Hope Prevails by Dr. Michelle Bengtson

Neuropsychologist Offers Hope to Those Struggling with Depression 

As a board-certified neuropsychologist, Dr. Michelle Bengtson sees the devastation of depression. Early on, she practiced the most effective treatments and prescribed them for her clients. But when she experienced depression herself, she found that the treatments she had recommended were lacking. Her experience showed her the missing component in treating depression. 
In "Hope Prevails," Dr. Bengtson writes with deep compassion, blending her training and faith, to offer readers a hope grounded in God's love and grace. She helps readers understand what depression is, how it affects them spiritually, and what, by God's grace, it cannot do. The result is an approach that offers the hope of release, not just the management of symptoms. 
For those who struggle with depression and those who want to help them, "Hope Prevails" offers hope for the future.


Publisher: Revell, 2016
Genre: Self-help; nonfiction


My Review
I love the title of this book because it's so true. Our hope--in God--prevails. But as the storms of life thrust us upon the rocky shore, as circumstances out of our control cause us to sink, we tend to forget this truth. Dr. Michelle Bengtson guides readers by the hand through God's promises, backed with sound Scripture. She pours her own heartache and experiences with depression onto the pages, letting readers know they're not alone. She shares her transformation from the darkness of depression back to the light, proving hope truly does prevail.

I chose to read this book as a caregiver to a loved one with depression. Sometimes in my daily struggled to help keep their head above water, I too need reminded of God's promises on days when my task feels too daunting. This book also helped me to better understand the thoughts and mind of one with depression, showing where I need to improve in my support system.  

I recommend this book to anyone who suffers from depression or who plays the role as caregiver. I give this book 5 stars!

*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

I Wish He Had Come With Instructions: The Woman's Guide To A Man's Brain by Mike Bechtle

WHAT IS HE REALLY THINKING?

When a woman begins a relationship with a man, she may think she's found her knight in shining armor. As the relationship continues, that armor can begin to feel like a barricade she just can't get past it. What's he hiding in there, anyway? 

Relationship and communication expert Mike Bechtle offers women an insider's guide to the puzzling male brain. Simple and practical, this book provides women with a roadmap for better conversations and improved relationships. Bechtle reminds readers that men and women share many similarities, and by embracing those similarities they can better deal with differences. He explains how men think, act, communicate, and grow in relationships, and even offers tips for communicating in a toxic relationship. 

Wives, girlfriends, mothers, daughters, friends, and coworkers will find real help within these pages.


Publisher: Revell, 2016
Genre: non-fiction, CLWI   Marriage   



My Review
This book piqued my interest for a few different reasons:

1. I've been married for fifteen years and I feel I'm no closer to understanding my husband's mind. We've learned to cope with each other's quirks and differences, but many times we still fail to understand the gap between Mars and Venus. :)

2. I write romance novels from both the hero and heroine's point of view, so the more I understand men the better my heroes will be.

3. I have three sons, two of which are teenagers. On a daily basis, I get frustrated with a lack of communication and all the testosterone (a.k.a. anger and competition) flying around the house. Needless to say, being the only woman around, I need help. :)

First of all, please know my reading material of choice is fiction, so non-fiction writing really has to capture my attention to keep me interested. Mike Bechtle succeeded. His style and tone was informative yet humorous, honest without apology, and very helpful. This book is NOT a set of instructions on how to change a man or how to fix a broken relationship. This book explains the male brain chemical makeup, how men perceive certain things, and how/why they react to various life scenarios.

I found this book helpful in my desire to better understand my husband, thus becoming a better wife. We've been married long enough now we've ceased bickering over certain things and have chalked it up to "things we'll never understand." While reading this book, I came across several things we used to argue over, and I'd wished I'd understood my husband's point of view back then. I wish this book would've been available years ago. :)

I recommend this book to newlyweds and anyone who desires to have a better relationship with their spouse and mothers of boys. I gave this book 5 stars!

*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.