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In Bloom: Trading Restless Insecurity for Abiding Confidence

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Poignant , laugh-out-loud-funny , a must-read book for any woman who has ever felt like she just doesn't measure up.—Crystal Paine,  New York Times best-selling author
 
Every woman is intimately acquainted with feelings of insecurity and inadequacy. Whether fueled by a culture of makeover shows, by the lingering memories of mean girls, or by events much more wounding to the soul, we can become so conditioned by self-doubt that it becomes our inner monologue.
What we want is to be free of shame and comparison, to turn our uncertainty into a bold confidence. But to flourish in our own skin, we first have to rewrite the narrative.
In this fearless, funny, and refreshingly relatable chronicle of her own metamorphosis from the insecurity that once held her captive, author Kayla Aimee unfolds the blueprint for women
 
• Identify the deep-seated sources of our assumed inadequacy and replace them with steadfast truths of scriptural affirmation
• Replace our need for approval with the enduring promise of acceptance
• Uncover our purpose, unlock our potential, and celebrate the God-given gifts in our unique personality
 
To every woman who longs for belonging, this journey through Kayla’s inviting prose, biblical promises, and journaling prompts will help guide her from restless insecurity to a beautiful becoming.

208 pages, Paperback

Published February 6, 2018

20 people are currently reading
415 people want to read

About the author

Kayla Aimee

5 books374 followers
Kayla Aimee is a writer, mother and slightly spirited southern girl who spends her days uncovering hope and humor in unexpected places. She makes her home and garden in northern Georgia with her husband and daughter Scarlette, a former 25-week micro-preemie. Kayla shares stories of faith, family and her favorite things at www.kaylaaimee.com. Her first book, Anchored: Finding Hope in the Unexpected releases with B&H publishing on July 1, 2015

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
Profile Image for Sarah.
42 reviews26 followers
April 10, 2018
Let me first start out by saying that I picked up In Bloom: Trading Restless Insecurity for Abiding Confidence by Kayla Aimee because the premise seems to be one that most women can relate to– insecurities. You know, the struggle with the girl in the mirror, seemingly glaringly obvious personality defects, and all of those fun ways we’ve sensed from childhood that we just don’t belong with the “it crowd.”



Given the insecurity struggle most women face, I was excited to dig into the pages of In Bloom because the book promised on its cover to “trade restless anxiety for abiding confidence.” The back of the book mentions that it will cover “identifying deep-seated sources of assumed inadequacy, replace our need for approval, and uncover our purpose.” Even though I found Kayla Aimee to be entertaining and immediately likable, I just felt like the main aim of the book wasn’t delivered.



Most of the book, In Bloom is centered around Kayla Aimee’s story from childhood up until the present, chronicling her young encounters with “mean girls” and recounting awkward adolescent years when wearing the wrong shoes felt like you were a transplant from Mars. I enjoyed most of the stories, really, I did, but it felt more like a diary converted into a memoir instead of using these stories as illustrations to interweave within the primary mission of the book. You can read more of the review here: http://bit.ly/ALookAtInBloom As a note: I received this book for free from B&H in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Faith.
Author 5 books254 followers
June 18, 2018
Wow. That's literally what I thought every time I sat down to soak up some more of this book's goodness. While reading this beautiful book, I alternately laughed until I physically hurt and blinked to keep the tears at bay.

I read the author's first book a few years ago, and having followed her blog ever since and falling for her way with words, I jumped at the chance to review her new book. And I'm so glad I did.

With her signature southern charm, Kayla Aimee tackles the tough topics of shame, insecurity, self-doubt, and inadequacy. Instead, she encourages women of all ages to live with purpose, boldness, and unabashed confidence in who they are in Christ.

She doesn't shy from the hard stuff, but rather lays it all bear, open and raw before a world of readers. Throughout the book, she even goes as far as to open up about vulnerable areas in her own life and past—mistakes she made and decisions she now regrets.

One woman's story of embracing life and love in the way God meant it to be is full of twists and turns and heartache. It's real, it's raw, but it's so beautiful.

In Bloom is 200 pages of confidence-building, grace-offering encouragement. I would recommend it to any woman or young lady who's ever felt like she didn't measure up, like she wasn't enough, like she didn't matter. <3


**I received a free copy from B&H/Lifeway in exchange for my honest review.**
Profile Image for Kristin Bush.
59 reviews5 followers
March 2, 2018
received an ebook copy of this book as part of the launch team. I will say that it is very addictive in reading that I was able to relate to it in some aspects. That’s where it ends. The book is very relatable like yes me too, I too encountered this. But it doesn’t go beyond the "me too" feeling for me. It takes on experiences after experiences that encourage you to say me too. But it’s not quite the best for getting past the feelings of inadequacy that come with the revelation of me too. We get the gist that she has a relationship with God and her husband does too. But we don’t get the in-depth of how that relationship helps deal with the inadequacy she has felt throughout the years. I think that is what this book is lacking is the assistance to help readers get past what they feel beyond just saying have a relationship with Christ. More often than not they need practical advice to go with the point to Jesus.
Profile Image for Christine.
653 reviews86 followers
January 15, 2020
This book has all of Kayla Aimee’s southern charm and wit as she tackles a subject that most women deal with; insecurities.

Kayla used her own struggles as a way to make herself relatable and the reader believe that she can empathize.

If you want to read a humorous and relatable book about shame, marriage, parenting, and those closest to us in our lives, you should definitely be reading this book.
Profile Image for Megan Byrd.
Author 9 books45 followers
January 17, 2018
I really loved this book. Kayla was very honest with her struggles with insecurity and finding confidence through her identity in Christ. She tackled a number of areas where women struggle with insecurity: our bodies, our pasts, our gifts, our relationships, and our parenting to name a few. I felt like we could be good friends who bond over Baby Sitters Club books and 90s nostalgia. The book spoke to me personally but I also think it would be a very helpful and encouraging read for teen girls as well. A great book for women to remind them of the freedom and confidence we can have in Christ.
Profile Image for Caitlyn Conner.
10 reviews
December 6, 2022
A little disappointed. As women, a lot of us struggle with insecurity, so I was hoping for a good biblical, encouraging, truth book. There are definitely a couple good snippets in there, but it’s mostly just stories with a lot of “pop culture” references to be cool. Pretty fluffy honestly. By the end I was just scanning through.
Profile Image for Becca Rae.
560 reviews36 followers
April 13, 2018
WOW! I had no idea I had a long-lost twin I never knew about! From her short stature (I'm 4'9"), to her fear of escalators (odd I know, but my brain holds the same logic), it's almost as if I've discovered my very own alter-ego. Although not for all the same reasons, I was picked on as a kid as well. As an adult I try to put on a brave face as if I'm not at all affected by it anymore, but the truth is the scars run deep. During my late teens and early twenties, I had a few friends that really worked with me, speaking scripture and encouragement into my life to battle against the lies Satan had made me believe about myself. Kayla's book was such an encouragement on so many levels because she shared the very pieces of her life that people are afraid to reveal. In the age of social media, people feel an ever-growing need to portray a life of perfection. Unfortunately churches today don't help very much with this either. Instead of people feeling free to come and share their burdens, they are often led to feel guilty for the very pieces of their lives that weigh them down. I have spoken with people who have said that they don't share about their anxieties because the reactions they receive (although from well-intentioned people), only make them feel lower, and it causes them to "beat themselves up over beating themselves up." When you beat yourself up over not being able to "rest in the Lord" and someone tells you that all you need to do is "rest in the Lord," do you see how that can be a problem?

Even if for the simple message of "you are not alone," this book is an amazing comfort for anyone struggling with anxiety, fear, insecurity, and/or feelings of inadequacy (So basically everyone). First, Kayla shares her own struggles so that you can understand that you are not alone. Then she shares the comforting truths from God's Word, and how we can apply those truths to our own lives. She shares both the words that help, along with those that really don't. This book can not only help the person struggling, but also the person trying to help.

I laughed out loud more times than I can count while reading this book. Even while talking about the "tough stuff," Kayla was able to add humor that would make you laugh uncontrollably. Having said that, I also cried a few times. In fact, I cried while reading the introduction. So I guess that's a sign I needed this book! As someone who likes to underline and write notes, I personally recommend the print version of this book for that very reason. I cannot recommend this book enough, especially for women and teen girls today. Please read it! If you don't think you need it for yourself, read it anyways because it will help equip you to be able to encourage others.

*I received a free copy from B&H Publishers and Kayla Aimee in hopes of an honest review. I am not required to write a positive review. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
Profile Image for Cassey.
1,337 reviews4 followers
February 2, 2018
So here's something you should know, I've been reading KA for about 10 years now...and she is one of the few bloggers whose voice has always remained true to who she is. Yes, she's changed - life does that to one - but she has never written in a way that you didn't feel invited into her life. And it is the same with this book.

While Anchored was the rawness of finding her way through one of the things I would never wish onto my worst enemy, In Bloom is the light of KA's humour and an understanding that so many of us can relate to.

In her introduction she mentions that you'll feel as if she has read your diary. And while I don't keep a diary, it certainly felt as if she was privy to my innermost thoughts...shame. During the process of reading this book I was struck by her words, and often had to share something she had said with many a friend. It speaks to the person that KA is that her words ring so true.

I must mention that while I sit on the agnostic fence, this book does not. It is well and proudly a book by a Christian. But while there is plenty of mention of verses, they didn't feel as if they were pounding away at me for not being Christian. Those verses are part of KA and how she writes, so if she had used something else, this book would be something else.

It is a book with a thread of looking at shame, and how often our desire to be perfect steams from shame...and feeling as we're not good enough or don't belong. The thread is part of what can have you feel as if you should read it in one go. But, I think it's important to read this slowly...and you're aided in reading it slowly by the way it's written as a series of vignettes. There is also a section at the back to facilitate discussion for those who enjoy book clubs. I can see this book working well for a close group of friends.

All in all I enjoyed this. And quite happily recommend it to folks.

*I am a lucky fish and on this author's launch team*
Profile Image for Stephanie Homburg.
11 reviews8 followers
February 7, 2018
Warning: reading this book in public may garner funny looks from strangers.

I read most of Kayla Aimee’s new book, In Bloom, while on vacation. Because Kayla’s writing is funny and her daughter’s antics are hysterical, I laughed loudly on a quiet flight and startled the gentleman sitting next to me. Because Kayla’s writing is relatable to any woman who’s wondered “are these people really my friends? Is everyone just pretending to like me?” I nodded my head and muttered “preach!” on a shuttle bus to Disney World. And finally, because Kayla shares her heart vulnerably, I sniffled and thanked the good Lord I was wearing sunglasses at the pool. This book may best be read when you are free to laugh, cry, and blurt out agreement without an audience.

Now that the disclaimer is out of the way, I can wholeheartedly recommend this book for the woman who wonders how the rest of the world seems to have it all together when she’s just barely hanging on. This book is for the woman who has found herself in the shame spiral, basing her identity on the expectations of others. This book is for the woman who desperately needs to hear “me too!” and to be reminded that the God of the Universe did not create us to be anyone but our very own selves. This book was written for me. And if you are reading this review, it was probably written for you too.

With humor, sincerity, and a fair amount of 90s flashbacks, Kayla tackles insecurity, shame, friendships, social media, the mommy wars, and marriage. Kayla offers hope and healing by pointing readers to Scripture: reminding us that who we are in God matters most, and abiding in Him can change the script for our lives.

The study guide included in the back of the book offers the opportunity to process this book in community, allowing us to shed light on our insecurities and speak truth into the lives of others. I am excited to share this book with my circle of friends and begin digging in together.
Profile Image for Johnny.
44 reviews8 followers
February 13, 2018
I know what you are thinking. Why is a guy reading a book intended for women? Good question! I’m married to a woman. I’m the father of one. I pastor a slew of them. That is why I was glad to read the newest book from author Kayla Aimee entitled In Bloom: Trading Restless Insecurity for Abiding Confidence published by B & H.
As my daughter, who is now 19 and is attending college, was growing up I often wondered about the battles that were going on in the heart of a young girl. As she struggled with insecurity and life, I often thought to myself that what she needs to do is be resilient and strong. I don’t think that I quite understood the pain that she was facing.
In this book Kayla Aimee chronicles her own life and struggles. Through the art of excellent storytelling, she takes us on a journey into her own life, a journey that she admits leaves her vulnerable and exposed. Her greatest fear is that her dad might read the chapter on sex. Through her journey you see the struggles of a teen, a young single adult, a wife, and a young mother. You also see her applying God’s Word to her life. You learn about mercy, grace, friendship, and empathy. This book has allowed me to appreciate the journey of ladies all around me.
I think that the author is a great story teller who is able to bring you into her life. Once again I’m not a lady, but I have seen one after another speak of how they related to her struggles. I believe that this book is going to be a blessing to the women who read it.
Since we are all better together, the author has given you discussion questions in the back of the book so that a group of ladies could journey through this book as a group. I’m thankful to be a part of the team who helped launch this book.
I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Profile Image for Lisa G. Hudson.
687 reviews60 followers
February 6, 2018
FREEING!

Whether you’re the new girl in school, the awkward girl in braces/thick glasses (or both), all the teenage angst, the bride trying to impress her husband with her culinary skills and cook his favorite dish “just like his Mother made it,” the new mom who who isn’t quite sure she’s ready to be fully responsible for a new baby or someone struggling to “find yourself” - all women have suffered/are suffering/will suffer from the from the feelings of inadequacy and inferiority. Kayla Aimee’s fantastic new book, In Bloom: Trading Restless Insecurity for Abiding Confidence gives an open an very honest look into some the causes and takes you to the Scriptures to find answers to help women regain their confidence. This book also comes with a Discussion Guide included in the back as a Bonus for Small Groups, Book Clubs, etc.

Early on, Aimee talks about how often other people’s word’s have reduced us and made us feel invisible, inferior, inadequate or ashamed. Aimee wrote these beautiful words that are like a balm to those who have been wounded by words: “Shame is our captor, and we were never meant to be held captive. We were meant to be captivated.” ... “Our entire covenant is based on redemption. And the Bible holds the blueprint to interrupt our insecurity.”

This book is filled with many deep concepts that will touch your soul. You will want to write them down in a journal. Print them on Post-Its to be reminded all throughout the day & night. Write them in the pages of your Bible.

We are created for such a time as this! Be a “cut through the roof” friend! (Luke 5:17-19) This is YOUR moment!!

I was provided an ARC of this book by the Publisher & NetGalley. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own and without influence.
Profile Image for Brandi (Rambles of a SAHM).
817 reviews30 followers
February 8, 2018
If you are a woman insecurity comes just as naturally as breathing. Even the most seemingly put together woman deals with insecurity. Just when you think you have become a grown up and left junior high and mean girls behind, there they are right next to you.

But did you know that you don't have to live like that? Kayla Aimee helps us take an honest look at the insecurities that plague us. She shares her own humbling but hilarious experiences and allows us to take a peek inside her journey to confidence. She shows you how to flip insecurity on its head and walk in confidence through a trust in the abiding grace of Christ.

I really enjoyed Kayla's first book, Anchored, and I enjoyed this one just as much. Kayla is willing to be vulnerable in order to help others reach a deeper relationship with Christ. I really think young women and mothers will benefit the most from this book but I'm a 50+ woman and I also found the book to be thought provoking. I appreciated the way that she encouraged us to look back at all the awkward and sometimes painful events that fed our insecurities. But instead of wallowing in it she reminds you to acknowledge the ways in which Christ brought you through it and encourages you to see what you learned from it.

This is a quick read that also allows you to interact with it through questions. I think it is a lovely book to read yourself but it would also make a perfect selection for a small group of women to read together.

I received an e-copy of this book to facilitate my review.
Profile Image for Amanda.
498 reviews64 followers
May 11, 2018
First of all, Kayla Aimee is a very gifted storyteller. I knew of Kayla many years ago, as she was a big part of the scrapbooking community. I then followed her blog during her extremely difficult time after her daughter was born as a micro preemie. I’ve found everything that she writes to be very enjoyable and funny so I was eager to read this book that deals with the subject of insecurity.

Kayla discusses her life and many times where she has felt excluded or rejected and I found myself relating wholeheartedly to most of her experiences. I wish we could have known each other in our Junior High years, as I think we would have bonded over our love for The Babysitter’s Club.

I highly enjoyed every moment of this book but did find that it felt much more like a memoir than a book for personal or spiritual growth. There were a few things thrown in that added to the “spiritual” aspect but for the most part, it really seemed mainly like a memoir that helps women realize that they’re not alone in their insecurities.

Kayla has a witty and sometimes sarcastic sense of humor, which I enjoyed but by the end of the book, I grew a bit tired of. This is just a matter of personal taste but at times I felt like she was trying a bit too hard to be funny.

Overall, this was a very fun book to read that I thoroughly enjoyed but there wasn’t a lot that I took from it.

My Rating: 3 stars
I received this book from the author/publisher to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Create With Joy.
682 reviews169 followers
April 4, 2018
Do you struggle with feelings of insecurity and shame that erode your sense of self-confidence and self-worth? In her new book In Bloom, Kayla Aimee offers a road map on how to transform your thinking and your life.

Filled with personal stories that will resonate with readers and truths gleaned from the lessons she's learned over the years, this book is filled with take-away after take-away – you'll want to read In Bloom with pen and highlighter in hand!

Most importantly, In Bloom is a book filled with promise and hope. No matter how many ways and times you’ve been disenfranchised in life, through God, you can flourish.

This excerpt is part of an original review that is published on my blog. To read my review in its entirety, please visit Create With Joy.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own, based on my assessment of this book.
Profile Image for Christi.
1,295 reviews22 followers
June 8, 2025
I really enjoyed Kayla Aimee's first book chronicling her daughter's premature birth and the multiple struggles and scares they endured in the NICU. It was a lovely mix of inspiration, humor and real life struggle.

I was excited to read her second book, In Bloom. Unfortunately, this book didn't feel like Kayla Aimee's voice. It was if she was trying too hard to be a motivational speaker. The anecdotes didn't resonate. The bible verses seem very forced and shoehorned into the paragraphs. The whole premise seems like it's trying to get SEO points by hitting all the right keywords. I was uncomfortable, not motivated. I couldn't relate to the way the message was being delivered.

I kept reading looking for that sparkle of her first book and of her past blog posts. I didn't find it. So I moved on to another book. Maybe I'll come back to In Bloom at another time.

Thank you to B&H Books and NetGalley for the gifted advance reader copy.
Profile Image for Jessie Young.
416 reviews12 followers
March 2, 2018
I really really wanted to love this book. The description was great and I had (maybe too high?) high expectations for it. The author is very open and honest with her reader and isn’t afraid to say the ugly things we all think and feel. I commend her for that. It’s not easy to say to a close friend let alone strangers who will pick up your book. I could relate to what she was saying but that’s about it. I wanted more in terms of how can we practically get over these things with the help of the Lord. I wanted deeper revelation. Deeper biblical application. It left me feeling rather fluffy... comfortable with my insecurities (cuz other people feel them too... they could relate) as opposed to presenting a solid biblical way to turn those insecurities into wings to fly on for the glory of God.
I received a digital copy of this book from netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Rebecca Jo.
563 reviews68 followers
March 16, 2018
I just want to add Kayla Aimee to my list of people that I think I'd be best friends with... which includes Angie Smith, Kelly Ripa & Neil Patrick Harris. What a combo.
I loved Kayla's first book & this one to me was even better. Full of humor & insight into real life & always a point that directs you back to scripture & how God's words can apply to our lives.
I love this even has small group questions included with chapter break up & thinking about using this for my own small group. Totally a book for any lady to pick up just making it through life, dealing with comparisons, struggling on friendships, dealing with day to day issues.
Profile Image for Cindy.
136 reviews15 followers
August 21, 2018
This is a treasure of a book! If you struggle with your worth, shame, your past, your parenting, this is a book you need to read!
"Shame is like a stockpile of stones that weigh us down. It dries us up until we’re nothing left but thorns atop the soil. It forbids us from flourishing."
God didn't make us to carry these things and Kayla shares stories of her own struggles and how God helped her to get through them.
This is a great book for young women to read!
I highly recommend it!
I received a free copy if this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Melissa Henderson.
Author 8 books189 followers
January 17, 2018
Insecurity and self doubt can occur at any time and any age. The author shares personal life stories while giving encouragement and hope. Each person has their own life experience and the way we handle these experiences can be a blessing to us and to others. This book made me laugh and cry. I kept thinking how some of the stories remind me of my own life. Great book. I received a copy for free and this is my own personal opinion.
Profile Image for Lori Jorgensen.
324 reviews17 followers
February 6, 2018
If you’ve ever struggled to remove shame, insecurity or not enough from your thoughts then this is the book for you. Kayla shares from her heart on these same struggles and walks through the path to hope and healing with a firm foundation set in God’s word telling who you are in Christ!!!
Profile Image for Mindi.
231 reviews8 followers
July 11, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. I declined to give any stars. The writing is great. The title is trash. Oh well. I just mean the title does not scream at you and say, "Read this book. You will laugh!" It should because it did. It looks like an old lady book because of the title and the cover, but it is really for any age of Christian woman, but probably would be most appreciated by those 20-40 who are hauling around a child who has changed the trajectory of their entire life forever. For those of us who are recovering from parenthood, it was simply great thoughts and very dry yet hysterical sense of humor. She is the female comedienne version of my brother in law, Todd, only she talks more, of course. Everyone talks more than Todd.
Profile Image for Sarah.
Author 10 books148 followers
February 6, 2018
Insecurity has long been my unwanted companion. Since I’d love to be free from it, I chose this book from a virtual shelf. The bright, pretty blooms also called to me.

Kayla Aimee writes about tough subjects with lots of laughter and entertaining sarcasm. She tells many stories based on her past, and uses humor to open the door to dealing with past pain. Her hurts include suffering from bullying, always wanting to fit in, self-image problems, recovering from her parents’ divorce, and a child who was in the NICU for six months. She speaks about how her faith anchored her, chased away her insecurity and ultimately helped her bloom with confidence.

How This Book Helped Me
She told one story in particular that resonated with me. One woman in her social circles pretends not to remember her every time they see each other. She says this:

For a long time I couldn’t figure out why I so intensely, viscerally disliked having to interact with her…the truth is, it’s because she plays on my deepest fear: that I am so insignificant I am completely forgettable.

When you live in the same smallish town that you grew up in, you run into people that you know all the time. This is my life. I try to err on the side of being polite, simply smiling and perhaps saying “Hello” if I don’t necessarily want to interact or have time to talk. In my experience, however, several women who I once considered “friends” seem to go out of their way to avoid me.

One woman in particular was in a Bible study group we both attended for years. I remember she said once, “I’m glad you’re in my group again this year. I love hearing what you have to say.” We often had pleasant chatter and sat by each other in the lecture. I thought that meant we were friendly acquaintances, at the very least.

Dealing With Rejection
After we weren’t in Bible study together anymore, I was shopping one day and noticed her walk past me in the store, about six feet away. I sensed she was purposely ignoring me, and I tried to let it go and not push the issue by being obnoxious in public. This exact scenario repeated four, five, six times–close enough that I KNEW she knew I was there, and she simply did not want to acknowledge my presence. I felt hurt and annoyed, even though she wasn’t a close friend.

I couldn’t understand why this situation bothered me so much until I read this book. This former “friend” of mine rejected me, over and over, for reasons I don’t understand. Maybe for no good reason at all. Her behavior makes me feel invisible and forgettable, and maybe that’s my deepest fear too.

But this book taught me I have a choice. I can allow this behavior from her or from others to touch my insecurity, or I can see it as a trigger to praise God that He never ignores me or forgets me. He’s not just polite, acknowledging my presence. His love and attention is abundant, and He alone can fill all the painful places inside me with His peace.

This book was an enjoyable read, but I’m most thankful that it helped me uncover that affirming truth.

You’ll like this book if:
- You have a dry sense of humor
- 90’s pop culture is your jam
- The perfect world painted on social media both attracts and repels you
- Quotable quotes make you happy
- You enjoy cute stories about little kids

Here’s a sampling of the many well-written, faith-based quotes from In Bloom:
- Like many women I know, I buried the beauty that was uniquely knit into me by my Creator…I quit nourishing the gifts that were waiting to bloom within me. I believed in a good God but missed connecting his goodness to who I was.
- The small slight that we’re currently agonizing over is magnified by the power of memory.
- Rejection is hard. Because regardless of our age, we all just want to fit in.
- One of the worst feelings in the world is to not be seen. No one wants to go through life unnoticed. We all just want someone to tell us we matter.
- Keeping up appearances is such a heavy burden placed on women.
- We worry that one single rejection is going to be the sum total of our relationships going forward…We think this is inevitable, the leaving, that it’s only a matter of time before we’re left alone again.
- This is what our insecurity steals from us, the freedom to live breathless with wonder rather than out of breath from running away.
- We’re trying to prove something to somebody, and it keeps us striving, never granting us rest.
- Every disappointment in our lives is the result of an unmet need. And when we identify this unfulfilled desire, we create space for ourselves to fill the void with what will heal us rather than trying to put a temporary bandage on the problem.

If you’re looking for a light, funny read that still packs loads of spiritual truth, I recommend In Bloom.

Thanks goes out to Netgalley for a free review copy of this wonderful book.
Profile Image for Sara Cross.
156 reviews1 follower
December 4, 2022
I was not sure to give 3 or 4 stars, and ultimately decided on 3. This is because the book jacket presented as a Biblical self help book but it turned out to be a series of autobiographical stories with Biblical verses taken out of context to support the concepts. It smacks of the Feminist Evangelical ideology of a works based effort to better yourself and simultaneously telling yourself that you are enough. The reason I would have given it a 4 is because the writing is very witty and I enjoyed the dry humor. It would have been much improved with truly Biblical exegesis and less pop culture references.
Profile Image for Shelbie.
Author 4 books12 followers
February 2, 2019
This book touched my heart in so many ways. I felt like I was reading part of my story though these pages and it made me feel less alone. I recommend this book to all girls. I think you’ll be able to find a “me too” within these pages. Oh, and it’s funny too so you’ll be entertained as you have all the feels.
Profile Image for MaryAnn Bell.
321 reviews
January 27, 2018
Most women that I know seem to deal with feelings of insecurity and inadequacy. In today’s world of advertising, social media we are in a culture that is fueled by makeover shows, celebrities, and advertising that tells us how to dress, how to look and how to live. Most of the average day to day women have been hurt by the lasting memories of mean girls, or by other events much more wounding to the soul, we can become accustomed by self-doubt that it becomes ingrained to our self-image and thinking.

The focus of this book is to retrain our thoughts and to take another look at who God has created and how much He loves us and because He loves us we can love ourselves.
Kayla Aimee has written a book that many women can relate to. As you read the book you feel like she has reached into your own life and pulled out hidden feelings that you may not even realize are there, until you think yes, I’ve been there and felt that too.
Kayla Aimee has written this book using her own transformation from the self-doubt and inadequacy using examples from her own day to day life. In this book, she opens the way for women to:
• Identify the deep-seated sources of our assumed inadequacy and replace them with steadfast truths of scriptural affirmation.
• Replace our need for approval with the enduring promise of acceptance.

• Uncover our purpose, unlock our potential, and celebrate the God-given gifts in our unique personality.
This book is for every woman who longs for belonging, they will journey through Kayla’s writing and the biblical promises.
What I enjoyed about this book is the fact that the writer is so easy to identify with. I found myself in many of the examples of her own life that she wrote about and that made it so much easier to understand that I am not the only one dealing with accepting myself and who I am.

Any woman dealing with insecurities of any type would really appreciate this book. It is written by a woman who has been there, written in a warm, friendly way that invites the reader in and makes them feel welcomed.
At the back of the book is a study guide, so that this book can be read and discussed as a group or individually.


Profile Image for Nicole.
77 reviews2 followers
February 6, 2018
I've been following Kayla and her blog for quite a few years now, since first hearing about her and Scarlette's story through a message board after Scarlette was born. (Which, if you haven't read her first book Anchored: Finding Hope in the Unexpected you should check that out too!)

So when I received the email looking for people to be part of the launch team, I signed up not really knowing much about the book but knowing if Kayla wrote it I would certainly enjoy it!

Little did I know how much this book would really resonate with me. Insecurity, feeling inadequate or inferior are feelings every woman of every age deals with, and I have definitely had my struggles with them. This book will force you to dig up past hurts, disappointments, and insecurities and help you to learn to see yourself as God sees you.

This book had me literally laughing out loud at some of Scarlett's antics (like when she thought her new baby brother was a robot), cringing at other moments, and nodding along with the biblical truths found within this book.

I just felt like Kayla really put into words so many things I've felt but didn't know how to say. So many times she talked about situations that felt so personal and close to things I've gone through or thought about some of the mixed messaging found within the church and society.

The bible verses throughout the book are used well and come across naturally without sounding forced or in a beat-you-over-the-head-with-a-bible kind of way.

Overall, there is a lot I could say about this book! This book had discussion questions in the back and can easily be used in a book club or bible study. Kayla Aimee is someone every reader can easily relate to and I think this book is a great first step towards overcoming our insecurity and helping us to live and see ourselves how God wants us to.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has come. (2 Cor. 5:17)

I received an e-book copy of this book from NetGalley and B&H Books in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Julie McComas.
97 reviews13 followers
August 9, 2018
Do you know a woman that is not insecure about something? Let me answer that for you. No, you don't. Women are insecure about many things, but we usually won't tell you that. I go to the gym and work out with some pretty amazing women who compete in body building competitions, and they are insecure about their bodies too. Let's be honest, I could give each of them part of my body fat and they would still look good! But they see flaws in themselves that I just don't see. We are insecure beings.

Kayla Aimee reminds us of several scriptures that God says about us, such as: "I am a place where God's Spirit lives. (1 Cor. 6:19) I am God's incredible work of art. (Eph. 2:10) I am a whole new person with a whole new life. (2 Cor. 5:17) I am greatly loved. (Rom. 5:8)

She tells it like it is, but in a way that we can all relate to. She doesn't make you feel bad about yourself. In fact, she shares some of the moments in her life that we have probably all experienced but, don't have the nerve to talk about in public. I can see myself hanging our with her, and being able to let my hair down.

There were several times that I laughed out loud. 1) The cheesecake skidmarks. 2) When she yelled, "Stop, drop, and roll, Mom!" and 3) When she stuffs her bra using balloons filled with Jell-o pudding. I can't help but giggle as I type this.

You have to read this book! I could go on, and on about this book, but I will leave you with this... You are not alone in your insecurities. Many of us have the exact same ones, and we are just too embarrassed to talk about it. I have talked to friends, after reading this book, about some of our insecurities. Some different and some the same. If Kayla hadn't opened that door, we might have walked those crazy paths alone. I have to say, it is much more fun when someone else is on that path with you.

I received this ebook from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Rosalyn.
1,217 reviews31 followers
July 25, 2018
As I began reading this book, I had this feeling that the author must have been looking into my own head, reading my mind. That is how much I could relate to what she was saying! Yes! I've struggled most of my life with feelings of insecurity. I suppose I've always been what's considered "too sensitive". Someone made a comment, and even though it might not have been meant as an insult, it sure felt like it. A comment about my looks. Or something I did. Or feeling pushed back, not included with the other girls...and so it goes.

Reading this book caused me to recall some of those feelings...things that might have been pushed down under for years already. Things that I need to uncover and give to God.

We all have a deep longing to belong. To be wanted. Needed. Loved. We cannot allow things done and said to us by other human beings, especially immature ones, to influence us for the rest of our life, or even our eternal destiny. And yet, way too often, we tend to rely on those actions or words rather than trust God and believe in His Promises that can be found in His Word.

This book is written in a way that resonates way down deep. It's especially geared for younger women. I found it to be fresh and easily related to, and yet, also a bit humorous and sarcastic. Very inspirational and hope-filled!
(I wanted to add a clarification--in my opinion, this is written for younger, married women...there is a chapter included on sex. And how many people try to find their security and love this way. I wouldn't necessarily recommend this as reading for young teens...)

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
151 reviews3 followers
January 27, 2019
Kayla Aimee is a local author! My uncle bought me this book & it was the perfect addition to my January devotions. So much of what she wrote reminds me %100 of my upbringing, childhood, young adult life & adulthood so far. Her writing is funny and joyful while still being piercing! Loved this!
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