Tuesday, August 18, 2015

For the Love + GIVEAWAY!

For the Love, by Jen Hatmaker - release day + GIVEAWAY! 


Giveaway is now closed and the winner is according to Random Generator is... HEATHER!

 For the Love Book by Jen Hatmaker


This post is part of Jen Hatmaker's "For the Love" Blog Tour which I am delighted to be a part of along with many other talented and inspiring bloggers! To learn more or join us, click here.

Way back in March, on a whim, I signed up to be on the launch team for Jen Hatmaker's new book...with 5,000 other people. I have long been an admirer of Jen and have very often been inspired by her words. Somehow, I was among the 500 chosen to be a part of her team, to review the book, to write an endorsement, and to promote her book. An awesome honor and a distinct privilege.

Now today is the official launch date of a book that I definitely recommend. For the Love is a collection of essays for women. Community, parenting, fashion, difficult people - she's got you covered plus so much more. The subtitle? "Fighting for Grace in a World of Impossible Standards."

Do you feel like you never measure up?


Do you feel like you have to hide the real you?


Do you struggle with feelings of imperfection?


Do you have a "spicy" family?


Do you find it challenging to have meaningful relationships with other women?


Do you have trouble finding balance?


 Do you like to laugh?


This book is for you. Whether you are single or married, young or old, childless or juggling a houseful of cherubs, working outside the home or staying at home - whatever you're calling and place in life - this book is for YOU. This book is about grace - grace for others and grace for our ourselves and knowing the grace of God - GRACE.

If you have read Hatmaker's previous books or if you follow her on Facebook, then you already know how hilarious she is. This book is no exception. From "Thank You Notes," to dolphin sandwiches, to fashion advice, to real life stories, she will entertain you while speaking truth, encouraging women everywhere, and challenging the norm.

What I didn't know way back in March was that I was about to become a member of an amazing community of women. A community that truly lives out the message of this book. We have laughed, prayed, cried, and celebrated with one another. We come from different generations, different backgrounds, different locations, and different political/religious/theological/social views - yet there is a spirit of love and grace and friendship that goes beyond shared life experience. It has blessed and comforted me and challenged me in my local relationships.

The incredible opportunity to be a part of this beautiful book and community came at an incredibly difficult time in our lives. As the storm of life encompassed and confused us, I found solace in the pages of this book and in the prayers of women who had never met me. What a tremendous blessing and just a small way this book made an impact on my own life.

I was truly sorry for the book to end. I'm also pretty sure Jen and I would be best friends in real life. She is easy to read, easy to relate to, painfully honest, likes to cook (yes, she includes some recipes!), has a dry wit...oh, and coffee ('nuf said).

So, I encourage you to go and buy this book! Even my husband laughed when I read parts of it out loud to him. :) Let it minister to your soul, challenge your relationships, encourage your heart, and make you laugh out loud.


My officially official endorsement:
This poignant, timely, and hilarious book is a must read! Truth spills from the pages providing encouragement, challenge, freedom, and restoration. It is a breath of fresh air that will make you equally laugh, cry, nod, and think. ~ Alaina; Mama of a Spicy Family, Blogger, and Chef Wannabe. Indianapolis, IN



 For the Love Book
In honor of the release of this book, I am giving away 1 copy of FOR THE LOVE by Jen Hatmaker! Just comment below with your favorite coffee (or otherwise) drink and whether you have read anything of Jen's before (1 entry/person, please!). I will randomly select a winner on Saturday, August 23!


** A special thanks to MUCH more graphically talented individuals on the launch team than myself for all the quote images in this post! **

Disclaimer: I received an early copy of the book to read and review, but received no compensation for this review. This is my honest endorsement and opinion of this book. While I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I do not agree with Jen Hatmaker on all things. This book is not a Bible Study, but rather a collection of essays. :)

15 comments:

Margaret said...

I love a good latte and a good cup of coffee straight up! I've read Interrupted and Seven. Really liked both, but in particular Interrupted.

Esther said...

I love a good peppermint mocha :) I haven't read anything by Jen before but it sounds like I need to.

Unknown said...

I love a good caramel macchiato �� and I've read Seven and listened to Jen speak at the IF gathering. Love someone who makes me laugh and challenges me at the same time, and she is definitely one who does! It's awesome that you could be part of her team! ~ Becca

briana said...

I've read several of her blogs and listened to her speak. I like a good white mocha :-)

Heather said...

I never have, but now I am dying to! My coffee of choice is a decaf latte . . . .blah blah blah from SB of course. ;-)

liz nelson said...

Lattes (no flavoring!) are my favorite. I have not read any of her books, but have long intended to.:) I can't wait to read "For the Love"!

Cindy LaJoy said...

Can't do coffee, the smell gets to me, but I get my Caffeine on with a ::gasp:: Diet Coke! I have read many of Jen's blogs and never been blessed enough to see her in person and hear her.

Joanne & Andy said...

Love my café mocha! I have not read any of her books yet, I would love to start with this one!!

amandattitude said...

On Saturdays I'll take my coffee with a shot of Bailey's and relish in the peaceful morning until my tribe wakes.

The Sofianos Family said...

I take a splash of half and half in my two sometimes three cups of morning coffee depending on what's happening in my day. I love Jen Hatmaker. Great post friend!

Catherine said...

I like a half caff Americano with room for cream. I read 7 and really got a lot out of it (although I also did the workbook for it later and didn't care for it as well). I'm looking forward to reading this new book! Thanks for hosting the giveaway!

Jen said...

So excited you got this cool opportunity and looking forward to seeing you soon! I already have a copy so no need to throw my name in the pot. ;)

Rachel Brown said...

Black coffee with the sunrise is my drink of choice! I've never read a Jen book but I follow her on Facebook 😊.

Heather LeFebvre said...

Well, I have been ordering a decaf coffee misto with soy milk that is pretty good. :) Have never read Jen's books but look forward to reading this one!!!

Kelly Blackwell @ Heres My Take On It said...

My favorite coffee is home-brewed Dunkin' Donuts coffee with cream and sugar. Pretty much a 2/2 ratio. I don't drink it as often as I used to because I did the Daniel Fast at the beginning of the year and I had given coffee up for the fast. Now I drink it about once a month. Now I like that it really is a treat.

I have not read any of Jen Hatmaker's books yet, but I have enjoyed her blog and have Interrupted on my honey-please list. :)