Beautiful book, great for a coffee table but not something I'd actively reach for when I want to learn about interior design. This is set-up like an editorial piece you'd see in AD covering multiple people's stories and their spaces. It shines a light on what makes these spaces magnificent. . The photography is absolutely stunning but it sort of stops there.

I have come to learn the value of having a sacred space. This space is your safe place, your haven, your outpouring of you. The story that makes up you. We all have a story to tell and the outward expression is no less powerful than the words shared. Carley Summers captures this beautifully in Sacred Spaces.
I loved reading the stories of overcoming, healing, and growing. Finding life and creativity in a place to retreat to and be your authentic self. Carley shares her own story and introduces us to friends she has met among her journey. All of them have a story to share as well as a visual representation of their victories. Come for the beautifully stunning interior designs and stay for the heart warming, motivating stories of healing and triumph.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

Author Carley Summers' book Sacred Spaces is filled with beautiful photographs of homes that their owners have made into personal sanctuaries. She tells the stories of the homeowners, too, explaining how the interior designs were created to address past issues and traumas such as childhood abuse. According to her Amazon profile, Summers herself suffered from alcoholism and addiction but has now built a career as a successful and sought-after designer. Recommended as a coffee table book and a book that provides ideas and inspiration.

Sacred Spaces is a visually stunning book that pulls the reading into the intentional curated spaces. It so curious to see how other live and the idea of a sacred space was intriguing. The book visually defines what that can mean. Highly recommend if you're looking for inspiration for curating a space that expands beyond.

Beautifully put together. This book is such a delight to read. Grab a cup of coffee or tea and get ready to step inside some amazing and unique households whom have been kind enough to let us in their Sacred Spaces.

The exquisite cover of Sacred Spaces by Carley Summers can be misleading for this book is not a coffee table book of gorgeous photos of sacred spaces that one might think it is. Is it interesting and a wonderful read, yes. But it is not an interior design book nor is it a photography book. It is a book of stories with accompanying photos of why those spaces are curated for that individual person. It might not be what appeals to the reader but the space is sacred to that individual so it would behoove the reader who might be purchasing this book to understand this is a book of stories about sacred spaces. This book takes some time to get through but some of the stories are very transcending and evoke such a pang to the heart. I enjoyed this book immensely even though it wasn't what I was expecting. The beauty of the cover does not mean that the sacred spaces inside are as beautiful or even beautiful but they are meaningful.

But that marble fireplace on the cover is gorgeous right?

I would like that thank NetGalley and the publisher Convergent Books for the opportunity to read and review Sacred Spaces by Carley Summers.

I loved reading the stories in "Sacred Spaces" and considering the interiors in light of the author’s candid—and often powerful—conversations with her subjects. The book has a very personal feel, and I was moved by many of the stories which showed me how one’s home has the power to nurture, comfort, and heal. It inspired me to think of how I might display and arrange objects in my own home in ways that I have not thought of before. Carley Summers has given us a revelatory book for anyone wishing to decorate from the soul and the heart and—and sometimes the broken places within, too.

Thank you to NetGalley, Convergent Books, and the author for the opportunity to read this book.

This book was not what I expected. The featured spaces felt welcoming and for everyday use. I appreciated that they felt accessible and imperfect in the best way. In each photo something was a bit askew -- a tilted lamp shade, a stack of books, a sign that a child lives there. Many of the spaces featured items collected by the creators of the space -- or, rather, the people that live there -- and I was hoping some of those stories would be shared. How did they create their space? Where did specific items come from? Who brought which items into the home and which did they discover and/or purchase together? I did not enjoy the formatting of each section -- question & answer. Predominantly it was because the author put so much of herself in to the questions or it felt like she was trying to take over their answers. I would have loved more of a narrative to accompany each featured space, plus one for the author's space.

Sacred Spaces
3 Stars

The striking cover caught my attention. During the quarantine, I got rid of a lot of clutter. We threw out or donated 20 plus bags of random stuff. I was hoping for pictures, visuals, inspiring images, or suggestions on how to light up a space. That didn't happen. This is not a picture book with tips and tricks, like I wanted. It is more like an educational manual for a hobby decorator. So, this was a less enjoyable read for me and it took awhile to get through. I personally don't want to stress over perfect decor (and this book stressed me out). I want comfortable family living spaces.

I was completely overwhelmed by pages of text. If anything, I found this book had too much information, making it not too beginner-friendly. Thank you, NetGalley and Convergent Books' for an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Yes, it's a decorating book showing lots of beautiful homes, but this book is so much more.

Summers spends time with creative artists from many regions and backgrounds. The common thread is ugliness in their past, how they've overcome it, and how that is reflected in the spaces they create to surround them. Though there are lots of pretty pictures, the inspirational behind that beauty is the real star. This is a book filled with hope, encouragement, faith, and comfort.

I loved it.

Thanks to NetGalley and Convergent Books for making an advance copy available for an unbiased review.

Love this books it was beautiful and makes a great resource to go to for decorating your home. I would purchase this on my own.

This is a beautifully photographed book of stories about how people create the sacred spaces in which they live. With 14 very different homes and the stories of their design and conception, this book provides lots of inspiration for creating your own sacred space in whatever home you inhabit.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

To start, I have a lot of home decor books. Has different ideas, unique ways to look at my house. This was different than all of them. And I thoroughly enjoyed it. She doesn't just cover her house. She goes to people all over the world and captures THEIR unique way of living. It really has something for everyone. And I absolutely enjoyed reading about each person and why they are who they are today. Fascinating look, not just at their style, but WHO they are!

Thank you NetGalley and Convergent Books for accepting my request to read and review Sacred Spaces.

Author: Carley Summers
Published: 04/18/23
Genre: Home & Garden

Stunning cover caught my eye, and after a quick scan of the cover, as well as thinking about possible images iI might see in the book I ask to read. Okay, this is not a picture book with tips and facts associated with various articles. That's what I wanted and honestly expected.

The book has beautiful pictures and a whole lot more writing. I found this to be a self-help, reflection, overcoming aspects of life through stuff book. This just didn't work for me.

2.5 stars and I rounded up -- the photos are beautiful.

The photography was beautiful, and I loved the personality that showed in each home. That being said, I think describing it as a photography collection is rather misleading, as it is mostly text. The book would have benefitted from either more photos, or a more accurate blurb. The individual stories were mostly interesting, but occasionally felt long winded. Overall, I felt rather neutral - I would get into it after reading a bit, but didn’t feel the urge to pick it up every day.

This book was filled with wisdom to help you create a happy and healthy space that speaks to YOU! It's filled with stories that are relatable and beneficial for learning what you need to create a comforting space that feels like home. This book will make you laugh and bring you to tears and help you realize your personal spaces and memories and the things you surround yourself with are sacred. Highly recommend!

wait did I just finish this book .I want to thank Netgalley and the author for giving me a chance to review .I loved this book I got a chance to learn about other people and how they live .About the sacred spaces everyone has one .In the author's words 'its always about knowing that a place is not going anywhere you are not restless but rather you are in contact with nature '' that is some deep stuff i will re-read this book any day its definitely a 5 star

Sacred Spaces is not a design book although there are stunning photographs that can inspire someone looking for ideas. Summers has interviewed fourteen people who have struggled and overcome enormous difficulties. They have created sanctuaries for themselves with thought and artistry. Summers describes them and their homes and then asks them to tell their stories.

Summers, a recovering alcoholic, includes her own home and that of her mother. The stories are inspirational, the houses are lovely, and the photography is fabulous but I did find myself wondering where these people found the time and resources to create such beautiful homes. I wondered if a normal Joe Blow surviving addiction might not feel inadequate if they were unable to follow in the footsteps of these people.

So yes, these homes are wonderful examples of how one can heal in safety but it raises questions as well.

This book is a beautiful collection of photography and stories of the places that folks have made and called home. Fans of the podcast StoryCorps will love the intimate nature of the storytelling, like I did! This book is like a warm and cozy hug.

Beautiful pictures of beautiful homes and people.
Each home the book visits includes beautiful pictures. The homes are all over the world - England, USA, Guatemala, Canada, France, etc. The pictures also show the owners of the home both inside and out. These homes are lived in by couples, families, dogs, cats, pigs, and chicken. The homes range from very full and lived in to almost museum like. The art in these homes is fantastic.
The author starts by telling you why the home or owner is in the book.. Then the homeowner tell their story of their life and how they ended up in their home. Then the author interviews the owners with a group of questions that are interesting. What is the sacred place in your home? Where in your home do you feel connected to nature? How are your trials and victories represented in your home? Where do you find peace in your home? And many more questions.