This book was written from the heart. Carolanne has a lot to share, and it's clear that she wants the world to see how Christ has carried her through some tough circumstances and changed her life. It wasn't my favorite as far as writing style, and it didn't *quite* hit home for me the way it did for some others. I can, however, definitely see how it might be helpful to others who have suffered similarly. I would consider recommending it to someone in those circumstances and may pick it up for another read in the future. Perhaps it will reveal something more at a different time in my life. All in all, not a bad book, just not very impactful for me and not my favorite. ( )

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. ( )

The evil one, Satan, hates the potential and redemption of those more powerful than he'll ever be. The misfits. The oddballs. The unqualified. The ones called to defy the standards of the world and stand in his way. You can't blend in with the world when you're not the average girl. You are a child of the King with an ability to overcome your feelings. Welcome to Odd(ly) Enough - Standing Out When the World Begs You To Fit In, in which Carolanne Miljavac encourages primarily female, but male readers too, that you can feel joy when times are sad, be glad when you should be mad, and show love to people who have treated you bad. That's how life works. Oddly enough.

Rediscover your God-given purpose and the life you're made to enjoy, endure, learn from and shared with others. God is always working to help you give Him control. He does this by making you still and wait. Don't let distractions disguised as opportunities, or a desire to please people, keep you from staying on the path God has set before you. When you feel you're being stretched and tested beyond your strength, you have a choice to make. Are you going to feed your flesh or your spirit? Stepping into your purpose will always make you nervous. The salvation of those struggling the most is the greatest reflection of the depth of God's love. Miljavac's book is relatable, humorous, accessible, authentic. ( )