Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of Finding Beautiful: Discovering Authentic Beauty Around the World by Rebecca Friedlander from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. I have been reviewing advanced reader copies through NetGalley since 2013.
I admit that I don’t normally read much non-fiction, Christian or otherwise. When I received the opportunity to review Rebecca’s book, I was emotionally and spiritually in a rough spot. This book came to me as a gift from God. In the book “The Greatest Mystery in the World”, Og Mandino described “hand of God” – books that God inspired people to write. I believe that “Finding Beautiful” is one of those books.
The author tells the stories of 12 women who, in one way or another, have been brought through a terrible time in their lives through God’s grace. Their stories range from rough childhoods to drug addiction to working as a stripper. In each story, she highlights their troubles, then tells how God reached out and helped them make the changes in their lives that saved them. Each chapter includes scripture that applies to the story within. The before and after photos are beautiful and each chapter ends with questions to help you contemplate the life lessons learned by the women. The author also tells her story about the experience she had while writing and photographing each of the women. I don’t want to go into too much detail because you need to experience each story for yourself.
I finished my first read-through of the book in 3 days and it moved me so much that I am currently doing a second read and working through the questions at the end of each chapter. A lot of times Christian, or any religious related writings, try too hard to either convert you or tell you what to do. I feel that Finding Beautiful, instead of shoving religion down your throat, it is gently fed to you by the author. A wonderful and uplifting book.
The book release date is April 30, 2019. Get your copy by pre-ordering today.
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Beautiful-Discovering-Authentic-Beauty/dp/080109383X
Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/finding-beautiful-rebecca-friedlander/1129716549?ean=9780801093838#/
Thank you for reading.
This {_______} life 
I felt like this book was a gift from God too. I enjoyed it and I”m currently rereading it too. Love the photographs and the stories.
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