The beauty in Dr. Alison Cook’s writing is the authentic connection she creates through her transparency in exposing common thinking patterns and struggles that we all wrestle through. The sharing of those real experiences and revealing our underlying and often hidden feelings draws the reader comfortably in to sit beside her through an invitation to pause and work through them. Cook lays open the truth of our whole selves and helps us navigate the complexity of understanding those feelings through practical tools by naming them, reframing our understanding through a lens of truth, and guiding us courageously forward to brave a new path, changing unhealthy patterns. The reader can move from a place of confusion and guilt-driven expectations to a path of clarity and peace anchored in biblical truth and professional experience. Cook offers therapeutic advice through a practical pattern of simple application thinking tools that anyone can use.

I've been listening to the podcast and have read The best of you, and boundaries for your soul. I was incredibly excited to read this book. I loved the way the book is separated into three parts. I connected with every chapter and appreciate the guidance of naming, framing and braving. I've already noticed my levels of joy increasing as l've been practicing naming my feelings and thoughts and aligning them with what is true from a biblical standpoint as well as the reality of what's actually happening in real time. I was someone who always struggled with hearing my inner critic, and guilt messages. I never realized there's a "false guilt" we can experience. I've bookmarked many pages with steps to navigate certain experiences I'm sure I will go through that I can utilize. I love how she addresses toxicity and learning about blame shifting, control and manipulation, and naming these toxic behaviors will make a massive ditterence in my ability to set boundaries for myself. I feel full of hope and a lot more BRAVE after reading this book. Thank you so much Alison!!

This is the book on emotions that the world needs. So many important topics are covered with realistic ways to calm your soul. One read through is not enough to truly grasp all the concepts. I do feel like there’s almost too much in this book, but really well thought out both from a psychology standpoint and biblical standpoint.

Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!

I am such a fan of the authors writing and was so excited to get my hands on an ARC of her newest upcoming release. This book did not disappoint. I highlighted/underlined so much of the book. My favorite chapters were the ones about defensiveness, and body image. Dr. Cook helps readers to acknowledge the emotions that they are feeling and get curious about them- instead of feeling shame about them. She walks through the process of Naming whats hard, framing your reality, and braving a new path.

"The simple act of stopping to notice what you're thinking and feeling- without criticism, judgement, or shame- brings calm to the chaos inside." This is exactly what Alison helps the readers to do. I love how she mixed different talk therapy techniques, with stories of clients that she worked with, with application questions for your own life.


This book is set to release 5/7/24 and I will for sure be buying a hard copy and a few copies for friends. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an ARC. Cant wait for this one to be released and in the hands of many many people!