Author Kate Bowler has written a lovely Christian Devotion, Self Help book with Have a Beautiful, Terrible Day. This is an open, honest, and sometimes funny book to assist readers in their daily lives. The author writes openly and in such a way that it is like having a conversation with a friend.

She begins her devotion with scripture. Following that is a reflection on it. She closes with meditations, ways to apply it. Her book is divided into three parts. These sections contain a total of 89 devotions. Section One is about day-to-day living. Section Two is for Lent. The last section is for Advent.

This is a refreshing book that allows readers to acknowledge and even embrace their life, bad days included. It is one that will be reread over time and bought as a gift. I highly recommend it. It receives a 5 out of 5 star rating from me. A copy was provided by NetGalley, but these are my honest words.
#Have a Beautiful, Terrible Day #NetGalley

Kate Bowler is one of my favourite humans. She has an amazing ability to confront the heavy, sad things about life with such hope and at times, humour. Have a Beautiful, Terrible Day is not meant to be read forwards in exact order like other books (although you certainly could). Rather, it's designed for the reader to flip through and find the section that is needed for that moment. Overall this collection of blessings is pure encouragement. As a reader, I always feel so seen and respected by Kate's writing. For those looking for short, authentic, and hope-filled chapters that will be like a balm to the soul, look no further.

Thank you Netgalley for the advanced copy to review.

what a refreshing (and though an overused word) Authentic "devotional" featuring my favorite Buechner quote as its inspiration: "Here is the world. Beautiful and terrible things will happen. Do not be afraid." Kate gives us so many blessings and honest heartfelt poems/prayers that are truly unique and comforting for all of our messy human needs to feel nuanced feelings and articulate when things are too terrible for words. she gives us some to speak and memorize.

Thank you to Net Galley for an early e-copy of the Arc of Have a Beautiful, Terrible Day!

Ah, Kate Bowler!!! 💙💙💙. As a faithful reader of her work and podcast devotee, I love her “voice”. Literally and figuratively. I have especially appreciated hearing the back story of this book via her podcast too. Knowing that Kate was going through a prolonged period of physical pain and difficulty while writing this book and the blessings and prayers made it even more real and meaningful to me. She mentioned that she would get up early in the morning and work on a prayer a day before she just couldn’t focus to write more. In my opinion, though, these reflections and prayers and meditations take on even more powerfulness due to this reality. She wrote through the beautiful terrible.

This one gets my highest rating and Kate, I read it straight through. I never do that with devotional. And you even suggested shying away from it in this book itself! But, for me, I was compelled to do just that.

Kate’s book will be one I will want to buy and keep a hard copy of to come back to time and time again.

This has some helpful prompts and reads like a daily guide book. I didn't realize that it was Christian self-help, so that's my bad for not noticing that denotation under category. I won't downvote it for that - I hope the book reaches it's right audience. Thanks for the Arc!

Have a Beautiful, Terrible Day! Daily Meditations for the Ups, Downs & In-Betweens offers a refreshing and honest perspective on living with uncertainty and finding joy in the midst of pain. The author, who was diagnosed with stage IV cancer at the age of 35, shares her insights and experiences on topics such as gratitude, grief, hope, fear, love, and faith. Each day's meditation is accompanied by a quote, a scripture, a prayer, and a reflection question that invites the reader to explore their own feelings and beliefs. The book is not a guide to overcoming or escaping suffering, but rather a companion for embracing it and learning from it. Kate Bowler writes with humor, wisdom, and compassion, and her words challenge the reader to live each day fully and authentically. Have a Beautiful, Terrible Day! is a book that will inspire and comfort anyone who is facing a difficult situation or who simply wants to grow in their spiritual journey.

Thank you to the author, Convergent Books, and NetGalley for the eARC.

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Have a Beautiful, Terrible Day!
Author: Kate Bowler
Source: NetGalley & Convergent Books
Pub Date: Jan. 23, 2024

I need to be honest. I have had trouble sleeping of late, and I am tired. So, I decided to take charge and reset my bedtime routine. No more reading in bed by the light of my Kindle, no more caffeine, complete breathing exercises, and read Kate Bowler. Have a Beautiful, Terrible Day is another winner for a writer who knows the ups and downs of life and yet covers the reader in encouragement and inspiration. Each night, I read something from Kate’s book and write the date on the page and my thoughts, then I say the prayerful thought and turn my troubles over to God. Why didn’t I think of this before? It works for me. There is a reason that Kate Bowler’s words comfort me. I would encourage you to buy this excellent book NOW and give yourself some grace and peace. #HaveABeautifulTerribleDay @katecbowler @convergent_books @netgalley #thoughtfulness #mindfulness #encouragement #kindness #empathy #life #trials #sleep #inspiration #love
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I received a complimentary copy of this ARC. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. Thank you to the publisher, Netgalley, and the author for the opportunity to read this novel. Pub. Date: Jan. 23, 2024
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#book #books #bookAddict #BooksOfInstagram #bookstagram #bookstagramer #bookshelf #reader #booklove #bookreader #reader #reviewer

Kate Bowler's 'Have a Beautiful Terrible Day' is, in true Bowler fashion, a source of inspiration that can halt you in your tracks. Her words provoke deep contemplation, urging readers to reflect on life's complexities. However, it's important to note that the book carries a distinct religious tone that might not resonate universally. Bowler's unique blend of inspiration and spirituality may deeply connect with some readers while potentially distancing others. Regardless, her ability to infuse profound meaning into everyday moments is a testament to her storytelling prowess, and whether religious or not, I highly recommend anyone who is in a tough place, or navigating how to find more peace in their lives- you will find it among Bowler's words.

A beautiful weaving of benediction, prayer, and devotionals for the everyday and the crappy day. I love Kate’s work and was excited to get an advanced copy to review for. NetGalley. I highly recommend her beautiful work.

Kate Bowler does it again with
Have a Beautiful, Terrible Day | Daily Meditations for the Ups, Downs & In-betweens.

A few of my fave meditations in the book:
for when things are falling apart, you’re being too productive, for learning to rest, when you’re awake in the night

I love the format and approach with these daily meditations. They meet you where you are-whether a good or bad moment and give hope for working through daily life issues.

Kate Bowler acknowledges suffering is very much a part of life. Have a Beautiful, Terrible Day is Bowler’s way of reconciling both her suffering (she writes about her current battle with chronic pain) and her faith.
Have a Beautiful, Terrible Day can be read straight through or bit by bit. The reflections begin with a Bible verse, pulled from various translations. A reflection follows, written in Bowler’s unique style, which is honesty and humor. Prompts follow many of the reflections. Reflections vary in length, but none of them are long.
Bowler’s writing is conversational, not preachy. Her way of her writing grants the reader permission to acknowledge how difficult life can be at any given time. Meditations are followed by reflection prompts. The reflections are practical ways to put the meditations into practice.
There are 89 meditations split into three sections. The first section covers different situations for day-to-day living. Section two mediations are devoted to Lent and the last section covers Advent, for those that practice Lent and/or Advent.
Have a Beautiful, Terrible Day is a book I will revisit again and again.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #ConvergentBooks for providing a copy of #HaveaBeautifulTerribleDay in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are more own.

I have loved all of Kate Bowler's books, and this one is no exception. Kate is a lovely writer, and I found this book to be both comforting and thought provoking.

Kate consistently brings the blunt big sister energy that I need.

Her words are kind, spirit-filled, and honest. They are not covered in glitter and cliches. They feel like drinking a warm cup of coffee on a sun-soaked patio with your dearest friend. The kind of coffee date with smiles and tears and a deep sense of peace.

I like the "take what you need, when you need it" style of devotions, and I also can't wait to dive into the Lent-specific devotionals in the coming weeks. These blessings and devotionals, much like those in The Lives We Actually Have, are the kind you will come back to time and time again. It's not a book to read once and tuck into the shelf - it's a companion to keep on your nightstand for the days that are both beautiful and terrible. Which let's face it, is all the days.

When you’re going through something tough, the last thing you need is a well-meaning acquaintance suggesting you “look on the bright side!” or that “God never gives you more than you can handle!”

The first thing you need, is Kate Bowler.

I’ve followed Kate both with her books, and on Instagram for several years now, and she always says exactly what I need to hear.

It’s not always cheerful, but it is always hopeful and kind.

In this book, Kate offers the reader bite-sized blessings for “when you’ve screwed up”, “quieting an anxious mind”, and “when you’re not sleeping much” and a tonne more, relatable topics.

My favourite aspect was her “Have a Beautiful, Terrible Lent!” section.

Forty thought nuggets to get you from the Pancake Breakfast to the Empty Tomb.

No platitudes. No toxic positivity.

Just care. And empathy. And truth.

Thanks to NetGalley and Convergent Books for this weighted-blanket of an ARC.

Kate Bowler just gets it. Have a Beautiful, Terrible Day! is the devotional for those of us leading lives that are messy, complicated, happy, sad, and real. "In moments of dull despair, I pray for Wonder." Kate's book is a reflection on life and offers blessings, reflections, and steps on getting through the highs and the lows. Perfection is impossible, but this book will steer you toward choosing an attitude of gratitude and wonder.

Thank you to Convergent Books and NetGalley for this ARC.

Kate Bowler is so good at speaking to our ordinary days and helping us find meaning in all of it. I really loved these blessings over good, bad, and UGLY days. I'm looking forward to picking this back up during Lent to read those blessings as well. Highly recommend.

Kate Bowler has hit it out of the park again! She finds a way to give meaning to the little meaningless moments in our lives and a name to the tiny heartbreaks. Thank you for this devotional/poetry/prayer/self-help book. I will most likely gift it like I have done with her previous books and sell to customers looking for insight that is not pandering or in line with Instagram perfection.

Any book by author Kate Bowler is a must read for me! Her down-to-earth realness, her ability to express what so many of us feel, her strong faith, and her honest, personal writing style captivate me every time. She always presents much food for thought, doesn't shy away from telling it like it is, fully understands how difficult life can be, yet always encourages and uplifts.

This book of meditations is about finding God's grace, peace, and joy no matter what type of day you're having. There are a lot of situations that arise in our daily living that can easily put us in a negative frame of mind. Bowler recognizes that this is part of life, and the cost/pain of being human, while focusing on the fact that whatever is going on, God is with us, always.

I will continue to read everything this author writes. Five stars from me; I highly recommend this book of meditations.

My sincere thanks to Convergent Books for allowing me to read a DRC of this book via NetGalley. Publication is 1/23/24. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own and are freely given.

This is such a welcome book. A beautiful devotional that deals with both the beautiful days and the terrible days that we all get. Each devotional has a bible verse, an introduction, the devotion and a reflection. The devotions can be read in order, or not, binged on or read individually. There is no right or wrong way. But whatever you are going through, there is a devotion for you here.

As with all Kate Bowler books, this one is exactly what you need. She has a sense of reality that many books of this sort lose.