Book Review: The Struggle is Real

I was excited to read and review my latest book, "The Struggle is Real" by Nicole Unice.  I was blessed to discover bible teacher and author Nicole Unice a few years ago.  I was a part of a book review program, and I saw a book titled, "She's Got Issues", and immediately requested to review it. That book is one of the best books I have ever read!  So, when I had the chance to help Nicole promote and get the word out about her latest book, I jumped at the opportunity.

 I love Nicole's style of writing, and the fact that she has a background of counseling elevates her books/teachings.  I feel as if Nicole gives her readers practical things they can do in real life...things that bring true change.  "The Struggle is Real" also has a companion bible study (with DVD teachings) that goes with it.   Her first book, "She's Got Issues" had a bible study, and it was one of the best studies I have ever done. 

    I was engaged totally as I started reading,"The Struggle is Real".  I felt like Nicole was writing my story.  I believe God was encouraging me through her book.  In the early part of the book, Nicole shares a personal story from her past.  A story that she had not shared very openly, until this book. A story of great pain.  Nicole is authentic and vulnerable, and those qualities allow a reader to develop a strong connection with an author.

  I love that this book tells it like it is...the struggles we face in life are REAL.  Real hard, real painful, real long, real _____ (blank).  This is not a book that gives you 5 ways to eliminate all your struggles, but Nicole encourages her readers that we can learn from our struggles.  We can bring Jesus into our struggles and grow more than we ever imagined.

 After reading this book, you will feel hopeful!  As stated above, one of my favorite things about Nicole is that she will leave you with practical things you can do to find freedom... freedom in Jesus. 

Thanks Nicole for writing another book that will help so many women (and men, if they read it)!  Thanks to for the delicious ice-cream cone on the cover, that make me so hungry :)

  Go get a copy of this book and the companion bible study...you will be so glad you did!

 

She's Got Issues (DVD GROUP EXPERIENCE) Review

  Oh my goodness, here I am again to tell you about a wonderful new resource for women.  I was blessed by Tyndale to review Nicole Unice's newest release, "She's Got Issues (A DVD Group Experience), AKA "a Bible study".  With a title like, "She's Got Issues" I figured it had to be good because who doesn't have "issues" :)  Tyndale sent me the DVD Curriculum complimentary and I in turn am posting this review.

   I had never heard of Nicole Unice before, but after watching the entire DVD of her new study I am sure I will hear of her more often in the future.  Nicole is a counselor and a ministry leader and she based this DVD study on her popular book with the same name "She's Got Issues".   (Taken from back cover of DVD) "Nicole talks candidly about the everyday issues that can hold you back from living free and loving well."

   The DVD is set us as a 6 session teaching series with an introduction and wrap-up included.   (Taken from back of DVD) This study is "perfect for churches and small groups, this group experience includes candid interviews, individual journaling prompts, insightful and biblical teaching from Nicole, and group discussion."

  One of the things I like the best about this study is when Nicole interviews a woman from the group that she is teaching.  The 4 or 5 minute interview begins each teaching session. Nicole interviews 6 different women over the 6 sessions.  Each woman that is interviewed talks about one of the topics that Nicole will be teaching on (Control, Insecurity, Comparisons, Fear, Anger, and Unforgiveness).  The women being interviewed are completely honest and vulnerable when speaking about their specific "issue".  The interviews are a wonderful way to set up the teaching session by Nicole. 

   I had mentioned that I had never heard of Nicole Unice before so I didn't know what to expect when it comes to her teaching style.  Well I can say that Nicole does a wonderful job at addressing all of the 6 "Issues" and she gives biblical insight and counsel in how to deal with each issue.  Her teachings will challenge participants to wrestle and fight to find freedom from the issues and sin that bind them up physically, emotionally, and most important; spiritually. 

  After reviewing this DVD experience I want to gather a group of women together and go through this study.  It is suggested on the back cover of the DVD to go through this Group experience with a  bible study group, or a women's group.  An hour would be sufficient to meet, or you could go a little longer than an hour.  

 I would say you probably should also purchase the book if you are going to complete this study as the book goes more into detail and includes information that is not on the DVD.   I fully recommend this study to all women, whether as an individual or in a group.  I am definitely looking forward to hearing more from Nicole Unice in the future.