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It's Not Supposed to Be This Way: Finding Unexpected Strength When Disappointments Leave You Shattered

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Arrives Thursday, Nov 7
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Publisher : Thomas Nelson (November 13, 2018)


Language: English


Hardcover : 256 pages


ISBN-10 : 0718039858


ISBN-13 : 51


Item Weight : 15.5 ounces


Dimensions : 5.88 x 0.88 x 8.75 inches


Best Sellers Rank: #545 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #8 in Christian Bible Study Guides (Books) #15 in Christian Women's Issues #16 in Christian Personal Growth


#8 in Christian Bible Study Guides (Books):


#15 in Christian Women's Issues:


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Top Amazon Reviews


  • A book for TerKeurst's fans
I know this author is a Bible teacher for a women's ministry, so I shouldn't have been surprised that this book is heavy on the teaching and light on story. I knew the broad outline of what was happening in the author's life -- ill health, divorce -- and was interested in hearing how she was doing. But, honestly, I believe memoir would have been a better way to tell her story. In this book, the author is so intent on teaching the reader that her own story takes a back seat. I would rather have heard more about her own personal struggle to come to terms with the circumstances of her life -- what she is learning, not what we should learn. It was difficult for me to empathize with her because the moment she shares something personal, she is off and running with the lesson. That, or she bounces off the painful revelations into silly stories about her medical exams and therapy sessions. When I closed the book, those were the passages I remembered, because they were vivid and specific. I had hoped the entire book would have this vividness. Without it, and without the emotional depth her story should have, the book doesn't have the impact it could have. I want to weep with those who weep, mourn with those who mourn, but the format of this book works against that desire. In this genre, called "Christian Living," authors often attempt to teach by writing in vague ways they hope will allow any reader to apply the lesson to their lives. So, for example, in Chapter 8, the author builds her lesson around a comment by a friend that upsets her. But the author doesn't reveal what was said to her. How can I understand her overreaction without knowing what set it off? "In the particular is contained the universal," James Joyce said. I wish more writers would take that to heart. All in all, this book will satisfy fans of Lysa TerKeurst, as it's written in her tried-and-true study format. But if you're looking for an indepth story of one woman's pain and how she is working her way through it, this is not that book. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on August 26, 2018 by N. B. Kennedy

  • Raw without being jaded, highly recommend if you've "licked the floor of hell"
This book was what I hoped Uninvited would be. While that was tame and I kept thinking ... a friend at a PTO meeting rejects you... that isn't true rejection, come on now, Lysa... that book didn't hit the spot. THIS BOOK DID. It was raw without being jaded, real without being cynical, heartbreaking without being hopeless, and Exactly what you can relate to if you have, quoting Lysa, "licked the floor of hell." If you've "licked the floor of hell" then Uninvited is like a band aid on an amputated leg. THIS BOOK is not. It's like Streams In The Desert... one of the few Christian books that does not minimize pain in an effort to maximize God. It is both validating of where you're at (or where you've been) while always pointing to Jesus. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on November 17, 2018 by Rachel / A Mother Far From Home

  • God has truly ministered to me in my place of deep brokenness through her words!
Friends, if you are experiencing a season of long suffering, a season where you’re broken to the point where you feel like your heart is dust and nothing can make it whole again, where you’ve been rejected and feel hopeless and alone, where you cry to Abba but think He’s not hearing or listening, PLEASE, read this book!!! I can not recommend it enough!!! Lysa Terkheurst truly hit a home run with this one! ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on November 23, 2018 by Holly Poe

  • Christian book
The BIG problem the author faces is divorce. If you face earth shattering soul and heart crushing loss or life altering tragedy this book and it’s sunny Jesus focused message will seem trite. The basic message is restated repeatedly. Might be most useful to a very young woman, young Christian with little life wisdom. For an older adult the book is too theologically shallow. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2019 by CindyRVA

  • You won't be the same after reading this
I am very picky about the female authors for Christian non-fiction. I much prefer Frangipane, Tozer, etc.. I am a huge fan of Terkeurst however! She is open, raw, funny, but really knows the word of God and manages to hit you in those deep places that you think someone just does not understand what you are going through. She does understand. She has been there and is willing to share it all. I cannot recommend this book enough and even bought 3 more to give as gifts to those it will help, as it is helping me during a difficult season of my life. There is never a dull moment in Lysa's books, this is no exception. No pretention, no author distance, reading it is like sitting down and having a cup of coffee and talking to her. Wherever you are in your life, no matter how deep the rabbit hole goes with your problems, she finds you there with her poignant honesty and you won't be the same after. Thank you Lysa for your openness and vulnerability in this book! ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on December 1, 2018 by Amazon Customer

  • The most healing, uplifting, realistic, helpful book ever!
It’s a 37 year old dude, so I’m not sure if I’m supposed to read this, but I did and I’m GLAD I did! Actually, I listened to the Audible version first. It was so helpful to hear the earnestness and compassion in her voice. Her words were like salve on my heavy heart. After listening to us, I bought a physical copy, which I’ll read a couple more times, soaking in her healing, Biblical wisdom. I’d never read Lysa before but I’m SO GLAD I did!! ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on February 6, 2019 by jordan hoover

  • Great book in difficult times
“I am not good enough. How recently have you had this thought about yourself?” What a sad but hopeful book this is. Written with wonderful and heart breaking examples. I love the “worksheets” at the end of each chapter, reminding me of the important points, scripture, questions to ponder & a prayer. “I’m exhausted by change. I still find myself resisting it. But I’ve been transformed into a better human because of what we walked through.” Receiving an advanced copy of this book was a privilege. I appreciate the opportunity to review and share my thoughts with others. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on November 27, 2018 by Brenda Love

  • I have heard lots of good things about this author and a prior book of ...
I was so excited I got to read this book. I have heard lots of good things about this author and a prior book of hers. My friend suggested this book because she knows I am going though an "It's not supposed to be this way," time in my life. Lysa is so personable & she is so down to earth with her writing style. She helped me relate what I am going through to what she is going through and how to look at it from a different perspective. I read the book in 2 days, but I plan to reread again to make sure I really dive into the heart of what she was conveying. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on August 20, 2018 by Rachel Taylor

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