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Holy Hot Mess: Finding God in the Details of this Weird and Wonderful Life
Discover the power of being a hot mess with these heartbreaking and hilarious stories of how God uses each "mess" in our lives to bring us closer to Him–showing readers that it's okay to celebrate exactly where they are right now. A lot of people struggle with the concept of being holy. But the fact is, even the hottest of messes are being shaped—right now—into Jesus' likeness. In this book, Mary Katherine shares the sometimes-hidden evidence of God's work in her life and shows you that it's okay to embrace the hot messes. Mary Katherine will share both hilarious and vulnerable stories about faith, friendships, motherhood, marriage, and depression. She will cover the topics that plague our hearts every day with raw, honest truth and a side of laughter. Mary Katherine invites you into her story as a friend, encouraging you to embrace the hot messes in your life. Because we are all a work in progress, and as long as we are alive, we are under construction—and construction sites tend to be messy.
240 pages, Hardcover
Published August 3, 2021
305 people are currently reading
2893 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 325 reviews
June 24, 2021
I will confess that I started off in good cheer with Mary Katherine Backstrom's "Holy Hot Mess: Finding God in the Details of this Weird and Wonderful Life," a Worthy Publishing release in which Backstrom explores with heart and humor and remarkable transparency her own stories about how God has taken the holy hot messes of her own life and turned them into something weird and wonderful.
Backstrom is a relentlessly engaging author. She's quick and easy with sharing her own stories, whether it's that collegiate period where past traumas rose to the surface and influenced her behaviors or her increasing awareness of parenting, marital, and faith struggles.
While Backstrom grounds "Holy Hot Mess" in faith and vulnerability, she mixes in an abundance of humor, insight, and her own journey toward accepting the entire journey warts and all.
"Holy Hot Mess" is filled with stories about growing up, making choices, motherhood, parenting, marriage, and even depression. It's a breezy, engaging read and the kind of book that will likely have you running over to social media to look up Backstrom if you're no already familiar with her active social media presence.
I enjoyed virtually every moment of "Holy Hot Mess," though I'll also admit there were moments when I found myself wanting just a bit more.
For example, at times it found like I was getting to know Backstrom's story more than Backstrom herself. There's a fine line here, of course, but at times it felt like humor was being used as a defense rather than as a healthy mechanism for sharing the story. In these moments, I felt like the story only skimmed the surface of what was really going on.
Similarly, a late "Holy Hot Mess" discussion about her marriage felt just a tad jarring almost to a "Glennon" degree. While it certainly doesn't manifest the same way, it almost felt like when a Marvel Comics Universe movie gives you a glimpse of future films. This felt like "This is what I'm going to write about next." It just felt weird.
These are minor quibbles, really, for a book that I truly enjoyed and appreciated. I mean, seriously, it's hard not to absolutely love someone named Mary Katherine (though I'll confess I was a little bit surprised when Baptist was mentioned rather than Catholic. I mean, c'mon. Mary Katherine practically screams out being a Catholic name).
Backstrom is an up-and-coming author whose works I will undoubtedly continue to follow. With honesty, humor, and vulnerability, Backstrom takes us into her own challenges in trusting God's presence in the details of our lives and reminds us that through it all we're truly not alone.
Mary Katherine Backstrom may be a holy hot mess, but she's certainly a warm, funny, and talented writer as well.
Backstrom is a relentlessly engaging author. She's quick and easy with sharing her own stories, whether it's that collegiate period where past traumas rose to the surface and influenced her behaviors or her increasing awareness of parenting, marital, and faith struggles.
While Backstrom grounds "Holy Hot Mess" in faith and vulnerability, she mixes in an abundance of humor, insight, and her own journey toward accepting the entire journey warts and all.
"Holy Hot Mess" is filled with stories about growing up, making choices, motherhood, parenting, marriage, and even depression. It's a breezy, engaging read and the kind of book that will likely have you running over to social media to look up Backstrom if you're no already familiar with her active social media presence.
I enjoyed virtually every moment of "Holy Hot Mess," though I'll also admit there were moments when I found myself wanting just a bit more.
For example, at times it found like I was getting to know Backstrom's story more than Backstrom herself. There's a fine line here, of course, but at times it felt like humor was being used as a defense rather than as a healthy mechanism for sharing the story. In these moments, I felt like the story only skimmed the surface of what was really going on.
Similarly, a late "Holy Hot Mess" discussion about her marriage felt just a tad jarring almost to a "Glennon" degree. While it certainly doesn't manifest the same way, it almost felt like when a Marvel Comics Universe movie gives you a glimpse of future films. This felt like "This is what I'm going to write about next." It just felt weird.
These are minor quibbles, really, for a book that I truly enjoyed and appreciated. I mean, seriously, it's hard not to absolutely love someone named Mary Katherine (though I'll confess I was a little bit surprised when Baptist was mentioned rather than Catholic. I mean, c'mon. Mary Katherine practically screams out being a Catholic name).
Backstrom is an up-and-coming author whose works I will undoubtedly continue to follow. With honesty, humor, and vulnerability, Backstrom takes us into her own challenges in trusting God's presence in the details of our lives and reminds us that through it all we're truly not alone.
Mary Katherine Backstrom may be a holy hot mess, but she's certainly a warm, funny, and talented writer as well.
July 23, 2021
Backstrom is about as authentic as you can get, as anyone who follows her videos can attest. This book is full of those real-life stories that make you laugh out loud and sob hysterically (or so I hear...) and it's a valuable read.
I can't give it five stars though, mainly because it feels very disjointed. It reads like a series of disconnected blog posts rather than a cohesive narrative. It's definitely worth the price of admission, but I was kind of expecting more of a guide to navigating the mess.
One note: I am not the target demographic for this book. I'm a straight white married male who doesn't actually follow Mary Katherine on social media. My wife is obsessed, though, and she wanted me (the reader of the family) to read it and write a review. She would definitely give it five stars, in case you're wondering.
I received an ARC (advance copy) of the book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I can't give it five stars though, mainly because it feels very disjointed. It reads like a series of disconnected blog posts rather than a cohesive narrative. It's definitely worth the price of admission, but I was kind of expecting more of a guide to navigating the mess.
One note: I am not the target demographic for this book. I'm a straight white married male who doesn't actually follow Mary Katherine on social media. My wife is obsessed, though, and she wanted me (the reader of the family) to read it and write a review. She would definitely give it five stars, in case you're wondering.
I received an ARC (advance copy) of the book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 17, 2021
Holy Hot Mess is not a typical book that I read on the regular. But it's by a wonderful woman that I came across on facebook and was immediately blown away by her. So when I saw that she had a book coming out, I figured I would have to wait til it was released to get my hands on a copy. Well, her publisher granted me an early e-book and after gasping in shock, I dove into this.
Mary Katherine is absolutely honest and raw with explaining her life and all the ups and downs she's endured. It is engaging from start to finish. She does not hold back in any of her stories and her humor is right on point. If you don't follow Mary Katherine in social media, this book will have you looking her up immediately.
Mary Katherine is as authentic and real as you can get with this book. You will laugh, cry and absolute relate to so much of what she writes. Anyone who knows me, knows that I am not big on religion and yet, I absolutely loved every bit of this book. If you aren't reading this book, you should be.
Oh and even though I received an arc of this book, I loved it so much, I preordered the book itself because I wanted this book sitting pretty with my other great reads.
Mary Katherine is absolutely honest and raw with explaining her life and all the ups and downs she's endured. It is engaging from start to finish. She does not hold back in any of her stories and her humor is right on point. If you don't follow Mary Katherine in social media, this book will have you looking her up immediately.
Mary Katherine is as authentic and real as you can get with this book. You will laugh, cry and absolute relate to so much of what she writes. Anyone who knows me, knows that I am not big on religion and yet, I absolutely loved every bit of this book. If you aren't reading this book, you should be.
Oh and even though I received an arc of this book, I loved it so much, I preordered the book itself because I wanted this book sitting pretty with my other great reads.
September 21, 2021
I wanted to like this book so so much. The author seems so fun and my goodness, as I began the book I just felt like GOT me, you know. I mean even said, “I know you,” then began to describe me. She talked about the “Lie of Curation” so visible on social media but also in real life. How we have begun to compare ourselves so fully to a filtered, curated world that we won’t ever be able to match up against.
Wow.
She just got me.
Plus she was fun and pretty funny.
But then came a few think that made me pause. I mean it started out with some simple doctrine differences, which isn’t a deal breaker in books, so I kept going.
But then came a reference to something that kinda sounded like evolution…”sand and water with a million years gone by.” *scratch my head*
But then, oh boy. She actually got a very common Bible story completely wrong and even quoted it wrong. So much so that I second guessed myself and looked it up. (Not in a weird translation either, mind you, but NKJV.) She says that when Nicodemus asked Jesus about being born again that Jesus talked him “and the crowd that day” then references that he was also talking to other rabbis in that conversation. Ummmmm, no ma’am. It very clearly says in John that Nicodemus came to Jesus by night and alone. In fact, all three times that John mentions Nicodemus, he references him as having “first come to Jesus at night.” (John 3, 7, and 19) Kinda a big mistake not only for the author but also for the editor. Especially considering how much she talks throughout the book about reading your Bible and getting deeply into it. Well, please check and recheck your references, ma’am.
It didn’t completely ruin the book, but left it kinda tainted for me.
Plus, some of the chapter felt kind of choppy for me. Like jumping from childhood story to adult life and raising her kids for like two paragraphs then back to her own childhood with zero transition between…..almost like it was actually placed in the wrong spot of the book. A few choppy moments like that actually. Maybe they meant to be flashbacks or flash forwards, but they were actually very distracting and a bit confusing.
I know a lot of people will love this book and the author. She reminds me a bit of Jen Hatmaker (which many will find to be attractive and complimenting, even though I’m not a big fan). So I know she will get a lot of buzz. It just wasn’t all for me
Wow.
She just got me.
Plus she was fun and pretty funny.
But then came a few think that made me pause. I mean it started out with some simple doctrine differences, which isn’t a deal breaker in books, so I kept going.
But then came a reference to something that kinda sounded like evolution…”sand and water with a million years gone by.” *scratch my head*
But then, oh boy. She actually got a very common Bible story completely wrong and even quoted it wrong. So much so that I second guessed myself and looked it up. (Not in a weird translation either, mind you, but NKJV.) She says that when Nicodemus asked Jesus about being born again that Jesus talked him “and the crowd that day” then references that he was also talking to other rabbis in that conversation. Ummmmm, no ma’am. It very clearly says in John that Nicodemus came to Jesus by night and alone. In fact, all three times that John mentions Nicodemus, he references him as having “first come to Jesus at night.” (John 3, 7, and 19) Kinda a big mistake not only for the author but also for the editor. Especially considering how much she talks throughout the book about reading your Bible and getting deeply into it. Well, please check and recheck your references, ma’am.
It didn’t completely ruin the book, but left it kinda tainted for me.
Plus, some of the chapter felt kind of choppy for me. Like jumping from childhood story to adult life and raising her kids for like two paragraphs then back to her own childhood with zero transition between…..almost like it was actually placed in the wrong spot of the book. A few choppy moments like that actually. Maybe they meant to be flashbacks or flash forwards, but they were actually very distracting and a bit confusing.
I know a lot of people will love this book and the author. She reminds me a bit of Jen Hatmaker (which many will find to be attractive and complimenting, even though I’m not a big fan). So I know she will get a lot of buzz. It just wasn’t all for me
July 20, 2021
This is one of the most engaging nonfiction books I’ve read. It’s so easy to relate to, to empathize with, to laugh with. The easy-flowing conversational style is what makes this book come alive.
This excerpt from the introduction will give you a good feel for the atmosphere and flow of this book:
Sharing personal experiences in her life, Mary Katherine Backstrom (MK) communicates how, in hindsight, she sees God’s hand working through the messy moments. Or as she describes it, “…a holy undercurrent beneath the chaos.” It is effortless for me to relate, because I too can sift through my life experiences (good and bad) and see how God pieces everything together in His way, in His time.
Not only is this book highly entertaining (the author has an enchanting sense of humor) but is also significant and meaningful. I love this book.
Holy Hot Mess is a light read with a lot of weight!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐+
#HolyHotMess #FirstWords #MaryKatherineBackstrom
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.
This excerpt from the introduction will give you a good feel for the atmosphere and flow of this book:
We are active construction sites, all mess and mud. We are artworks in progress, with paint on the floor. We don’t have a clue where this thing is going. But listen to me: God does.
Sharing personal experiences in her life, Mary Katherine Backstrom (MK) communicates how, in hindsight, she sees God’s hand working through the messy moments. Or as she describes it, “…a holy undercurrent beneath the chaos.” It is effortless for me to relate, because I too can sift through my life experiences (good and bad) and see how God pieces everything together in His way, in His time.
Not only is this book highly entertaining (the author has an enchanting sense of humor) but is also significant and meaningful. I love this book.
Holy Hot Mess is a light read with a lot of weight!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐+
#HolyHotMess #FirstWords #MaryKatherineBackstrom
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.
September 30, 2021
Saw this book on the new non-fiction release shelf at the library yesterday and decided I needed a little bit of positivity in my life, so I went for it, even though I am not a Christian (don't even play one on TV).
Therefore, it's to be expected that I would (and did) enjoy the storytelling parts of Hot Holy Mess more than the prostelytizing/Scripture-quoting portions. But they are spot-on for what they are, and I would recommend this book to my Protestant girlfriends, especially those who are still fairly early on in their parenting adventures.
I wish I had realized before I started the book that Mary Katherine Backstrom is _that_ woman.....the one who posted a Facebook Live video of herself in a grocery store parking lot. So. Freaking. Funny.
Here's the link to it, I'm too lazy to make it pretty: https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?...
Cheers!
Therefore, it's to be expected that I would (and did) enjoy the storytelling parts of Hot Holy Mess more than the prostelytizing/Scripture-quoting portions. But they are spot-on for what they are, and I would recommend this book to my Protestant girlfriends, especially those who are still fairly early on in their parenting adventures.
I wish I had realized before I started the book that Mary Katherine Backstrom is _that_ woman.....the one who posted a Facebook Live video of herself in a grocery store parking lot. So. Freaking. Funny.
Here's the link to it, I'm too lazy to make it pretty: https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?...
Cheers!
August 19, 2021
Admittedly, I didn’t quite connect with the Christianity talk as much as I did with MK’s hilarious authenticity. I sure would love her as my neighbor!
November 16, 2021
I read this in vignettes over a few months, in the cracks and pieces of the days. It is sunshine in quiet moments, not preachy or saccharine. More like your older sister giving you the side eye and reminding you how good you have it, then fiercely wrapping you in a hug and letting you be broken.
I loved the analogy of God being in the details like a forensic dusting of fingerprints- that sometimes you can only see Him in your life by looking backward, but if we align ourselves, we will find Him in the moment as well.
MK is not a gifted writer as much as she is a gifted teller of stories, the perfect talent for reaching out and influencing others with kindness. I hope she keeps telling stories and doesn't trade her real mess for manufactured influencer mess.
I loved the analogy of God being in the details like a forensic dusting of fingerprints- that sometimes you can only see Him in your life by looking backward, but if we align ourselves, we will find Him in the moment as well.
MK is not a gifted writer as much as she is a gifted teller of stories, the perfect talent for reaching out and influencing others with kindness. I hope she keeps telling stories and doesn't trade her real mess for manufactured influencer mess.
Want to read
July 1, 2021Can’t wait to get started!!! Super excited!!!
July 29, 2021
I’ve never been much of a reader, maybe one or two books a year because quite frankly, I just lose interest. But let me tell you, I had a hard time putting this book down. I actually read it in 2 days.
Mary Katherine is very open about some of the “messy moments” she has faced in her life. “Sometimes the lessons we learn are hilarious. Some-times they hurt like hell...Looking back on life’s messiest moments, I now see the fingerprints of God.”
She tells about her experiences in a way that is so relatable. She will have you laughing out loud one minute and wishing you could give her a big hug the next. I highly recommend Holy Hot Mess!
Mary Katherine is very open about some of the “messy moments” she has faced in her life. “Sometimes the lessons we learn are hilarious. Some-times they hurt like hell...Looking back on life’s messiest moments, I now see the fingerprints of God.”
She tells about her experiences in a way that is so relatable. She will have you laughing out loud one minute and wishing you could give her a big hug the next. I highly recommend Holy Hot Mess!
August 1, 2021
I just want to start out by saying, I loved this book! I feel like I would get along well with the author, Mary Katherine Backstrom. Have you ever just felt like a hot mess? I know I have, and often jokingly give myself that title. But thankfully for me, and others like me, God can use our messes to bring us closer to him.
Backstrom was very relatable, and shared many personal stories. Some had me laughing, and some just had me nodding along sympathetically. I appreciated her authenticity, and how she used her story to show how God uses the daily messes in our lives for our good. Backstrom encourages us to see that we are all a work in progress. I appreciated that she was not afraid to address topics such as depression and difficult relationships.
Here are some quotes that stood out to me from this book:
“We are active construction sites, all mess and mud. We are artworks in progress, with paint on the floor. We don’t have a clue where this thing is going. But listen to me: God does.“
“When we share our messy, honest selves with one another, that’s when we find our deepest communities.”
“God molded our bodies straight from clay and brought us to life with a holy purpose. His plans for us have always been good, friends. We weren’t made to swim in the trash. But from time to time, we find ourselves there. That’s the broken world that we live in.”
“The scariest story you’ve ever heard is the one you are telling yourself: that if you are honest with people and share your flaws, they’ll realize you are unlovable. Insecurity is haunting you and terrifying your town, but you don’t have to believe it. It’s just another one of Satan’s lies…you are enough, exactly as you are.”
“I meet people I like, and I get goofy and excited: Please like me please like me please like me. Maybe they will like me. Maybe they won’t. Their feelings don’t determine my worth.”
“The strongest relationships hold space for the messes and can offer grace for each other’s imperfections.”
“Remember to hold grace for others; everyone is pulling their own luggage. Today it is them; tomorrow it’s you.”
If you feel like your life is a hot mess, and you want some encouragement on how even (and maybe especially) the messy times in our lives can draw us closer to God, I encourage you to pick up a copy of this book. It was a quick read, yet gave me a lot to think about!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, through Net Galley. All opinions are my own.
Backstrom was very relatable, and shared many personal stories. Some had me laughing, and some just had me nodding along sympathetically. I appreciated her authenticity, and how she used her story to show how God uses the daily messes in our lives for our good. Backstrom encourages us to see that we are all a work in progress. I appreciated that she was not afraid to address topics such as depression and difficult relationships.
Here are some quotes that stood out to me from this book:
“We are active construction sites, all mess and mud. We are artworks in progress, with paint on the floor. We don’t have a clue where this thing is going. But listen to me: God does.“
“When we share our messy, honest selves with one another, that’s when we find our deepest communities.”
“God molded our bodies straight from clay and brought us to life with a holy purpose. His plans for us have always been good, friends. We weren’t made to swim in the trash. But from time to time, we find ourselves there. That’s the broken world that we live in.”
“The scariest story you’ve ever heard is the one you are telling yourself: that if you are honest with people and share your flaws, they’ll realize you are unlovable. Insecurity is haunting you and terrifying your town, but you don’t have to believe it. It’s just another one of Satan’s lies…you are enough, exactly as you are.”
“I meet people I like, and I get goofy and excited: Please like me please like me please like me. Maybe they will like me. Maybe they won’t. Their feelings don’t determine my worth.”
“The strongest relationships hold space for the messes and can offer grace for each other’s imperfections.”
“Remember to hold grace for others; everyone is pulling their own luggage. Today it is them; tomorrow it’s you.”
If you feel like your life is a hot mess, and you want some encouragement on how even (and maybe especially) the messy times in our lives can draw us closer to God, I encourage you to pick up a copy of this book. It was a quick read, yet gave me a lot to think about!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, through Net Galley. All opinions are my own.
August 4, 2021
I know what you're thinking. "Mary Katherine Backstrom is a Christian author. What could I possibly gain from this book other than what I have been hearing from Christians my whole life?"
Well I will tell you. There are days I think I'm Christian and there are days I think I'm atheist. I NEVER in a million years thought I would connect with a Christian author. I had seen MK's viral Christmastime-Hugging-A-Stranger video and her moment on Ellen. I knew she was awkward and funny and followed her on Facebook. What I didn't know is how she would change my view of Christians and religion completely.
MK writes exactly as she speaks: from the heart. Her grace and quirkiness come flowing off the pages so effortlessly it feels as if I am just listening to her talk. She gets real and raw. Messy and truthful. And somehow her words hit everyone who reads this book in a way they didn't expect. See she is us. She isn't the perfect instagramable barbie doll. She's a mom, a wife, a sister, a daughter. She's sometimes a disaster and sometimes she might feel she has figured things out. Just like me and you. She let's it all hang out there. Every normal, real, human thing. And somehow she reminds you that in the end, regardless of what you believe in, this world is always working to give you the best. You just might not know what that is yet.
I cannot say enough about this book and this author. I was lucky enough to be offered the opportunity to read it early and it has taken me weeks to put into words what I feel is an appropriate and worthy review. And honestly I still feel I failed simply because if even one person reads this and doesn't hit "add to cart" I didn't make it clear enough how much everyone needs this book. So friend, do it. Hit that button. You won't regret it.
Well I will tell you. There are days I think I'm Christian and there are days I think I'm atheist. I NEVER in a million years thought I would connect with a Christian author. I had seen MK's viral Christmastime-Hugging-A-Stranger video and her moment on Ellen. I knew she was awkward and funny and followed her on Facebook. What I didn't know is how she would change my view of Christians and religion completely.
MK writes exactly as she speaks: from the heart. Her grace and quirkiness come flowing off the pages so effortlessly it feels as if I am just listening to her talk. She gets real and raw. Messy and truthful. And somehow her words hit everyone who reads this book in a way they didn't expect. See she is us. She isn't the perfect instagramable barbie doll. She's a mom, a wife, a sister, a daughter. She's sometimes a disaster and sometimes she might feel she has figured things out. Just like me and you. She let's it all hang out there. Every normal, real, human thing. And somehow she reminds you that in the end, regardless of what you believe in, this world is always working to give you the best. You just might not know what that is yet.
I cannot say enough about this book and this author. I was lucky enough to be offered the opportunity to read it early and it has taken me weeks to put into words what I feel is an appropriate and worthy review. And honestly I still feel I failed simply because if even one person reads this and doesn't hit "add to cart" I didn't make it clear enough how much everyone needs this book. So friend, do it. Hit that button. You won't regret it.
August 15, 2021
What a refreshing memoir. MK is honest about her life. She has a good ability to combine life lessons with humor. I like to read books that share insights from life but I rarely laugh like I did with this one. Truth telling is important, MK says. We need to share our struggles and failures to develop real connectivity and trust with others. I really liked her comments about messy church. She is realistic yet encouraging, reminding us that church stretches our ability to love. After all, the church is a place for the broken.
This is a good book for readers who want encouragement to be themselves, messes and all. MK describes herself as “unfiltered” and some may raise an eye brow or two at some of her stories. You'll laugh at her stories and benefit from her insights into spiritual life because of them. You'll learn of the potential trouble with rescuing a goat. You'll be encouraged to never give a rat as an anniversary gift. (You have to read the book.) And you'll find out you're never too messy for grace.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
This is a good book for readers who want encouragement to be themselves, messes and all. MK describes herself as “unfiltered” and some may raise an eye brow or two at some of her stories. You'll laugh at her stories and benefit from her insights into spiritual life because of them. You'll learn of the potential trouble with rescuing a goat. You'll be encouraged to never give a rat as an anniversary gift. (You have to read the book.) And you'll find out you're never too messy for grace.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
January 20, 2022
Holy Hot Mess
Finding God in the Details of this Weird and Wonderful Life
by Mary Katherine Backstrom
Pub Date 03 Aug 2021
Worthy Publishing, Worthy Books
Christian
I am reviewing a copy of Holy Hot Mess:Finding God in the Details of this Weird and Wonderful Life through Worthy Publishing and Netgalley:
There are a lot of people who struggle with the concept of being Holy. But the fact is even the hottest of messes are being shaped—right now—into Jesus' likeness. In this book, Mary Katherine shares the sometimes-hidden evidence of God's work in her life and shows you that it's okay to embrace the hot messes.
In Holy Hot Mess Mary Katherine shares both hilarious and vulnerable stories about faith, friendships, motherhood, marriage, and depression. She will cover the topics that plague our hearts every day with raw, honest truth and a side of laughter. Mary Katherine invites you into her story as a friend, encouraging you to embrace the hot messes in your life. Because we are all a work in progress, and as long as we are alive, we are under construction—and construction sites tend to be messy.
I give Holy Hot Mess I give five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
Finding God in the Details of this Weird and Wonderful Life
by Mary Katherine Backstrom
Pub Date 03 Aug 2021
Worthy Publishing, Worthy Books
Christian
I am reviewing a copy of Holy Hot Mess:Finding God in the Details of this Weird and Wonderful Life through Worthy Publishing and Netgalley:
There are a lot of people who struggle with the concept of being Holy. But the fact is even the hottest of messes are being shaped—right now—into Jesus' likeness. In this book, Mary Katherine shares the sometimes-hidden evidence of God's work in her life and shows you that it's okay to embrace the hot messes.
In Holy Hot Mess Mary Katherine shares both hilarious and vulnerable stories about faith, friendships, motherhood, marriage, and depression. She will cover the topics that plague our hearts every day with raw, honest truth and a side of laughter. Mary Katherine invites you into her story as a friend, encouraging you to embrace the hot messes in your life. Because we are all a work in progress, and as long as we are alive, we are under construction—and construction sites tend to be messy.
I give Holy Hot Mess I give five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
August 3, 2021
I have to start off by saying that I really requested this based on the title alone. I hadn’t heard of the author before, but now that I’ve read this I feel like I’ve been missing out! She is relatable, authentic and flat out funny!
This is full of real life stories that we can all relate to on some level because they either make you laugh or cry at having been there at some point. She shares valuable insight into how she navigated various everyday situations in a realistic way but then also adds scriptural input on how she could have handled it better looking back on it and to share that bit of knowledge that helps us walk through the trials of this life and see God’s hand at work in the chaos of life. Everything from buying bras to little kids making messes is covered with humor and meaning. It is valuable as a Christian woman to see that I am not alone in my struggles and that I can get through it with a smile on my face!
Will definitely be buying this for myself and as gifts for friends.
Thanks to Worthy Books and Netgalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.
This is full of real life stories that we can all relate to on some level because they either make you laugh or cry at having been there at some point. She shares valuable insight into how she navigated various everyday situations in a realistic way but then also adds scriptural input on how she could have handled it better looking back on it and to share that bit of knowledge that helps us walk through the trials of this life and see God’s hand at work in the chaos of life. Everything from buying bras to little kids making messes is covered with humor and meaning. It is valuable as a Christian woman to see that I am not alone in my struggles and that I can get through it with a smile on my face!
Will definitely be buying this for myself and as gifts for friends.
Thanks to Worthy Books and Netgalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.
August 6, 2021
I didn’t know that I could love an Internet personality as much as I do MK. She makes me laugh on a daily basis. When I saw that she had written books, I had to have them! Holy Hot Mess has opened my eyes and made me realize that being a mess is okay, not having all the answers is okay, and that I’m not the only one struggling with this thing we call life. I can’t wait to continue supporting her and following her for those hilarious moments that she so often falls into.❤️
November 7, 2021
This is a refreshingly real and raw collection of stories and encouragement from a Christian writer and social media influencer who believes that every follower of Jesus is a "holy hot mess" in one way or another. This book was both hilarious and heartwrenching, and I really appreciated Mary Katherine's insights.
November 30, 2025
This book is a hot mess in the BEST way! I loved how real, raw and quirky she was about her life. As she started each story you are laughing with her and wonder how in the world will she tie this to finding God and then, whack, she hits you with some hard truths and good insight to speak to all our holy hot messes. It was a quick but good book!
July 2, 2021
I am currently reading Holy Hot Mess. I absolutely love what I have read so far. She perfectly balances the humor and seriousness of life along with trying to find Gods hand and Grace. I can’t wait to finish this book. I highly recommend it.
February 4, 2023
A super fun read, filled with laugh out loud stories. All mommas will likely relate. A beautiful and personal story of God's love, the need for community, and healing. I would have enjoyed a bit more scripture, but the conversational style of this book is perfect for new Christians or someone who's looking for something not stuffy.
May 13, 2023
Just a wonderful read. Easy but yet captivating. Mary Katherine, thank you for placing that brand new signed copy at the Just Love coffee shop in Madison Alabama. I so needed you. ❤️ It was a perfect gift at the perfect time. Every woman needs a copy of this at a certain time in their life..
October 22, 2021
"I know it can feel like you're stuck in one place, with your paper clips all over the floorboard. It is hard to hear truth in the midst of the mess. We're distracted, and too busy wailing. But God wants hot fudge sundaes and sprinkles for us. His plans for you are good. The purpose of your life is so much bigger than your messes would have you believe." - MK Backstrom
November 17, 2021
I loved this book so much. It’s the perfect mix of funny and poignant, encouraging and compelling. It’s just what I needed right now. Thank you, MK, for sharing your life with all of us!
February 4, 2022
Good book
July 1, 2021
I absolutely love this book! I am struggling to put it down. I love MK and can totally relate to her!
October 25, 2021
This book was such a delight to read. The stories were relatable and although I read it in printed form, I could hear MK reading it in my head. She is a beautiful woman and has such a way with words. I will surely be re-reading this one and recommending and/or gifting it to friends.
August 15, 2021
Undeniably fun read
Relatable is an understatement. I love how the author relates her personal experiences and storytelling for metaphors for life and the general human experience. I now walk away prouder of my mess!
Relatable is an understatement. I love how the author relates her personal experiences and storytelling for metaphors for life and the general human experience. I now walk away prouder of my mess!
December 27, 2021
I had to read this book to complete a book challenge I did this year. The task was "read a book outside your comfort zone."
As an Atheist, normally this wouldn't be a book I would give two thoughts to. Mary Katherine Backstrom herself, has been an inspiration to me. She is one of the reasons why I got help for my own mental health needs. I even had the pleasure of meeting her. This book is also signed by her.
Anyways, while I still don't believe in a higher being, I do admire her faith no matter what. What she calls guidance from God, I call life lessons.
I was able to relate to her in many ways especially when it came to parenting and always wanting to fit in, but like she says, you have to meet your people for you.
An incredible book which I thoroughly enjoyed and laughed along with her messiness.
As an Atheist, normally this wouldn't be a book I would give two thoughts to. Mary Katherine Backstrom herself, has been an inspiration to me. She is one of the reasons why I got help for my own mental health needs. I even had the pleasure of meeting her. This book is also signed by her.
Anyways, while I still don't believe in a higher being, I do admire her faith no matter what. What she calls guidance from God, I call life lessons.
I was able to relate to her in many ways especially when it came to parenting and always wanting to fit in, but like she says, you have to meet your people for you.
An incredible book which I thoroughly enjoyed and laughed along with her messiness.
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