helping us see the good, the beauty, the laughter, and the hope in the midst.

I will be posting my review on Jan. 16, 2024

Refreshing spiritual reflections challenging the societal emphasis on constant cheerfulness. Through bite-size insights and practical steps, she encourages embracing life's complexities—good, bad, or ordinary. Crafted during personal pain, Bowler's devotional fosters resilience, urging us to acknowledge diverse emotions. Similar to modern psalms, her reflections inspire courage, love, and honesty, fostering spiritual growth in everyday moments."

Kate Bowler always has an honest, sassy, and poignant way with words. This book feels very similar to her other books of blessings (“The Lives we Actually Have” and “Good Enough”) but through a new lens of emotional awareness. I appreciate her dedication to offering both the joys and trials in tandem, demonstrating that we don’t have to choose one. Her writing feels both understanding and encouraging. There are also daily entries for Lent and Advent. While I did read the book from beginning to end, the general meditations are designed to be read at any time, in any order. Even if you only read scattered entries sporadically, you will be blessed.

Thank you @convergent_books & @NetGalley for the eARC 🥰 All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Perfect for you if you like:
Bite-sized reflections and practical steps for daily living
Devotionals that resonate with real-life struggles and triumphs
Honest and witty insights on faith and life

Similar to:
The Lives We Actually Have by Kate Bowlder
Liturgies for Wholeness by Audrey Alledge and Elizabeth Moore
The Book of Common Courage by K. J. Ramsey

Have a Beautiful, Terrible day by Kate Bowler has just the right mix of aspiration and realness that I like. Bowler lives in the real world which is wonderful AND challenging and she holds onto and shares her faith through the ANDS. This book of reflections is a great tool for those of us who seek comfort and inspiration as we traverse the ANDS in our lives.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.