I received an advanced reader copy of The Complicated Heart: Loving Even When It Hurts by Sarah Mae from B&H Publishing; this is my honest review.

This book is a beautiful story. It’s Sarah’s story; it’s her mom’s story. I love a good story. I will say there are some hard-to-read parts of their story. Which is true for any of us who are human, who are vulnerable and transparent enough to share the raw and the real parts of our story. For me, this book does have some mature content that was tough to face at times.

Most importantly, God used this book to wake me up… to my own life, my own heart, my own pain.

“Pain keeps showing up and inviting me to pay attention.” – Sarah Mae

This book woke me up to things I’ve neglected to work through. It encouraged me to begin to deal with my own dysfunction, to stir up freedom for my past, all the while witnessing hope for broken relationships.

“I faced the pain and I walked through it, and it didn’t kill me.” – Sarah Mae

The author reminds us that we can do the hard work of forgiveness, that we can be a part of God’s redemption. We are never alone, and every story matters.

Make sure you have a box of tissues nearby when you read, but especially during the last section. I sobbed uncontrollably as I read, grieving alongside Sarah at what was lost again, and what was found in Him.

This book is also helping me to let go of the expectations I place on other people, whether I intend to or not. It shows me that everyone is on their own journey, surrounded by their own daily battles that are often unseen.

This book inspires me to walk by grace through faith, drawing near to the Father to receive His love, and to love others with His love. To turn to Him and trust Him. To face the pain, with Him.

“The Complicated Heart” releases this Tuesday, September 17th! If you pre-order your copy before the 15th, you’ll receive a free copy of the audiobook! You can also read the first three chapters for free now… go to www.thecomplicatedheart.com!