There are times when you read a book to learn. You open it and are ready to be lavished with new ideas or general uses and plans that you can implement. You are genuinely ready to embrace the guidelines and the anecdotes as they teach you about someone else. It is an altogether different thing when you read something and you realize every story, every plan, every gem is speaking directly to you.
Ready To Rise by Jo Saxton is for every woman. Literally everyone who has ever lived, ever dreamed, ever desired anything at anytime. It’s not a self help book. It is however, self inspiring, self reflecting, self discovering and self encouraging. It’s a book that not only identifies, it clarifies and reminds in ways that most people, especially women shy away from. This book isn’t about someone else. Pages filled with ways to help other people be better, do better, but rather a book that is for you; one you wish you’d written in your journal and decided to live. Simply put, it’s a book that reads you. Knows you and kindly coaxes you to not only love who God made you, but to accept fully that your “just” and “only” were created just for you, only by God no matter how many others resemble you, rely on you or disregard you. Ready To Rise reminds us all that we are in a constant state of growth, if we are living, we are rising.

I absolutely loved this book!! I loved the conversational style in which Jo wrote. I loved the inspiring stories. I especially loved her call-to-action by ending each chapter with thought-provoking questions. These questions helped the reader (me) take the text and incorporate it into my own life to make positive changes. Highly recommended!

NetGalley gifted me an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.

A new book on leadership for Christian women!
It takes a woman leader to encourage Christian women to lead! (You can quote me!)

“Ready to Rise” by Jo Saxton, “Own Your Voice, Gather Your Community, and Step into Your Influence”. Yes Jo is a woman who leads, and speaks to groups, and writes books!

When I first picked up this book, I knew it was about encouraging Christian women to find their voice and influence people, but I did not know it was about the art of leadership for Christian women.

This book is full of tips and steps to follow. It also is full of encouragement! Jo gives examples from her own experience as a leader, and uses several Bible stories as examples of women in leadership in the Church.

Although I am no longer in a leadership position, I was back in my 30’s and 40’s. I was a leader in my church, and I was a leader in my professional job. Looking back on those days, I can say that I did not do most of what Jo tells women leaders to do. I think it would have been easier on me if I had intentionally done at least some of what she recommends, but I did not know how to lead as a woman. No one told me how. I tried to just push on from day to day, mostly on my own, surrounded by men, with little contact with other women leaders. I didn’t even get a book on how to succeed as a woman in leadership. Jo says that is what most women in leadership do, and they give up.

So please, if you are a woman in a leadership position, or you want to move into a leadership position, read this book. That is my advice. Don’t try to do it alone.

Jo Saxton has lots of experience. She has a friendly way to communicate her advice. Reading this book, I felt as if Jo was standing at my side, with a hand on my shoulder, encouraging me, teaching me what to do, and understanding the difficulties of being a woman in leadership. She understands the frustrations and the tears, because she has been there!

Although I knew what a mentor was, I didn’t have one, nor did I try to find one. I really should have, and Jo explains in the book why you should have a mentor, and how to get one, or several.

I had not heard of a “sponsor”. Jo explains in the book why finding a sponsor is vital. In fact she says that without a sponsor, women cannot succeed in leadership. Yes, she tells you how to get a sponsor, and what a sponsor will do for you.

Jo says that “Now is the time to rise.” And this book gets you Ready to Rise.

Men are normally raised that it's ok to be assertive and live out your God given purpose. Women, not so much. In most households, workplaces and life in general, we are shut down if we aspire to be anything more than a wife and mother. And if that's your gift and calling, it is ok to live your truth and your life without ridicule and regret. Ms. Staxton gives women the permission to be all who God called them to be, whether it's to be the best wife and mother you can, whether you're called to be the CEO of a company or even called to the ministry. This was such a phenomenal and well rounded book, I will be referring to it in the future very often. Job well done.

I love Jo Saxton, and this book did not disappoint. The part that stuck out the most to me was her description of ezer. This new Biblical understanding of women in leadership really struck a chord with me.

I absolutely loved "Ready to Rise" ! Saxton is adept at encouraging her readers to leave fear behind, running towards what God has called us to, unafraid.

The book is a clarion call to step out and use our talents for not only lifting others, but continuing on the path God has for our lives. Saxton is a truth teller and a friend you can lean on.

This would be a great read for all ages of women.
I think in a group setting, this would springboard a lot of conversation and growth among friends.

If you enjoyed "The Dream of You," don't miss out on "Ready To Rise." Saxton continues to gift us with wisdom, perspective and guidance.

I was an early reader, thanks to #NetGalley and the publisher. I can't wait for my pre order copy to arrive!! All opinions are my own honest thoughts.

Jo’s book is great for women in leadership. She touches on every area of life and how to rise up! Highly recommend this book!

I am a huge fan of Jo Saxton's leadership and speaking. This book was amazing. As a woman who leads, this book was very real and transparent, humorous, authentic and practical. She addresses many issues that face women who lead - some that are familiar like sexual harrassment and the need for mentoring- and others that are less talked about, like listening to our bodies and the scarcity mentality. This book challenged and encouraged me. Highly recommend.

Ladies, if you are looking for an encouraging and empowering read, Ready to Rise would be a great choice! Jo Saxton talks about how to use your spiritual gifts, find your voice, take care of yourself, allowing yourself to be healed by our Savior, grow your grit, and surround yourself with a supportive village. One part of the book that stood out to me was when she discussed how the word in the Bible for women in Genesis was "ezer", which is often translated as "helper". Ezer means "to rescue, to save, to be strong". Saxton highlighted some important female leaders in the Bible such as  Deborah, Jael, and Mary. She also included stories about a group of female leaders who started meeting, and how they found their voices and inspiration through supporting each other. 

Some of my favorite quotes from this book included:

"If there was ever a time to uncover our potential and voices  - it's now. Now is the time to boldly and authentically represent God's goodness in the world. Living as channels for his transformative change and power. Now is the time to rise."

"We cannot present or perform our way out of our own brokenness, no matter how hard we try. Nevertheless, Jesus doesn't need us to keep it all together, to pretend life and people haven't happened to us. He's the kind of leader who tends to His leaders, lays down His life for their whole lives."

"However you live into your influence, whatever way you hope to make an impact on your world, you will need grit for the journey."

"When I'm feeling negative about my voice or my influence or my impact, I need to take my mind off myself and retain perspective. One way I do this is through practicing thankfulness."

"You always had a twofold purpose: having a relationship with God and then representing Him in the world around you - to play your part in the Great Commission."

"Our leadership is not the end result; a better world, filled with God's love and light, shaped by His mercy and justice and grace, is. All things made new."

I would recommend this book for all women, especially those who are in or are seeking to be in leadership positions. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, as part of the launch team, in return for an honest review.

The release of this book could not be more timely. Whether you are feeling worn down, weary & uncertain of your voice or you are ready to tackle the next battle full speed ahead - you will find both comfort & challenge in Jo's words. Grab a cup of tea and soak in her wisdom & encouragement. Get ready to build hope, experience healing and find courage as you step into your God given voice. Love this book! Love this woman's voice!

Jo Saxton is one of my favorite speakers from If:Gathering. In fact, her sermon this year, tied into this book, was one of my favorites. It made me look forward to reading this, and I was not disappointed.

I loved this look at women in leadership, especially in church leadership, but not exclusively. My favorite chapters were the ones in the middle about saying yes to who you are and using your voice. Each chapter includes at least a reflection question or two at the end, and they made me long for a pen and a journal. I will be picking up my own copy of this now that it has released so I can write in it and dig into these questions personally.

There's a good balance here between personal stories, Bible stories, and practical application. Bible stories include the creation story, the story of Deborah, and the foot washing scene from John 13. The tone is conversational. In fact, there are several passages that are examples from a gathering of women, and I would have loved to be part of those conversations.

If you love Jo, and/or if you are looking for a resource to explore your God-given gifts and voice to use for God's purposes and for your passions, be sure to pick this one up!

Ready to Rise
Own Your Voice, Gather Your Community, Step into Your Influence
by Jo Saxton

WaterBrook & Multnomah
WaterBrook
Christian | Religion & Spirituality
Pub Date 14 Apr 2020


I am reviewing a copy of Ready to Rise through WaterBrook & Multnomah and Netgalley:



In this book Jo Saxton reminds the readers if there is every a time for us to find out voices and fulfill our potential the time is now. She goes on to encourage the readers to think of their family trees, think of their storie bys and experiences and think of how the limits as well as opportunities shaped the lives of the women in their family tree.


The readers are reminded too that we need the voices and influence of healthy and empowered women who are taking their places to make an impact on the world for the common good.



Saxton goes on to remind us how Jesus used women, how their lives impacted the early Church. The woman of Jesus time did not have the ability to look up to Christian women from the past, because they were the first.


The readers are reminded too that we do not have to carry life's burdens alone. It is pointed out that our voices are more than mere words, our words are our God given identity and purpose in action.


We are reminded too that Your voice has real potential— for encouragement, for strengthening people in life’s trenches, and for tangible influence for good in the world.


If you are a woman looking for an empowering book to read during this time of Self Isolation, I recommend Ready to Rise!


Five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

This book has been the push I have needed to step into all that God has called me to be. Jo Saxton has a gift of story telling that makes each and every minute better than the last. She has an ability to turn a story into a call to action, setting the reader up with tools to succeed in business and in life. This book is the perfect leadership tool for all women who desire to step into a world of leadership and influence.

Ready to Rise is entering the market at just the right time; for a time such as this. It is the perfect book to cozy up to during "The Great Pause".

I'm half-way through the book and cannot put it down. Jo Saxton is an excellent story-teller, motivator, and encourager. This book is about empowerment, leadership, and owning our voice. I liked the part where she says that we don't need to find our voice because we already have one given to us by our Creator; we just need to walk in its power.

Ready to Rise is for women in leadership, whatever sphere that looks like to you.

I received an advanced digital copy from the publisher.

There are a multitude of new books coming out now that encourage women to rise up, own their voice, and follow their dreams. While the others can read somewhat similar to one another, Jo brings a different voice to this topic. She approaches the subject of women empowerment more from a Biblical perspective than other books with a similar message. She also brings in her multicultural background, talking about her experiences growing up in a minority culture and what she learned about what was possible for her as a young woman. I found reading this helpful to understand the experiences of other women who grew up in environments different from my own. I could imagine it would also be helpful for young women looking for a voice that they can better relate to.

WOW! It's amazing how timely this book is in the world right now. During a time where we need to be socially distant this book is all about finding your voice, being with your community, and stepping into your influence. It's a timely book because of the time we have to read and focus on what Biblical truths and that is what Jo has in this book. She not only weaves in her story but Biblical leaders lives as well as practical ways for us to step into our influence and thus helping others to do the same. Thank you Jo for such a timely book!

What a privilege and an inspiration to read an advance review copy of Ready to Rise. Like Jo’s other two books, this one is raw, honest, encouraging and empowering and would have had me in tears (of delight and anguish) had I slowed down long enough to let myself (I’ll save that for my second read when the paperback arrives!).

Deeply grounded in biblical truth and practical wisdom, Ready to Rise is not only an imperative to ‘find our voice’ and use it for the kingdom of God, it also provides tools to empower women in particular to step into their calling (although I hope it’s readership will not be limited by gender or any stereotypical views of leadership).

It is an accessible, readable book, and it often feels like listening to a mentor-friend over a cup of something comforting. As always, the reflection questions at the end of each chapter are where the real work begins and I look forward to taking the time to process these more deeply over the coming weeks.

I highly recommend this to anyone who is needing courage to press into all that God is calling them to be, or those who are curious enough to wonder what on earth God could have to say about who we are as leaders, as women, as image bearers of the Creator. Enjoy! (less)

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Thank you, Jo, for writing exactly what I needed to read during this time. I sometimes think that my voice is too much for those around me, and now I am learning that my voice is exactly what those around me need. Thank you for showing me the importance of self-care and community while I step into my influence.

As a long time reader, listener, and sister in Christ with Jo this book is pure inspiration from the start. Jo's inspirational from page one and her Bible knowledge as well as fire for women knowing His truth is evident as the reader makes their way through this book. Food for my hungry soul, I found myself highlighting and making notes more often than not and finally realized I needed to pull my Bible out to really delve deeper into this while following Jo's words. She has a 'build you up' vocabulary that draws you near to God and also pushes you to feel like you have your own cheerleader in her. Maybe Jo and God is where it starts and from their the reader realizes the hidden gifts that have been there all along. This book will lift all readers and to help them to rise up to the challenge, mission, purpose that He has set inside our hearts and mind. The lay out makes you think; with each chapter digging into scripture and ending with thoughtful questions. I enjoyed having a notebook near me to jot down notes throughout reading but then also allowing myself time at the ends to pause and reflect. I received an advanced copy from Waterbrook and Multnomah, & Netgalley. These are my own thoughts and opinions.

Fantastic book on leadership, especially focused on women and how they lead, learn and grow with Biblical principals supporting all that Saxon writes.