Set Free to Live Free

by Saundra Dalton-Smith

Imagine life with unlimited possibility, where fear, misconceptions, and insecurities don't have the power to rob us of our potential or our dreams. In Set Free to Live Free, Saundra Dalton-Smith shows women how to break free from seven mental ties that hold them back, including striving for perfection, comparing themselves to others, all-or-nothing attitudes, and more. Through case studies and inspirational writing, she encourages women to embrace spontaneity, be transparent, nurture their bodies, and cultivate a balanced life.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian, Self Help, Christian Non Fiction, Christianity, Mental Health, Christian Living

224 pages, Paperback

First published March 26, 2011

Reviews

[Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is just what I needed at a time in my life where I feel frustrated with how certain things are going. Halfway through the third chapter I was already feeling emotional burdens lift and the ability to feel hope and empowerment. I love the author's compassionate and encouraging voice and her wisdom and advice that I know to be true, but needed someone else to tell me again. I appreciate the gospel foundation and scripture references that enhance the lessons and themes. The seven areas she focuses on are are ones that everyone can reassess and seek alignment with truth rather that the lies and half-truths that are all-too-easy to believe. My print copy is covered with highlighter, and this book will be one I refer back to in the future as I continue to grow and embrace freedom. This would make an amazing book club pick with the potential for discussion. Highly recommend!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

[Kendra Neal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Women are their own Worst Critics, they tend to be so hard on themselves. The "criticism" women give themselves leads to Lies we tell ourselves. Saundra Dalton-Smith has written an 8 week Bible Study book "Set Free to Live Free: Breaking Through the 7 Lies Women Tell Themselves". I had the opportunity to read it recently.

The 7 Lies that women tend to Tell themselves are: 1: Perfection, 2: Envy, 3: Image, 4: Balance, 5: Control, 6: Emotions, 7: Limits Women tend to want Perfection and can't find balance, and want to be in control of their lives and their family lives, but this only leads to women feeling unsuccessful in life because it is so hard to reach these "goals". Set Free to Live Free is divided into sections to help Women go through the steps to help them BREAK FREE from the train of thought that we have to be all of these things and achieve so much. The sections include: 1: Illumination 2: Activation 3: Transition 4: Expulsion 5: Detachment. The Illumination part has questions to ask yourself about the "lies" you are believing. The Expulsion part gives Biblical References and Encouragement.

Set Free to Live Free is a much needed book for today's women. I really like the layout of the book. The format of the book makes it easy to use, especially in a GROUP setting. The Study really encouraged me, especially because I tend to "believe the lies", mostly Perfection and control. I HIGHLY recommend this book for women who struggle with the "LIES" and want to Break FREE. GREAT for a Women's Bible Study Group or to read as a devotional on your own.

[Suzie Waltner · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Every woman has dealt with one of the lies in Set Free to Live Free by Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith. Whether it’s striving for perfection, living an all-or-nothing existence, or comparing ourselves to others, we’ve let our attitudes and beliefs effect our lives.

I appreciate that Dr. Dalton-Smith address these head on. Within each lie, she delves into five steps to take to change our perceptions. The author introduces each of the seven lies with a story of a woman before delving in how to change our thinking and reach for a different outcome.

Some of the scripture verses felt like a stretch to me (I’m not a fan of Scripture taken out of context to fit a topic), but there are some gems in there to meditate on too. The fact that the author drives women to the Bible for God’s help in making life changes is well documented throughout the book.
This is an updated edition of Set Free to Live Free, and just as relevant (maybe even more so) as it was upon its first printing.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: SET FREE TO LIVE FREE
Author: Saundra Dalton-Smith, MD
Publisher: Revell
May 2011
ISBN: 978-0-8007-1993-7
Genre: Inspirational/Christian living

Imagine a life with unlimited possibilities…

A life where fear, misconceptions, and insecurities don’t have the power to rob you of your potential or your dreams.

An impossible dream?

Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith takes the opportunity to show us in her book, SET FREE TO LIVE FREE, that this isn’t such an impossible dream. It can become reality. Dr. Dalton-Smith shows us, in the pages of SET FREE TO LIVE FREE how to sever the seven mental ties that hold you back and steal your joy.

Ties such as:

> Striving for perfection
> Comparing yourself to others both in looks, or lives
> having an all-or-nothing attitude
> having to be the one in control
> keeping emotions under control
> and setting limits

SET FREE TO LIVE FREE includes an eight-week Bible study for you and your Sunday School class, Small Group, or Bible study, either group or personal. Dr. Dalton-Smith includes compelling stories and inspirational writings where she encourages us to embrace spontaneity, be transparent, nurture your body, and cultivate a balanced life.

If you are looking for an excellent resource, for a special woman in your life (maybe even yourself) then SET FREE TO LIVE FREE would be an excellent choice. $12.99. 220 pages.

[Courtney | Soul of a Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, this cover is gorgeous and I love it! Secondly, nonfiction is a love language of mine. I want my nonfiction to feel like a cross between a textbook and chatting with a friend over coffee. I want to close the book and feel like I'm still chewing on some of the concepts, still learning from the depth.

And while this book didn't quite hit that mark for me, I still appreciated the merit of the attempt. My favorite parts were the parts when the author was telling the stories of regular women for each lie. It made it relatable.

Like some other reviewers, I wasn't fully behind some of the use of scripture, but I understood where the author was going. Overall, this was an encouraging read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All expressed opinions belong to me.

[Lisa's Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the Kindle version of this book and wish that I had a paperback copy, because of the layout and study guide. The study guide was at the end of the ebook, and I would learn more by being able to go back and forth. The beginning of the book was hard for me to find the point, but then I was able to see clearly what the author was doing.

The author had a very unique perspective on the Christian life. As a medical doctor she has worked hard to rescue many women from the devastation to their health caused by lies that they believe. The seven lies she addresses in this book are common ones that women take upon themselves. The way she teaches about the effects of the lies is amazing.

Women naturally fall into the traps that these lies set for them. I learned much about myself and was inspired by Dr. Dalton-Smith’s writing. She uses the Bible to help motivate women to believe the Word and what God has for them. I look forward to using the Bible Study to follow the author’s challenge to be a member of The Diamond Society.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Laura - Book In Still Life · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has recently been re-released as an updated edition, so it obviously has content that resonates with many. It touts ways to breakthrough seven lies women tell themselves, such as ‘perfection is the goal’, and ‘life is an all-or-none activity.’ Writing from her own experience working with her female patients, medical practitioner Dalton-Smith does an excellent job of weaving together relatable stories. It’s an easy read and, while the concepts presented aren’t revelatory, I am sure that women who are seriously struggling with self esteem issues would benefit from this book.
-
Where it fell a bit flat for me was the emphasis on women in general (I would strongly argue that men tell themselves many of the same lies) and the emphasis on married and mothering women more specifically. More and more women in the Western world are choosing not to marry or not to have children, so focusing so strongly on experiences of marriage and motherhood could be a deterrent for some readers. I also found that the Christian tie-in was a bit of a stretch at times. As a Christian myself, I firmly believe that personal transformation is best done through an understanding of who we are as children of God, but long lists of Bible verses - some taken out of context – interspersed throughout the text don’t bridge the gap between Holy-Spirit led transformation and what could easily be packaged as a secular self-help book.
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Still, if you have never done any self-leadership training or personal enrichment, this book could be a good starting point to propel you on a journey towards a healthy sense of self-worth.

[Kimmie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Talk about a story that packs a punch. Wow. Set Free to Live Free by Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith is one the reaches in and takes hold of you right from the beginning. I was personally intrigued by the book cover saying it would “Break through the 7 lies women tell themselves” And let me tell you Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith covered some good ones. She had some very insightful wisdom and I loved her take on them as I felt like several of the points spoke right too to me.
Overall, this book was a wonderful enrichment to me and hit me right where I needed it. 4 out of 5 stars.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set Free to Live covers seven lies we all tell ourselves. About Perfection, Envy, Image, Balance, Control, Emotions, and Limits. For each of these there is a story. It really helps you get a good look at the lie, see if you have that in your own life and how it applies to you. Then she walks you through steps to over come these lies. To break free and live fully, without any of these holding you back.
A lot of it I felt was based for married women and mothers. I am neither of those but I still thoroughly enjoyed this read. There were so many good tidbits in there to apply to your life.
It was an encouraging read, wonderfully written. It would be a great gift as well!
Note: I received a copy of this book for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Kristie Ingerto · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one of the best non-fiction books that I've read in awhile! I absolutely recommend that every single woman reads this. We get caught up in our way of thinking, comparing ourselves to others, thinking if only, but really these are lies that are keeping us from really living life, and living joyfully. I liked how this book was set up and how it approached each "lie" that we tend to tell ourselves.

[Victor Gentile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saundra Dalton-Smith in her new book, "Set Free To Live Free" published by Revell is "breaking through the 7 lies women tell themselves.

The more you tell a lie the more it becomes like truth and therefore becomes believable, at least to the person telling the lie. Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith looks at the 7 lies that women tell themselves and how to break free from their hold.

The seven mental lies that hold you back and steal your joy are: 1) Perfection, 2) Envy, 3) Image, 4) Balance, 5) Control, 6) Emotions, 7) Limits.. Each section deals with the problem and then how to deal with it. If you are a woman and you have issues in these areas "Set Free To Live Free" is the book for you. This book also includes an eight-week Bible study for you and your Sunday School class, Small Group, or Bible study. Dr. Dalton-Smith includes compelling stories and inspirational writings where she encourages women to embrace spontaneity, be transparent, nurture your body, and cultivate a balanced life.

Dr. Dalton-Smith is sponsoring the “Set Mom Free” Mother’s Day Contest in conjunction with her blog tour and Mother’s Day. You can enter to win a $100 VISA card, a bouquet of flowers delivered on Mother’s Day (for yourself or your own mom!) and an autographed copy of her book. The contest will run during the blog tour week on her Set Free FaceBook page. Here is how it will work: Once you are on the FaceBook “Set Free” page, make sure you have clicked “Like” to become a Fan. Then look in the far left column and click on “Promos”. This will take you to the contest details. Simply follow the directions from there and you will be entered. The contest is already open, so you can enter today if you like

If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.

To listen to 24 Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Available May 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

[Leslie McKee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read another book by this author, so I was interested in this one, as some parts of the blurb caught my attention. It just didn't resonate with me the same as the other book did, though there were a few parts that did.

The author does include some real-life stories/examples as well as some thought-provoking questions.

The book is divided into the following parts:
1. Freedom Is a Choice
2. The Seven Lies Women Tell Themselves
3. The Free Woman's Creed

I found the second part to have information that resonated with me. There's likely a lie most women will be able to relate to. The lies are: perfection, envy, image, balance, control, emotions, and limits.

The various sections for each chapter include:
1. Illumination - Peak inside yourself
2. Activation - Change is hard work and it may involve sweat
3. Transition - Stretched to the max but rebounding with grace
4. Expulsion - Dynamic interference required
5. Detachment - Cut the ties

I also enjoyed the Creed. and if you struggle with perfectionism, negative thought patterns, etc., there are some tips which you may find useful. I also appreciated the relevant Bible verses woven throughout the book.

A few quotes I liked:
- "There is power in your weakness."
- "Excellence is an inward competition with yourself."
- "The Word of God is our security."

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary from the publisher and JustRead Tours, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.

[Rosalyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

In today's day and age, a time of extreme busyness, lots of chances to be overwhelmed and anxious exist, all around us.
This book is a breath of fresh air. The author addresses seven different lies that women are likely to buy into. First, there's a story to illustrate the lie. Then there is truth and scripture verses to contradict it, and to show us how we can overcome, live above it, and rest in Jesus.

One of these lies is the belief that we must strive for perfection. God never intended us to be perfect, or to hold up a specific level of perfection that we should attain to. No, He wants us to strive for excellence. Not in comparing our own abilities to that of others, because each of us is uniquely created. He wants each of us...He wants ME to strive for excellence that I can reach. And I can do this through His help.
Filled with hope and encouragement, this book is one that could be helpful for any Christian woman to read. Especially if you are needing encouragement and a fresh outlook in life.

I found this book to be helpful and relevant in my own life. I want to take to heart the truths that I learned as I read, and hope to continue growing in my Christian walk, to become more Christlike.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you ever felt overcome by fears, misconceptions, or insecurities? If not, you're probably not human, so go on to the next blog.

But for the rest of us, this probably sounds all too familiar. There's a new book you may want to read: Set Free to Live Free: Breaking Through the 7 Lies Women Tell Themselves by Saundra Dalton Smith.

Smith is a doctor, and as I read this book I found myself wishing I could be one of her patients. I could sense that she has a lot of insight, and genuine concern for each of her patients. This book is full of her wisdom about perfection, image, control, and more.

Every now and then, a nugget would jump out from the pages and really grab me. How about this?

Rebecca had found a scapegoat and tried to blame her for a perceived personal attack. Someone with a mental tie based on the desire for perfection can easily see suggestions as criticism. Who is your scapegoat when you feel personally attacked? Is it your husband, your children, your boss? Or once you really think about it, do the judgments start long before they make the first comment? If you first response is often anger, chances are you had a preconceived mindset of what someone else would say. Your expectations were not met, and you responded as if you were wounded - anger.

[Shelley Hitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I had it on my "to read" list for a long time and yet God knew the perfect time for me to read it. God used a story Saundra told in the beginning of the book about one of her patients to identify some roots to some issues I've been having. Even though it's hard to allow God to do the deeper healing, it is worth it!

I really liked how she organized the book as well with the five stages of freedom:

1) Illumination - Peak inside yourself
2) Activatioin - Change is hard work and it may involve sweat
3) Transition - Stretched to the max but rebounding with grace
4) Expulsion - dynamic interference required
5) Detatchment - cut the ties

In the sections of illumination, she often lists questions to ask yourself. These are questions that I can refer back to in the future as well. And I especially liked the expulsion section where she lists out truths from the Bible and the references. These are lists that I can refer back to again and again.

Great book and highly recommended!

[Gail Welborn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set Free to Live Free, by Saundra Dalton-Smith, MD, Revell, 2011, 219 Pages, ISBN-13: 978-0800719937, $12.99

In Set Free to Live Free Dr. Dalton-Smith, board certified Alabama internist, illustrates how women’s spiritual and mental choices impact their physical health. Choices she saw disguised as nonspecific complaints in countless exam room visits with her “predominantly female population.”

Many patients, unable to describe a specific illness, listed ambiguous fears, insecurities, frustrations and self-esteem issues before they asked for something to “make them feel better.” In general this usually meant an anti-depressant to the doctor. However, she felt anti-depressants would only be a “Band-Aid on a wounded life,” and would instead ask, “Do you want to get better?”

This was the beginning of “unusual therapy” session’s where “life experience and personal revelation merged”…Full Review: http://tinyurl.com/3uee4us

[Maurissa Mitchem · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are ready to face the truth and start identifying and overcoming the things that are keeping you from being free, then this book is for you. Dr. Dalton-Smith provides relatable examples and thought provoking questions to help women "break through the 7 lies" we tell ourselves. This is a book that you'll read more than once!

[Wren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Does it ever feel like you have too much to do, not enough time to do it, and that that huge list of responsibilities has stolen your peace and joy? I can definitely say "yes" to that question, with varying levels of that happening during different seasons of my life. I've always blamed that on just being a Type A sort of person, and on just having too much do to. Could it be that, instead, we have bought into lies that the world or our culture constantly throws at us, that have placed burdens on us we weren't meant to carry, that cause misery where there should be joy?

If this resounds with you at all, I highly recommend Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith's exceptional Set Free to Live Free: Breaking Through the 7 Lies Women Tell Themselves to you. It's designed for women to read either on their own, or in a group setting (with an 8-week group study guide included at the back of the book). I must say, however, that although it's designed for women that many of the ideas in the book will resound with men, as I experienced within my own family.

So what are the lies we women might stumble into believing? They have to do with perfectionism, envy, thinness/diets, control, balance (or lack thereof), emotions, and limitations on what we think we might receive or deserve in our lives. Dr. Dalton-Smith writes from a Christian perspective, and frequently uses not only verses in the Bible and the Christian faith in the God who loves us, to show us a healthier way to believe and live. She also uses her medical training to show how the lies (and their opposites, the truths) impact our lives on a physical, emotional, and spiritual basis.

I found this book to be SO healing for me, and so life-giving. I have run personally into difficult seasons in my life that were directly impacted by lies I had believed. I knew that there was a problem either with my (admittedly) full schedule, or with my belief system, or something! But I couldn't really narrow it down to a worldview that I had bought into, thinking that a "successful" woman would or could do all those things. When I read Set Free to Live Free, it really became clear to me that much of my problem was related to lies I had believed and woven into my own plans and life. And awesomely, Dr. Dalton-Smith doesn't just say, "Here's what's wrong in your belief system. See ya!" No. She very kindly and lovingly points out a better way to live by dismantling the lies, and replacing them with gentle, helpful truths that we can live by without being crushed by them. I'd say that all the truths the author brings actually give life...and abundant life at that.

I recommend this book so highly to you. I received a digital version of Set Free to Live Free to review. But I am purchasing a print copy, to reread again, with my highlighter and Post-It notes handy! It is life-changing; and it has the potential to bless you in how you feel, what you do, and how you connect to God. Do get yourself a copy of this book!

I received this book from JustRead Publicity Tours. All opinions are my own.

[Heidi McLaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every human being should read this book. I know that’s radical but we’ve ALL lived lies without our knowledge and we need to find truth. Who hasn’t lied to themselves about perfection, envy, their image, life balance, emotions, control and more? Not only is Saundra Dalton-Smith an avid spiritual leader and counsellor, she is also a Doctor with the inside scoop of the physical and spiritual. Saundra’s words can be trusted, as she has lived every chapter. This book is engaging, thorough and with active and practical applications on how to life FREE. This is a must read for you and other people in your life who will benefit from it.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being healthy involves more than just our physical bodies. This book deals with misconceptions that should sound familiar to most women. This book is a wake up call for all of us to face whichever lies we've allowed to hinder our best life.

[L. Michele D · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was so motivational, I found myself taking notes! I thought it was extremely insightful and informative.

[Mary Tharp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well written and informative

[Adrienna · Rating 3 out of 5]

The title is what attracted me to read the book. However, once I open the book to read on my Android tablet (eBook) version from the digital library, wasn't what I expected to read.

The author does point out some good points for women; not about perfection but to have love, joy, happiness, peace should be what you are seeking. "Perfection within out lives can only be extracted from the truth of God's Word. Meditating on principles that edify and equip produces growth within your spirit to allow new vision, new dreams, and new concepts" (page 47, paraphrased).

She caught my attention about "mental debris" and expect removal of layers of debris as truth restores your spirit, mind, and soul by allowing new life to be breathed into your dead places that are in need of resurrection" (page 69-73, paraphrased). This was exposed in lie #2: Envy, chapter 6; these words pierced my heart and renewed my mind with the dynamic language on how to allow God to uncover buried potential! I enjoyed lie 3 on Image and lie 7 on control (especially chapters 16-17).

Adrienna Turner
www.adriennaturner.webs.com

[Sonyetta · Rating 2 out of 5]

I almost didn't finish this book. Not because there's anything wrong with it, it just didn't really speak to me. As someone who has read a lot of books on developing myself, this seemed shallow. There's just a lot of "do this" without really telling you HOW to do it. I was glad I finished it however as God did use the last couple chapters to speak to my heart. Thus the two stars vs. one. I'm not saying you shouldn't read this book, but I don't necessarily recommend it.

[Melainia Mcclain · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'll give this book two stars for effort, and perhaps it will help some people out there who can't fathom their own potential strength separate from an all powerful father god figure, but any book that claims no one can be free and happy without a foundational relationship with Jesus is not a book for me.