Mending Broken Branches: When God Reclaims Your Dysfunctional Family Tree By Elizabeth Oates

I received this book from Kregel Publications for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.


Book Description: 

How to invite God to step in and break the cycle of dysfunction

Elizabeth Oates is no stranger to a dysfunctional family. She may look like the quintessential soccer mom now, but her childhood was full of uncertainty, abandonment, and many very dark days. Without a positive role model, an emotionally stable family member, or a consistent community, she had to forge her way ahead just to survive day to day. It wasn't until she was preparing for a family of her own that she began to learn the lessons that would lead to a more hopeful future for herself, her husband, and her children.

Now she shares those lessons with other women struggling to create healthy families despite their own unhealthy family foundations. Through introspective and probing questions, Mending Broken Branches guides the reader to accept her past, understand her present, and find a vision for her future. The interactive design includes space to work through the journaling prompts provided, as well as extra-wide margins for notes of reflection while reading.

With the gentle voice of a trusted mentor, Elizabeth encourages and equips women to cultivate strong, flourishing, God-honoring lives, and to break the cycle of dysfunction.


My Thoughts:

Mending Broken Branches:When God Reclaims Your Dysfunctional Family Tree is the first book by Elizabeth Oates I have had the pleasure of reading. This book really spoke to me from the cover to cover. I loved the cover art and found it fitting for what was found inside. From the first page until the last, this book spoke to me, helping me see that no matter what I matter to Him. The scripture was spot on and I found myself drawn to Psalm 139. The Psalm puts who we are and how much He has done even before we are born. Elizabeth Oates offers complete transparency into her life, her struggles, and her acceptance of God and His love for her. I found myself relating to Elizabeth Oates on many struggles, especially believing my worth. I definitely found myself being honest with myself and God. This is a book I plan to reread more than once. Mending Broken Branches is a book that will stay with me for a long time. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is struggling with who they are and reconciling the past, seeing the present, and hoping for the future.  I cannot wait to read more from Elizabeth Oates.  I give this book 5+ Stars.