Brave Love: Making Space for You to Be You

by Lisa Leonard, Lisa Leonard

Women today feel pressure to be the best wife, mom, and professional possible--often at the expense of their own identity. But what if you could experience deep peace--knowing you are loved right now, just as you are? In Brave Love , the founder of the multimillion-dollar company Lisa Leonard Designs inspires women to find themselves again amidst the noise and competing demands of real life. This paperback edition includes a new foreword written by Stephen Leonard, exclusive discussion questions for personal reflection, and a Q&A between Lisa and Steve. Brave Love is about what it means to be human, how it feels to be broken and afraid, and what happens when we dare to love deeply. Join Lisa on a journey where you will discover you are worthy and lovable just as you are. You don't have to try harder or be better. You don't have to prove yourself, and you don't have to make others okay. In this freedom you will find more peace and more joy. Most importantly, you will learn that as you stop trying to be everything to everyone, you will love others better. Lisa Leonard shares her story of finding truth and wholeness in the midst of life's competing demands. When she said her marriage vows, she was determined to be the best wife she could be. When her first son was born with a severe disability, Lisa promised herself she would always be the mother he needed. When she began her jewelry business, Lisa committed to giving it her all. Over the years, the exhaustion of trying to be the perfect wife, mother, and businesswoman took its toll. Lisa knew it wasn't working. She wanted to change things, but how? Everyone depended on her. So she kept going, kept pushing, kept trying to prove she could do it all. Until one evening, in tears and desperation, Lisa realized that she could no longer be everything to everyone. Somewhere along the way, she had lost herself. In Brave Love , Lisa shares her story of losing--and finding--her own voice in the clamor of family, career, and internal pressure to prove herself.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian, Self Help, Faith, Memoir, Audiobook, Inspirational

288 pages, Paperback

Published October 3, 2023

Reviews

[Rima · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I had the privilege of reading an advanced copy of this book and am so grateful for that opportunity.
This is Lisa’s story of honesty and learning to bravely love yourself in this demanding world. It was vulnerable and real and powerful. I am inspired by this book and would highly recommend. It is a quick read and her writing & poems are perfect to reference back to when you need a gentle reminder that you are enough.

[MacKenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my heart! This book was EXCELLENT! Dangerously vulnerable and the kind of honesty we need in more authors. Lisa’s story is compelling and inspiring- I just can’t say enough good things about this beautiful work!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full disclosure: I received an advance reader copy from the publisher.

This was a quick read for me, which I appreciated. So often I check out nonfiction books from the library and end up returning them because I just can't get through them. If you are looking for an ending that neatly resolves and ties up all conflict with a bow, you will not find it here. It is a messy story of a messy marriage and messy motherhood, because life is messy. She makes it very clear that this life is beautiful and also complicated, and that's just fine. She doesn't have all the answers, and that's just fine too! She writes authentically, and the vulnerability is very real. I felt at times as though she was in front of me, hoping I would be gentle with her heart. She presents her deepest, darkest fears and thoughts, without editing them for palatability.

Her faith is a huge part of this journey. She ends each chapter with a poem she has written (vulnerability). I could feel her pain and the depth of her sadness as a new mother. I could imagine her excitement as her business took off - I loved that part of the book especially. And I could walk beside her as she pulled herself back up from the near ending of her marriage.

I think what will stick with me most about this book is how it made me feel. Lisa's willingness to be truthful and open encouraged me - I want to be truthful and open in my relationships. Her bravery reminded me - I want to be brave. Her strength showed me - I don't need to make myself smaller so others can be happy. As a recovering people-pleaser, that last one may be the most important of all.

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisa Leonard is raw and real throughout the book as she tells her story and claims herself. I felt like much of the book was speaking of and to me. As a wife, mom, and special educator, I completely relate to Lisa’s story and can’t wait to implement my own Brave Love manifesto.



** Full disclosure, as part of the Launch Team, I received an Advanced Reader copy from the publisher; however thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are genuinely my own.**

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It spoke to me as I am sure it will others. It is what many of us want/need to hear. It
also says a lot of the things we feel, but don't know to express. I recommend it to anyone, but especially to mom's, special needs families (& those who minister to them). Also to anyone that is seeking brave love. May we all continue to remember that God loves us and we are enough! Thanks to Lisa for sharing her story!

*I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book inspirational. Lisa’s story couldn’t be farther from my own but we share that same sense of not being enough. This book is about the hard work of learning to believe that you are enough and that you are worthy of love and that God loves you where you are and how you are. This book will go on my bookshelf with those few choice books I can never bear to part with and will read many more times.

[Radonda Croy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Brave Love and what a privilege. The vulnerability and rawness of Lisa's writing is a breath of fresh air. I felt as if we were walking out this journey side by side. You will not be able to put the book down. Remember, the bravest of love often starts with self!!

[Ashley Baker · Rating 2 out of 5]

In Brave Love we see that Lisa Leonard was determined to be a good jeweler, wife, and mother of two boys (one with special needs). Whatever she did she gave it her all, but soon it all took its toll. Things needed to change, but how does that happen? Lisa felt as though everyone depended on her. One night she reached the breaking point and discovered she couldn’t be everything to everyone. She went on a journey to discover her worth and discovered self-love.

Brave Love is a fun easy read. People’s journeys and stories are fascinating. Life is interesting. Lisa’s life is no exception. Seeing her learn to care for her special needs child and grow in her business was fun. I already mentioned this, but I really love her designs! I have her jumble of love necklace, brave love necklace and stackable rings. They are some of my favorite pieces.

When I set Brave Love back on the shelf after reading it I was left with a few questions. One, what is the world-view of this book? Leonard mentions the God of the Universe in several places, but doesn’t expound on who that actually is. The book felt very universal but somehow still focused on the self. There is a cultural niche for self-love and Leonard taps into that. Leonard says, “I simply needed to listen to my heart and consent to be me. In this holy moment something clicked…. I simple needed to be me” (125). Coming from a Christian perspective I was left wondering where Christ was in the transformational process. Who is the God of the universe to Lisa Leonard?

I also left asking “What is self-love?” and “Is that a good thing or a bad thing?” In many instances Leonard seems to lay aside her preferences and wants for the sake of others (especially her special needs child), but then later she is on the verge of divorcing her husband because of her preferences and wants. I have so many questions here. What is the source that affirms or denies our preferences and wants? Again coming from a Christian perspective I would call each person to come to Scripture and find affirmation and worth in Jesus Christ. The Bible offers a real way for us to be selfless without forcing us to lose our humanity. It offers us a way to bravely love others without turning us in on ourselves.

Overall Lisa’s story is interesting and easy to read. It is engaging and relatable. I enjoyed my time in Brave Love, but on the basis of worldview I would offer caution when opening its pages.

[Joy Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

It takes a certain level of bravery to admit to friends and family, your deepest feelings and your darkest days. Bravery gets a whole new definition when you publish a book and share these thoughts with strangers. Brave Love is a perfect example of a friend inviting you over for coffee and pouring her heart out.
Lisa Leonard’s heartfelt honesty easily drew me into her life and many times put into words what my heart has been screaming.

Brave Love is a beautifully written testimony of a mother’s bond with her children, a wife’s journey with her husband, and a woman learning to love herself.

I received an advanced copy of Brave Love for reviewing purposes. After reading the book, I am eager to purchase additional copies for my friends who need to hear Lisa Leonard’s story.

[Chris Worthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very vulnerable, raw book about Lisa Leonard's journey to loving herself and loving her family well. She doesn't hold back. It is a quick read, but wonderful encouragement for those who might be struggling to learn how to put their needs on equal footing with those around them. Lisa is the mother of a child with special needs, and I think the messages here will speak loudly to other moms. But this book is for anyone who needs to be kinder to themselves and value their needs. (I read an advance copy.)

[Addie Yoder · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a heartfelt joy. I sat down to start it in the morning and flew through it by the end of the afternoon. Lisa is honest and real and so brave that you can’t help but be inspired by her story.

**i did receive an advanced reader copy of the book**

[Kristine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brave Love is for every woman, but I feel it would resonate especially for mothers of children with special needs. Lisa Leonard is so brave, honest, revealing, and authentic as she shares the ups and downs of this messy life. Our lives are diametrically opposed, however, I was able to glean universal truths in each chapter. One message that really quickened my soul is the truth we are enough. As women, so many times we struggle with the lie that we are insignificant, replaceable, less than, not enough. Lisa reveals her struggle with that and shares how she triumphed. I enjoyed Brave Love and I'm sure I will read it again.

I received an advanced copy from the publisher as part of the launch team.

[Bethanie Freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Upon receiving an advanced copy of Brave Love, I instantly began reading. I love the transparency, honesty, and bravery penned by Lisa on every page. Her words crept into my soul to ignite a bravery in me that I haven't felt in so long. Brave Love is truly a must read!

[Debbie Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down until I finished it. I had the privilege of reading a advanced copy. Lisa takes you through her journey that is messy and joyful but told with such honesty and raw emotion that it feels like your sitting right next to your best friend and holding her hand.

[Christina Close · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an advance copy from the publisher and this book is amazing! I cried I laughed and felt so inspired and uplifted from this book. Lisa was so real and raw in telling her story her life story. I literally felt like she was writing about me! I highly recommend this book to everyone!

[Michelle Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put this book down! I felt so connected with the book from the first page. Lisa was so honest and vulnerable with her writing.

[Amanda Wing · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I did enjoy some parts of this book, some even moving me to tears, I could not help but feel a bit annoyed by the ending chapters. While I appreciate the authors voice and message, I personally felt it a bit ungreatful, repetitive and whiny. I wanted to love everything about this book, because I love the author as a person and I own pieces of her jelwery, but I just couldn't.

[Amy Hilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of this book as a part of the book launch team. I have followed Lisa Leonard for over a decade now. I have owned several pieces of her jewelry, I love the personalized nature of her work. I didn't know much about Lisa's family and life until recently and I was really looking forward to learning more about her story.
At first the chapters seemed too short, leaving me wanting more. As I continued to read the chapters built such a beautiful story, I couldn't wait to keep reading. I have had a hard time finishing books lately, but I couldn't put this book down.
I love the idea of poetry, but I don't know that I will ever sit down with just a book of poetry. The addition of Lisa's poems to the end of each chapter gave a deeper insight to the story and Lisa's heart. I would definitely recommend this book.

[Anna Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to get an early copy of this book, and I’m so glad I did! It was such a wonderful read. This was my introduction to Lisa Leonard, and I was amazed at her vulnerability, transparency and brave honesty. In a world of constant comparison, Lisa is a lovely example of embracing who you are, where you are, and loving well.

[Christine Gough · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the gift of receiving an advance copy of Lisa Leonard’s upcoming new release, Brave Love. I have been a fan of Lisa’s jewelry for years, counting her pieces as special treasures of mine. Lisa has always been approachable to me—-even offering SLO suggestions when we were passing through town on a Central Coast Trip. This book caught me off guard though. When I sat down to start reading it at 9pm last night, I had no idea I would be pulled in to the extent I didn’t put it down until after I had finished at midnight. Lisa shares her own life, memoir style, with a rawness, vulnerability and depth that was unexpected for me. Lisa’s oldest son has a rare disorder and while that is a foundation of the narrative, it goes much deeper. I was struck by the ways Lisa learned, from as early as 8, to take a back seat to others, not wanting to name her own needs or rock the boat. Working with kids this very age for work and at home, I was reminded how early these “lessons” can become embedded and how important it is to be a teacher of social skills and communication, as much as academics. Lisa shares with abandon about her own parenting and marriage with a rawness which will give permission and courage to others. I encourage you to pre-order Lisa’s Book. It will be officially out in the world on January 29th. 💛. Thank you, Lisa, for your bravery to write about the truth of Brave Love.

[Monda Goette Tapp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt drawn to read this book “Brave Love: Making Space for You to Be You” not knowing what would lie beneath the cover and pages thereafter. I follow the Author, Lisa Leonard’s jewelry biz online, and I have admired her talent for many years. For some reason I just KNEW that a connection had been made. I received an early release copy from the publisher, and through my own tears, read the entire book in a day. Your heart will swell with intention to be YOU after reading the pages of her life, and her desire to bravely love. While the story is Lisa talking in the first person, walking you through vulnerable moments in her life, opening you up to her world- her children, her marriage...you will read and apply her words to your own life more than you ever imagined you would. Things will connect. Your soul will feel recharged. So many of my own discoveries were realized when reading her book! I HIGHLY recommend you read this book with compassion, love, and a huge box of Kleenex! I know exactly how I am going to use Lisa’s message to spread joy to others! This book will be going into my “best of” books collections. An amazing, dare I say it, lifechanging read!!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very blessed to have received an advanced copy of this book from the publishers and I must confess that it has made a huge impact on me. The book was beautifully written and I appreciated Lisa's raw honesty throughout. I felt as though I was having a intimate conversation with a close friend as she poured her heart out on every page. I cried many times while reading as it became evident to me that I have struggled with some of the same issues she has. I especially love and respect how she gives love, honor, and all praise to the Lord God and truly lives for Him. It's very evident how she put Him first in her life. If I could talk to Lisa today I would thank her for bravely writing this book and for obeying God when He asked her to so. I would tell her how she has inspired me to look at myself differently-with a brave love so I too can experience the freedom she talks about at the very end of her book.

[Roxanne Diesel · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS book spoke to me in so many ways and made me wish I had been able to read it 40 years ago. This is a MUST READ for anyone who feels as though they have lost themselves and no longer know who they are. Lisa Leonard holds nothing back as she tells us of her inspiring journey of the Brave Love that put her on the path to loving herself and realizing that she is enough just the way she is.
At 61 I thought that there was nothing anyone could say that would change the way I feel about myself after so many years of feeling Not Enough. But Lisa's words touched me deeply and made me want to try again to love myself and be myself. I'll be following the Brave Love manifesto that Lisa shares at the end of the book to find my way back to myself. Thank you Lisa!

*I received a digital reader copy of this book and was surprised at how deeply this book touched me. The words and thoughts here are my own. I will be gifting this book to friends and family for sure.*

[Jessica Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

The raw, vulnerable, beautiful honesty in this book is just what I needed. I connected with so much of Lisa’s story. Brave Love is a gift to us all who have a hard time being who God made us to be, being whole and loved by our Creator. I am so encouraged after reading it!

[Sara Gorman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. What a vulnerable way to share your life, your struggles and dreams all in one place. Lisa Leonard shows readers how to love bravely by sharing her own story-one of heartbreak, disappointment, and fear. Leonard also shares how she discovered the person she needed to love most was herself, and how changing even the smallest things can make a difference. Be warned: have tissues nearby because many chapters made me tear up unexpectedly.

I received an Advanced Reader’s Copy from the publisher.

[Emily P · Rating 5 out of 5]

As women, we often put ourselves in last place. We do for others, help our families and co-workers. But how often do we continue to neglect our own most basic needs? Lisa Leonard opens up about how she realized that she'd been placing everyone else in front of her own needs since childhood, and how that affected her health because of it.

Lisa shares her story of how she met her husband, the birth of her two boys (one of whom has special needs) and the beginning of her wildly successful jewelry company, Lisa Leonard Designs. However, this is not a business book. "Brave Love" is a personal, heartfelt memoir that also leaves the reader evaluating the amount of time they take to replenish themselves.

I enjoyed the conversational tone of the book, and Lisa is entertaining while being brutally honest. She openly shares the struggles in her marriage, the overwhelm that sets in as she feels as though she's taking on too much and the knowledge that she has been consistently putting her needs last. Lisa is also connected to her faith, which is obvious throughout the book. She shares personal poetry that ties to the theme of the chapters. (My favorite chapter in the book was one called "Meeting Jazmin" which you will need some Kleenex for, trust me.)

The heart of this book is for the reader to hear Lisa's story and glean from both her mistakes and her triumphs. I couldn't put the book down and actually read it in one sitting. I have several friends who I know need the message therein and I plan on gifting a few copies as I am able to.

I was an early reader thanks to Zondervan. All opinions are my own.

[Heather Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege of getting an advance copy of this book (hence the review before it is officially out). I could not put this book down. I read it in one day. Lisa pours out her heart in this book. If you liked Girl Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis, or If You Only Knew by Jamie Ivey, then this book is right up there with those two. Lisa talks about her childhood, being single, being married, being a mother to a child with a rare disease, then being a mother of 2 children. All stages of life, so it doesn't matter what stage you are in, you will be able to relate to something in this book. I am single, never married, however, I still connected with so many of the feelings that Lisa had in this book. Each one of us has had a time in our lives where we put others first to the detriment of ourselves. Each of us has tried to help someone, only to really be hurting them without knowing it. Each of us has been faced with a challenge or battle that we didn't see coming and didn't know how we would survive. All of these things are in Lisa's book and more. I promise you that you will get at least one thing out of reading this book, if not more. We could all use Brave Love in our lives. Wouldn't this world be a better place with more love in it? I predict that this will be a NY Times Bestseller.

[Amanda Osenga · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book in a weekend... would have finished it in one sitting if life had allowed. I haven't picked up a book I couldn't put down like this in a very long time. I laughed, I cried, I was encouraged and started seeing myself and my circumstances through a new set of eyes. Lisa's vulnerability and truth about the struggles of growing a business while raising a special needs child is full of truth and love that our hurting world needs to hear.

Full of words sweet as honey and a balm to my weary soul, this one is setting high standards for books in 2019!! It was my first book I finished this year and what a great way to start out a year!

I'm not typically one to re-read books (my list is too long!) but this is one I've already come back to. Grab yourself a copy. Grab a copy for a woman in your life you love. Devour it, savor it, let the words sink down into your heart and soothe your troubled mind. Be brave. Be you. Be full of love.

I'm incredibly grateful to have received an Advanced Reader Copy of this amazing book from the publisher to share my honest opinions with you. My honest opinion? Read this one!

[Krista D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisa Lenoard’s “Brave Love: Making Space for You to be You” is a memoir that reminds readers that their worth isn’t by what they do, how much they give, or how well they fulfill the needs of others but instead God loves you just as you are. Lisa vulnerably takes us along on her journey to finding brave love with herself, and her relationships with her husband, her family and friends.

Life experiences, lessons learned and beautiful poetry woven together into a book that has something to share no matter your place in life… from her childhood, dating, falling in love and early years of marriage, being a special needs mom, launching a successfully jewelry business, to learning how to re-prioritize choices to bravely love self. Brave love means knowing you are already enough, already loved, already worthy of being loved, living accordingly and loving others. The author reminds each reader that we don’t have to be everything to everyone in order to love them.

* I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my review, my opinions are my own.

[Robbin Mote · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy of Brave Heart from the publisher. Very blessed to be a part of this review team.

You try to imagine what someone is going through in different situations and there's no way you can unless you walk in their shoes. I have known Lisa Leonard for years, yet I never KNEW her. I just finished walking in Lisa's shoes and felt her pain, her joys, her anxieties... her heart.

Brave Heart is the story of a woman who had plans for her life all while trying to be the perfect wife, mother and businesswoman. Follow her journey as she takes you from her highest highs to her lowest lows. See how she fought for herself and came through to the other side, not perfect, but beautiful, loved and free to be herself. But before you read this book, grab a box of Kleenex. You won't be disappointed. And if you're on a similar journey, you just might find your way back to yourself.