The Amazon description: Her marriage slowly deteriorated behind the facade of a happy, Christian home. After six years together, with three young children, Lara discovered the devastating reality of her husband’s marital betrayal.Lara gives tender guidance to any woman walking the unexpected paths of betrayal. But even more than that, she testifies of the victorious life in Christ available to everyone, regardless of any shattered hopes or suffocating fears.
I’ve loved Lara’s incredibly encouraging, always Christ-centered point of view for so long. Since the first time I joined up with Hello Mornings and she gave a mini-message during a Spreecast, I could tell she had a heart for Jesus. Her blog? Her words? The way she strings them together in ways that inspire, astound, and bring joy have made me strive to be a better writer. Her completely accessible, open, loving personality have helped me be brave enough to chat with her in real life at Allume. She is authentic. She raps.
Lara is fabulous. Did I mention she wrote a book that you really need to read? To Walk or Stay
This book? Oh this book was hard for me to read. In many ways, Lara wasn’t just telling her story of refinement and redemption, but mine. Life is messy. Marriage is messy. We are imperfect, human, flawed, and somehow when we identify ourselves as “Christian” the world expects all of that mess to have miraculously disappeared.
It doesn’t.
Lara weaves a beautiful story of hope and redemption through the power of Christ. Her experiences in her marriage are never used to point blame, exploit, or add drama. Shared in the most humble of ways, Lara walks beside her readers, encouraging, sharing Scripture and lessons learned and never forgetting that this road? Choosing to stay, to change? It’s a hard road, and I’m thankful to have found a friend to walk with as I travel some of those same paths.
Some of my favorite quotes:
Also? I loved this book so much I’m going to be part of the To Walk or Stay book club, starting the week of April 15th! A different blogger will write each week, and I do hope you’ll join us 🙂 You can learn more about the book club at Lara’s blog, To Overflowing.
Lara’s book is available on Amazon in both Kindle and paperback versions. Both have extensive personal reflection & “going deeper” questions at the end of each chapter, making it perfect for a small group study!
Disclaimer: I received a free eBook pre-release copy of To Walk or Stay in exchange for an honest review.
I love Lara’s words. Looking forward to doing the book club together. 🙂
It is a non-fiction book but yes, I really do think there is something in this book for any woman. It’s about a marriage, but more how God can use our most difficult paths to transform us for His glory 🙂
This sounds awesome, but do you feel like it says something to single women, too? I thought it was a novel, but it sounds like a non-fiction book. Am I missing something?
Love you, girl. It’s going to change lives. It’s changing mine.
Thank you, Crystal. Much much love to you, friend.