Rest: An Invitation to Freedom

by Tonia Colleen Martin, Jennifer Rose Triebwasser (Design)

A perennial gift book for the stressed and beleaguered. Falling into the growing category of children’s books for adults, Rest, lures readers out of frenzied productivity into a state of peaceful contemplation. Written for exhausted high achievers, this story is suitable for office lobbies, coffee and bedside tables.

28 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 2020

Reviews

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I first received this set of books I wasn’t sure what they’d be like. The covers were more abstract than I’m used to though still unique and pretty. This is a new to me author and a trio of books that go together. I did enjoy that we got all three and not just one to review because then I would definitely be lost.

Another factor that I enjoyed about the books is that they are written for everyone. That said, I would not just leave them lying around my house because there are multiple images that are reminiscent of Renaissance paintings. While I know this is a part of art it’s something we do limit in our house unless we are studying the art of the time period.

About Face focuses on being still and seeing who God has made us to be. God created us into being, He made us, and we need to remember this when we are looking at ourselves with a critical attitude. We need to do an about face from the common way of looking at ourselves as being flawed and never good enough and realize that God made us just who we are and He did it for a purpose.

Rest takes you to the journey of realizing that you are not required to prove yourself and you don’t have to be doing all the time. God tells us to stop and rest. By stopping to rest we are actually not falling behind but allowing ourselves to catch up. I love the premise behind this one and it was my favorite of the three books. We all have the voices in our heads that we’ve heard over and over that shape us. This book focuses on letting go of the bad voices and letting God’s voice be the one that comes through.

Intents and Purposes is the last book in the trio of books. It focuses on another season of life, marriage. The couple marries and has a rough go of it. They fight and pull apart instead of coming together like God has made marriage to be. It takes a bad event of loss to bring them together.

These three books are each short. They do go together but do not have to be read together. The illustrations and words don’t really seem to go together in any of the books. Normally I would find the illustrations to work with a certain point or theme. All of the pictures are together through all the books. Drawn by the same hand and following a theme but I didn’t find them exactly relevant to the content of the book.

Personally, these books are not my style and though I did find them to be good books, they are not ones that I would pick up again and again.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

[Connie Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

When these first arrived in the mail - I was not sure what to think of them. I double checked that they were sent to me. Then I learned a huge lesson in, don't judge a book by it's cover. This whole series had messages that I needed to hear. The first one I started with was About Face.

About Face: This book is all about how we perceive ourselves. Since I am on a weight loss journey, I am super critical of how I look at the moment. There are days I feel amazing - and others I still struggle with my self image. My husband does not understand it - I just tell him -it's a female thing. This book is a book for women that struggle. I love that this book, with it's wonderful abstract drawings reminded me that I need to see myself how Jesus does. Made in HIS image - daughter of a King.

Rest: An Invitation to Freedom: This is the 2nd book that I went through. Rest is not something I do easily. Between being a mom, working full time, being a wife, working out and still trying to spend time with God - some days I feel stretched beyond my limits. The girl in this book feels like she does not have time to rest --- but even Jesus rested.
Intents & Purposes - this is the 3rd and final book that I received for review. I am newly married - this books focuses on marriage and how the couple strays from their purpose. How often do we stray from what God has intended for us?

All 3 books would make for a great addition to a bible study or women's conference. They are colorful and contain messages that every woman needs to hear.
I received these books through the Celebrate Lit blogging program, all thoughts are my own.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rest: An Invitation to Freedom is a good book by Tonia Colleen Martin. I like that she does her own the illustrations and uses the talents of designer Jennifer Rose Triebwasser. The book is a unique one with the look of a children’s book but are geared towards adults. This one is my favorite that I have read by this author. As a mom and caretaker, it reminded me that I needed to take care of myself.

I am giving Rest: An Invitation to Freedom four and a half stars. I recommend it for readers who are looking for a unique and quick read. It would make for a perfect gift for new parents or caretakers. I will be picking up books by Tonia Colleen Martin future. I really like her work.

I received Rest: An Invitation to Freedom from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

[Mary Hake · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author’s illustrated books seem like we are reading her personal journals and deepest insights into her own life and hurts. The hardback picture books share her spiritual journey and attempt to offer hope to readers. Perhaps those who read the author’s honest, vulnerable sharing in each will be encouraged to explore their own experiences and the pain of their pasts. Such discoveries can lead to healing. The colorful, whimsical illustrations didn’t really appeal to me since I prefer more realistic images, and some of the drawings appear immodest. I would suggest these adult picture books to women. They definitely are not for children, who wouldn’t understand them. The books may require multiple readings of the author’s reflections in order to gain the most from the brief texts. I received copies from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.

[Deana Dick · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am always reminding myself that I was told I would never amount to anything, I was ugly and no one loved me. In this book the girl goes around and around with words in her head similar to mine. How can you find rest when all you hear is hurtful words? The girl didn’t want to rest, for she felt she had no time. She must continue her journey so she wouldn’t fail. When she finally becomes still she then begins to hear, “Draw near to me. I will give you rest.” When we surrender with our thoughts , we can find rest in God.”

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

[Debbie · Rating 2 out of 5]

"About Face, Rest, and Intents & Purposes" by Tonia Colleen Martin are three different books. These books are not my cup of tea. I am sorry but I really didn't like these books at all. Maybe it was because I don't allegory, I want people to come right out and say what they mean. Some of the pictures I didn't think were appropriated.

I did like that at the end of the books, the authors points the reader to Jesus.

I was given contemporaries copies of all three books by the author and CelebrateLit. These opinions are my own.

[Sara Jane Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I reviewed About Face, Rest: An Invitation to Freedom, and Intents and Purposes together for Celebrate Lit. I really liked these books. The poetry and illustrations are thought-provoking and provide many opportunities for reflection. I lingered on each page, thinking about the text and enjoying the art. These are great to read alone or would provide good discussions with a friend or book group.

I was given a copy of this book for free. I was not required to give a favorable review, nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.