I only right reviews when I feel very strongly about a book. To keep this in perspective for you, this is the second review I've written.

The first book I read by these 5 ladies - "Joy Breaks" is what prompted me to buy "Overjoyed". I can't stress enough how these are the most wonderful devotional books that I have ever read! Each devotional is very light-hearted and contains humerous situations which I find myself relating to very well. There is a short bibical scripture at the beginning of each devotional which serves as a "preface" for the story. Then there is a short prayer at the end of each story such as: "Lord, thank you for laughter. Help me to see the hilarity of it all and share it today. Amen." (p.52)

Each devotional is not lengthy. That may sound like a shallow comment, but in the past I have found myself painfully trying to get through devotional books that are very lengthy, deep and heavy on the heart, and by the time I reach the end, I have gotten very little out of it. But with "Overjoyed" I find myself reading 3 and 4 each time I pick up the book. And afterward all I can do is smile. I like the length of each devotional (2-3 pages) because sometimes I pick this book up for a quick pick-me-up at work or sitting in traffic, etc. (as you can tell, I like to always have this book on hand) and I don't want to have to read pages and pages to accomplish this. The size of the book is even perfect. It is small enough to fit into most purses (the book is about 5x7 in size).

This book packs a powerful and practical punch in each devotional. When I put this book down, I feel upbeat and spiritually fed. It is definately a high point in my day!

A collection of essays by five different Christian women. The essays are strong and powerful and tie into the everyday life of women everywhere. This book acknowledges that life is hard, but you can choose to smile anyway. I loved it!

This was the best daily devotional I have ever read. I can't wait to start my quiet time each morning to see what happens next! A positive way to start your day.

I purchased "Embracing Forgiveness" after being advised by two Godly friends that I needed to forgive someone who had hurt my daughter and me very badly. I didn't want anything big and philosophical; I simply wanted to get to the meat of what the Bible says about forgiveness. I knew the basics; I needed the back-up documentation. I chose "Embracing Forgiveness" because it was brief (six lessons), it referred one to Scripture frequently, and it was written in a very down-to-earth manner. This tiny book has changed my life. Without questioning whether they were right or wrong, the book encouraged me to look at and document my feelings, directed me to the Bible for God's word on the subject, then sent me back to my feelings in light of what I'd learned from God. I have been able to move forward to forgiveness due to this superbly written, challenging Bible study. I recommend it highly for anyone who needs to remember that we are forgiven, therefore, we are to forgive.

As a fledgling Bible Study group, our group of ten found this study and the "Finding Joy" study invaluable tools that have helped us feel comfortable in our new area of study, the Bible. The six week format is appropriate for beginners, it is well organized, and the questions and activities were such that we now really have a handle on God's forgiveness.

If you thought devotions have to be dry or boring, then let "Extravagant Grace" take you on an entirely different journey! These wonderful women have truly given us a gift... a gift of Grace in every facet of life. I've felt something was spiritually missing from my life for a long time and now I know how to look for, receive and give others grace. What a gift! Kathy W.

Extravagant Grace is a treat worth enjoying. The six authors each take their turn at sharing their thoughts about experiencing God's grace in their daily lives. These women of faith use a light-hearted approach to show how the deep truths of God's love are applicable in any circumstance. These short, devotional stories will open your heart and uplift your spirit.

There is a total of 6 of these Bible study book from women of faith. This is our second book we are using and would recogmend any of them highly. This one is particularly great for strengthing or making friendships. Try them you won't be sorry. There are great helps for the leaders in the back of the study guides.

Don't let the size fool you. This is a powerful, fresh, realistic look at joy in the year 2000, all wrapped up in a Bible Study! It includes how to keep the little things from blocking our joy, and how to get a grip on griping. The book leads you away from joybusting and right into joyboosting! This is a great study for groups or individuals. The friendship boosters especially blessed me. I plan to get the entire series!

The Women of Faith series of books have been a joy in my life. This particular study on prayer has NOT been a disappointment. Although set up as a guide for group study, I have found it very effective in my personal devotions.

Each study has six sections: A Moment for Quiet Reflection, Knowing God's Heart, Friendship Boosters, Just for Fun, Praying Together and Making it Real in Your Own Life. Through this process you get into the scripture, meditate on it, apply it to your life and find joy in it.

"Growing in Prayer" focuses on six different types of pray-ers---from the most reluctant pray-er to the most generous to the oddest and most expensive. These examples are easy to relate to and make Bible Study a joy.

What a fun ride - not to mention funny, encouraging, inspiring, challenging,uplifting,and honest! I have attended four Women of Faith conferences (makes a great mom and daughter or a friends' weekend getaway:) and have always been encouraged and challenged by Luci Swindoll. Having heard her speak allows me to "hear" her as I read. However, you do not have to have heard her to get the full benefit of her story. When she states she "married adventure," she is not kidding. And the adventure is not just from her actual experiences, but from her whole attitude toward life. She has learned that the "special" days are not the only ones to savor. Ms. Swindoll pulls the reader into her belief that every day is a beautifully wrapped and intricate gift from God and we have the opportunity to open this fabulous gift every single day, hour, and minute of our lives. Although her life path has certainly been different from mine (she has remained single, had a challenging career in business, gives speeches to HUGE groups, and has traveled the world while I followed the more "traditional" path of marriage, motherhood, etc. I have not survived amazing travel adventures, I did survive two teenage boys:), her joy and enthusiasm are contagious and applicable to and life and any situation. This is NOT one of those "I am wonderful, my life is wonderful, and everything has been wonderful" books(you know, like some of the Christmas letters we have all received). Ms Swindoll is incredibly open about her shortcomings and mistakes and how she has, like the rest of us, been discplined by God to deal with these things.

I just cannot give this book a high enough recommendation. You will be encouraged as well as challenged, feel great joy and some sadness, and often find yourself asking "why in the world would she want to travel THERE and/or do THAT???" But at the end, I guarantee you will be looking at every detail of your life with new and curious eyes and looking to your faith in God as permeating each of those details in amazing ways. I know I will read this again and again and I can't wait to get to the Women of Faith conference this summer!(...)

This devotional book really brings joy to the heart. It truly is the best that I have ever read. The authors write from the heart and deal with everyday real life situations. Thanks ladies for your inspiration.

This is a fabulous book. I picked this book for a book report, because I thought I would be able to disagree with what the author would say. I was so wrong! I expected the book to be all about singleness and being called to singlness, but it is much more focused on living an abundant life in God! I highly recommend this book to anyone regardless of your marital status!

If you are having a bad day, this is definitely the book to read. There's no way that you can read it and not laugh!! These women are incredible. Just reading one chapter a day gives you enough encouragement to tackle any obstacle you may have going on in your life. If you want something inspirational, light-hearted, and loving, this is the book for you.

"Joy Breaks", by Patsy Clairmont, Barbara Johnson, Luci Swindoll and Marilyn Meberg dramatically changed my outlook on life! I was going through a season of depression. I couldn't escape the torment I was living in day after day. After attending the first Women of Faith conference, I picked up a copy of "Joy Breaks". These four wonderful and zainy ladies (to whom I am forever indebted) taught me how to find humor in every day experiences and encouraged me to find reasons to laugh. My entire perspective on life has changed. I now understand and know that the Lord truly is the joy of my strength! If you are ready to start living life--and enjoying it--consider taking "Joy Breaks" for a spin!

I really enjoyed the way this book was laid out. The authors have unique writing styles, but very friendly, as if they were speaking directly to you. Each devotion is short enough to squeeze into a corner of your day. However, I found myself reading two or three at a time. I liked it so much I bought another copy as a Secret Sister gift!