Here, Now: Unearthing Peace and Presence in an Overconnected World

by Kate Merrick

What if our truest life is the one right in front of us? Does life sometimes seem to be passing you by? Are you so busy—with email to check, Instagram to scroll through, and friends to be envious of—that you’ve become disconnected from your actual life? You know, the one you are living right here, right now? With hilariously relatable confessions and profoundly beautiful insights, Kate Merrick invites us to stop running away from the lives we’re living today and instead walk in the peace and fullness God offers moment to moment. She shows us how to Only when we look honestly at our hearts and have the courage to live truly present do we receive the gifts of God found in all of life’s seasons—the painful ones, the big and beautiful ones, and even the ordinary ones.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Christian, Memoir, Christian Living, Faith, Spirituality

224 pages, Paperback

Published April 2, 2019

Reviews

[Sassy Sarah Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here, Now: Unearthing Peace and Presence in an Overconnected World by Kate Merrick

4 stars

“We are here, now.”

Kate Merrick’s story picks up with her family leaving their small California surfing town for Israel to find a curable treatment for her daughter, Daisy’s cancer. Here, Now looks at the family’s time in Israel becoming completely unplugged from media and learning to connect to those around them as well as God. This novel offers the challenging question of what does it mean for us to become unplugged and find peace and the presence of God in a world that encourages you to be connected superficially but not genuinely connected to those in your present life. This novel has some incredibly touching moments especially the moments about Daisy and her son as well as Phi, their daughter who God gave them a year after Daisy’s passing. I loved the family aspect of this novel. It was sweet and it was interesting to follow a family’s experience in Israel and connecting to the people. I loved the conversations about the Sabbath (which is important) and her commentary on Mary of Bethany (who has become one of my favorite women of the Bible in this season of my life). This novel really dives into how Mary of Bethany choose to bask in the presence of Jesus in contrast to her sister Martha who chooses to clamor about the house and worry over worldly expectations. Merrick tackles this scripture beautifully and I loved its inclusion to the central idea that being unplugged is a good thing and can help us put being present with God over having a presence on the Internet. I wasn’t always the biggest fan of Merrick’s writing. Often times I found myself getting pulled out and at times I loved how she chose to wove words together. I think the thing I noticed was that there is a tendency for two types of prose in her style overly polished and completely chaotic (which is on par with valley girl writing). Neither of these are bad styles, but I wish that there was a more cohesive flow. This book didn’t always blow me away but it did inspire to lay off of Facebook and Instagram during finals week at the beginning of May and I was much more present in the world with my friends and had more intimate time with God. I do recommend this one and I think many people will be challenge and convicted by its themes on rest, partaking in the Sabbath, trusting in the beauty of God through the decay of the world, and checking baggage and ourselves. This novel offers some important commentary on a world that is too obsessed with being plugged in by an author who has no problem unplugging completely.

Whimsical Writing Scale: 3.75

Plotastic Scale: 4.25

Cover Thoughts: I love and adore this cover. The striking yellow cursive with the white background. It’s beautiful.

Thank you, Netgalley and Thomas Nelson, for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

[Brooke Hankins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh man, as of today, the book is officially out, so I say wholeheartedly - you need to read this book.

I had the privilege of reading the book a little early, not for reviewing purposes, but because Kate is a dear friend and gifted me a copy to read.

I use the word gifted twofold, because I believe this book really is a gift to anyone who reads it. Kate is a wonderful storyteller who makes you feel like you are having coffee with a friend and mentor. There is truth, laughter, conviction, grace, tears, comfort and inspiration to be found within these pages. This was exactly what my heart needed to hear.

I also want to offer as a personal challenge/encouragement to anyone who chooses to read the book to take a little break from social media while you are reading it! It will be maybe one week of your life. I did, and I found myself more readily available to be present in this life I am living with the people I live it with; soaking in the joy to be found.

Even if you find yourself pretty stoked on your life, I believe Kate has a unique perspective that is going to inspire and encourage you to be more present in whatever season you are in.

[Jenni Moeller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this memoir of sorts as Kate takes us through her personal journey to less technologically and more presence with those in her life. It was the perfect read for me at this time as I feel SO drained after being on my phone searching the web or social media sites. Just what I needed to remind me to take part in the blessings of today by being present with God and others.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Between Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, emails, my blog, and more…I’m always connected. While it’s a great tool, I don’t want to miss out on what life has to offer! Kate echos the same feelings. I don’t think this book could have come at a better time. I think everyone needs to read this one. This was another book that I felt like I was talking with a friend over coffee while I was reading it. Not only does this book focus on putting the phone down, but it also talks about the don’ts of social media, something that we all need to be reminded of from time to time. It’s an emotional read in more ways than one – realizing how you act upon your social media life choices as well as what Kate has gone through herself. I can’t wait to hear what you all think of it as well. Thank you Thomas Nelson for gifting me a copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Becky Giovagnoni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much I had to limit myself to one chapter a day so I didn't finish it too quickly. And upon finishing my library copy, I promptly bought it so I could read it again.

Kate's personal story is moving, her message is compelling and I am in love with her writing style. I cannot wait to read more from her.

[Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed the parts about the Merrick's Israel experience, and there are some good thoughts/reminders on being present and showing up for your real life (not the one you wish you had), privacy, and also that we have to go a step beyond quitting social media and get out of our comfort zones and be intentional about relationships. For the most part, though, there is a lot of informal, introspective fluff, more akin to a blog post; as it was, it didn't seem fleshed out or polished enough for a book. I would have preferred if it was more along the lines of a memoir, more detail and depth about living off the grid in Israel, specifically.

[Jennifer Malech · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book that I am going to come back to time and time again, as a reminder to be here now, right here in the present life that God has gifted me. I love the practicality that is offered in this book, the gentle reminders of how we can show up in our own life and for one another. The stories shared in this book are both beautiful and fun. I promise you that you won't regret picking up this book!

[Kari Butcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not into self-help style books but my friend felt this book was life-changing and I knew the social media/technology addiction piece was what I needed to hear, so I gave it a go!

I took some notes which I’ll drop below (mainly for me to reference), but this book definitely challenged how we use technology and social media (and how MUCH we use it) and offered the positive “light at the end of the tunnel” if we’re able to back off that and break some long standing addictions.

Being that I run a business online, therefore Facebook serves as a revenue tool for me currently, I’m not in a position to drop it completely, but can surely set limits and make adjustments that allow me to free up wasted time and be more present for my family and “real life” friends, thus feeling more peaceful myself.

My commitment… Only be on Facebook on “odd days” and on the “even days” when I do get on, get in and out (no endless scrolling and steer clear of the rabbit holes of reels and other videos).

Personally I love sharing moments on Facebook to serve as a MEMORY of our lives (for me and my kids), so I’d like to shift my focus more toward digital scrapbooking and saving memories in that way. It won’t be easy and I won’t be perfect, but awareness and making a plan is the first step and this book helped me do that!

My personal notes…

1 - A Collection of Moments
* get in and get out (don’t get sucked into time wasters - scrolling on socials, online shopping, watching video content, news)

2 - Baggage Claim
* Mealtimes are a gift. (family dinners)

3 - #killyourwifi
* “From online chatter to information and entertainment overconsumption, we exist in a constant state of overwhelm.”
* “We say yes to these things without thinking them through first, without counting the cost - that every single thing we bring into our minds and homes and lives costs time and attention that has to come from somewhere - usually from the things and people most important to us.”
* “Permission to draw lines, boundaries that aren’t necessarily for keeping others out but for keeping ourselves intact.”
* Jewish Shabbat/Sabbath (Sunday) - food, family/friends, rest/relaxation, lighting candle for God

4 - A Bad Case of FOMO
* “Look up from your screen and see what YOU have.” (comparison is the thief of joy)
* “In addition to the freedom from the pressure to perform, I noticed that I really enjoyed not knowing everyone’s business.” (cultivated contentment by getting rid of comparison)
* “It’s time to put our social media into submission. Let it be a fun side dish, not the full meal.”
* “You have a choice of how you will let FOMO serve you: Will you fear missing out on other people’s’ lives or will you fear missing out on your own?”

5 - Knocked Off My High Horse
* moments of connection (with-ness)

6 - Crisscross Applesauce
* “We are more prone to distraction… the act of being present is LEARNED.” (prioritize what’s important in that moment)

11 - Queen Size Courage
* “I have equipped you for such a time as this.”

12 - Valuable Souvenirs
* “Today is all you have, it’s all anyone has.”

[Emily Taravella · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so touching, as the author shared what it was like to have her priorities completely shifted during the last month’s of her daughter’s life. As I read it, I realized how many of my own priorities need to shift. I’ve long been convinced I spend too much time online, and too much time on shallow or trivial pastimes that add no value to my life. This book made me feel I need to actually change how I live. As the author focused on being present in the moment and with the people in her life, she became more acutely aware of life’s beauty. She savored the moments with the people she loves. I hope I can follow her example. This would be a great book for a study or book club. It’s well written, heartfelt and inspiring.

[Kayla Hollatz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was first attracted to this book because of its subtitle. I love reading stories about slow, intentional living so I thought I'd give this a try. The first half was great, but the last few chapters were so scattered, it almost felt like a different book. I have some sentences underlined but I will likely only reference the first few chapters in the future. Overall, it was a fine one-time read but I've enjoyed others on this subject more.

[Sharon Mckeeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book we NEED. Our world is pulling us in a million directions and creating so much noise. Like Kate I know what it feels like to lose a child and how that puts life into perspective. I am thankful for her voice calling us to be present and look for peace in each moment. This is an important book that will create space for your soul to breathe.

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

An incredible story of a family who has walked through massive loss and trauma and come out the other side more deeply connected to each other and to the Lord. This book was so timely for me as we evaluate our own family rhythms after a crazy year of everything slowing way down - and we proceed with caution and care to not just resume life “as normal”.

[Melissa Harrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has profoundly impacted my view on basically everything in my life lol. Everyone needs to put this on their 2024 list. It’s actually several years old and the things she speaks to our even worse today than they were when it was written!

[Rachel Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Definitely caused me to reflect on the amount of time I’m connected to social media vs being connected to the present and those around me.
Such real touch points and things to put into practice!

[Sarah Cummins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully convicting read. I’m grateful for the wisdom Kate shares in these pages!!!

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started out really strong. Author was describing her last ditch trip to Israel to try and get special treatment for her daughter dying of cancer and the focus of the book is how that experience made her whole family rethink using social media and how to use it more purposely after going off the grid to deal with her daughter's sickness and death.

About halfway through, I felt the author got off track. I was really enjoying her writing about her time in Israel with her family and her thoughts about not using social media. She kind of brings it together in the end, but I felt there were some "filler" chapters that were not very focused in regards to the first part of the book.

I would still recommend the book if you are struggling with the issues we are facing as a society with our use of social media. She brings up many things I have been feeling/noticing about using social media and is the first person I know who so directly addresses these problems in our social communities and families. I really respect her husband, who is a pastor and has gone down the road of now using a flip phone, no internet in their home, no texting, and not broadcasting his church's services openly online. It's definitely time for us to rethink how we use social media and how it affects our friends and families around us. This is a great book to start that conversation.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

what a moving, encouraging, Biblically grounded, and spiritually moving book.

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here I am writing another review, actually one of my last official reviews (just one more after this) before I resign from it, and this book is so timely for me: Here, Now ~ Unearthing Peace and Presence In An Overconnected Word by Kate Merrick. God has a wonderful way of providing for us! Reading about Kate, her story, and the choices she made to make change her life and for her family to live for God, instead of sharing on-line for everyone, is so inspiring! She choose to remove herself from an online world while cancer was taking her daughter’s life.

For some time, I have been slowly stepping away from the internet, especially social media by limiting my use. Kate totally stepped away for a few years (for a short time they were totally off the grid) from her blog and closed all her social media accounts, and I commend her!! What is amazing is what she learned from that time and how God used it! You still won’t find her much on the Internet and no social media accounts. She has a blog she writes at occasionally, and y’all she is an author and it seems these days, to get a book out there you need to be doing all the things to promote your book. I so admire her for that! In addition, she is a homeschool mom, so there was that in common. In addition, she is funny, but yet I felt some conviction as I read the book, it is good conviction, one that encourages me to make changes that I have been holding off doing. I was reminded through her story that no matter our circumstances to find the joy in them, to focus on the good, and everyday ordinary moments matter. Sometimes this isn’t easy, but it can be learned and the best place to do that is trusting God and reading His Word.

Here are some highlights from the book:

Not that life is short and we get to choose how it goes, but that life is short and we get to choose how we face it.
Slow down, take in your life, find the beauty, and see God moving all around you – it’s worth it.
Leaning into real life is super hard. It not only calls for examination, confrontation, and investment, but it takes major courage and continuous practice.
Let’s trust God together with what He will do in the quiet spaces and in the times of change.
Every single thing we bring into our minds and homes and lives costs time and attention that has to come from somewhere – usually from the things and people most important to us.
Because something’s offered, it doesn’t mean we should accept.
The idea is, life is better, more meaningful, when we engage in activities that have true and hard-earned benefits. It’s a practice of real.
But it’s the people God put around us who deserve our first fruits and our best, not strangers.
My moments are my own, and sharing can be limited to those closest to my heart. It’s almost sacred.
Life is not meant to be done alone, but we are to laugh and weep and break bread together.
We often set aside what’s most important to God for what’s most important to those around us so that we can satisfy others’ needs and earn their approval.
It’s time to take stock, to listen had, to make pivotal choices that will mark the rest of your life.
Even in the darkest hour, there was beauty and light.

This is one of those books that will inspire, encourage and get you thinking. Throughout the book, she offers questions to ponder on. Questions like this: How are you and I living our lives? Are we moving so quickly from one thing to the next that we are missing beautiful, sacred, and special moments? Why do we allow all the stuff that is junky for us at the soul level to creep in and affect our emotional and spiritual wellness? Who do we think we are that we don’t need to heed His Word, that we push and go and never stop, thinking we are indispensable, that maybe God meant that rest is for normal people, but not for us? Have we let our routines and possessions and busyness usurp the things of true value? Where will this habit or decision eventually lead?

[Ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this lady's essence, her zest for life, her surfer/hippy-girl heart and passion for those she loves and what she loves. I'm convinced her little family could very easily transition into the Aussie laidback lifestyle and fit perfectly into any number of the beach communities along the east coast of NSW.

This is Kate's second book. The first was rawer expressing the season of grief and recovery over her dearly loved Daisy's death. I prayed for her little girl for most of her cancer journey and whenever I put on the "Daisy Love" tee-shirt I'm taken back to those 2012-2013 praying days. I always wondered what happened to the Merricks (having followed husband Britt's books and social media) as they went off the grid immediately after Daisy's passing. And stayed off it.

Until recently. Kate with her 2 books has stepped back ever so gently with very little fanfare and a low key approach. Here Now tells us what the family discovered going off the grid. Perhaps a little surprisingly, it tells us there is so much more to be gained on the other side of busyness, of keeping up with the Joneses, of switching off from technology. They don't have an internet connection at home. Man, that's serious switching off.

Here Now shows us the beauty, wonder and faithfulness of a life lived within a small tribe, one's local community whether in Israel where they loved for 3 months seeking a healing for their daughter, or in the one they returned to on the West Coast of California. It's a life of being present, of smelling the roses, savouring the many new tastes (some good, some not so good) of a new country and culture, of being able to clearly hear the word of God because there's minimal clutter that distracts.

Kate writes as she talks I suspect - she's funny, sometimes a little irreverent, sassy and courageous. This book has you laughing and crying on the one page and crying and laughing on the next one. I suspect Kate would be a great friend because she loves hard and has learnt through the hardest way that every moment is to be cherished whether it's riding a barrel at her local break, or doing the laundry.

If you're finding yourself a little overwhelmed by the busyness of life or struggling because of the noise of social media, technology and news, go buy this little book. You'll meet a beautiful woman with a big heart who will invite you into her home and share what she's discovered by getting off the grid and learning that life is to be cherished one moment at a time.

[Becky B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kate Merrick knows how precious each moment, each minute can be. She learned this while her daughter went through cancer treatments and her family sought ways to be more present in each other’s lives. During a trip to Israel for a last hope cancer treatment, Kate and her family disconnected from online platforms and social media and focused on each moment with each other instead. In the process, they learned the value of being more present with each other and with God, with the place and people immediately around them instead of someone’s meal pictures from thousands of miles away. She shares what they learned through the process and challenges readers to be more present wherever they are and make each moment matter.

Don’t get the message of the book wrong. The author is not dictating that everyone needs to shut down all their social media accounts and go completely off-line. She just challenges readers to double check that you’re still the master of your time and that you’re not being mastered by your social media accounts, emails, and messages. She challenges you to make sure that that latest alert on your phone isn’t stealing time that may be better spent on a real person right in the same room with you. It’s an invitation to pause and take inventory. She grants that there is a time and place for online activities and that they can be very useful. But she realized in her own life that such things were stealing time from her family, and she didn’t know how much until they all unplugged. I don’t feel any need to shut down my social media accounts after reading her book, but I am more determined to make sure that meals and times with others remain phone-free times. The stories of the fight for her daughter Daisy’s life are touching and add another element to the book. So do the stories of being temporary expats in Israel for several months and the things that those experiences taught them. Her stories range from heart-rending to humorous, and everywhere in between, and she always relates them back to what God taught her and her family through them. They keep you thinking while also providing an engaging read. Recommended to people who enjoy Christian memoirs, and those looking for a read to remind themselves that each moment is precious.

No content issues.

I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

“The question of what matters most hits right between the eyes when we are confronted with the possibility of loss...,” Merrick writes. She shares her thoughts as she was faced with the possible death of her daughter due to cancer and later, the possible of loss of their home to California forest fires. While we may not be able to choose the circumstances, we can choose how we will face life. We can invest in the here and now, not what we had wished for.

Merrick reflects on how we choose to spend our time and where we choose to set our focus. Asking herself what mattered most in such situations caused her to evaluate her habits and interactions. She writes about social media and bringing it into submission. “...[W]e should never choose a screen over a real live person.” (859/2343)

She writes about presence and contentment. She writes about practices like keeping the Sabbath. She shares many stories from their time in Israel while seeking alternative treatment for their daughter. She shares insights from stories in the Bible.

Circumstances formed the catalyst for Merrick to think about being present, about engaging God and people. We can think about these things too and about being right here right now. Reading this book will help us reflect on what matters most right now.

Merrick tells lots of stories about herself. She spends quite some time on the edits she received on her fist book. While she relates it to the edits in life, I wondered if that story and others were really necessary. This would be a good book for readers who like to read much about the author's experiences in self examination and don't mind the lack of practical strategies to incorporate insights into life. The book includes no penetrating questions for discussion nor thought provoking journal prompts.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Esther Filbrun · Rating 5 out of 5]

From her daughter’s cancer journey, to learning deep truths about God in Israel, this book is a keeper. I’d heard Kate Merrick’s name sometime recently, but don’t remember where, and when I saw her book available for review, I thought I’d give it a shot. I’ve been interested in the subject of purposeful living for years, so when I saw that that was the subject of the book, I thought it may be helpful—and it was!

Kate’s story is somewhat unique in today’s world. She consciously chose to cut herself off from social media and blog-reading, simply for the reason that she wanted undivided time to spend making memories with her family during a difficult season. I could really relate because I have done—and try to do—something very similar, but it was interesting hearing about someone else’s experience.

The parts I loved the most was where the Lord took her in times when she needed help. I loved the thoughts she was given about God’s desire for connection, for a life of being instead of a life centered on doing. I tend to do the latter more—it’s so much easier!—but I also want to learn to cultivate that slowing-down-to-savor-ness that she shared about here. There’s so much beauty in life, if only we would slow down enough to recognize it. So many people we could really bless, if only we would realize how pointless our trivial pursuits actually are.

This book is such a deep, deep book. And yet it’s written in a way that is engaging and keeps you moving, which I really appreciated! I feel like I’ve learned a lot, but I’m still also just working out how to apply it all. Recommended.

I requested a free copy of this book from BookLook Bloggers, and this is my honest opinion of it.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book last year, and have had a second flip through it this summer to draw an extra dose of inspiration from it. I've been dropping into a deeper state of presence and contentment in recent times, unplugging to be...well, here, now and just drinking in the beauty and wonder of this cozy little life. Whenever I sink deeper into the rhythm of unplugging, I get a taste for Kate's inspiring words on the topic. She is like the best friend by our side who just gets it and leads us forward with so much understanding, humor, realness, and compassion. She has a unique and relatable perspective and a beautiful way of expressing it to us through her wise and down-to-earth words. As someone who battles chronic illness, I really value and connect with Kate's stories of how her family's battle with cancer shaped her perspective of presence, pushing her into a state of awakened gratitude for every little moment spent with loved ones and doing loved things. This is a fun and faith-filled book that I carry with me in my beach bag and my heart hehe 😊
Always coming back to this beautiful passage in particular,

"We’ve been bamboozled to believe that we would be missing out on something if we didn’t see so-and-so’s wedding pictures or know about such-and-such event. But what about missing out on our own people, our own events? How many times have you missed a good twenty minutes of something wonderful because you just had to share it online? And then later spent time worrying about what people thought of your post? Man, we have a bad case of FOMO, all right, but it’s misdirected. Our FOMO needs to be pointed right back to ourselves. We are missing what’s right in front of us, and that should freak us out."

[Katherine Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you believe books find you right when you need them? I do. Here’s the latest example, Kate Merrick’s Here, Now: Unearthing Peace and Presence in an Overconnected World.

I had found myself in a season of discontent, frustrated by a stretch of rocky terrain on the road of life. But reading Kate’s remarkable story, heartfully penned with almost shocking earthiness, let me push the reset button on my expectations — and therefore my contentment.

Kate writes with magnetic force, and almost as soon as I cracked open her book, I began jotting parts of it into my journal so that I might meditate more intently on her words. Such as this bit:

I must intentionally look deep inside with brutal honesty at my expectations and lay them bare before God, willingly trading them for what he has for me and being content with that.” (page 9)

Easier said than done, right? But so freeing when we can manage it. Kate’s many stories — some pulled from God’s Word, others gleaned from her own hard-won experience — provide inspiration for doing just that.

I lingered especially over Kate’s last chapter and found myself returning to the wisdom and hope it imparted.

“Bumps in the road aren’t a diversion from real life; they are real life.”
“God will use these days.”
“Today is all you have; it’s all anyone has.”
Then I read and reread the last beautiful paragraph, gleaning from it all I could for its import on my own life. But I won’t spoil it for you by quoting it here. You’ll have to read the book to find that out for yourself.

Thanks to Thomas Nelson for providing me this book free of charge. All opinions are mine.

[Marvy Herrera · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the publisher via Netgalley, this review is my own personal opinion.


Kate Merrick, with an honest and fresh way of writing she open to us on her own personal journey of being present in the now. With unusual names for each chapter, this book no doubt is hard to forget. This book really took me by surprise, I laugh and cry while I was reading it I was packing to leave my hometown and I must say for months struggling with dissatisfaction due to many factors, however, I am grateful for this book because it helps me see several things: God wants to have a real and deep relationship with me, but that is my decision. My life for maybe boring that seems, I need to praise God for my now and must of all enjoy my family, to be intentional, to slow down when necessary, to put aside all the can take my focus on what really matters. To be open, too vulnerable, to take chances, to open to new opportunity and the freedom that comes within and how His grace helps us look life from a new perspective on gite my whole self to God on my present, because like Kate Merrick say, we each one of us are we are supposed to be. Before I read this book I was already treating my social media accounts with more care and to really examine my motives behind my post and others. So thank you to Kate Merrick to open her heart and shared what God has shown us and to be a blessing to many.

[Kaitlyn Bouchillon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Here, Now is a call to unplug and focus on what's right in front of you. Over and over, Merrick talks about practicing presence - and I think that would have been a more fitting title.

I really appreciated her focus on appreciating the present moment and choosing to live fully where we are with the time we have.

Throughout the book, Merrick often talks about getting rid of social media. She writes of the ways she felt pulled in different directions and the peace she has found in less notifications and distractions. This is encouraging, a viewpoint we may have heard before, but usually not from someone taking his or her own advice. Merrick is actually living this out - and has been for years.

For those who have read Merrick's first book, this will feel like a good continuation and fills in some of the storyline gaps. But for those who are first meeting Merrick through Here, Now, it may be a little difficult to follow along as she jumps between various timelines throughout the book, while assuming you know the main bullet points of the story told in her first title. I would definitely suggest picking up And Still She Laughs first, as you'll then better enjoy Here, Now.

[Sarah Frost · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and even made notes and highlighted certain phrases that stuck with me. I picked this one up primarily because I'd been interested in stepping away from social media, and I figured that would be the primary topic, but in truth, it ended up being much, much more than that. Although filled with a certain degree of heartache I wouldn't wish on anyone, her story helped me realize how little presence I have in my own life and with God. It made me think about how wishing for different circumstances or rushing through the mundane parts of life are not very productive uses of my time overall. Merrick, in her last chapter, uses the phrase "God is using this time" over ten times, and it stuck with me. I am in a season of waiting, for example, and simply wallowing in how my life seemingly sucks at the moment is not going to make things happen for me any more quickly. Instead, "God is using this time" to mold me into who I was meant to be, and I need to take advantage of it.

[Sarah Standen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here, Now by Kate Merrick is a refreshing and heartfelt call to slow down, disconnect, and savor the present moment. Written with warmth and relatability, Merrick shares personal stories, reflections, and spiritual insights that encourage readers to step away from the constant noise of technology and embrace real-life connection and contentment.

I especially appreciated her honesty—she doesn’t come across as preachy or perfect, but as a fellow traveler learning to live more intentionally. Her anecdotes about motherhood, grief, and daily life add a tender and authentic layer to her message, making the book feel like a conversation with a wise friend.

The only reason I didn’t give it five stars is that some sections felt a bit repetitive, and the ideas, while meaningful, are ones I’ve heard before in similar books about unplugging and mindfulness. Still, Merrick’s voice and perspective make it well worth the read, especially for anyone seeking encouragement to put down the phone and find peace in the simple, sacred moments of life.

[Dee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was unfamiliar with the author and her daughter, Daisy. (I send my condolences to the family and was saddened to find out what had happened to her.) Reading this book felt like one was talking to a good friend. It was funny, sad, interesting and heartwarming. I agree with what the authors says about today's world being overconnected yet in a shallow way. I often wonder why people post things that should be private or are inappropriate. Why? Why share that? Or, how about posting other people's business w/o their permission? Not cool. Hopefully, people like that (you know who you are or maybe you don't) should read this book. I think it will give readers something to think about. I would say it is more of a spiritual than religious book. I thank the author, publisher, and Goodreads for the book. My opinions are my own. #goodreadsgiveaway

[Mary Decrescenzio · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Merrick's Book "And Still She Laughs" last year after losing my best friend and that book was so life-giving to me and such a blessing, I was hesitant to read another by her. What if it was just a grieving fluke? What if her last book was just something I cringed too in the face of grief but like, it wasn't all that great in reality? I'm a tad dramatic, this I know, I know.

NOPE. Kate is a master with words. She is raw, real, funny, and so incredibly good at reaching out to you through the pages (sometimes a hug, sometimes to shake ya a little).

Here, Now wholly convicted me of mine and my families screen time/internet usage. She used the term "overcrowded life" and I just wanted to throw the book across the room because YES KATE. Yes.

I don't want to say more or give away any spoilers because this is really a must-read. I'm a forever fan of Mrs. Merrick's for sure.