A good book for someone who may be a newer Christian and not understand that happiness does not equate to not wanting holiness. Engaging stories from her life make this a relatable book to many women.

Secrets Of The Happy Soul is a happy title with a happy cover that attracts the reader the way any think positive, self help book does. But Katie makes it clear that what she is teaching takes work and there is no shortcut to becoming a happy soul. She walks the reader through the 6 secrets of being a happy soul with chapters breaking down qualities of each secret and things the reader can do to work toward it. She provides a re-education of sorts about Christianity by addressing misconceptions that are rampant even among people who would say they live a Christian life (like that good acts get you into heaven and that life as a believer is supposed to equal a life without hardship) and sharing her own story about really learning what it means to be a Christian and know God on a personal level. This book would be a great read for anyone who wants a deeper understanding of Christianity or for readers who would identify as Christian, but feel like they're missing out something in the experience of their faith.

Secrets of the Happy Soul
Experience the Deep Delight You Were Made For
by Katie Orr
Bethany House
Bethany House Publishers
Christian
Pub Date 31 Mar 2020


I am reviewing a copy of Secrets of the Happy Soul through Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley:




How is it that some people seem constantly happy? How is it They rise above the circumstances and distractions of life and remain consistently happy? Even in tough times they remain happy, they have a sense of peace about them even in Chaos.




This book reminds us that the Happy Soul is Focussed on God. We are reminded too that when We focus on God it brings the unclaimed benefits of the Bible. We are reminded too that the Happy Soul is resolved to follow God’s way. The important work of reading the Bible for yourself is highlighted as well.



Secrets of the Happy Soul reminds us too that the Happy Soul is attached to God’s word. We are reminded too that The Happy Soul is dependent on God’s Provision. It is pointed out too that the happy soul is fruitful, as well as resilient. It is pointed out too that the Happy Soul is confident in who she is. And it is pointed out too that the Happy Soul knows who she is because they are confident in who they are through Jesus.


Finally we are reminded that the Happy Soul is one that is surrendered to her King. The importance of taking refuge in the relationship we have with our King is also highlighted.


Secrets of the Happy Soul invites us to a deeper, more fruitful relationship with God, and his word. As we are walked through the book of Psalms, it shows us how the world ‘s happiness is nothing compared to what the Lord has in store for us on a daily basis. Katie Orr reminds us of the importance of drawing closer to him.


I give Secrets of The Happy Soul, five out of five stars..


Happy Reading!

I’m naturally wired as a melancholy soul, but I intentionally choose joy to balance out my blue side. This joyful book speaks of shalom, the Hebrew sense of deep, abiding joy and peace in all things. Though shalom may seem elusive to us, especially in these challenging times, Katie Orr shows us why we are wired for shalom and how we can pursue it.

She bases the book’s framework on the Psalms, and shows us how we are made for delight in many of them. I enjoyed her personal stories in each chapter, which showed me how she chose to delight in her circumstances.

This is a balanced book. It’s not sugar coated with fake joy. It teaches you how to choose joy, delight and happiness because that’s what you were made to be. Too many of us Christians are sour, and this book can help us reorient our views to be more joyful.

Quotes I’ve Enjoyed:
“Happiness is not something we pursue, it’s something we are. It’s in our spiritual DNA.”

“I started following God’s Way not just to avoid the consequences, but in order to stay close to Him.”

“Though our lives are very far removed from the way of ancient life, perhaps we could benefit greatly from their perspective. They loved God’s Word–it was life-giving to them–because it was clear and specific, personal and provisional.”

I received a preview copy of Secrets of the Happy Soul from Bethany House Publishers.

Secrets of the Happy Soul: Experience the Deep Delight You Were Made For by Katie Orr talks about finding true happiness in God versus what the world says. She walks through Psalms. I loved this description of the book “Draw closer to him, and your soul will go from lonely to connected, from overwhelmed to level and led, from aimless to commissioned and unique. God doesn’t promise a storm-free life, but he is the anchor every happy soul needs.”

As she walks through the Psalms, she walks us through how to trust in God. It is so easy to get wrapped up in the things of this world and I appreciate books that point us to true joy.

I was blessed to receive an electronic copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

What an encouraging book!

Katie Orr is an excellent communicator. As I read this book, I felt as if I were sitting in a small group Bible study with her, sharing both Scripture and personal stories. This is truly one of the best books I’ve read about walking daily with God and finding both peace and purpose in this life. There’s no “pop psychology” here. It’s all based on Scripture and focuses especially on principles we can learn from the book of Psalms. I loved the structure of this book and how the author guides the reader through the following chapters to share “The Secrets of a Happy Soul” principles:

The Happy Soul is:
Focused on God
Resolved to Follow
Attached to God’s Word
Depending on God’s Provision
Confident in Who She Is
Surrendered to Her King

I highlighted SO many sections during my first read-through of this book. Now that I’ve finished it, I’m looking forward to going through it again and journaling my way through it. I think this would be an excellent book for a ladies’ study group.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Secrets of the Happy Soul

I love Christian Living books that give me a lot to think about and really encourage me to dig deep into God's word. This book is deceptively simple with it's "happy soul" catch phrases, but it has some profound points in it. If you have struggled with growth in your Christian walk, I would recommend this book. There is a lot of insight and practical tips to motivate you to get into the Bible and get to know God better.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley and I also purchased a copy for myself.

Thank you to Bethany House for the free review copy. All opinions are my own.

What a refreshing, convicting, and God filled book this was. I enjoyed the all of the secrets that Orr wrote about to help the reader become a Happy Soul. She was very heavy with Biblical truths and actual scripture within this book, which worked so well for me. I think that it’s great when an author uses the Word and the original text to help make their point. On every page, Orr points the reader back to Jesus.

I also loved the reflections at the end of each secret section. These helped me to honestly evaluate where I am and point me towards what I can do to help me get to where I want to be.

This book is an excellent guide in how to find true happiness by constantly turning the reader to the Word of God. There are nuggets of truth throughout the book that help direct the reader to dig deeper into the Bible in order to find true happiness in the life God has gifted each of us. I can not recommend it higher.

We all seek happiness. It is a search that sometimes brings us places and circumstances that instead of producing happiness bring us sadness. Katie Orr, in her book "Secrets of the Happy Soul", does not offer therapeutic principles or the typical cliches of self-help books. No, for the author, happiness has a deeper origin.

The book is divided into two parts, the first part presents how we are looking for happiness and how those who are in Christ Jesus can truly experience it, as Katie says: "Because it is only in His presence that we are completely delighted, perfectly peaceful, and absolutely satisfied "and "We can never be happy without God in our life ".

And the second part of the book shows us the secrets of happiness, which could be summed up in one sentence: happiness begins and ends with God. Each chapter of this part has a segment of self-evaluation and prayer. Besides you will find some references on plants and trees are very interesting.

Personally, I find this book very useful to seriously consider the topic of happiness, a topic that has been exposed superficially, for others it is something that only happens in the movies, however, despite the skeptical opinions, it is possible find happiness in Christ Jesus.

Secrets of the Happy Soul: We're reminded to follow God and seek happiness that comes from Him. I plan to re-read this helpful book.

Do you want to make your soul truly happy?
Well-known speaker and author Katie Orr presents her book "Secrets Of The Happy Soul. Experience the Deep Delight You Were Made For", published by Bethany House Publishers. Part 1 of the book is about the Happy Soul, part 2 defines the Happy Soul in six portions, e.g., "The Happy Soul is Focused on God", "The Happy Soul is Attached to God's Word", or "The Happy Soul is Confident in Who She is". Those portions contain two chapters each and a segment called "Soul Searching". This is the part were the reader is challenged to get practical with "Soul Evaluation" (questions to be rated from 1 to 10), "Happy Soul Actions" (questions for journaling) and a "Happy Soul Prayer". Indeed, Orr's goal is to challenge her readers (this book is useful nor only for women, but also for men and teens) to deepen their walk with God. Here is a quote from the last chapter which refers to Psalm 116:4-7. It really touched me: "The Happy Soul is so convinced in the strength and faithfulness of her King that she readily takes refuge—seeks safety—under His protection. Once we have the goodness and grandeur of God settled in our minds, resting in Him comes much more naturally. It doesn’t come perfectly, but it can become our preference. If we want the bene8ts of being in the shelter of God’s wing, we have to let go of our plans and our “power” in order to rest. Being able to sit and rest under the shelter of God’s safe plan and mighty hand recognizes that He is in control. He is able to see the big picture. He knows what has been and what will be. He loves me more than I can imagine. He has good plans for me."
I appreciate very much that Orr took her definition of "Happy" not from the every-day language, but from the Hebrew. She is very honest, presenting examples from her own life and makes it clear that a "Happy Soul" can only be found in a relationship with God. She bases the book on the Scripture, does not only list the Bible references, but quotes them in their totality. It is a book which I highly recommend and which would make also a great present.
The complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#SecrestsOfTheHappySoul #NetGalley

Reading Secrets of the Happy Soul is like having a conversation with the author, Katie Orr. It is packed full of scriptural truths and Katie reveals her heart as she shares personal struggles. Through Scripture, she unwraps how our souls can be happy when we are not self-centered but Christ-centered.
This book is a gem! No matter what season of life you are experiencing, it will speak to God’s faithfulness.
Secrets of the Happy Soul is an encouraging and refreshing read you will certainly share with others.

Who doesn’t want to be happy? The Secrets of the Happy Soul guides you to find your true happiness around the word of God.
Quote from “The secrets of the Happy Soul” by Katie Orr “The Bible also makes it clear that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. He is not a way, a truth, a life. He is the only way to know God. He is the only ultimate truth. He is the only way to abundant life. Therefore, our Happy Soul journey must start with Jesus. He is the door to the Happy life we seek.” This is so true, when we focus on Jesus we live the life he intends for us, a Happy Life. Thank you to the publisher and NetGallery for the ARC. This is my honest opinion.

This is a great bible study on what it means to have a happy soul. I did a quick read through to post my review and I really enjoyed this book. It was the first book of Katie Orr's I've read and it was really good. Now I will go back and read it again slowly so I don't miss anything. Thank you Bethany House via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this wonderful book. All opinions expressed are my own.