Coming Home: A Roadmap from Fearful to Fully Alive

by Layla Palmer

How do you live fully alive when you feel lost within your own skin?

That was the question Layla Palmer struggled with after developing an anxiety disorder that shrunk her confidence and her world.

For the first time, Layla shares the details of her circuitous, hard-fought journey, and through soul-suffusing stories, inspiring imagery, curative quotes, helpful research, and restorative family recipes she helps

· feel calmer, clearer, and better equipped to handle stress
· tap into the healing power of nature
· move past the things that are holding you back
· reconnect with the home of who you are

Anchored in hope, Coming Home bravely demonstrates how you can overcome adversity, soften to your whole self, build a place of belonging, and live fully alive.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Self Help

218 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 21, 2023

Reviews

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this on a pre-ordering spree earlier this year based on the beautiful cover and the subtitle. This was an easy read, I left it on my kitchen table and read a little bit whenever I was having a meal by myself. This would be a comforting read to someone in the throes of anxiety.

This book was published by Bethany House, a Christian publisher, yet read almost entirely as a secular book. There was one mention of God early in the book (when the author is in the throes of a panic attack), and there are mentions of other’s Christian service, but there is little (if any) written about God, Jesus, or faith in the context of coping with anxiety. (I do not say this to take away from the other coping mechanisms, only that it is noticeably absent.) Late in the book there is a compilation of comforting quotes which includes one Scripture verse. I found the lack of a gospel message very disappointing for a book from a prominent Christian publisher.

[Panda Incognito · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had never heard of Layla Palmer before I learned about this book, but the title and cover immediately appealed to me, and I enjoyed this a lot. Coming Home will appeal to Palmer’s online following, and it is a warm, inviting read for anyone who enjoys lifestyle books and vulnerable personal reflections. Palmer shares personal stories, photographs, family recipes, favorite quotes, and life advice, and this is the kind of book where someone can read it straight through or randomly dip into different parts. This is a lovely coffee table, with a beautiful layout and design, and there are lots of short-form reflections that people can read in a moment, along with the longer chapters.

I especially appreciated Palmer’s vulnerable stories about dealing with anxiety, and she shares good advice about ways that people can ground themselves in nature, healthy self-care, and creative outlets. This book has a cozy feel to it, and Palmer seems like a genuine and kind person. However, even though this book is from a Christian publisher, it reads like a secular self-help book. There are some occasional references to God and faith, but they are very vague and general. Most of the message is about looking inward and coming home to yourself, and although that makes the book marketable to a secular audience as well, Christian readers who are expecting faith-based advice and encouragement may be surprised and disappointed with this book’s focus.

Coming Home is a charming lifestyle book that is full of vulnerable personal stories, caring advice, and cozy recipes and self-care recommendations. Women of all ages can enjoy this and relate to different elements in it, and this will appeal to Palmer’s existing fan base and to people who are new to her work. I really enjoyed this, and I found it sweet and comforting. This is definitely a mainstream lifestyle book, not a guide to Christian personal growth, but I would recommend this to people who have the right expectations for it and are looking for something like this.

I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[L · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been of fan a Layla for a long time, however, for reasons I'm not quite sure of (and greatly regret) I didn't jump on her book. Well, having experienced my first ever panic attack a few weeks ago, and hearing that she talks about her anxiety experience in the book, I quickly ordered it. When I tell you it was the calming friend I needed, I am not kidding. Friends and family had sent me therapy and life coaching books, anxiety help and how to "unpanic" yourself books, but this book, this Coming Home, is what I truly needed.

It's not a self-help book, in the typical sense. But feels like an intimate conversation with a lifelong friend, who happens to also have been through, and experienced what you are now going through. And in her lighthearted, warm way; shares motivation to help you through that day, or night.

I was genuinely anxious about finishing it; however, it is one you can read again, and still find insight. And outside of the book, Layla is a phenomenal writer! Her voice, style, outlook, stories, and passion need to be shared! I truly hope she has many more books to come, as I believe she is a hidden gem we are just now getting a glimpse of.

So, I will re-read this book over and over, and try to absorb other books she recommends, to help fill the void in the Layla Palmer published works and wait for the day she releases more! THANK YOU, LAYLA, for your book and your online presence. You help many people.

[Teena Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic!! I love Layla and have followed her on Instagram for years. This book will be a book. I returned to over and over, not just for the recipes, but for such great words of wisdom! Coming Home made me laugh, and it made me cry, and it made me love Layla even more!

Quote:
When you feel overwhelmed by stressful situation or a physical sensation when you feel lost like you’re racing against the clock to get to a place place that may or may not even exist -let this serve as a reminder that you are like a seed. Full of potential and designed to adapt, and learn, and grow. You are an ever-changing universe in and of yourself. So soften to your surroundings and trust that you were built to blossom. Know that there is magic inside you no matter which side of the soul you’re on. ~ Layla Palmer

[Leigh Walls · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not sure what I thought this book was about, maybe I expected it to be more about creating a home through decorating and cooking? Well, it isn’t a decorating book, but it is still about creating a home and/ or the importance of it. It is almost like reading the author’s diary, or having a conversation over coffee with her. I like that! It was intimate and encouraging. She shares her experience with anxiety, and although I’ve never had panic attacks, I do have a bit of anxiety. I appreciated her honesty and willingness to help others who may deal with this. I would have liked to have seen even more recipes than what she shared—and more pictures. The book also includes uplifting quotes. Palmer’s book is a simple read for a day on the porch with iced tea or cup of coffee. Nothing really new, but I do enjoy reading about others and learning from their experiences.

[Amanda Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book over several weekend mornings/early afternoons with a cup of hot tea. Books like this are the best for that type of reading... a few moments to yourself to just be and immerse yourself into a quick story that gives you an insight into someone's life.

I follow Layla on Instagram and always thought she was such a light. While I couldn't personally relate to a lot of her stories, I could often find a way that her experiences and what she learned from them could relate to something in my life. If anything, I have learned from this book the struggle of anxiety that is not shown on the outside. Perhaps I will be a little more compassionate and understanding with those I meet with anxiety in the future.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this book! I too suffer from agoraphobia, panic disorder, and depression and so much of Palmer’s experience resonated with me. I found myself highlighting passages and bookmarking pages (& the recipes!) and it was so incredible to feel that someone else knows what I have gone through and still continue to struggle with! Not only is this a gorgeous book, it’s a meaningful and helpful book on how to come back to yourself when you feel all of yourself is gone to anxiety. I highly recommend it to anyone and everyone struggling, who has struggled, and to their friends and family who love them. I will definitely return to it again and again.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel I should have loved this beautiful book; it’s full of components that usually speak to me. But somehow I just couldn’t connect. Perhaps it is too meandering and disjointed, although I usually enjoy a good meander.

However, it contains many quotations, and I absolutely enjoyed those. This one stopped me in my tracks, and I keep returning to savor:

“To her, red and green cabbages were to be jade and burgundy, chrysoprase and porphyry. Life has no weapons against a woman like that.”
—Edna Ferbe

[Careea Richter · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is refreshing to read a personal story of someone who also experiences anxiety. It’s honestly not something you can understands without experiencing it. God definitely uses Layla’s experience with healing from anxiety to help heal others. She immerses you in her story and her life. You feel like you’re sitting with her at a coffee shop.

I would say the one thing I felt this book was lacking was a point to Jesus. There are a few mentions of God throughout the book. I would have loved to hear more about her healing Journey with Christ - who is the ONLY one who can provide true healing.

[Miranda Matteson · Rating 5 out of 5]

For someone like me who has dealt with quite a bit of anxiety in my life. This book was like a deep breath. I have followed Layla on Instagram for a long time and she has really been a blessing in my life. They way she shares her journey with the world, the highs and the lows with the best dose of humor. This book could be picked up at any point for it's quotes, recipes, beautiful pictures and a beautiful honest down to earth life stories from a kind soul. The world is better because of Lalya Palmer. You won't regret this read.

[Emilee (emileereadsbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have followed Layla on Instagram for years at this point and I can say that the Layla within these pages is the authentic, hilarious, and thoughtful person I have gotten to know through my phone screen. Her walk through anxiety and what that has done to the rhythms of her life is staggering, but her transparency and perseverance, along with the support of her family is beautiful and the way she writes about it brings the reader in and welcomes them to learn with her from what the Lord has brought her through.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book, thinking it was about homemaking and cozy decor. (The cover is a bit deceiving.) This is really more about dealing with anxiety, agoraphobia, and other fears -- and it has a lot to say on that subject. I've had a panic-attack or two in my life, and I think the book is very helpful. It's full or other stuff, too -- favorite quotes and recipes and observations from Layla's husband, Kevin. I would observe that the book is a little "blog-ey" in the way it is organized and in its layout. It's a lovely book, however, and very encouraging.

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this mess of stories, recipes, lessons, and experiences. I've been feeling adrift myself, and this felt like connection to me. I loved that I could start and stop, savor and process, or sit with it at my own pace. I also appreciated the coffee table book format. It allowed some beautiful photos, and unique formatting that kept things fresh!

[Acacia Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful collection of essays, lists, quotes, and stories really warms your heart. It feels like home. I’ve only followed Layla for a little while now, but this book feels like home. Thank you, Layla, for sharing your story. It’s beautiful.

[Laura Hodgins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a comfort, comfortable, comforting book!

[Maria Caplin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book found myself jotting notes in my journal to capture so many special moments. Beautiful photos and images.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliantly written and bravely honest. Layla shares her continuing battle with anxiety and leads one gently by the hand to a way of looking at one's own struggle with compassion and healing. A gem.

[Robin Arnold · Rating 4 out of 5]

I follow Layla on Instagram and have enjoyed her posts and stories very much. There is much to admire about her book. It's very personal. I jump in and out of it. I found a copy on Thriftbooks.com.