Holley Gerth is well-known for her books that ask women to open their eyes to all God made them to be. With her previous books, she reminds women that they can survive the hardships, they can reach their goals, and they can still have those "God-Sized" dreams. Gerth inspires women with her faith in God and her easy-going, girlfriend approach to real-life situations of marriage, motherhood, and getting it all done. In her book, YOU'RE ALREADY AMAZING, she empowers women to "be all that God made them to be and pursue the purpose for their lives." With this study guide, she helps you break down each approach so that you can have an even greater experience.

This study guide or interactive workbook can be used as a Bible study in your church or women's group, in an online group, with friends over coffee, or as an individual study. Each chapter or session as it is called in the book covers a topic. For example, Session Five is God's Purpose in Our Lives. Each session builds on the previous session's notes and asks you to continue in the process of embracing who you are. There are personal questions to reflect on, questionnaires to answer, Bible verses to read, and space for you to journal. You can purchase the companion DVD or go online to watch each Session's video.

I think this study guide is a great way for women, who are in a season of change, to take some time to pray for what is ahead for them. This is an opportunity to find out what your personal strengths are, how you handle situations, what is important to you, and maybe what is no longer important. Finding out what truly makes you happy and then making that your purpose can give you a new energy you may have been missing.

Some of these themes in Gerth's workbook are ones I have seen before in other books related to creating balance and finding your purpose. But her approach is laid back and friendly and makes it approachable for women who aren't comfortable in the business world or who want to have meaningful conversations with other women in similar situations. Working through this study guide makes you feel like you are having a conversation with a friend. The pages offer lots of room for reflection and journaling and ask thought-provoking questions to get ideas flowing. Overall, if you are in the beginning stages of a life-change or looking for a new direction, I think Holley Gerth's book and companion workbook would be an excellent place to start. ( )

An inspirational and feel-good read. I could relate to the author in many instances. ( )

I love it… I only heard of this book just last week, and already I’ve gotten a copy — for review — and have read through it. Honestly, I couldn’t put it down. It was just what I needed right now.

Holley has a really down-to-earth, friend-to-friend style of writing. In fact, in the beginning of the book, she invites you to pretend that you’ve been invited by her to come meet her at a coffee shop to talk and have coffee/tea. You’re about to have a “conversation” together… where she tells you that you’re already amazing.

I loved all of the little “exercises” throughout the book, that encourage you to find out who you are, and what you’re meant to do. They only take a couple of minutes to complete. Holley knows we’re all time-crunched and can’t sit for hours to come up with answers to these questions.

I love-love-loved that Holley nailed me to a ‘T’ with her description of “The Queen of Creativity” (pages 158-159, under ways we women approach life)…

“You like variety and thrive on what’s new. You have good intentions when you begin, but often get bored with your goals before they’re completed. You don’t necessarily like details, or feel compelled to keep track of your life in a tangible way. You like your options open. Too much order or planning feels restrictive. You’re inspired by ideas, the intangible, beauty, and learning. You tackle a challenge for the joy of it, and when it’s not as much fun, it might be hard to continue. But, if you’re deeply passionate about something, you can work long and hard and create in a way that’s often amazing to others. You put your heart into your daily life, and operate on intuition much of the time. You may not be able to articulate exactly how something will get done, but you’re definitely clear on why it matters, and who will benefit.“

She then goes on to give examples of the strengths of this type of woman, how she can proceed with her “Do What You Can Plan“, and things to watch out for.

The part in the book about emotional deposits and withdrawls was also particular meaningful for me, right now.

Overall, this is a wonderful book. I soaked it right up. And, I feel like going out and buying copies for a couple of people closest to me who I know could benefit (I’d lend them my own copy, but I don’t feel like letting it go, just yet).

Oh… and Holley is a fellow blogger, who can be found at http://Heart to Heart with Holley.com. ( )