I bought this audiobook based on the 4.8/5 review I saw. After listening to 4 chapters of sanctimonious twaddle from someone with a very narrow life I was completely confused. I became even more confused after browsing through the customer reviews and seeing that there were more negative reviews written than positive. Doesn't seem to add up.Additionally, the write-up claims she "fearlessly shares her flaws" in ways that will help women everywhere. If accidentally peeing a little on a trampoline or having a cavity in your tooth are "startling personal revelations", then you have an extremely blessed life.As a matter of fact, her life seems charmed from the beginning. I don't want to marginalize the hard work she has put into her company, children, marriage, etc., but as a 21 year veteran of the armed service I have a very hard time listening to her natter on about her John Hughes-worthy virginal romance with her husband to be as "one of the most painful things" she can remember. She then had the hubris to pertly announce that she "revokes permission" to anyone that has deviated from a diet, workout plan, or actions directly from their checklist of stated goals based on loss or tragedy in their lives, nor does she trust anyone that ever breaks a promise to themselves.What about women that have lost a child? Those that have been beaten, verbally abused, raped, or shot at? What about those forging their way through life in male-dominated careers instead of party planning?I don't mind that the author was Christian. I would happily read anything of value from anyone of any religion, especially if they are speaking about how that religion has enriched their lives, but she comes off as preachy. She states over and OVER again that she is the daughter of a preacher and there is a goal of perfection that she is required to live up to as thus.Her stated imperfections come off like the answers you should give if asked what your biggest flaw is at a job interview. This book was a platform to show off her fairy-dusted life with butter-wouldn't-melt-in-her-mouth prose, liberally sprinkled with the obligatory "y'alls" and "girlfriends" you would expect to hear at a Junior League meeting in the 1950's. She clearly states that one of her goals is to uplift and encourage women, and even admits to talking badly about someone...only once her life...in secrecy... to her best friend in high school, and it haunts her to this day that she criticized that poor girl's hairy toes.I am not a woman that tears others down for sport. I am glad she has a wonderful life. Assuming the reason for this book is actually to uplift others and not just another success rung in her "overachieving workaholic" (one of her worst flaws) life, I do not think it hits the mark. Perhaps she should stick to her lifestyle blog.If you also have had a very sheltered upbringing and never have had any major issues, then this book may be helpful for you. For any of the rest of us who have had to deal with real struggles in life it is drivel. I returned it after reading about 1/4 of the book.*Additional remarks after reading comments:I didn't read far enough, and I see that Ms. Hollis has suffered some in her life. I am glad that her book has helped some people. However, I do not believe that the reason she wrote this has anything to do with altruism; this book was written for her to self proclaim excellence. I am very much bothered by the fact that her ratings are so high based on her begging her blog followers to write reviews. Her specialty is lifestyle, not psychology, and i do believe that this can be a damaging book for women whom are struggling on a daily basis.
