Talk about a story that packs a punch. Wow. Set Free to Live Free by Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith is one the reaches in and takes hold of you right from the beginning. I was personally intrigued by the book cover saying it would “Break through the 7 lies women tell themselves” And let me tell you Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith covered some good ones. She had some very insightful wisdom and I loved her take on them as I felt like several of the points spoke right too to me.
Overall, this book was a wonderful enrichment to me and hit me right where I needed it. 4 out of 5 stars.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.

In today's day and age, a time of extreme busyness, lots of chances to be overwhelmed and anxious exist, all around us.
This book is a breath of fresh air. The author addresses seven different lies that women are likely to buy into. First, there's a story to illustrate the lie. Then there is truth and scripture verses to contradict it, and to show us how we can overcome, live above it, and rest in Jesus.

One of these lies is the belief that we must strive for perfection. God never intended us to be perfect, or to hold up a specific level of perfection that we should attain to. No, He wants us to strive for excellence. Not in comparing our own abilities to that of others, because each of us is uniquely created. He wants each of us...He wants ME to strive for excellence that I can reach. And I can do this through His help.
Filled with hope and encouragement, this book is one that could be helpful for any Christian woman to read. Especially if you are needing encouragement and a fresh outlook in life.

I found this book to be helpful and relevant in my own life. I want to take to heart the truths that I learned as I read, and hope to continue growing in my Christian walk, to become more Christlike.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

This book is just what I needed at a time in my life where I feel frustrated with how certain things are going. Halfway through the third chapter I was already feeling emotional burdens lift and the ability to feel hope and empowerment. I love the author's compassionate and encouraging voice and her wisdom and advice that I know to be true, but needed someone else to tell me again. I appreciate the gospel foundation and scripture references that enhance the lessons and themes. The seven areas she focuses on are are ones that everyone can reassess and seek alignment with truth rather that the lies and half-truths that are all-too-easy to believe. My print copy is covered with highlighter, and this book will be one I refer back to in the future as I continue to grow and embrace freedom. This would make an amazing book club pick with the potential for discussion. Highly recommend!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

First of all, this cover is gorgeous and I love it! Secondly, nonfiction is a love language of mine. I want my nonfiction to feel like a cross between a textbook and chatting with a friend over coffee. I want to close the book and feel like I'm still chewing on some of the concepts, still learning from the depth.

And while this book didn't quite hit that mark for me, I still appreciated the merit of the attempt. My favorite parts were the parts when the author was telling the stories of regular women for each lie. It made it relatable.

Like some other reviewers, I wasn't fully behind some of the use of scripture, but I understood where the author was going. Overall, this was an encouraging read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All expressed opinions belong to me.

This book has recently been re-released as an updated edition, so it obviously has content that resonates with many. It touts ways to breakthrough seven lies women tell themselves, such as ‘perfection is the goal’, and ‘life is an all-or-none activity.’ Writing from her own experience working with her female patients, medical practitioner Dalton-Smith does an excellent job of weaving together relatable stories. It’s an easy read and, while the concepts presented aren’t revelatory, I am sure that women who are seriously struggling with self esteem issues would benefit from this book.
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Where it fell a bit flat for me was the emphasis on women in general (I would strongly argue that men tell themselves many of the same lies) and the emphasis on married and mothering women more specifically. More and more women in the Western world are choosing not to marry or not to have children, so focusing so strongly on experiences of marriage and motherhood could be a deterrent for some readers. I also found that the Christian tie-in was a bit of a stretch at times. As a Christian myself, I firmly believe that personal transformation is best done through an understanding of who we are as children of God, but long lists of Bible verses - some taken out of context – interspersed throughout the text don’t bridge the gap between Holy-Spirit led transformation and what could easily be packaged as a secular self-help book.
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Still, if you have never done any self-leadership training or personal enrichment, this book could be a good starting point to propel you on a journey towards a healthy sense of self-worth.
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Thanks to @JustReadTours for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I've read another book by this author, so I was interested in this one, as some parts of the blurb caught my attention. It just didn't resonate with me the same as the other book did, though there were a few parts that did.

The author does include some real-life stories/examples as well as some thought-provoking questions.

The book is divided into the following parts:
1. Freedom Is a Choice
2. The Seven Lies Women Tell Themselves
3. The Free Woman's Creed

I found the second part to have information that resonated with me. There's likely a lie most women will be able to relate to. The lies are: perfection, envy, image, balance, control, emotions, and limits.

The various sections for each chapter include:
1. Illumination - Peak inside yourself
2. Activation - Change is hard work and it may involve sweat
3. Transition - Stretched to the max but rebounding with grace
4. Expulsion - Dynamic interference required
5. Detachment - Cut the ties

I also enjoyed the Creed. and if you struggle with perfectionism, negative thought patterns, etc., there are some tips which you may find useful. I also appreciated the relevant Bible verses woven throughout the book.

A few quotes I liked:
- "There is power in your weakness."
- "Excellence is an inward competition with yourself."
- "The Word of God is our security."