Satisfied by Alyssa Joy Bethek

First of all, this book is physically beautiful. If you were to judge a book by its cover, this would be one of those times where it would be worth it. The photographs are creative and visually appealing, and even give a bit of a cozy feeling.

The words and message are very relatable and honest. You couldn't read it without being sucked in immediately. It's been said in other reviews that reading this is like talking to a friend. And I agree, but I would take it a step farther and say it's like reading a friend's journal.

The author gives an open window into her life and struggles and how God brought joy in her life. The example she gives about asking God even for the little things is very encouraging. She talks about motherhood and the struggles that accompany, anxiety, body image, grief and comparison and other things that rob us of joy and contentment. Then she tells of her journey to overcome each one, or at least try to!

As for the recipes, they are delicious.

I came in to this book not knowing anything about the author. And honestly, that was the most jarring and difficult part of getting in to the book, because the author doesn't introduce herself or her family or if she has a ministry or ANYTHING. It was so strange. She just jumped in to teaching points and advice and spiritual "guidance" without building any credibility with the reader at the forefront. It took chapters before I realized she homeschooled. Even longer before I realize I had actually heard of her husband, but honestly, I still even after reading the book, don't know what they do. Are they business owners (I think so)? Are you they in ministry (I think so)? I don't know. I didn't feel like the author put in that effort to create credibility or to create "relationship" through her writing. She just jumped in headfirst as though we all knew her.
The book felt like essays in things that she learned in her own life, which would potentially have hit differently had I been given insight into who she was and why the reader should care about her lessons learned (you know, other than her being a human being that God loves and we should all care for each other as humans....but I mean as an author teaching people through their book). So that all set the tone of the book for me. And I just felt kind of off with it. I mean, throughout the book there are pictures ( a LOT of them) of their family and events and home. And then I was like, is she an interior designer? Is she a photographer? Is she a lifestyle blogger?! I DON'T KNOW!!!!!!!! And still don't. Because, I didn't even care enough to look her up on social media.
Okay, I sound really critical right now. And I don't mean to. But I just felt like it was weirdly done.
Other than that, her writing was nice and straight forward. The pictures are pretty. There were some beautiful moments capture in her words. I certainly felt the depth her heartache as she wrote about her miscarriage, as I experienced one similarly. I just don't think I connected with the book or author as a whole. And that kind of disappoints me because I get the feeling that we had a lot in common as I homeschool too and my husband is a business owner in ministry as well. So I think I'm her ideal demographic. But it missed the mark for me.

This was not exactly what I expected it to be but I still found it to be enjoyable and relatable. I loved the beautiful pictures and the recipes mixed throughout the book.

Satisfied is such a beautiful, encouraging and refreshing read. Alyssa's voice in this book is like a friend's voice, comforting and comfortable to read. She has so many insights into so many different topics and struggles like anxiety or body image. Not only is this book full of words that encourage me to hope in the Lord, there are sweet photos and recipes as well. All in all, this was a good read.

From the aesthetically-pleasing cover to the equally pleasing inside, this was really great. I absolutely loved it.

That hug you didn't know you needed. That gentle reminder of who Jesus should be in your life. These are points expounded on throughout this book. In these pages you will find encouragement and support. Especially for those of us who sometimes forget to lean on our relationship with Jesus. Chapter after chapter allows the reader to see how scripture is used to tackle topics like anxiety, body image concerns, loneliness, making friends, and grief.

It was like a gentle nudge with a hug from a dear friend. The photos, recipes, and scripture verses were timely. This is a beautifully written book younshould be read, especially in times before encouragement is needed...stay ready so you don't have to get ready.

4.5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Worthy Publishing for making Satisfied available for me to read and review.

I love how Alyssa Joy Bethke begins Satisfied. Imagine the perfect table setting and your closest friends. That's where Satisfied starts. And it's a powerful place to open a book. So many times our discontent and dissatisfaction comes from comparing ourselves to other women instead of rejoicing in our uniqueness and what we all bring to the family of God.

Bethke wastes no time at getting to the heart of the matter. Stop comparing yourself to others. Be satisfied in who you are in Christ.

Speaking words of hope, life, comfort and joy, Bethke uses her life experience to encourage women. I relate to so many of the chapters in Satisfied. I suffered a pregnancy loss. Then, there was the anxiety and postpartum depression that came with the pregnancies that followed. I felt unsure of myself in a new church setting. As such, I didn't know if I could put myself out there and build new friendships. Even dissatisfaction or uncertainty in a given moment has overwhelmed me.

Bethke reminds women to find their hope in the Lord. Throughout the book, I found myself remembering His faithfulness to me in my own times of need. He has comforted me, assured me and proven His faithfulness to me. I don't understand his ways, but I know I am being molded into His image.

Satisfied speaks to the soul through Bethke's words and photography, as well as uplifting stories of close friends. In a world overflowing with self help books, Satisfied leads us into the presence of the Lord. This is the perfect book for women in their twenties and thirties.

5 Star

This book held so many good reminders and contained so much truth...reading Alyssa’s heart about being satisfied in Jesus alone felt like I was talking with a friend. I am about to dive in with my hard copy for another read to soak it all in! A couple parts that stood out to me:

“I’m not God. I have limitations. And God knows my frame. He has made me to need him. He is constantly telling us in Scripture to rest in him, to abide in him; that we can’t do anything apart from him. That in our weakness, he is powerful.”

“Even in the yeses we still need God, and the good news is that he always gives all of himself, always. He is the same God in the waiting as in the receiving.”

So refreshing to a tired soul.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers, and the author for giving me the opportunity to review this book. I have followed Alyssa and her husband for several years on social media. They are lights in the darkness. Alyssa spreads joy through her writing. I so enjoyed this book and will be purchasing many copies for gifts.

I loved this book. There were so many fantastic truths scattered throughout the entire book. I feel like I need to go back and read it all again because I am sure I missed something. I also love all the beautiful pictures Alyssa choose to use. There is definitely something for everyone in this book.

This was such a sweet and encouraging book. Alyssa's writing style is so easy to connect to, you feel like you are talking to a friend. I loved the personal touches with all of the pictures, and then the recipes at the end!

I received an advance copy of the book, which did not influence my review.

I received this book from the publisher through Netgalley for review and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Are you feeling hurt, sad, fearful? Do you feel overwhelmed as a wife, mother, employee or friend? Alyssa Bethke comes along side you, having faced the circumstances in life that would stop you in your tracks; and offers hope and comfort. She points the broken hearted to Christ, our source of all peace and hope. This book is filled with personal stories, photos and has a devotional style. No matter your circumstances, even the most painful, this book offers comfort in the darkness. I intend to slow read this book. I pushed through for review but I will return to it time and time again for the words of hope in the Lord that I read within.
Scripture and devotional style chapters. I recommend for women of all ages. Could be used in a small group setting as well.

Satisfied is a soul filling and refreshing book. Alyssa Joy Bethke has written a simple but profound book. Best read slowly and multiple times, Satisfied is full of truths that remind us in a gentle and humbling way to look to the Lord in everything, whether that be friendship & community, loneliness, dissatisfaction, anxiety or body image. Alyssa reminds us that we can't just say we serve Jesus but deep down live "[wanting] what [we] want when [we] want it, as it leads us to live like God is "withholding good from [us]." But that is so far from the truth because "there is so much joy in life, if we trust in Jesus...[asking him for] help and to give us His eyes to see the joy instead of white knuckling it and trying to force life to be, as it is in our minds. Satisfied reminds us, we are not alone in our fight to be fulfilled. Because of Jesus we are "enough - ―not only for those around you, but for yourself."

Thank NetGalley and Worthy Publishing for the gifted book!

Title: Satisfied
Author: Alyssa Joy Bethke
Genre: Christian Living

Synopsis: “God is enough. And I have God. Therefore, I have all I need.” The subtitle for Satisfied is “Finding Hope, Joy, and Contentment Right Where You Are” and that’s exactly the perspective this book helps to show you. With Scripture, stories, and glimpses from her everyday life, Alyssa Joy Bethke shares practical ways that encourage you to find that lasting peace in whatever season God has you in.

Analysis: This book will soon become a staple on my bookshelf because I loved it! And I’m sure you will too. Alyssa speaks to the reader in such a genuine, heartfelt way that it feels like she’s just sharing her life with you over coffee. Her conversational style keeps an easy flow, but her wisdom from scripture helps you apply challenging truths to everyday life. And did I mention it has some amazing recipes at the end? This book is perfect for any season that you are in, helping you see how God has you right where He wants you. I think this book is perfect to keep on your coffee table and read over many times, just to remind you that God is everything you need.

Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Satisfied
Finding Hope, Joy, and Contentment Right Where You Are
by Alyssa Joy Bethke
Back of the Book: “Stop focusing on what you lack and start feeling grateful and satisfied with what you have! Touching on topics like fear, worry, dissatisfaction, anxiety, and body image, Alyssa Bethke walks you through issues that rob you of your joy and help you recognize them for what they are: distractions. With all of its expectations and contradictions, this world can take a major toll on us. Be skinny, but not too skinny. Work and hustle but stay home and be a good mom. Be wild and free while tidy and pure. Love your husband but be independent. In Satisfied, Alyssa Bethke shares a compelling collection of relatable essays that will help you embrace and cultivate beauty in your life. Along with healthy recipes and cozy home images, Satisfied will provide you with the knowledge that you are not alone in your fight to be fulfilled. Alyssa shows you the ways in which you are enough—not only for those around you but for yourself.”
Impressions: Reading this book was like having a pep talk with myself. I related so much to the author's personality and struggles. This book is a great example of how to respond to anxiety as a woman of faith.
Liked: I liked that each day’s devotional had a relevant verse that I could work on memorizing. The devotional for each day was also not super short but it was not long either, as Goldilocks would say, “it was just right.”
Disliked: I didn’t care for all the pictures in the book. A few would be ok to get to make the author more personable but there were too many and they were all picture perfect which was annoying to look at.
Quotes: “Most likely we will still have to face the things we dread regardless of our prayers, but laying those things down before him allows us to feel hope.”
“Sometimes, it can be easy for me to doubt God’s love for me. Sometimes, I don’t think he likes me. He doesn’t enjoy me much. I wear him out. He’s tired of my mistakes and weaknesses. He doesn’t like how I handled a situation. He can’t believe I’m at this same weak spot, again. It’s easy to believe these things because that’s how my heart responds sometimes to others.”
“We don’t usually notice slow miracles. We want sudden change, prayers answered within a day; we want to know what the plan is, avoid the pain, be in control, enjoy the fruit. But just because we don’t see the fruit right away, have the victory, know the outcome, have full restoration, or see the longing fulfilled doesn’t mean there’s not progress. Doesn’t mean God isn’t actively at work on achieving a miracle at that very moment.”
“I think little habits we do free us to be the people we long to be...But the more we do them, choosing to do the hard things, little by little, one, five, ten minutes at a time, is what will transform our souls. And that’s the miracle.”
“But it takes intentionality. Getting away and asking ourselves who we want to become, who we want our families to become, and then backtracking and choosing one little step that is doable, to implement.”
“Being a woman of faith doesn’t mean we won’t feel fearful; it means that we won’t be defined by fear.”
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review shared here.

In a world filled with hustle and bustle and society telling us to desire more, to live the life we want, Alyssa's book teaches us to be Satisfied in Christ. Rooted in the gospel this book was a breath of fresh air and was exactly what I needed in this season of homeschooling my children and fostering littles. I am excited to gift this book to friends who are in a similar stage of life and pray that it encourages them as much as it encouraged me.

I have loved following Alyssas stories online the past few years and this book felt like an extension of that. Beautiful pictures and reminders through her wonderful storytelling of what living life faithfully everyday can look like. (I read this on my iPad and can’t wait to see it in print!) I loved reading the recipes and am excited to try some with my friends and family as life opens up this summer.

While the author references Scripture and talks about her relationship with Jesus, this book is more of a memoir style and not so much a theology book. It was a sweet book to read, but the content wasn’t what I was expecting from the description and subtitle. Not so much a biblical guide to being content but more of a reflection on the author’s journey in finding contentment. Each chapter covers a different topic, so it definitely flows more like a book to flip through on your coffee table and less of a read straight through as one story.

Content warning: She does reference a story of her miscarriage that could emotionally trigger someone still dealing with loss or infertility.

*I received this book in advance from NetGalley*

Satisfied: Finding Hope, Joy, and Contentment Right Where You Are by Alyssa Bethke is a beautiful, honest book. The author is so vulnerable in this book, talking about her life and struggles and how to find contentment in them. The book is filled with lovely, homey photos that add so much. Reading this book is like having a cup of tea and sitting down for an honest conversation with a good friend. It is a treasure. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

I've followed Alyssa Bethke for a while and was so looking forward to this book. Alyssa has always felt very real and open to me and continues to feel that way in this book. Her writing points toward Jesus - seeking Him and being satisfied in Him. I was reading this on my Kobo eReader, but imagine it will be so beautiful in hard copy. Would definitely recommend purchasing that version of it. I loved the photos throughout and recipes at the end.

This is a really light, quick, encouraging read. When I picked it up, I was a little worried it was going to be highly aimed at young mothers (and not being a mother yet myself, was worried it wouldn't be applicable to me) or those with children. However, I was surprised at how universal all the messages in the book were to those of any age or stage of life. It wasn't particularly theologically heavy or full of any sorts of deep messages I (a person who grew up in and lives in a deeply engaged faith) hadn't heard before. But it was nonetheless encouraging. I was particularly moved by the sections on loneliness and making friends in new places. I love the author and her husband's ministries and this book definitely falls in line with the rest of their work. The only thing I could say negatively about this book is that if you listen to their podcast or follow them on social media, you kind of already know where this book is going/the lessons contained in it.