Book Review: LOOKING FOR LOVELY by Annie F. Downs

Good morning! Today's a big launch day in the book world - I'll have another review today for another book! :)

First, I appreciated that the publisher got the book into our hands early. Sometimes, we don't even GET the book - we're asked to recommend the product on past successes, and that's not too fun. But getting to read the book in one's own time, ask questions if necessary, and really understand the content - THAT'S why I read! :)

Second, let me tell you about the author. This is Annie F. Downs' fifth book, so she's been doing this for a little while. I had the chance to hear her speak Friday night; Annie's a "local", but she travels three weekends out of four to speak to girls and women across the country. I also got the privilege of getting to meet her afterward. Annie speaks just like a sister; she's caring, warm, funny, laughs at herself and her quirks, and her heart is to point to Jesus.

This book, LOOKING FOR LOVELY, does just that. From beginning to end, the book is a vulnerable sharing of Annie's own struggles and looking to find the lovely little things in everyday life that God puts there for us to find. (If you know me, you know that's one of the things I seek, too, so I spent a lot of time while reading it saying, "Exactly!" "Yes!" and "Oh, do I agree!!!" :D )

This is a relatively easy read - at least *I* thought so. Some of the girls have commented that it was hitting close to home, and that they were taking a lot of time to read each chapter. I also liked the way Annie had a suggestion, at the end of each chapter in Section Two, on a way to "Look For Lovely" that related to the chapter just read. They were easy tasks, but they help apply the ideas discussed to an individual's life.

I would recommend this book to anyone. It would make a great gift book, because it has life applications for any age and any level of maturity. And learning to collect "the moments that matter" is a life skill that it's never too early to start!

You can find LOOKING FOR LOVELY at major retailers or online!