Thirsty for More Lib/E: Discovering God's Unexpected Blessings in a Desert Season

by Allison Allen

When it comes to our connection with God, we dread dry seasons, when we feel far from our life-sustaining Creator and redeemer. We want to dwell in lush valleys, not wander in trackless deserts. And yet, during the first three centuries of the church, many men and women purposefully moved into deserts to seek God. They understood something that we have a desert is not a place of vast nothingness, but a place where we can truly experience God's provision, restoration, and intimacy. Through Scripture and personal stories of her own times of waiting and struggle, Allison Allen offers a fresh perspective for women who dare to believe that God is doing something of eternal value in their dry seasons. She shows how God can use these times in our lives to reveal himself to us, to give us rest, to get our attention, to show us our strength, to experience his blessings, and more. Any woman who has been feeling spiritually sapped will welcome this refreshing message of hope.

Genres: Christian, Christian Living, Christianity, Nonfiction, Faith, Inspirational

Audio CD

Published September 4, 2018

Reviews

[Jenifer Metzger · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have been a Christian for any length of time, you have probably experienced a "dry season." You know, that time where you just don't feel God as you once did. That time when prayer seems a little harder and Bible reading feels more like a task than a delight.

Allison Allen, like many of us, knows this dry, desert season well. While she knows it well, she is, by her own admission, a desert hater. She says, "I'd rather climb Everest ice with Jesus than sit with Him in the Negev sand. I'm not going willingly."

In her new book Thirsty for More, Allison says, "The desert precedes destiny. If the desert of preparation was deemed necessary for the Author and Finisher of our faith, then, I believe, it will be deemed necessary for us. I've meet women who automatically assumed they were in a desert season due to sin or rebellion, and while that can be the case (the Bible says that the rebellious dwell in a dry and weary land), it is very often not the case. Often, the desert is not about misdeed but about maturity."

The desert season is a season where the Father draws us close, often it just takes us time to realize that. Allison says, "Jesus uses the desert to reveal the heart. Jesus uses the desert to restore the heart. Jesus uses the desert to release the heart. Quite often, the desert is all about the heart."

In Thirsty for More Allison shares personal stories and Biblical truths to help you appreciate the dry season as well as find the lessons and blessings as you walk through the desert.

If you are going through a desert now, Thirsty for More is a must read. If you are not in a desert now, Thirsty for More is still a must read as it will help prepare you for that next desert as well as help you know how to encourage others in the desert.

[Samantha MacLeod · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had been on my shelf for months. But just recently the words on the spine were calling me “Thirsty for More”. During these COVID-19 months I have been more in the Word than ever before. I think we all are in our own little quarantine desert This was a great read during this season of my life.

[Haley K · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an insightful book - takes you to the depths of vulnerability - met with understanding, compassion and the promise of redemption. Love love love. Recommended a dozen times already!

[Cynthia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book would be most appropriate for new Christians and those who live fairly easy lives. The concepts are sound. The references to the desert mothers and fathers were quite good. However, I had real trouble taking the author seriously. Her own "desert experience" was merely three months of bed rest while pregnant. For those who have faced much, much more serious challenges in their lives, this book comes across as not quite authentic in connecting with real problems and true dark nights of the soul.

The "dark night of the soul" as described by John of the Cross is actually an absence of feeling the presence of God. It is a very difficult experience to go through, and it often lasts for years. I wasn't convinced that this author had actually experienced a true dark night of the soul.

However, this exploration of "the desert" in Christian theology and life was a bad way to introduce the topic to most people who go to church. I would recommend it to mom's groups and other beginner level formation groups, but not to those who have travelled a more difficult spiritual road and need encouragement with more depth.

[Hallie (Hallie Reads)]

So often, “dry seasons”—a continued feeling of emptiness and distance from God—feel like a bad or punishing place to be. Yet, Allison Allen turns this idea on its head in Thirsty for More: Discovering God’s Unexpected Blessings in a Desert Season. How about, instead, we see the desert as a place of preparation, revelation, and so much more?

Thirsty for More delves into the blessings of a desert season with biblical truths, in addition to Allen’s personal experiences. She offers plenty of thought-provoking and insightful content that I’m sure will continue to stick with me for years to come.

This review is also posted on Hallie Reads.

Thanks to Revell Reads, I received a complimentary copy of Thirsty for More and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Markie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thirsty For More Allison Allen



I have had this book for a little over a month, It has truly touched my soul. I have kept going back and referencing it many times during my bible study time because it really sparked something in my soul. I think that we all go through seasons of dryness that leaves us thirsty for more, but we don't know what to do to cure it. That is where Allison's Beautiful Book comes in! I honestly adore her honesty in the book following her own journey, it is like hearing your best friends story speaking right to your heart. She walks you through the journey of biblical men and women leading me to want to dig into the scripture she was referencing making this book such a deeper more meaningful read than others.

One of the things that stood out most to me was on page 93, she is talking about Jesus. "Whenever I think of the tender touch of heaven, I immediately see Jesus' hand outstretched to me." Wow! Did that touch my soul right then and there, I had never thought of it like that. She follows it with a scripture from Matthew. I grabbed my bible right then and started reading that Chapter in the Book of Matthew because the way she worded it, gave the chill bumps.

The amazing wealth of knowledge this book contains in incredible! I love her uses of scripture, she even references what words mean in Greek further explaining what the scripture means on a new level! This book is perfect for a bible study group to read, or for anyone that's wanting to dig a little deeper with there faith! If you are in a desert season this book is perfect, I am finding myself the older I get more thirsty for Christ. I found myself hanging on every word that she wrote wanting for the next reflection of my soul she was going to give me. Thirsty for More is Truly Life Changing if you let it be.

Allison wrote this book from her soul, led by the Holy Spirit to help others! Let it help you today!



I received this book from the publishers but the thoughts are my own.

[Prairie Sky Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Allison Allen is a Revell author who is noted for her ability to explore themes of purpose, value, and identity in original and unexpected ways. This is exactly what I discovered as I read her newest book, entitled “Thirsty for More: Discovering God’s Unexpected Blessings in a Desert Season”. If you’ve ever felt like you are experiencing a dry season where God feels distant and far away, or if you are currently going through a desert time right now, this is the book for you...

At first I wasn’t quite sure what to think of Allison’s writing style, humor, and unique perspectives, but soon I grew to adore the originality as her personality and wisdom shone through. In each chapter, we walk through not only Allison’s personal journey but also those of the biblical men and women who walked through their own deserts. As we pass through the dry, sandy landscapes in the sandals of Moses, Elijah, Hagar, Hosea, and many others, we discover that sometimes, the desert is actually the exact place where some of God’s richest provisions can be poured into our lives.

Although the entire book was a refreshing, thought-provoking read, a few favorite portions really stood out to me. The first was understanding how God’s provision of manna to the Israelites in the desert applied to me today - I’d never considered how this Old Testament story connected to my decision to trust God anew each day. Two other portions that really spoke to my heart arrived in the chapters entitled ‘Rest’ and ‘Revelation’. Rather than explaining their significance for me, however, I simply encourage you to find your own copy of “Thirsty for More”, and allow the truths that Allison has learned about God’s desert seasons speak to your heart, as we recognize the truths God is revealing in each of our lives... no matter what the season.

I am grateful to have received a copy of this book, free of charge, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Doug · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful book that’s also for us guys in spiritual deserts

No matter how long you’ve been a Christian, every one of us will find ourselves at one point or another in a spiritual desert: A time when we may feel God is far away and nowhere to be found.

In her new book, “Thirsty for More: Discovering God’s Unexpected Blessings in a Desert Season,” Allison Allen tells of her own spiritual desert that happened while she was pregnant and confined to bed rest while sitting on what she describes as her “Desert de Leather Couch” (page 95).

Published by Revell Reads, her 224-page book is a veritable journal of her sojourn through that desert while on her couch, where she discovers the three whys for the desert: Jesus uses the desert to reveal, restore and release the heart (page 37). In other words, there are things we find out about ourselves (what’s lurking in our hearts) in the desert we won’t discover any other way.

In one of her most profound chapters on solitude (Chapter 9, page 151), Allen writes, “In my little world, the difference between loneliness and solitude can be summed up in the way I experience them emotionally…For me, I’m coming to see that while loneliness revolves around the absence of people, solitude revolves around the presence of God.”

Overall, while Allison’s book is written mainly for and to women, it’s also for us guys who find ourselves in spiritual deserts.

I gave it a 4 out of 5 stars.

Full disclosure: In accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, I received this book free through the Bloggers Program of Revell Reads, a division of Baker Books. My opinions are my own and I wasn’t required to write a positive review.

© 2018 by Doug S., M.A.

[Aurelia Mast-glick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Discovering God's Unexpected Blessings in a Desert Season

I feel like there's something I need to be learning right now. Yesterday, I posted my review of "Silencing Insecurities" and to me at least, this book is great one to read next. This is a journey to more fully know God and to be more fully known, a journey to intimacy, strength, and blessing that comes only by walking first through the desert with God at our side.

Allison recounts her desert experience of being couch bound for three months and the way God used that time to point out things in her life that she needed to change. She points out the blessings that can come out of the desert. Some of the best wine and grapes are grown from grapevines whose roots go deep and whose plants have had some water stress or lack of water. Where can this happen? In a desert. It was interesting to me.

"Gather daily. Feast daily, Trust daily."

"What sustained us yesterday cannot sustain us today...And it is the bread we gather daily that will meet the ned and the hunger of each new day."

"Remember that the things at the top of your to-do list will never be more important than the people on your to-love list."

I just really enjoyed this book and I was reminded again that a close walk with God regardless of our external circumstances is the key to thriving, but sometimes it might take a walk through the desert to experience the full rich blessings of life and God.

I received this book from Revell and was not required to write a positive review.

[Chattynatty Van Waning · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thanks to Revell, division of Baker Publishing, for sending me this book to review.

I was really looking forward to diving into this book as I have been feeling, myself, like I’m in a spiritual desert. The subtitle- discovering God’s unexpected blessings in a desert season sounded like exactly what I needed.

The author had some good points that spoke to me. Here are a few...

Pg 29 “Surrender. Let go. These old things don’t serve you anymore.”

Pg 81 “endings not only are guaranteed but also can be for our good- if we allow them to change the way we live our now. “

Pg 83 “But still, mothering remains a holy challenge- one that requires leaning into the grace of Christ...Remember the closest relationships. Remember the mothering. In the en, this will be the only question on your lips: How well did I love those closest to me?”

In general I think I had too high of expectations for this book. It just didn’t seem to work for me. The flow of the author’s writing and the interwoven scripture readings just didn’t give me a lot to fulfill my needs. She skipped around from various times in her life she was in the desert spiritually. Just when I thought I’d get an answer to my own questions about what one can do at those times the writing would switch to another “desert” example or a bible verse(s). I would lose connection and hence disrupt my reading flow.

[Benjamin Liles · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can't mince words here, I wouldn't buy this book. It looked "interesting" to me to review, and when I got ready to review it I did two things: one, was to see who already reviewed it, Jeremy and Adie Camp; next, I did the best I could to read the book. At best, the sayings of the desert "fathers" as Allison quotes, don't have anything to say about Jesus, at all. Further, beyond that, I couldn't truthfully, "dig in" to the meat of the book. Do I think she means well about encouraging the Christ-follower to "come out of the desert refreshed?" I will give her that, but I don't see her hitting that mark showing herself approved to God in handling His word well. In all honesty, I had a problem with this book. I want to always be known as a man who loves God above and beyond all things, so to sign off on this book to say, "This is a must read," I can't in good conscience do that when I struggled for a week to reconcile what she's saying in her book. But it's not a critique on her personally. I think, truthfully, she strives with God daily, and that is commendable, but I really can't say, "Get this book."

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thirsty for More, by Allison Allen, is a powerful book that shows the readers that everyone goes through “dry times” where we wonder where God is or how He left something happen. It is through theses times that we see how God is there to help us through and help us grow. The author uses her personal experiences to give insight into how we can find God during those times and experience his blessing. She shows the reader how God uses these times in our lives to give us rest as well as strengthen us.
This is not a quick read book, but rather a book that is better read a little at a time and thought about. The chapters end with “Reflections” that contain a Bible passage and additional thoughts on the chapter topic. I enjoyed reading this book. I especially enjoyed how the author used her personal experiences to help the reader see that they can grown during hard times. I think this would be a good choice for a Bible study.
I received this book from Revell Publishing, this is my honest review.

[Pauline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Allison Allen will be speaking at our church’s women’s conference in January. Her topic is based on this book so I wanted to read it ahead of time to get “a feel” for her heart, understanding of Scripture, and style. I’m still looking forward to the conference, but the book wasn’t quite as deep as I’d hoped for. The book brought out good points which those of us who have walked in our own spiritual deserts can “amen” and ones to ponder as we enter deserts in the future. But, for me the quotations from the Catholic desert fathers and mothers had no value at all. They were distracting. Just give me Scripture, I don’t know that desert dwelling “monks” can add to my Christian experience. There was value in this book and if you are going through a difficult time yourself it’s worth reading. The most valuable thing I have taken away and will remember, is that God uses the desert times to give fresh hope, reinvigorated worship, and restored fruitfulness. I look forward to seeing how she handles the conference.

[Rachael Trovillion · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was part of the launch team and received an advanced copy to read. I highly recommend this book...especially if you are in the midst of what feels like a quiet season. I was so encouraged by this read and I feel like my prayer life has deepened due to this book. I have more questions and am so encouraged to ask of them. This book was an encouraging reminder to over and over wave the flag, let go of my expectations, my need to control. There were so many stories from the bible brought to life for me also. Being reminded of who I am.....I personally get really encouraged by authors who bring scripture to life. This book made me look at the quiet season in a whole new light and I am forever grateful for reading this!!! This would also make a great gift for a sister you may be walking beside who speaks to a dry feeling, a quiet season, afraid to sit still with God. This will certainly be an encouraging testimony for her to read!!!

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

We have all experienced a desert season spiritually. A time when we think God doesn’t hear or care about our circumstances. Sometimes we even think this desert is a punishment from God. But what if it isn’t?

What if our destiny is about to flourish but only if we venture into the desert with the living God? From her own personal desert experience and digging into God’s word about it, she reveals that it is God himself who leads us into the desert. Not to punish us but to speak tenderly in the depth of our being where rivers of hope will spring again. She reminds us from Hosea that the Lord restores vineyards that were lost but not until we enter the desert with him. I love this woman of God, her heart and her message! If you are in a dry season or know someone who is, then this book will refresh your soul as it leads you to the only one who is living water himself.

[Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Allison Allen's book, Thirsty for More shes talks about discovering God's unexpected blessings in a desert season. We thirst for God's nearness when we are in the desert seasons.

She writes, one of the blessings the desert teaches us is strength and confidence. A holy confidence that, in Christ, we are capable of more than we previously believed. And sometimes to prove such a thing to our timid hearts, he walks us into the desert, where we have no choice but to go through the experience we are convinced we cannot weather. And when we do, we have the assurance that we can follow him into whatever comes next.

This book is very encouraging. She shows how God can use these times in our lives to reveal himself to us. God shows us his plan for us, restores our souls, and give us strength.

[victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very good word writing and compelling to read with also encouraging and very insight straight in to the point of our life by comparing to the situation and emotion feels scant and loneliness, straggle with all the different kind of the problem that we are all had in our life sometime and that make you feel like standing by the desert trying to find the answer looking for hope and help dropping to our life. This book will be reminding us of no matter how the weather that we have to face of but God’s will be always with you. I highly recommend to everyone must to read this book. “ I receive complimentary a copy of this book from Revell Reads for this review”.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I needed to read this book, it honestly came a perfect time for me. I have been in a desert place. I don’t feel I am fully out of it yet, but I believe my perspective has changed thanks to reading this book.

I have never pictured a desert place as a place I would want to be, or where I can grow. But I see maybe I am growing more than ever before. Things can grow in the desert places.

Allison share’s her own desert experience and how God used that to grow her. I appreciated the back and forth between her own story and practical application.


A copy of this book was given to me by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Missy · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Christians we aren't promised perfect lives but we are promised to be surrounded and covered by the love of a perfect God. Even through our desert seasons God remains a good and blessings can be found, we just have to open our eyes and look for them. Allison Allen does a remarkable job of helping us stop and look for the blessings in the driest parts of our lives.

I was honored to be on the Launch Team for this book and all opinions are my own.

[Lori Jorgensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a seasoned Christian you haven’t experienced life without a season in the desert. During that time I needed a reminder that God had me and didn’t forsake me. I was still growing and receiving blessings. God heard me and was answering me. This book walks you through that season incredibly well!!! This book is on my shelf as a go to.

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good look at how God can be at work in us during our “desert seasons.” Allison does a great job of explaining what these seasons are, and how we can embrace them to grow as people of faith. Her own stories combine with Scripture wonderfully to create a clear and compelling work. If you’re in your own desert, this is a great book to turn to.

[Truly Trendy PR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thirsty for More: Discovering God's Unexpected Blessings in a Desert Season is a lovely book full of scripture and reflection that is sure to inspire your faith in God. A book full of personal stories of struggle that let you know you are not alone. A lovely refreshing book of hope and love.

[Holly Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is sssooo good!
I would read each chapter thinking how applicable it was to my life!
Allison Allen brought a new depth of understanding to scripture and to other things in life like how great wine grows in Israel:)!
Great and powerful read!

[Jen Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is helping me through a desert season right now.
Understanding how important and appointed desert walks can be, and that blessings are within and through it have really helped me SO MUCH!

[Patty Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Hand over that jerky stick so I can provide filet mignon.” Allison Allen has a way of showing that God will provide what we need, when we need it, and no more. Inspiring.

[Emily Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written-- encouraging, uplifting, convicting, and so full of hope! A MUST read for every follower of Jesus!!!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

In three words: open. Honest. Satisfying.

[Caitlin (CMAReads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book for those that may be in a desert season or have been in one. The author goes through the different phases of a desert season and what can come from it.

[Julia Vazquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely in love with this his book. Very insightful and a great inspiration for those battling through the desert.
Faith is always present.
A must read.

[Jennifer Beard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exactly what I needed to hear this week. Note to self - reread in a spiritual dry season.