Cracked Mirror, Clear Reflection: Shatter an Illusion of Perfection

by Julie Barbera

A comforting companion for soul-searching individuals, Cracked Mirror, Clear Reflection challenges you to find purpose beyond idealistic standards of perfection. After wrestling with insecurity and a fear-based mentality, author Julie Barbera found the courage to live with authenticity.

Julie shares her life experiences through transparency, reflection, and a poetic writing style. Inspirational quotes and faith-filled stories of struggle, triumph, and personal growth keep you engaged and encouraged to live with intention.

Find freedom with a purpose-driven mindset and keys to greater self-acceptance. Simplify your goals toward a vision-driven path, restoring your peace and courage. Believe in yourself, and discover the confidence to make your future bright.

Perfection is an illusion. Despite the cracks, your reflection can be clear. When you look in the mirror, in weaknesses, you may find your greatest strengths—and this is the clearest reflection of all when you see God's purpose for you.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction

262 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 6, 2019

About the author

As a Christian inspirational author, narrator, and life coach, Julie Barbera empowers young professionals to find their unique purpose, so they can confidently create a vision, realize their full potential, and accomplish their personal and career goals.

Julie attended Florida Atlantic University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. She is currently an MBA Candidate at Florida Atlantic University and holds a Certified Professional Coach designation from the University of Miami. Julie released her book, Cracked Mirror, Clear Reflection: Shatter an Illusion of Perfection, in 2019. The audiobook version was released in October 2022.

Julie was blessed with the gift of communication. As a creative storyteller, thought leader, mentor, and coach, her goal is to impact as many lives as possible. Julie is on a journey to do what she loves, love what she does, and live with purpose. She resides in Florida with her husband, German, and two sons, Sebastian and Deangelo.

Reviews

[Eddie Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book that everyone of us can relate to in our search for perfection. Julie shares numerous times in her life as she sought out a perfect situation that God showed her His way . Readers will relate these stories to their own lives and will find the comforting love of God in her story.

[M Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each of us walks a different path in life but what connects us all is our experiences. Life has its ups and downs and twist and turns and our faith gets tested and our hope diminishes. Julie Barbara’s book cracked mirror, clear reflection: Shatter an perfect illusion, is well written, personal experience of her own life at moments when her own faith has been tested and her hope was diminishing and how she overcome it at different stages of her life. Her honesty and openness adds a lot to the book. It’s a book that will resonate with many, and it had me shed a few tears as I looked back in my life and reflected on my similar experiences to Julie and how God was watching over me when I felt alone.

It was a honour and blessing to have a early sneak peak of the book. Julie is a beautiful soul and her family and friends should be extremely proud of her. This book is a must add to your collection and when you are questioning your own faith and feeling a lack of hope, Julie’s book will remind you that you are never alone and inspire you to keep persevering.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cracked Mirror, Clear Reflection by Julie Barbera includes very poignant writing and metaphors that grab you and make you stop and reflect. I loved the image the author received of God using a dull pencil to press against her heart to get her attention. After describing what she went through and walking in faith, one day, the pencil disappeared. The author asked, “What happened?” God replied He had a sharp pencil now and He no longer had to press hard with the dull pencil to get her attention.
 
There were times the stories and sayings felt repetitive, and it was also confusing when the author described her visions and the images and trying to keep straight if it actually happened or something she just pictured possibly happening.
 
Cracked Mirror, Clear Reflection is very faith-based. The book is well written with personal experiences of the author’s own life as examples of how to shed the image and pursuit of perfection. The book takes you on a spiritual awakening to find your life’s calling and purpose and to be okay with where you are currently along the journey.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julie Barbera, a life coach and author, beautifully blends inspiration and religion in Cracked Mirror, Clear Reflection. In short snippets, Barbera shares her own personal history of finding her life path. A champion for balanced life, she describes how after struggling with an illusion of whom and what she should be; She realized she needed to use her weaknesses along with strengths and bring a change in her life. All along, she relied upon her faith.

Written in lyrical prose that’s both quotable and briskly paced, the book explores many ways people can find their niche. Barbera’s alluring ideas and insights gathered from personal experience will urge readers to comprehend their full potential.

The reader looking for a fresh perspective on finding a suitable life path will find a wealth of functional advice.

[Stephanie Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cracked Mirror, Clear Reflection is a great inspirational read. This book has touched so many aspects of my own life and helped me reflect on my own life lessons. With many disappointments in life, this book helps to reflect on perseverance and faith through the struggles we face . Without faith in our Lord and perseverance to push through our challenges, we my stay in valleys instead of striving to climb to the peaks of the mountains. God has a purpose for all of us and our purpose will unfold in His timing. Strive to have patience and perseverance to push through our challenges, as Julie has outlined in her book. God will test our strength and faith through our obstacles and if when we chose to follow His direction, we will see the reward in the end.

[Gary Hensel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julie's book is a wonderful and beautiful inspiration. It taps into the readers soul. Her journey, is our journey. I highly recommend this book. Be prepared to be inspired. - Gary Hensel, author of the books "I AM" and "Notes To A Younger Me".

[Janis · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a truly inspiring journey... Julie Barbera's book "Cracked Mirror" takes you on!!!

I could so relate to the faith and trust in the journey...One takes through life...
Julie's insight and wisdom gives us a better knowledge and understanding to persevere and find success...Thank you...Julie

[Ronette Styles · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you read this book it gives you a sense of encouragement to not give up on your purpose no matter how hard you have to fight. It gives you a better appreciation of the journey and not just the destination.

[Stephanie Valencia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational! This book came to me at a time when I was in need of hope. Julie shares her own personal experiences and how God showed Himself to her. It’s beautiful to see how God places people in our paths for a reason, and how to embrace your very unique journey.

[Gary Greeno · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to be inspired, if you want to pursue your passion, if you want to break free from fear and the barriers holding you back from living out your true purpose, then you must read Cracked Mirror, Clear Reflection! This book will inspire you to live with courage and confidence!

[Joni Martins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review

Basic Details:
Book Title: Cracked Mirror, Clear Reflection
Subtitle: Shatter an Illusion of Perfection
Author: Julie Barbera
Genre: Self-help
Part of a series?
Order in series:
Best read after earlier books in series?
Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...

Overall score:
I scored this book 4/5
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Short Summary of the book:
The author attempts to change the reader’s perception of what is and isn’t good enough. This is a book aiming to strengthen the reader’s self-belief. The author does so with clear language and bible quotes.
What I liked about the book:
The belief we are all good enough.
What I didn’t like about the book:
This wasn’t quite the type of book for me. Although the principle is good – after all, too many people just don’t feel they are good enough – the book was a little too touchy-feely and religious for me. But that is personal.
My favourite bits in the book:
The book helped to strengthen the reader’s self-belief.
My least favourite bits in the book:
The many references to the bible.
Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
I’m not aware of other books by this author.
What books could this be compared to and why?
Self-help books can be rather tough going to read. This one was easy to read rather than a tough read.
Recommendation:
In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:

Children No
Young Adult Yes
Adult Yes

If you like to challenge your beliefs in what is and what isn’t perfect, this book may be the book for you.
Book Description by Author:
A pursuit for perfection may drive you to do more, have more and be more—but at what cost?

In Cracked Mirror, Clear Reflection, author and life coach Julie Barbera invites you on a journey from fear and doubt to discover your confidence. After struggling with an illusion of whom and what she should be, clear reflections in her cracked mirror gave her the courage to take a chance.

Freedom is on the other side of expectations—freedom from a feeling of not being good enough, fear of what others think and a need to be perfect to begin new projects. You will learn how to do what you love, love what you do and live a life of purpose. You can become who God has called you to be.

Perfection is an illusion. Despite the cracks, your reflection can be clear. When you look in the mirror, in weaknesses you may find your greatest strengths—and this is the clearest reflection of all.
About the Author:
Julie Barbera is a life coach and the president of Inspireu2Action. It is her mission to help you to find balance, to become the most authentic version of yourself, and to break through to your potential. This passion comes from finding a purpose in her life.

Julie attended Florida Atlantic University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. She also holds a Certified Professional Coach designation from the University of Miami.

God gave Julie the gift of language. Self-taught in four languages beyond English, her goal is to use this gift to impact as many lives as possible. Julie is on a journey to do what she loves, love what she does, and live with purpose. She resides in Florida with her husband German and two young sons, Sebastian and Deangelo.

[Pamela Hall-Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cracked Mirror, Clear Reflection is written from the heart of this author. Written in easy stages, Julie Barbara’s struggle to persistently push forward in her search to find answers to our collective and personal experiences is something that, I am sure, many of us can relate to. She intertwines episodes from her own life stories which adds to the appeal of this book. A good approach to a fascinating read.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Won this book on Goodreads) Easy to read collection of the author's journey to help understand the perspective of following God's word and not being afraid to follow your dreams. He will let you know what path to follow if you open your heart and listen.

[Just another reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely inspiring read - dwelling on the theme of overcoming self-image issues and inhibition fears. I loved how Barbera had shaped the book up to very non-advisory and non-patronizing, and more in the form of a hand-holding support read.

[HEmma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julie Barbera's new book Cracked Mirror, Clear Reflection: Shatter an Illusion of Perfection is an inspirational and motivational read demonstrating the power of hope, desitny, purpose, and strength in the storms of life, at the heaviest of downpours. I received this book as complimentary ARC from the author.

She illustrates how to dance in the rain, love the power of challenges, and speak miracles into existence. Using a cracked mirror, Julies sees a clear reflection that lets streaks of flaws colour and flower her life. She finds a way to ensure illusions of perfection and past expereinces do not limit her.

The author's writing style takes you on an expedition, siezing tough moments that turn her life around. Readers will recognize how to use faith to see the sliver lining that comes with challenges as summarized in this quote that i paraphrase:

Treasure the small and little things that prepare you for your big dream

If your are looking for a self help for personal growth, this book for you. Readers struggling with self esteem and self concept can find solace in adapting the spiritual and professional tenets of christian living. Leaders can utilize this book in promtping positive thinking and mindset for personal growth.

Buy your copy Cracked Mirror, Clear Reflection: Shatter an Illusion of Perfection by Julie Barbera's at Amzon, Barnes & Noble, and Target.

Connect with the author on social media using inspireu2action at Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and inspireu2action.com

I give this a 5.0 star rating because it is a must read that addresses the worrying state in the society that accepts the illusions of life as truths.

[Joe Noya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julie’s book is inspiring; the honesty she displays in the accounting of her own life through the battles of doubt, and using her faith to push through her own barriers. Julie is brutally honest in her accounts of what she went through to birth this book into existence, and I felt I was with her every step of the way. Although I am not religious, the lessons are inspiring, and the quotes in each chapter give hope to everyone trying to be their authentic selves and to live their best life. This is truly an inspiring and uplifting read, and will appeal to everyone whether they are religious or whether they are looking for a book that will encourage them to be honest with themselves, and to recognise that everyone has the potential to live their best life. You can tell that this book was written with a massive love for people and the understanding of the human condition where we keep ourselves locked down by our limiting beliefs. Julie helps you unlock them through her inspiring use of narrative. I would totally recommend you pick up this book; by all means read it through, but keep it to hand and flick it open when you find things difficult and you will find an inspiring passage that will pull you through. A fantastic read!

[Jordan Gerace · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story that Julie tells quickly sucked me in and it became hard to put the book down as she kept me wanting to explore her story and learn from her experiences.
I felt as though I was there, walking through the experiences with her. As she took me through her challenging life story I was able to easily relate my own challenges and experiences and apply her insights.
I loved the fluidity of one flashback to the next and the wisdom I was able to glean from her overcoming spirit and the scripture she tied to each awakened realization.
Much different from your normal self-help genre, I would recommend giving Cracked Mirror, Clear Reflection a read if you could use a dose of hope and inspiration as you battle through the challenges of every day life for those of us who choose to fight the good fight and never allow ourselves to become complacent, but always stretch and grow as we journey closer and closer to accomplishing the vision and dream we seek.

[Shari Ring Wolf]

Not my cup of coffee

I must have glazed over the info that this is a faith based book written by a life coach. The title was so intriguing I ordered in haste. The author is very much a poet, hence the catchy and beautiful title. The actual book is quite overdone with prose, and borders on proselytizing. The book is an autobiography of the author's spiritual life. It has very little to do with the title. In fact, it's a testimony to what seems to me to be a "perfect" life, or very near perfect from what my life has seen. I'm not sure what genre this book is in, but it should be Christian autobiography or poetry. Very nice poetry, as the title suggests, but not at all what I was looking for.

[Elisa Bark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cracked Mirror Clear Reflection by Julie Barbera is a true gem as it takes the reader on journey with the author of how destructive perfectionism is, and how with God's help, one can let go of perfectionism and comparison to embrace one's uniqueness and destiny. I was moved and inspired by stories in this book, and it has helped me realize my giftings, and given me a desire to accept myself as God made me!! All of us can relate can relate to Author's struggles and triumphs in this book. Her journey to her life's purpose is masterfully written and easy to read!! I highly recommend this book to those who need inspiration, and to those who deeply desire change in their lives!!

[Jackye Clayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books that as you peer into the author's life, you also are peering into your own. It is deeply personal, almost like reading someone's diary. Julie amazingly shares such a personal journey that reminds us all that we are perfectly imperfect. Her stories are very relatable and familiar. We have all been there before. In this current age of social media where everyone seems ecstatic, we see the lure to try to be perfect and a daily basis. This is a great book to help you refocus on what is truly important; to let go of our path and focus on God's path for us.

[Lucie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book and go back to read different chapters to help me stay grounded. It's ebb and flow from real-life experiences to dreamy clarification, of how to navigate life, has been a joy to read. It is beautifully written and inspires me to find the great meaning in life's moments that may seem small. This author must have a heart of gold, she speaks with authenticity and I really appreciate that in today's world!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cracked Mirror, Clear Reflection is a wonderfully personal, inspiring account of Julie's life and how, through faith, she shattered the idea of perfection, and learned that even dark moments shape us but do not define us. Her use of metaphors takes you inside a world full of hope, God and realistic optimism. Great way to remind ourselves how precious and unique our human experience is.

[Michelle Meier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cracked Mirror, Clear Reflection came into my life at just the right time. Author Julie Barbera shares about her relatable struggles with perfectionism, self-worth and fulfilling the dream that God put in her heart, despite her fears and doubts. Paired with miraculous stories and words of inspiration--both from the author and from the Bible--Julie Barbera's book touched my heart and soul.

[linda freeman · Rating 1 out of 5]

Could not get into the book. Did not like it at all. Not at all what I expected and would never read another book like this. Did not like how it jumped around

Did not like this at all. Hard to even get interested . Not really a story. I would Not like to read another book like this

[Leticia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Refreshing, individual perspective that I could relate too! Kudos to the author for having the courage to share so much of oneself in every page. Your insight has brought me nourishment that I've been needing.

[SCOTT SILBERSTEIN · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a inspirational, uplifting book. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking to grow as a person and overcome any challenges. Julie truly has a gift and delivers words that are meaningful.

[Rissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It had short, but meaningful chapters. Julie did an excellent job of sharing her experiences and uplifting readers with scripture.