Amazon.com: Customer reviews: When Life Doesn't Match Your Dreams: Hope for Today from 12 Women of the Bible

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Twelve Women, Twelve Stories, Twelve Chances to Deepen Your Walk with God

March 3, 2019

If I couldn't have a Biblical novel by Jill Eileen Smith, this is what I would want. Jill does a superb job crafting the stories of characters who don't have voices in the Bible, while remaining true to Scripture and encouraging readers to read--or re-read--the Bible accounts for themselves. Each mini-story is written with deft attention to detail and three-dimensional, authentic voices. These ladies sound like ones I would meet in everyday life and maybe offer a cup of cocoa.

More than that, I appreciated Jill's thoughts on each woman's relationship with God, how each woman's story applies to us, and how we can cope when, well, life doesn't match our dreams. In this season, I find myself identifying especially with Hagar, but everyone had something valuable to say. Jill's end-of-chapter questions also probe deep, encouraging real introspection. If I had her ear, I would ask her to make this a full-blown Bible study with an interactive workbook.

Rumor has it Jill is planning another book like this soon. All I can say is, hurry, please!

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S. Quandt

Looking at the lives of 12 Old Testament women

February 25, 2019

Jill Eileen Smith joins her skill as a novelist with biblical research to explore the stories of twelve women from the Old Testament whose life didn't match their dreams. In these pages Jill takes these women's stories and points out areas where their lives relate in some way to the lives of women today.

Each chapter begins with a section which narrates the biblical event from the women's point of view, then moves to how the author feels these events relate to her own, and possibly the reader's, experiences.

The chapters end with thoughts to ponder and questions to spur further self-evaluation and application of lessons learned from these twelve women's lives.

The lives of Eve, Noah's wife, Sarah, Hagar, Lot's wife, Rebekah, Rachel, Leah, Dinah, Potiphar's wife, Tamar, and Zipporah are explored.

While I didn't always see how the dots and points the author used between the women of the Bible and women today connected in every story, there were several I did.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell for a fair and honest review, which is exactly what I gave.

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Twelve Women, Twelve Stories, Twelve Chances to Deepen Your Walk with God

March 3, 2019

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

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Jill P. Jones

Hope for today from 12 unlikely women of the Bible

February 25, 2019

Format: Paperback

Known for her best-selling biblical fiction series, Jill Eileen Smith brings biblical women and characters to life in her fictionalized stories of 12 women of the Bible in "When Life Doesn't Match Your Dreams"--Eve, Sarai, Hagar, Lot's Wife, Rebekah, Rachel, Leah, Tamar, Zipporah, Potiphar's Wife, Noah's Wife and Dinah. Each of these women led lives they wouldn't have designed for themselves, but their lives bring lessons to those of us who have lived with disappointment of one type or another.

Because of Smith's insight into the lives of women who didn't live out their dreams, we can learn so many things from their stories. Each new chapter brought a new favorite story--one I could find myself in. Maybe not exactly--Lord, help me not to turn into a pillar of salt or chase after a servant in my husband's employ--but I can relate to Lot's wife when I want to hold on to something God tells me to release, or to Potiphar's wife when I react to rejection in a way that brings out the worst in me instead of allowing myself to be accepted by God--the only One who matters.

The story of Rachel and Leah intrigued me the most. I had never captured their story in my imagination until Smith told it in a new and creative way. It really touched my heart. These two stories are my favorite ones.

Are you struggling with dreams that never came to fruition? Does your life not match what you had hoped for? If the women in the Bible can teach us anything, it is how to deal with disappointment even if we are only learning from their mistakes.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free as part of Jill Eileen Smith's "When Life Doesn't Match Your Dreams" Launch Team. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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debbie curto

The One Book I would Choose Time And Again

February 19, 2019

Format: Kindle Edition

I have nothing but praise for "When Life Doesn't Match Your Dreams" by Jill Eileen Smith. I have loved every book that I've read that she's written, but this one really is the best. Maybe because she uses twelve woman from the Bible to show us that whatever we are going through in life is nothing that others haven't experienced and shows us that hope is available through our Lord. I so wish I could afford this book for every woman I know, because I believed every woman should have this book available to them whenever they think they can't go on in the trials and struggles that life gives, whether it's their fault or the results of others.

I think all women will find a little of herself in each of the twelve women stories. I know the situations and facts will be different but the reasons and feelings are familiar to all of us women at one time or another.

I think if I had to choose one book that was all I was allowed to read and keep, and never read another book, It wouldn't be hard to choose, I would most definitely choose "When Life Doesn't Match Your Dreams" by Jill Eileen Smith. I can say that now but I am all ready for her second book about twelve more women from the Bible.

This book is twelve stories and also Jill Smith shares some of her personal struggles.
I received a complimentary copy by the author. These opinions are my own

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MJSH

Incredible journey into hearts of these 12 women

February 25, 2019

Format: Paperback

"He doesn't withhold the fulfillment of our dreams to hurt us. Sometimes He delays our dreams to teach us to trust Him. We trust Him by surrendering those dreams into His care."

I don't read much non-fiction. I read the Bible, some commentaries on the Bible, and the occasional books that we read for our church group gatherings. When Jill Eileen Smith released a "non-fiction" Christian living book based on 12 women of the Bible, I wasn't sure about the book but knew that the author would have wonderful, fresh insight into what lessons we can learn from these Biblical women. So I dove in. Wow, am I glad I did. The book is incredibly well-written, with the author's trademark writing style that flows so easily, engages from the first sentence, and leaves the reader pondering and praying long after the last page is read.

Each chapter begins with "If I Were ___" that puts the reader in first person narrative into the heart of each woman. Then the chapter transitions into "In Our World" to put the same issue the Biblical woman wrestled with into our current day. The imaginative Biblical scene again comes to life in the next section entitled "Imagine with Me" where the author takes the reader further down in the Biblical woman's life and then the chapter concludes with a lesson learned (such as "From Regret to Freedom" and "From Duplicity to Trust") and points to ponder, as well as questions to take the lesson further. The book spans such well-known women like Eve, Sarai, Hagar, Rebekah, Rachel, and Leah but also focuses on the lesser known or celebrated women like Adah (Noah's wife), Melah (Lot's wife), Dinah, Aneksi (Potiphar's wife), Tamar, and Zipporah. No matter how or why life has derailed for each of these women, it is clear that God has been there through it all and there is always hope in Him.

This is a book that will have you running to the store to buy for your sisters and friends. This is a book that will stay on my bookshelf for many years to come so that my daughters, when they are of age, can read and glean from the heartbreaking lessons written on the pages.

I was given a copy of the book by Revell (Baker Publishing Group) and was under no obligation to post a favorable review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

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JBJNYG

A good resource for individual or small-group study

February 19, 2019

Format: Paperback

I was honored to take part in the launch team for this book, which looks at the lives of twelve Biblical women and discusses how they relate to the modern-day woman. I didn’t connect with every story, but some were certainly relatable. Readers are likely to find this to be the case with at least one woman and her struggle. For Christians, the women and their stories will likely be familiar, but Smith provides a lot of things to ponder in this book. The women and topics included are:

• Eve: From Regret to Freedom
• Noah’s Wife: From Chaos to Hope
• Sarai: From Duplicity to Trust
• Hagar: from Invisible to Noticed
• Lot’s Wife: From Clinging to Releasing
• Rebekah: From Controlling to Trusting
• Rachel: From Wounded to Forgiving
• Leah: From Risk to Faith
• Dinah: From Loss to Acceptance
• Potiphar’s Wife: From Rejection to Denial
• Tamar: From Broken Promises to Restoration
• Zipporah: From Fighting to Freedom

Each chapter starts with a fiction story (“If I Were…”) that’s told from the Biblical woman’s perspective. Then, “In Our World” moves the reader to how things relate to modern-day life. “Imagine with Me” shows how the fiction story (blended with Scripture verses) played out. Each chapter has a “Ponder this,” which provides time for reflection and “Taking it further” section for questions.

Smith provides the reader with an opportunity to walk in these women’s shoes and share in their disappointment and choices that shaped their lives. Scripture is woven throughout. Smith helps the reader see that there are lessons to be learned in each case, and discussion questions are included to help with this, making it a good resource for individuals or small groups.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.

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Rachel Devaughn

beautiful biblical examples for our daily life!

March 5, 2019

Format: Paperback

I was absolutely drawn to how beautiful and peaceful this book cover is! If you look really close on the left-hand side you will see the 12 women listed who are included in this book. I have read many books by this author and have absolutely enjoyed all of them, so I was really excited to be a part of her launch team to promote this new nonfiction book.

“Life is full of twists and turns… We may be faced with choices we never wanted to make or have situations pushed upon us we never expected. Yet in all of it, God is at our side – even when he feels far away.”

The author uses 12 women from the old testament; like Eve, Rebekah, Leah, and Dinah; to give readers examples of what these women did right and what they did wrong, to help us with our daily choices and life expectations.

I’ve been taking time before work to read these stories and ponder the authors questions at the end of every chapter. I have enjoyed the biblical examples and the authors perspective on how we can relate them to our own daily life. Very well written- you can tell the author does her biblical research! This book would be absolutely great for a women’s book study group!

I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.

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Patti Stephenson

An encouraging and inspiring book.

February 19, 2019

Format: Kindle Edition

For some time now, I’ve enjoyed Jill Eileen Smith’s series of novels based on the lives of women in the Bible. Because of her excellent Biblical research, I always learn an aspect of their story that I had never known or considered before.

This is a Christian non-fiction devotional book by this author. Through short “first person” accounts, she imagines what twelve different Old Testament women would say to us about their difficult situations. In each case, life did not match their hopes and expectations. Some turned to God in love and trust, some did not. By reading about their situations and considering how they might have felt, we’re able to look at our own life situations through the eyes of faith. I especially liked the chapter on Noah’s wife; and I also liked viewing Rachel’s and Leah’s situation from both of their viewpoints.

I enjoyed reading the author’s thoughts on all twelve ladies’ lives and also her willingness to be open about situations in her own. As I finished reading this book, I found myself comforted, encouraged, and challenged to view every situation in my life through the lens of the Bible.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

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S. Quandt

Looking at the lives of 12 Old Testament women

February 25, 2019

Format: Kindle Edition

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March 22, 2019

**Disclosure**This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

About the Book:

Life is full of twists and turns. Relationships falter, careers fizzle, health fades. We may be faced with choices we never wanted to make or have situations pushed upon us we'd never expected. Yet, in all of it, God is at our side--even when he feels far away.

Drawing on her extensive research into women of the Old Testament, novelist Jill Eileen Smith turns her pen to the lessons in trusting God that we can learn today from women like

- Eve
- Noah's wife
- Sarai
- Hagar
- Lot's wife
- Rebekah
- Rachel
- and more

Readers will learn from what these ancient women did right--and even what they did wrong--when faced with dashed expectations and deferred dreams. And they'll come away with the confidence that ours is a faithful God who loves us and is forming us through our trials into the women he longs for us to be.

My Review:

Life certainly has a way of kicking you while you are down. everything in the world could be going wrong and you will hear something in your head say, "I tried to tell you this was a mistake, but you just had to have this life". I'm sure many women of the Bible had the same thoughts from time to time. One example was Eve, she made a weighty decision that not only cost her but all of humanity. Poor Lot's wife, she just looked back for a second and thats all it took and she was gone that instant.

Jill Eileen Smith, takes what she knows from the Bible and she focuses in on a few of those ladies that didn't have all the answers but knew who did. The same ladies that ran to God when life took a toll. Or when they knew they needed to be protected because all hell was going to break loose and they needed that hedge of protection from the Ultimate Protector.

The ladies she highlights are Eve, Adah, Sarai, Hagar, Melah, Rebekah, Rachel, Leah, Dinah, Aneksi, Tamar, and Zipporah. Each woman unique yet just like the rest. All these ladies are in need of comfort and saving in their own unique and individual way. The author takes us step by step into a fiction based on Biblical study through a day in the life of these remarkable women so that we can learn more about what molds and shapes them.

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Moonpie

BIBLE WOMEN COME TO LIFE!

April 5, 2019

Format: Paperback

Whether we admit it or not, we have all have an unconscious “script” written in our heads about how our lives will progress. This is more than dreams of setting goals; it is also a dream because we cannot know all the details of our future. When life takes a different course, we are shocked, hurt, and disheartened even if it is due to our own bad choices.
Ms. Smith looks at 12 different women of the Old Testament whose lives did not follow their expectations and plans. She helps us see that these ladies weren’t just Bible characters but real flesh and blood women just like us. They had the same emotions and feelings as any woman. Each faced disappointments, difficulties and made mistakes just as we do. God wrote about them that we might learn from their examples good or bad.
I was delighted that the author not only wrote about well-known women from the Scriptures but several you wouldn’t have thought of studying in this way; Adah (Noah’s wife), Melah (Lot’s wife) and Aneksi (Potiphar’s wife). All very interesting! If God included them in His Word, they are important too!
The author does an amazing job of bringing each of these women to life. I was able to put myself in their place and time, seeing events from their perspective. The next part of the chapter is entitled “In Our World”. Here I was able to realize how what happened to a woman who lived 1000’s of years ago can be applied to my life today. I really liked this part. It helped me see that though time and customs may be different today, who we are as human beings never changes. “Imagine with me” returns to that particular woman seeing through her eyes the impact of her experience on the rest of her life.
I found Ms. Smiths in sights on the lessons that can be learned very interesting. She went past the obvious and brought out things I would not have thought of. The questions at the end of the chapters really aided me in looking deeper at myself, thus gaining even more from the study. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
I received this book from Revell Publishing in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have stated are my own.

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