Interesting, but a little too intangible for the headspace I’m in right now. anyway a little slow but I stuck with it and honestly enjoyed it towards the end.

An interesting read (perfect for Lent) which focuses on all aspects of the heart from a spiritual perspective. Divided in three parts, the first section helps the Christian reader to understand the why behind getting to know your heart, the second examines the various levels of the heart, and the third focuses on how to become more in tune with your heart and to use it as a vessel for good.

The reference to the heart can be interpreted as understanding ourselves and our own psyche and how we can in turn open our heart to be more vulnerable with God and to let the Holy Spirit in. What is it that we are defensive about? What are we holding on to that is stopping us from having a deeper relationship with God and getting in the way of bringing other people to God? How can we stop ourselves getting in the way of allowing God in?

This is a thought-provoking read that made me stop and consider how I often harden myself against God and other people, and I particularly enjoyed the chapter around practising holding off our list of wants from God and being more available in prayer to just listen.

If I have one criticism, it is that one chapter had an introduction based around the author being in the forest treetops trying to hunt a buck with a bow and arrow. Whilst this may be a common pastime in some parts of the world, it is not something that is considered widely acceptable in other regions, so it felt somewhat distasteful and unexpected to come across it in this book, and a strange editing decision to include it.

Wow! I'm so happy that I was able to read this book! It came at just the right time. In this book, the author illuminates ways to go beyond the shallows of your heart and into the deep end.

It is divided into 3 parts. The first deals with finding out what is going on in your heart, the status of it, and the ways that sin and the enemy have zeroed in on leading your heart away from God. The second part is about learning the levels of your heart, being sensitive, and finding ways to be accessible to others. The third shows how to use the Bible and discernment to access the skills needed to succeed in parts 1 and 2.

I like how the author was transparent with his own heart struggles. His use of scriptures and stories balanced out a somewhat heavy subject. *My own personal opinion is that this would make an excellent Bible study!

I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from Leafwood Publishers and Abilene Christian University Press via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

An excellent read for any and all readers! Author comes at you with both barrels and knocks you out of your shoes! Great job fleshing out all the characters. I give this book FIVE stars! Definitely recommend!