Fiercehearted: Live Fully, Love Bravely

by Holley Gerth

A fiercehearted woman looks life in the face and says, "You can't beat me." She knows love is a risk but reaches out anyway. She chases Jesus with a tender, world-changing wildness. She never gives in, never gives up, and never lets go. Best of all, the potential to be a fiercehearted woman is inside each and every woman on earth.In her most powerful book yet, beloved bestselling author Holley Gerth inspires her readers to become the stronger, braver, truer women they long to be by sharing personal stories of her own struggles and victories. As readers join Holley on this journey, they'll discover a freedom they never imagined could be the freedom to experience life, love, and faith to the fullest because fear can no longer hold them back.For the woman who is restless or longing for more, Fiercehearted is an invitation to the life God has always meant for her to embrace.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian, Faith, Christian Non Fiction, Christian Living, Religion, Audiobook

220 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 3, 2017

About the author

Holley Gerth likes humans, words, and good coffee. She's also a Wall Street Journal bestselling author with over 500,000 copies sold.

Find out more about her new release, What Your Mind Needs for Anxious Moments.

Reviews

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This year I've made it a point to read more non-fiction than before. While I've gleaned something from all of them, I've come to realize that I'm most drawn to those authors who are less "how-to" and more "me too." Holley Gerth's newest, Fiercehearted, is one such book. In each chapter, Gerth shares candidly about her journey to this point in her life. By using story, she teaches truths that uplift and confirm the very things that I, as a woman, sometimes forget are true of myself, as well as others. For me, the chapters were the perfect length. I could read one or two chapters in the morning or just before bed, with the little time allowed, or I could settle in for a longer period and read through several chapters at a time.

From the reminder not to glorify busy-ness - "Believing we can have it all, all the time, is a myth and a lie and a joy-stealer" - to the relief of knowing who guides our steps - "We don't have to go big or go home. We can just be obedient and leave the results to God," and other deep truths, I found in her words a balm for my heart. I read through it quickly and eagerly, and i hope to re-read it again. I can see this being something that I read and glean something new, something that has specific meaning at that point in my life, as certain passages did this time. Fiercehearted is one of my favorite non-fiction titles of the year and in general one of my favorites reads of the year. Highly recommended.

[Katja Labonté · Rating 5 out of 5]

5+ stars (9/10 hearts). Wow. I was not expecting to love this. But the introduction had me in tears, and almost every chapter after that made me cry.

Honestly, I firmly believe needed this book and God gave it to me—through my wonderful grandma—because otherwise there is no way I would have heard of it or even tried it. I don’t know if it’s for everyone, but it was amazing for me. I had no idea there was someone else out there with the same struggles and fears as I had. I swear this woman could be an alter-ego of mine in some things. It blew me away, how many of the things she admitted to that I could relate to.

There’s way too much to this book for me to unpack, but here’s a small sample:
~having courage
~letting go of perfection
~fearlessly accepting + chasing the dreams God gave you
~accepting the parts of yourself you hate + seeing how God can use them
~accepting how He made you
~accepting conflict + handling it well
~having faith
~living simply, aka, not chasing perfection
~letting others see the real you
~having hope
~letting go of the safety line + being brave
~being present in your story
~praying
~accepting God’s grace over your mess
~letting go and moving forwards
~finding your true worth
~navigating relationships
~choosing joy
~loving + being kind

I may not agree 100% with all the theology in this book. I don’t agree with the multiple Bible versions used (i.e., NIV, NASB, NLT). But this book just blessed me so much, encouraged me so much, strengthened me so much. It is absolutely beautiful. The writing style is breathlessly gorgeous—so sweet and vivid and well done—I can’t even describe it! Truly one of the most beautiful styles I have ever read. I loved reading about Holley and her family and adventures and experiences. I loved all the quotes she shared, the tips and tricks she threw in, the humour she flavoured it all with. This is a book I will be rereading frequently—at least twice a year, maybe more often—because it is just so, so helpful to me. I need these reminders often.

Content: a few undetailed mentions of infertility, the wedding night, pregnancy, adultery, divorce.

[Cara Putman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book met me where I am right now. A woman who is frazzled and determined, tired and committed. In the print version, I turned it into a devotional of sorts by writing out prayers after each short chapter. I also listened to the audio version, and because the author narrates the book, it felt like we were sitting down across from each other. Her vulnerability and realness has challenged me to be more open about where I'm living. Not for the sake of being perfect, or pretty, or loved, but because I know who I am and Whose I am and because of that I can love from a position of strength. This book simply whispered hope and that I am seen into my soul at a time I desperately needed that reminder. I highly recommend this book.

[Mary Jackson _TheMaryReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are stronger than we think because of The Lord. Garth's latest book has that message all through it.

It is a message we all need to hear. Garth wants you to look life in the face and say You can't beat me.

This is a very powerful book and one that I hope everyone who reads it takes to heart the message it holds.

Begin living Fierceheart today, get your copy. I will be rereading this one over and over again.

I gave this book 5 stars and I HIGHLY recommend it. Share it with your best Friend, I know I am.

The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.

[Cat T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

So deep and lovely. I always like this style of book, a collection of musings and essays on life. Soo rich, and I already want to reread it, haha. I loved the introvert manifesto in The Powerful Purpose of Introverts: Why the World Needs You to Be You and there were so many statements and manifestos like that in here. Shame I read the e-book and didn't get the full beauty of those pages. Overall so, so good, soul-touching, and inspiring.

[S.G. Willoughby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing. Just, wow. <3 My friend had raved about it for so long that I finally decided to splurge and buy it for myself.

I'm so glad it did. This book has quickly risen to my list of top ten favorites. And that's saying something, as every reader knows.

Every chapter was like an emotional breath of fresh air. God used it to begin healing parts of my heart that felt too broken to make it past the walls I'd put up.

I don't have the words. This book made me laugh as I read it in the dark with a flashlight. And cry. Cry in the car at doctor appointments. Cry into my pillow while the rest of the household slept. And wrestle with my heart as I went through life trying to be strong.

But that strength wasn't courage. The niceness wasn't kindness. But with God, and in His grace, I'm learning to be fiercehearted. I hope.

Holley's raw, personal writing was wonderful. It was easy to read, and felt like I was talking to a friend. A friend who loves God a lot and is really good at compassion and comfort, and speaking the hard truth.

It was timely for me in ways that I just mentioned... relationships and healing from a long-term illness especially. But it was also timely for me in that I'd just become an author when I started it. And it was such a blessing to me that Hollet shared her own writing and author struggles. It helped me to know that something wasn't wrong with me because I have no idea what I'm doing. So that was great too.

I wish I could buy this for so many girls and women I know. Alas, it's not in my budget, but to be sure, I WILL be giving this as gifts in the future. A lot, I suspect.

[Kaitlyn Bouchillon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down, this is Holley's best book yet. (That's saying a lot, since she's written over a dozen books and is a Wall Street Journal bestselling author.) With vulnerability and honesty, Holley invites readers to join her as she learns what it looks like to live fully and love bravely. This is not a "how to" book; this is a "me too" book. I'll be reading this one several times, that's for sure. If anything at all about the book description resonates with you (how could it not?), I highly recommend reading Fiercehearted. It's a five star read.

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intense. Sincere. Full of laughter and tears. Holley Gerth has a way of writing the reader into the conversation so it feels like you're sitting across the table in some cozy cafe as you share your story with the best listener in the world. She writes with the kind of heart and candor that has the power to encourage change.

A much needed change where I am concerned. Because -- true confession time -- I'm a scaredy-cat. I've read the fictional accounts of fiercehearted heroines and basked in their glory while knowing deep down that I could never live as fully or bravely. But then Ms. Gerth comes along and starts changing my mind. I start thinking that maybe, just maybe, I could become the fiercehearted heroine of my own story.

Her words are sweet and smooth and encouraging as she candidly bears her soul and invites me to do the same. As I dig deep I find a hidden core of fierceness I didn't know was there. I realize that I can be that woman -- the kind *"who defends like a warrior and weeps like a girl." And I suddenly want to *"chase Jesus with a tender, world-changing wildness." And a glorious bubble of joy bursts from deep within me and I'm suddenly aware of all kinds of possibilities. So, yeah, that's the kind of impact this book has made on me.

*words in italics taken from the poem, Fiercehearted Woman, p 9

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.

[Hailey Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet friend gifted this to me this week and I did not intend to read it in one sitting this morning, but that's what happened. I will definitely be going back through more slowly and copying out my highlights into my journal. Lovelle's story of redemption and restoration brought me to tears.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Holley Gerth wrote of this book, “When you get to the end of these pages, I want you to also be able to say with certainty, ‘I’m not the only one.’ I want all of us to feel less alone and more comfortable in our God-sewn skin and a little surer that we are a force to be reckoned with in this world.” And she accomplished her purpose with me! Recommended!

[Anne Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would have rated this book much higher except that each chapter was like a mouth-watering appetiser instead of a satisfying meal. Too short - far, far too short - for my taste. Just as I was getting into it, the story (and its thought) stopped. This of course would be great for people who love short self-contained segments but I like longer chews.

Nevertheless, some beautiful and poetic thoughts.

The Hebrew word "helper" that is used for woman is ezer. It is derived from the Hebrew word used of God and the Holy Spirit, "azar." Both mean "heIper"-one who comes alongside to aid or assist.
King David wrote, "O Lord, be my helper" (ps. 30:10 NASB) … Ezer appears twenty-one times in the Old Testament. Two times it is used of the woman in Genesis 2, sixteen times it is used of God or Yahweh as the helper of his people. The remaining three references appear in the books of the prophets, who use it in reference to military aid. (Quoted from Sharon Jaynes in How Jesus Broke the Rules to Set You Free.)

Our lives have all the “lovely brevity of wildflowers" (Ps. 103-15 NLT).

They weren’t poised in flowery dresses giving professional talks about how to be better or stronger. Their lives were about how God had met them and was faithful in the broken places. Their stories, their lives, were their messages. (Quote from Sheila Walsh)

I suddenly asked, “Jesus, will you good for me?” I didn’t mean “good for me” in the way we say it about broccoli or wearing sunscreen. I meant it like, “Will you be good in my place? In other words will you touch the rafters for me? Will you be perfect on my behalf? Will you cover over all the errors in the script of my life with the red pen that is the cross?” And you know what? He said yes. Because the scandalous miracle of the gospel is that he always says yes to prayers like that one, however strangely worded or timed they may be. ... I have been a grace-plus girl. Grace plus my efforts. Grace plus my goodness. Grace plus my trying. All those pluses only subtract from what Jesus is freely giving me. What has already been mine for so long.


In grad school I studied the different kinds kind of losses. I’m sure I memorized them all at some point to pass a test, but I can only remember one right now. I even remember the multiple choice question about it: “Which type of loss is the most difficult to treat?” Answer: C (ambiguous loss). An ambiguous loss is one that is not entirely clear. Perhaps it might not even happen - or at least not yet. It’s not necessarily the saddest kind of loss. It just poses unique challenges because it offers no closure only wondering and some confusion. Uncertainty makes a fine mess of the usual grieving process.

Then recently I learned about dysthymia (also known as persistent depressive disorder). It is a milder, chronic form of depression. This is what I have. If major depression is the flu, then dysthymia is that annoying, drawn-out cold you just can’t shake. It’s likely you’re still able to make breakfast and get the kids out the door to school, show up at your desk and finish the project, or put on a brave face for a couple of hours at the birthday party. But inside you’re often longing to nap with a comfy blanket on the couch for oh about a year. In other words, you’re present in your own life but not fully there - you’re not really you. At least the best version of yourself.

[Jalynn Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

About the Book:

A fiercehearted woman looks life in the face and says, "You can't beat me." She knows love is a risk but reaches out anyway. She chases Jesus with a tender, world-changing wildness. She never gives in, never gives up, and never lets go. Best of all, the potential to be a fiercehearted woman is inside each and every woman on earth.

In her most powerful book yet, beloved bestselling author Holley Gerth inspires her readers to become the stronger, braver, truer women they long to be by sharing personal stories of her own struggles and victories. As readers join Holley on this journey, they'll discover a freedom they never imagined could be theirs: the freedom to experience life, love, and faith to the fullest because fear can no longer hold them back.

For the woman who is restless or longing for more, Fiercehearted is an invitation to the life God has always meant for her to embrace.



My Review:

As women we are pictured as weak and vulnerable, meek if you will. For the most part that is true about us. But no one and I mean absolutely no one can fight for our families in the spiritual realm like we can. We are not afraid to get on our knees before God and fight whoever we have to, to win our win families to Christ or stand in and intercede for them.



Holley Gerth is teaching us how to fight where we are at. No looking for bigger and better but to stand and fight where we are at with what we are equipped with already. Sometimes, we as women and as a witness need to reach out to others with our own stories. Those stories of how God found us in our mess and brought us out of it. We share His grace with others and His freedom. We hand them the magic key out of the muck that the devil continues to drag us through.


Embrace your life that you have been given and share with others and stand beside them to teach them how to fight and to help ourselves in this battle called "life". The author takes scenes from your every day life and rips it apart and shows you how to respond like a warrior. Phenomenal read! Great encourager!


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

[Victoria W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever met with a friend at a coffee shop? You know, the kind of visit where the conversation ebbs and flows between fond reminiscing, thoughtful silence, fulfilling laughter, and hard truths of life. They are those rare occasions where you can be vulnerable with someone who's on your side, even when it's hard. Fiercehearted is like one of those coffee shop packages wrapped up in between two covers.

Holley's heart for the message she's sharing and its intended audience shines through on each page. With honesty and vulnerability, Holley bridges the gap between readers and author to share the lessons about leaning in and living a full life of love and kindness (which certainly isn't always nice) she has gleaned through her own journey.

Holley's vulnerability in sharing her own past and struggles helps lend depth and credibility to her message. While the call to live fiercely can feel almost sermonized when shared in the wrong ways, Holley comes across as walking alongside. You get the impression that maybe, at times, both author and reader are sharing some tears.

Yes, this book may invoke some tears. Holley lives out her message in the text going into topics that require some bravery and wrestling with hard emotions. Honestly, this is not a quick read if you want to get the full impact, this is a book to be read thoughtfully.

5 out of 5 stars.

I received this book as part of the Revell book tour. The opinions expressed are my own and uninfluenced.

[E.A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerfully moving with fresh honesty that goes beyond the “normal” things to admit. Holley Gerth expresses her deepest, heartfelt longings with a rich, descriptive hand and invites readers to join her as she dives deep into the reality of what it is to be a woman and to have flaws.

I got this book several months ago and—sadly—couldn't get to it until now, but as most things tend to happen, it came at the perfect time. The holidays were over and I was able to curl up with this book and devour it in big, over-large chucks that fed my soul in ways I can barely find words to describe.

I absolutely loved the format of this book. Each chapter was only a few pages and felt more like reading Holley’s journal entries. That, or personalized posts created just for the empty space my heart needed it to fill.

I think this book can be life-changing for those who read with an open heart. To hear Holley’s message that it’s possible to be brave—to be fiercehearted—even when you feel the least bold. To hear her heart for true beauty and her realization that who you are made to be is exactly who you need to be.

I recommend this for all types of women. Those who are outgoing, those who are shy, those who are doing well, and those who are struggling.

_______________
I received this book for free but was under no obligation to post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.

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

Thank you to Revell books for providing me with a free review copy of this book. All opinions in this blog are my own. (Look at the gorgeous cover!)

Wow, this book was phenomenal. The entire time I read it, I felt as if I were sitting with Holley and having a conversation with her. Her writing is very conversational like – it’s warm and inviting. She opens up deep, dark parts of her lives and invites the reader in.

Each chapter involves a different scene and different wisdom. I appreciated the approach of this book because it makes it applicable to whatever you are going through. She tucks so much wisdom into stories that are only a few pages long. The whole time I was reading, I felt as if she was speaking directly to my soul; God was present the whole time, too. There were many passages that encouraged and convicted and challenged me.

I appreciated the raw vulnerability that Holley put into the book. It would’ve been easy to be vague and still include the wisdom, but she does the opposite. She meets you in the middle of your struggle and points you back to Jesus. The whole book is dedicated to Him and His wisdom.

Please go get yourselves a copy of this book when it comes out on October 3. It’s soul refreshing. I guarantee you will laugh and cry while reading this book. It really couldn’t have came at a better time.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Mary Kenyon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner from Holley Gerth. This book inspired and lifted me. I ended up blogging about it. https://tinyurl.com/wu48bpx

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's not often I find a book written by an introvert! She has a beautiful way of writing and painting pictures of God's love for everyone. I really enjoyed this book!

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are not enough words to describe this book adequately. If you are a woman, read it. If you know a woman, get it for her. If you love a woman, give it as a gift.

[Sarah Elmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holley's words greeted me with a hug each time I opened this book to read a few more chapters. I laughed, cried, and felt her whisper "me too" countless times. Appropriately, my favorite quote from the book was, "They have seen the barest skin of life and have still called it beautiful." and I feel like that's what took place in my life while reading this book. I enjoyed every bit of it!

[Cheryl Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an encouraging book. Loved author Holley Gerth's openness and vulnerability in sharing honestly from her life and lessons learned. This is a book women of all ages can enjoy and benefit from. Definitely recommend.

[Joanne Viola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holley's books always seem to speak to my heart so it surprised me when I realized this book is my favorite one so far. Maybe it is just that the timing was right. But something tells me the timing will always be right for this one!

Holley writes so that it feels like she is writing just for you and speaking just to you. Her words encourage and uplift, like an infusion of courage right to the soul. She shares transparently so that I found myself believing in me. I found myself wrapped in words which pushed me to be braver than I thought I could be. She made me realize God deposits strength and courage in each of us not because we are strong in ourselves, but because He is strong for us.

The book is rich with quotes from others which confirm Holley's powerful message "to live fully and love bravely."

Fiercehearted is the story of whom we all can become as we trust in God to work and transform our lives. A must read!

[Lori Jorgensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every day women struggle to find freedom, joy, and purpose. We don't find that freedom by trying harder. We find it in embracing the fiercehearted woman inside of us. Join Holly hand in hand as she walks you on the pathway to find that woman inside you.

[Carrie Daws · Rating 3 out of 5]

With phrases born and bred in the south, Holley speaks gently yet passionately to women everywhere: you are not the only one. Not the only one who dreams of perfection and shows up covered in mud or imagines graceful swan dives that turn into painful bellyflops. This isn't the kind of book where you dive deep and walk away with a detailed plan for the future, but rather the kind where you sit back and take a deep breath as you realize that you're not doing so bad in this life after all.

But Holley doesn't leave you there in your comfort. She graces your shoulders with a gentle tug that encourages you to figure out that in the process of accepting yourself, God offers so much more. It's not that God wants to change who you are--He wants to grow who He already made you to be so that you can affect the world for Him. As she writes in the Introduction, "When I stepped into this book, I crossed a line. I found myself in a new place of living more fully, loving more boldly, and showing up as I really am in ways I hadn't quite dared before. This, I discovered, is the vast and wild and beautiful territory of the fiercehearted. It is who we are, who we've been all along. Where we belong. Come with me?"

[Natalie Walters · Rating 3 out of 5]

An encouraging book to help woman find their fierceness and live bravely in it. An anecdote begins each chapter where Ms. Gerth tells a personal story about how she's struggled to believe in her worth, purpose, and sometimes just the simple day-to-day struggles of being a daughter, wife, mom, and friend. The chapters are small, making this a quick book to read or one that can be a chapter a day read. Ms. Gerth uses a handful of Bible Scripture but less than I expected. However, Ms. Gerth consistently reminds readers that God created them with a fire inside to live boldly, freely, and without fear. There's also Discussion Questions at the back, which would make this a great book to offer in a book club.

No matter what season in life a reader finds themselves in, this book offers sweet encouragement through funny, poignant, and personal stories shared to inspire readers to embrace the Fierce Hearted woman inside them.

***I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

[Michelle Farrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that I want anyone I care about (or even those I don't) to read. AND it's a book that I would feel comfortable letting anyone read (YAY for clean, GOOD books). It was so beautifully written and tender. So many authors try for the "I'm your friend, let's have a chat" tone, but rarely do any of them actually achieve it. After reading this book, I really do feel like Holley is my friend. She GETS me, has great advice, words of encouragement, and just the right amount of humor. I picked this book up not knowing what it was about, and was surprised by its Christian messages. This doesn't feel like a "church book," but rather, a book written by someone who truly understands that God is a part of our lives, so He is naturally brought into the conversation when talking about life. This is one that I would read again, give as a gift to a friend, and keep on my shelves for reference. It's a short, refreshing read by someone who really does have your best interest at heart, and is willing to share her life experiences in the hopes that they will help you. Loved it. Now I want to go read all of her other stuff.

[Shannan Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by Holley Gerth. I am going to have to read some of her other ones now because this was so good. I loved the honesty in this book. The author shared personal experiences in each chapter, then related them to how she is the woman she is today. I was able to relate to quite a bit and I appreciated the insight that she gave. She was very real throughout this book and I honestly really enjoyed it. I highly recommend this book to every woman.

I received this book from the publisher and all statements are my honest opinion.

[S.M. Boren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased this book from Amazon to read with @kaylasonlyheart. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Fiercehearted Live Fully, Love Bravely by Holley Gerth. From putting on your writing cap to finding the right cap for a run to having lunch in your favorite restaurant every woman struggles to embrace the fierceheartedness inside all of us. Holley reminds us that our walk with God isn't always perfect but true faith is and it's already inside of you and only you can embrace that. This book had me laughing and crying all in the same week. Review also posted on Instagram @borenbooks, Library Thing, Go Read, Goodreads/StacieBoren, Amazon, Twitter @jason_stacie and my blog at readsbystacie.com

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite book Holley Gerth has authored. I honestly wasn’t expecting that, but she writes this one in a vulnerable way that drew me into her stories that reminded me of my own stories.

Everyone has their own hard parts of life, but Holley’s words in this book spoke right into my life as if she was cheering me on. Through her words, I remembered I can’t control others or their reaction, rested in the truth that loosening my grip isn’t giving up, and was assured as I take some steps to let God make me whole.

I want to live in a bolder yet kinder way and “Fiercehearted” gave me insight into doing so.