Odd(ly) Enough (Library Edition): Standing Out When the World Begs You to Fit In

by Carolanne Miljavac

Humorous. Authentic. Relatable.
That's Carolanne Miljavac in a nutshell.

And those qualities are just what her nearly half a million social media followers adore about her. Her Odd(ly) Enough is a message that your heart needs to hear: It's time to embrace the "you" God made you to be. Tune out the naysayers of the world and jump into His loving arms. He'll walk alongside you as you passionately pursue your God-given purpose. With chapters like “Who Do You Think You Are?,” “Control Freak,” and “Mistakes and Grace,” you will find yourself becoming a little more courageous. . .and a lot more confident about God’s purpose for your life. 

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian, Self Help, Personal Development, Inspirational, Christian Living

Audio CD

First published November 1, 2018

Reviews

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

“How could you ever know just how strong you are if your strength has never been tested?” This is just one of many thought provoking questions that Carolanne Miljavac challenges her readers with in her new book, Oddly Enough. She is honest, sharing many personal stories and situations from her life, and how God helped her to not only deal with the situations, but use them for good and for personal growth. I enjoyed her style of writing, as it felt like I was chatting with a friend. The book was encouraging, but Miljavac also did not sugar coat the truth. I would recommend this book to anyone who has struggled with abuse, anxiety, poverty, or any other tough life situation. This book will help you to “let your worries go so you’re left only with God.”

I received a copy of this book from the publisher, through Net Galley. All opinions are my own.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carolanne writes about the freedom she has found in Christ. From an authentic perspective, as a reader we get the glimpse into how God has wired Carolanne and how He has restored her from a difficult past. This book gives hope to any reader who has struggled to find freedom.
From giving up control, to all the allowing the Lord to take control, Carolanne knows what it's like to spend time daily in the presence of God. When we grow for ourselves, we grow for others. This book isn't just about the journey Carolanne went on with God, but the journey that each readers goes on with God as well. I highly encourage you to give this book a read.

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brutally honest and moving. Hilarious and raw. I can’t imagine anyone reading this and not relating to at least one story in this book. We all have a past, secrets, insecurities and Carolanne talks openly about dealing with hers and shares how she’s learned to cope and thrive in this short and precious life we’ve been given. It’s full of hard truths that I know we probably all connect to. This book is most definitely worth your time! #OddlyEnough

[Taylor Burgee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, I could hear Carolannes southern accent ringing through every page:). This book made me really think about a lot of things, especially about being a good example, as a christian, I know I should always set a good example, but I know I fall short in this area sometimes, But thanks to Carolanne, I am going to try to work on that.

I won this book form a Goodreads giveaway.

[Tara Mays · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing it is about how God spoke to Carolann and she said yes right then and there also it is about when your life gets so hard that u can barely keep going u give it all to God

[Stephanie Keefe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, so #Oddly Enough in my humble opinion is odd(ly) enough a sharable book for the masses. And when I say masses I mean (and with no discriminatory innuendo) a must read for EVERY woman in any season of life. Carolanne (Aka CA) Miljavac has delivered her life story on paper for all to hear. Stories of grief, bullying, molestation and “white trailer trash,” sprinkled with humor in order for her to “get er done” I reckon must have been exhausting and exhilarating at the same time. I personally cannot imagine but I’m so grateful for her courage, tenacity and relentless truth telling.

Although this book is faith based, I believe that without CA’s faith and life experiences this book would never have come to fruition. It takes a special gift, mixed with abundant blessings to pour out your heart and soul for all to read. She can’t possibly get more “naked” and transparent.

#OddlyEnough is a “come as you are” soul searching (and seeking!!) story and whether you are of faith or not I promise this is a “can not put down til it’s finished” kind of book. Mark it up—highlight it—write down thoughts that are relatable and post them where you can see them daily. Pray over statements that speak to you. The pages of Carolanne’s words will resonate, melt in your mouth, while offering up hope and inspiration in this world filled with so much negativity. She sure was generous and soul bearing so you may as well eat it all up. Yum!!

So grab yourselves a box of tissues and be prepared to find yourselves humbled beyond all imaginable. This book is electric, powerful, Spirit induced and vulnerably blended together with pieces of a human’s heart that fit together like a magical puzzle. Better yet—CA is doing the work God has entrusted her with since she was in her mama’s womb. God said, “Speak!” So she obeyed.

*disclaimer* I was blessed with the first 5 chapters via Kindle download and I can not wait to get my hands on the hard copy!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely heartwarming! This emotional yet loving read is what God has called us to do, Testify to what he has done in our lives. Turning what we see as ugly and horrible into beauty. Carolanne's selflessness and vulnerability in this book is one to be admired, she is not afraid to tell all as she loves people and just wants them to know that God loves them, and YOU can get through this! I definitely cried and laughed while reading this and could relate on so many levels.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I just finished CA’s book, Odd(ly) Enough... which I just bought legiterally YESTERDAY... Oh. My. Gosh. I seriously couldn’t put it down. This girl had so much to say and she said all of it straight to my heart. I went through probably half a box of tissues, there was a whole lot of head nodding in agreement and laughing out loud all throughout this book. I absolutely loved it. And let me tell you, I squealed like a fan girl when she mentioned “the next book”... I can’t wait. I totally recommend pretty much anything CA related, but I can honestly say that her book is powerful, promising and hits the nail on the head over and over again. So good! I’m so proud of you Carolanne, you’re doing amazing things and I’m so excited to see it all unfold.

[Lisa Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

You must READ THIS BOOK!! This book is a beautiful blend of hard, heartfelt truth & humor. Carolanne boldly shares her story of heartbreak, and hardship while giving hope, and freedom. She invites the reader to see the most broken pieces of our lives in a new and purposeful way. Her raw authenticity gives you a friend and a safe place to face your own struggles. I recommend this book to anyone who has experienced loss, or hurts, so basically the whole human race. I believe that anyone, from any walk of life, will find something that they relate to in this book, and will feel that there is a nugget of truth in it that was meant specifically for them.

(I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher prior to release)

[Patricia Pate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carolanne Miljavac knows how to keep a person's attention. I fell in love with Carolanne as she told about growing up in Alabama. She described her life in ways that made me want to reach through the pages of the book and give her a great big hug. This book takes you through all the emotions. I laughed, I cried, I got angry, and I loved. Carolanne lays it all out there for the reader. The good, the bad, and the ugly, but does it in a way that keeps a reader coming back for more. She loves God and doesn't care who knows it. She is real about her life, and she isn't afraid to put herself out there. Reading this book has changed me for the better. If you have gotten away from God, or just need a refresher, then this book is for you. If you feel that you are not good enough, or you don't love yourself, then this book is for you. If you have had a lot of storms and fiery trials in life and are discouraged, then this book is for you. If you love God and want a closer relationship with Him, then this book is for you. I am so excited for this book’s release so that I can buy copies and give as gifts to loved ones.


"I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review."

[Cookie M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Say, Amen!

Oh, no! A Jesus book. Oh, yes! Carolanne Miljavac has a way of telling God's truth that makes sense, and will have all you moms and young women out there nodding your heads and shouting, "Sing it, sister!"
We are all goofy, flawed and wonderful, just the way He made us.I
This book was not what I thought I was getting, but it was one of the best books I have ever picked up by mistake.

I received this book free in exchange for an honest review on Goodreads.com.

[Norrine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable book. I found the middle a little preachy but I love the point of the book. You are not defined by your circumstances, changes can be made, it is up to you.

[Mary Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a few chapters in advance from the publisher for the purpose of giving my honest review, so.. here it is. What I loved most about this book is how honest and real the author is. She opens herself up to the reader and shows all of who she is – her flaws and mistakes laid bare. She is a real person just like you and I. Miljavac shares her joys, pain, and struggles in life and the effect they had on her faith in God. She takes you on a journey to discover that who you are – all that you are – is enough. What I've taken away from this book is that I'm not meant to be perfect in this life. I can stop struggling for a perfection that I will never achieve this side of Heaven. It really is okay to make mistakes and struggle with life, to have doubts and fears and worries. As Miljavac says in her book, “It is in our greatest moments of imperfection, when we are broken and humbled, aware of our need for God, that He comes in and shows us the beauty in our ashes. So everything that we think makes us an outcast is actually what makes us...oddly...enough. If you've ever felt insignificant, out of place, uncomfortable, or unqualified, I want to encourage you that it doesn't matter. Where you come form, what you've done, what's been done to you. You have been qualified by the character in your fall. The hardest parts of your life have given you the greatest value.” I highly recommend this book to anyone that has ever felt they were alone or felt as though they could never measure up. I think you'll find you are, oddly, enough just as you are.

[Lynda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I sometimes select a book based on author, other times the title may catch me, and sometimes, yes, I judge strictly by the cover. This time, however, I chose to read this book based on its subtitle. That may seem strange, but when you have teen and preteen girls in your life and they daily experience the pressure to fit in, this book called to me as a potential resource.

Oddly Enough, I had not heard of Carolanne Miljavac until now. But I really enjoyed her relatable, conversational style. She sounds like someone I’d love to have coffee with and listen to for a long time. There is a lot of wisdom and truth packed into these pages. Her story is difficult to read at times, but I absolutely loved how she models the truth that God will use EVERYTHING to the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

That being said, this is not a book I would put into a young teen’s hands. Her story is real and perhaps too graphic for someone who does not yet have the resources to cope with the kind of testimony that Miljavac relates in gut-wrenching portions of text that broke my heart. Her history uniquely qualifies her to speak into the lives of those who have experienced similar trauma and the aftermath of those choices inflicted on her. She focuses on the choices we do have, and on moving forward and the healing that is possible.

So, while this book was not necessarily about loving who God created you to be and refusing to go along with the crowd, in a way it was, just deeper and more profound than what I was looking for as I began the book. I’m glad I read it—the author has a unique, enjoyable voice and made me look at things from a fresh perspective, leaving me encouraged and motivated to focus on my calling regardless of how the world may feel about it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Odd(ly) Enough:by Carolanne Miljavac
Standing Out When the World Begs You To Fit In
Humorous. Authentic. Relatable.
That's Carolanne Miljavac in a nutshell.
And those qualities are just what her nearly half a million social media followers adore about her. Her Odd(ly) Enough is a message that your heart needs to hear: It's time to embrace the "you" God made you to be. Tune out the naysayers of the world and jump into His loving arms. He'll walk alongside you as you passionately pursue your God-given purpose. With chapters like “Who Do You Think You Are?,” “Control Freak,” and “Mistakes and Grace,” you will find yourself becoming a little more courageous. . .and a lot more confident about God’s purpose for your life.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
I highly recommend reading.
Carolanne shares her challenges in her life.
Odd(ly) Enough:by Carolanne Miljavac is a wonderful well written 5 star book.

[Leslie McKee · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book really wasn’t what I was expecting. However, there were some useful points and thought-provoking questions that may challenge the reader. The author shares a number of personal stories. Some are difficult to read, as they address topics such as poverty, sexual abuse, and insecurities. The author goes on to show how she found freedom in Christ, and she encourages the reader to do the same. Some parts felt a bit preachy. The book, overall, is geared toward women, and many women are likely to find something in the book relatable. I enjoyed some of the stories about the author and her grandmother.

Some of the topics addressed in the ten chapters include:

• Who Do You Think You Are?
• Painful Purpose
• Control Freak
• Mistakes and Grace
• Turning Chains into Reins

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

[Jaime Burpo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Odd(ly) Enough is the most inspiring book I have read in a long time. CA is so transparent and honest and it is so refreshing to read. You can feel her pain and her joy, she truly captivates you with every word. I cried with her and for her!! I love that she allows us into her family and shares how God changed her even through the dark times. I can’t express how much I am enjoying this book and can’t wait to finish it. I look forward to more work from CA in the future.

Disclaimer... I received a portion of the book digitally from the publisher, but with no obligation to post this. I truly loved what I have read so far! CA is awesome!!

[Isabelle | Nine Tale Vixen]

(Won through a Goodreads giveaway! Thank you to Barbour Publishing for providing me a free e-copy.)

DNF at 23%. I hadn't realized from the title and synopsis just how Christianity-centric this book would be, though I don't think that's the main reason I won't be able to finish it. Religion aside, everything I've read so far can be boiled down to two points (don't blame yourself for outside circumstances, but take responsibility for how you react; your poor self-esteem is the work of "the enemy," aka Satan) yet besides a few traumatic childhood-experience anecdotes, nothing's really happened or been said. I'm not sure if this is meant more as a memoir or self-help book, though I've read some of both genres, but either way it's definitely not my cup of tea.

Also, I cringe every time I read "legiterally." Maybe it's an inside joke of hers, but it's not a very funny one.

[Kelli Coady · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has touched my heart in so many positive ways! The number one way, is how she opens up about her relationship with God especially before she really pursued her true calling in life. I too have found myself living in the same frame of life with chains and unhappiness. Her testimony and the beauty she found in her ashes has made a huge impact on my life and the chains that I once had too! Thanks to all of the powerful devotion in this book, I too have been able to break the chains that had been pulling me down and have renewed my relationship with God and my Faith is as strong as it has ever been!!

Broken and drowning with the chains of life, Carolanne makes the decision to let go of everything. She decides to break the chains that have been robbing her of feeling good enough, of feeling worthy enough, and of feeling Oddly Enough. In this very raw and sometimes emotional but beautiful testimony, we witness the beauty of being oddly enough! We sometimes get lost on our path throughout life and often times feel alone, but He is always there! Oddly Enough reveals the richness of a relationship that you too, can have with God. No matter where you come from in life, no matter what decisions you have made, you are always Enough for Him! Told in a true southern accent, this book is one that will touch many hearts and lives of the one's that read it. With much needed Truth and enough laughter sprinkled throughout, you will find it hard to put down, as I did too! Join Carolanne as she invites us in as part of her family, to witness her true ups and downs, her amazing testimony, and the true revelation that we too, are Oddly Enough!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prior to reading this book, I had never heard of Carolanne Miljavac, but now I will be checking out her website. “Odd(ly) Enough” is categorized in the spiritual growth section, but it’s so much more than that. Part memoir, part call to action, it is Christian nonfiction but appropriate for anyone looking for that something more out of life, knowing that they need to make a change even if they’re fighting it. Rife with spiritual truths and Scripture, this book will have you both laughing and crying. The tone is very conversational, sprinkled with southern dialect, and Miljavac’s vulnerability and sharing of her own testimony and personal life stories make this feel like sitting down with a tell-it-like-it-is, hilarious but brutally honest friend for coffee instead of reading a work of nonfiction. There are no earth-shattering Biblical revelations here; instead, there is an empathy and a challenge to really live and love in this broken world and to let go and trust God with everything. Miljavac’s message resonates deeply with those of us who are perfectionists and who deal with ongoing life or health issues. After all, “[i]t is in our greatest moments of imperfection, when we are broken and humbled, aware of our need for God, that He comes in and shows us the beauty in our ashes. So everything that we think makes us an outcast is actually what makes us…oddly…enough.” I would definitely recommend this book to all women and particularly to those who are struggling with any kind of adversity—and really, isn’t that all of us?

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

[Chelsea Lange · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was introduced to Carolanne Miljavac when I had seen a video shared on Facebook. I found her bubbly, charismatic personality and sense of humor delightfully refreshing. So when I learned she was releasing a book, I knew I had to get my hands on it.
Carolanne Miljavac opens up by sharing her heart and testimony with complete transparency. She guided me through her story, describing struggles with growing up underprivileged, experiencing traumas such as sexual assault and loss of a loved one, and how that impacted her faith in God. She challenged and inspired me to face my problems, as she did, reigniting a sense of purpose for my life. This book helped me realize that I’m not defined by my past or my experiences. As the author shared her testimony, I was drawn in and craved the peace and happiness that she found in her renewed relationship with Christ.
Carolanne Miljavac’s quick wit, quirkiness, and sweet nature shine throughout the book. She is so relatable and genuine. Since I started this book, it feels like was written just for me and I believe that it will have the same tone for anyone who opens it. God wanted me to hear this, I needed this reminder.

[Shauna · Rating 5 out of 5]

CA brings her zest for life, love, friendship and JESUS in to every word she writes. If you watch her vlogs, or read her writings on social media, you will already know that she has a heart of gold and truly wants to make sure that all of her friends know Jesus in the way she does. It is impossible not to hear her Southern accent while you read her words in this devotional, which just brings a smile to my face! These devotionals are short, sweet, thought-provoking, and hit home every time. If you don't have time every single day to get to them, there's no feeling of guilt, just that happy feeling of home when you open your book again. I have purchased and read many devotionals over the years, and this is by far my favorite. I feel like I am chatting with treasured friends as I read CA's words, and know that God is right there with us too. I highly recommend this to anyone who may not feel like they fit that picture perfect church-goer mold, but aren't going to let that stop them from loving Jesus with all their heart. I can't wait to read more from this hilarious, thoughtful, heart-of-gold author.

[Teresa Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Carolanne Miljavak's book, 'Odd(ly) Enough'. It is truly a story I could relate to and one I needed to hear. There's so many books out there that are geared toward self-help, self-care, grief, forgiveness, etc., many in the name of Christianity. However, most don't really get down to the nitty-gritty, raw ugliness of what sin looks like in our life before we accept Christ into our heart. Whether it's sin we've committed or sin that's been committed against us; Carolanne isn't afraid to go there and bare her soul with the reader to share hers and how it's shaped her life and her passionate love for the Lord. Odd(ly) Enough is told in the author's southern and, quite often, very humorous 'voice'. But make no mistake, it can be a difficult read at times. That's because it's her real life, with all its many loves and hurts, and how God has used it all for His glory. I had a very hard time putting this book down and was truly blessed by reading it. It's one I'll definitely pass on to a friend!

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVE this book. I have not read many books that have touched my soul and speak to me like this one has. There is so much that the author writes about that I can relate to, and I seriously couldn’t stop reading it. I laughed and cried many times. I felt like she was speaking to my soul. Within the last year I had started to rebuild my relationship with God, and while reading this book I feel as though my relationship has strengthened. There was so much the author wrote that I NEEDED to hear and just reaffirmed that I was on the right path in my life. This book is definitely worth the time to read.
Disclaimer: I received an advanced portion of the digital book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

[Ashley Lipscomb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This book takes you thru every emotion, happy, sad, joyful, and best of all inspired! A life full of ups and downs that led the author to redemption and right into the arms of God. I could not put this book down, the authors journey thru her life is so relatable and her dedication to her called purpose is simply amazing. A story that will inspire any one and ensure you that you are Oddly Enough.

[Christina Bray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could have read this book so much faster had I not stopped to highlight every other line. I have laughed until my stomach hurt and wiped tears from my eyes. The author is so honest and true it makes her words so easy to read and love. Trust me you won’t regret the time or the money spent. I did receive a few chapters in advance from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Lorissa Rivers · Rating 4 out of 5]

The expression, “I couldn’t put the book down” rang true for me while reading Odd(ly) Enough. The author, Carolanne Miljavac, demonstrates true courage when sharing her struggles in life in which many of us can relate to. She writes in a way that draws the reader into her experiences allowing you to feel her raw emotion sentence by sentence and paragraph by paragraph. This is a book written with nothing but true authenticity. For anyone who is feeling lost or seeking strength, read this book as it provides you with a very uplifting story of how a young woman makes the hard decision to turn extremely difficult times into a positive and successful path for her and her family. She describes beautifully how her strength came from God. “I wasn’t looking for God. But I was brokenhearted enough that day to recognize Him. Out of nowhere, I felt warmth and peace wash over me.” This hit home for me personally and I believe her story will absolutely change lives. It did mine. I was lucky to have received the first five chapters beforehand, which only left me anxiously awaiting for the book in its entirety. Like I said, I couldn’t put the book down and read the rest in one day. Beautify written book by a first-time author and I look forward to her next book!

[Tiffany Vano · Rating 5 out of 5]

What makes this book different from all others? Well, I don't know really. I don't read very much. I am much more of a audio book type of person. This book drew me in from the introduction all the way to the end. I read the entire thing within a day. If I am reading, and not putting the book down, you know its good because like I said, I don't read. Like Ever! I had to make myself slow down and re-read things because it was so good! Carolanne Miljavac is a fantastic author. I laughed, I ugly cried, and went through a lot of tissues while reading this book. The things that Carolanne and her family had to endure and go through was so heartbreaking, and when reading that part of the book, I felt like I was there with them, I felt like family. It hit really close to home for me. Carolanne is a strong woman of God and she isn't afraid to let that be known. She has an amazing way of writing down how she feels and what she was going through, and I truly felt that I had lived through it with her. There is nothing negative that I can say about this book or about the author. Since reading, I have ordered the audio book and I plan to re-read this book while listening to it as well. I feel like there are so many take away's and life lessons from this book. No matter what we go through, or what we do, to God we are Oddly Enough!

[Melissa Barriger · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author is down to earth and real and she speaks to the heart! She had me both laughing and crying. I am not a writer, but Carolanne has proven that no matter what your circumstances have been or are, if you are supposed to do something you can. She definitely has with this book.
This is one of those special books that I keep recommending to my family and friends. I have purchased several copies to give to some of them as gifts.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book hit me straight in the heart. The author speaks honestly and from a place of pure love. She puts her self out there for the world to see. She speaks to those who have lived through sexual abuse, poverty, loss, or those who have lost their trust in god because of what life as thrown at them.
Along with the seriousness of her life experiences she keeps her humor throughout the pages. This book will have you laughing and crying, but most importantly it will show you that you are Oddly Enough just the way you are. If you’ve ever questioned your faith because of your past this book is a must read.