This is a very beautifully written book with many heartfelt things to say. I couldn't necessarily relate to everything the author talks about, but her transparency makes her relatable nonetheless. I like many of the things she says about the church and the changes the church has gone through over the years, not necessarily for the better. I really liked what she had to say.

I have to admit, at first I had a hard time swallowing this book. My first thoughts during the first few chapters were, "this is not for me". The loose and wild prose felt stiff in some places, like imitation Ann Voskamp or something. Sentences like "the sky was a sapphire and full of water" tripped me up (just remove the "a" and its a beautiful sentence to me).  However, I want to emphasize this was only the case in the beginning. I felt as the book went on that the prose flowed smoothly and beautifully. I have a feeling writing about the far-past of childhood presented more difficulties for the writing style of Haines than writing about later years.

I also found the connection between sexuality and the original sin of Eve sort of lazy, both theologically and metaphorically speaking, especially since Haines does such a superb job speaking so eloquently about both the beauty and pain of sexuality within and outside of marriage.

But with those slight negatives out of the way, I would recommend this book in a second. Even if you struggle with her poetic style of writing, the quick insights and wisdom found in her writings on the Church and the Spirit are worth it. The chapter entitled "Harness the Wind" was by far my favorite and gave a voice to some of the struggles I've faced but had difficulty expressing. The struggle between a well-ordered Church with pressed slacks and perfect makeup and the Holy Spirit that works like wind, fire, and water in a broken people is thoroughly and well explored. Besides, Haines seems relatable, and real -- not like a pontificating, perfect image giving "how-to" tips for a good life. She demonstrates through her own brokeness and twisted desires how to seek out and find that straight and narrow path of Christ's love and goodness.

Overall, a beautiful exploration of faith, desire, holiness and sin in the life of the author.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through a book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.