Searching for Spring: How God Makes All Things Beautiful in Time

by Christine Hoover

The Bible says that God makes all things beautiful in their time, but when we look around today we see a broken and marred world. Our reality is so often the "not beautiful" that it's hard to trust that God can make our mess into something good. So how do we live with hope for a future redemption of all things?

In Searching for Spring, Christine Hoover takes readers on a treasure hunt for beauty in both familiar and unexpected places. Framed by the changing seasons, this journey will heighten readers' senses and awaken their affections for the Creator of it all. For all who are in the midst of suffering, who find their faith withering, who are questioning whether God is at work--or even present--as they wait for something in their lives to become beautiful, this book will be a welcome reminder that God never stops his redemptive work and that there is a time for everything under heaven.

Genres: Christian, Christian Living, Faith, Nonfiction, Christian Non Fiction, Audiobook, Christianity

224 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2018

About the author

Christine Hoover serves as the Women's Ministry Associate at The Austin Stone Community Church's Northwest congregation in Austin, Texas. She hosts The Ministry Wives Podcast and has authored six books, including Messy Beautiful Friendship and How to Thrive as a Pastor's Wife, as well as a Bible study with Lifeway, Seek First the Kingdom. Her work has been featured on The Gospel Coalition, For The Church, and Christianity Today. Christine is married to Kyle, a pastor, and they have three boys. You can find her at her home online, www.christinehoover.net.

Reviews

[Kyle Hoover · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful and beautifully written book. This book is a mash-up of Frederich Buechner and N.D. Wilson, which means it is creative writing to tell a compelling story. I love it. And I think others will as well. Hope is active, and it is to be found for those who know how to wait well until God fixes things. It was a joy and privilege to read this book.

[Sassy Sarah Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars. I really loved this one. It was my companion in random spurts throughout the spring semester and it brought it me great comfort and reminded to look for the beauty of God in the darkness. Review to come.

[Abbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a breath of fresh air. I loved listening to Hoover share about the different seasons of life and how the Lord brings true joy through all of them. When we experience heartbreak and trials, we grow to understand what joy and hope really are. Similarly, don’t we see the most beautiful thing of all, salvation, come from the most ugliest, Christ’s death on the cross?

In a potter and clay sort of way, being made new through hardship is what brings God glory as we actively wait on Him. Though the refining process is hard, He will create everlasting beauty.

[marylyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

i often kid myself into thinking that the joyful times of college were some of the closest times with the Lord because i was happy and didn’t doubt his goodness. christine’s book is a powerful reminder that God demonstrate his goodness differently in different seasons. this book is beautifully written and rooted in scripture. i love when authors perfect and hone their craft with each book; this is her best yet in the best way. i am so thankful for this book.

[Natalie Herr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picked this off my shelf and was surprised to find it is based on Ecclesiastes 3 (current sermon series at church is in Eccl). Some of it was a little slow going and the language more flowery than I typically read, but the layers of gospel truth kept me reading. I particularly loved the section where she talks about inconsolable things - particularly relevant now for our times.

[Nursebookie · Rating 5 out of 5]

“ Searching For Spring “ by Christine Hoover is a beautifully written book that spoke to me as a woman, a sister, a wife, a friend and most of all as a child of God. The words Hoover wrote inspired me and carried me through some of life’s challenges. It guided me through on how to understand and be more open to the gifts of the Lord’s bounty - to be more appreciative for the beauty that surrounds us, to see all the positives and blessings in our life, and find love even in the most unlikely places. The combination of the stories and scriptures brought to life God’s words and teachings. I loved how this book was so beautifully written, flowed very well from the different topics and seasons. The book provides a beautiful guide for those needing guidance or looking to strengthen their spiritual and prayerful life.

I highly recommend this book!! It would also make for a beautiful gift for this coming Christmas season for friends and families.

[Nora St Laurent · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author starts out the novel with her son asking the question, “Mom, Is life Hard?” She asks him why he wants to know. He says to get a conversation going in the car like she suggested. This author thinks hard before answering. She thinks, “My instinctual internal answer was yes; life is certainly difficult in many, many ways.” She then thinks of several difficult situations. Knowing that God said in John 16:33,” I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

She recalls her teen years when she asked this question and was told “Attitude” it was everything. She later learned that she couldn’t positive-think her way to an “obstacle-free life, nor a happy one at that.” The author shares, “Beauty is everything, and beauty lies at the heart of all of life for all of time, even and especially where we think it couldn’t possibly exist – in the hurt, in betrayal, and when life seems to beating you down.”…”just because we can’t see how God has made and is making all things beautiful doesn’t mean it’s not true. It just means we must know where to look and where to listen, because only those who listen begin to hear beauty’s rhythm.”

I had never really viewed life like this. I found the authors explanation fascinating. She then delves into different types of beauty under the four seasons of the year. Under Fall Marred Beauty, Unexpected Beauty and Beauty We Want to Avoid. Under Winter she talks about God Is a Potter: He molds Beauty When We Surrender Control, God Is a Composer, God is Our Betrothed, God is our Color, God is an Author, God is a Joy Whisperer, God is our Pattern. Then Under Spring Forever Beauty.

I was inspired by the way the author discussed this subject matter using scripture intertwined with her compelling personal testimony, and that of others that encouraged her. I’ll have to read this heart-warming book again to fully grasp what the author shares about God’s beauty that is in everything whether our eyes can see it or not.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com

[Kristie Ingerto · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Searching for Spring: how God makes all things beautiful in time" is really a beautiful, eye-opening book to read and become lost in. Christine does an incredible job with really capturing the beauty in the world, all around us, in the unexpected areas and the expected ones both. There is a season for everything and as the seasons change, our eyes are open to the beauty in our physical environments. However, it can be difficult to see the beauty in the midst of hard times and times that we feel beaten and defeated and overwhelmed by daily life. This book is a nice mixture of personal stories, scripture and imagery to portray these thoughts and really help awaken a person to seeing the beauty and remembering that God has a plan and purpose in His time. My absolute favorite chapter is the one titled God is a joy whisperer. This really resonated with me because it is so easy to go through each day completing the daily tasks, going through life just living and not enjoying life, not seeking and finding joy.
I think that this is a book that anyone, no matter where they are on their walk with Jesus, a new believer, one struggling to place faith and trust in God, or one whom has been a part of God's family for years, would appreciate this and find some peace and beauty within the pages.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a MUST read book! My soul felt fed by this book and so much joy came from reading this book through reading it in the season of winter here in Michigan. Although winter is a season, this book also is talking about a spiritual winter as well where things aren't so beautiful in our lives. The author did a fantastic job at communicating at the dead of winter, God has beautiful things in our lives. Even in our suffering, we have hope that he will make all things beautiful and that suffering produces faith. I love this book!
As a I prayed what this year would be about, the Lord told me the word Hope and this book is a constant reminder of HOPE. God continues to show hope in in the winter moments. Spring is coming, but not only is spring coming, we have to find hope in the suffering and see the beauty in it. God will use it in our lives and His promises always remain the same. Eternity is in the hearts of man....
If you're looking for a book to dig up some old roots, grab this book! I have it highlighted and marked up. I can't wait to read it again! I loved it! This will be a great gift that I will give to other friends and family members. I give this 5/5 stars.

[Loreina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really good read. The author, Christine, is a Pastor’s wife. She’s a mom. She starts the book based on a question her young son asks her about life.

She then takes readers on a journey through life. Life can be hard. We face tough situations, sadness, pain. We face circumstances that really put our faith to the test. Despite these situations and emotions, God is in control. God’s timing is perfect. While things may not seem beautiful for us at the moment, the beauty is coming.

Searching for Spring helps put things into perspective. We go through some really tough seasons before getting to the Spring. In the Spring, trees and flowers are blooming. The animals are more active. There are baby deer running around. Christine really paints the beauty of Springtime throughout the book, and it is a relatable reminder that regardless how tough the Summer is or how hard of a Winter you’ve had, the Spring is coming. You just have to be patient, and know that the beauty of Springtime will fall upon you, but it’s going to happen when God says it’s time.

[Candy Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author did a wonderful job at conveying the message of finding beauty from ashes. If we just look for it we can see the beauty of the Creator everyday. And even when we can't see Him working we can look to the past and future with hope of the promise that he will turn our suffering into something beautiful. I love how she started every chapter reminding us of Ecclesiastes' wisdom of there is a time for everything. I received this book from justreads as a blind book tour and I have to say they picked the perfect book for the season I'm in. It gave me hope that threw my suffering God will bring beauty, through faith the winter will bring about spring.

[Briana Almengor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a timely read for me. I most appreciate Christine’s acknowledgement of what she refers to as the “inconsolable things” of life yet does so while consistently and repeatedly pointing us to a sure hope. I underlined nearly every page. This will be one I come back to again and again.

[Leslie McKee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Everyone goes through a period where we wonder where God is and how we’ll move on.

The author addresses a number of tough issues, reminding the reader that life isn’t perfect. However, the author wants to point out that good still can occur in spite of the bad. It’s found in God alone. Hoover uses examples for all seasons to show things bloom in our lives and that God is the One who will make all things new.

Based on similar books I’ve read in the past, I thought I’d enjoy this one more than I did. However, I had a hard time staying engaged. Some parts were a bit repetitive, and there were lulls at times. I didn't find it as encouraging overall as I'd expected.

This book could be useful for individual or group study.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy as part of the JustRead Tours Blind Tour program. I wasn't required to leave a positive review.

[Kayla Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Spring is Coming" by Steven Curtis Chapman played softly through the house either the night of or day after I finished the final chapter of Searching for Spring, solidifying the message of this book, reminding me of God's promise. The "inconsolable things" frequently brought up in this book had occurred amidst the days I found myself immersed in this book. Christine Hoover quotes author Zack Eswine's definition of "inconsolable things" as, "...the sins and miseries that will not be eradicated until heaven comes home, the things that only Jesus, and no one of us, can overcome. We cannot expect to change what Jesus left unfixed for the moment (p. 54)."

Hoover immediately following writes, "This presence of inconsolable things reminds us that healing is not the same as heaven (p. 55)." For me this book is representative of an initial time of loss and grief over an unborn child that I hoped to meet toward the coming fall, but alas, while it was still winter those dreams and hopes fell through.

I found it interesting that as I joined other eager readers who were part of this book's launch team that they all identified with the message of this book. They identified because regardless of the differing events in their lives each one had experienced something inconsolable. These inconsolable things remind us that there is something, some One greater. Hoover points out that we sometimes need this balance to find and appreciate the beauty that God has hidden all around us. "[B]eauty is not immediate. It often unveils itself slowly, through much waiting, much seeking, and sometimes much heartache (p. 21)."

Hoover uses the seasons of nature paired with Ecclesiastes 3 to beautifully sculpt an image of a God we can relate to and a Promise we can fully believe in. She beautifully paints image after image that all readers can rejoice in. By the end of the book, she will have you searching for the beauty all around you. She will have you searching for Spring, the forever beauty.

(A special thank you to BakerBooks for providing be with a free copy and all the pre-release goodies of Searching for Spring.)

[Andrew Wolgemuth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Searching for Spring: How God Makes All Things Beautiful in Time is chock-full of insight and encouragement. It's a celebration of God making all things beautiful that's fully grounded in the reality that the road to beauty is often slow, bumpy, and painful. It's an exploration of suffering, pain, and patience that never lets its reader forget that God is in control, his purposes are good, and there will be beauty.

It was a timely read for me, and Christine's prose was savor-able and ponder-able (if you will, x2) throughout. I envision returning to this book throughout life while also recommending it to those in the midst of challenges and doubt.

(full disclosure: the agency I work for represents Christine and this book)

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I got into this book I really loved it. I read Christine Hoover's other books...on being a friend, on being a pastor's wife, but this book was different as it was more reflective. Truth was told through story and examples and thoughts. It was different for me but I liked it for that same reason. It was beautifully written and really encouraging.

[Kacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A reminder to keep looking for beauty in God's world, even when it seems lost. To be honest, I was audiobooking this, then it expired, then I picked it up again, but by then I'd forgotten what she talked about at the beginning.

[Rachel Schultz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Several ideas written in a fresh way I was helped by

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bible says that God makes all things beautiful in their time, but when we look around today we see a broken and marred world. Our reality is so often the not beautiful that it's hard to trust that God can make our mess into something good. So how do we live with hope for a future redemption of all things?

In Searching for Spring, Christine Hoover takes readers on a treasure hunt for beauty in both familiar and unexpected places. Framed by the changing seasons, this journey will heighten readers' senses and awaken their affections for the creator of it all. For all who are in the midst of suffering, who find their faith withering, who are questioning whether God is at work--or even present--as they wait for something in their lives to become beautiful, this book will be a welcome reminder that God never stops his redemptive work and that there is a time for everything under heaven.

I loved everything about this book. It spoke to my heart and soul. Things are not always picture perfect in our lives. Using Ecclesiastes and the four seasons as a theme, we have this hope that He has our good and His glory in mind (Rom. 8:28) and even through suffering we have this hope: God will make all this beautiful in time (Ecc. 3:11). There is beauty amidst all our pain and sufferings. God never forgets, He has a plan, His plans are good! Even if we don't know the whys or we feel God is being silent, though He never is, He is still working and weaving to bring together His plan. Waiting is hard and often difficult to see God working in our lives and situations. That beauty is revealed in God himself. When we view him rightly and understand our position, we begin to see the beauty of every circumstance. We begin to see how God truly makes all things beautiful in his timing.

The first way to find beauty in the winter of life is to realize God has never promised to fix everything in this life. Through the winter of life, God is a potter molding us, a betrothed pursuing us, a composer weaving beauty through the ordinary.

I was given a copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of reviewing it. The opinions expressed are my own and were not influenced in any way.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

We all go through periods of wondering what God is doing. The trials of life, difficult circumstances that never seen to change. These winters of life seem to drag and never result in the beauty of Spring. In her new book, Searching For Spring, Christine Hoover helps us see how God is making all things beautiful in his time.

Using Ecclesiastes and the four seasons as a theme, Hoover weaves a picture that we understand and recognize. We all long for beauty in our lives. But Where does beauty fit in with trials? When we go through seasons of hard, is there good to be found or are we to despair because God clearly can't work in our situation?

The first way to find beauty in the winter of life is to realize God has never promised to fix everything in this life. There are inconsolable things that will only be fully made beautiful when Jesus comes again. But there is still beauty when we look at who God is and seek to follow Christ’s example.

From there, Hoover takes us through truths about who God is and how those truths should affect us as Christians. Through the winter of life, God is a potter molding us, a betrothed pursuing us, a composer weaving beauty through the ordinary.

Hoover uses beautiful prose to create word pictures that resonate with our everyday lives. As she watches autumn leaves fall, listens to music, considers light and what it means to live creatively as a Christian, we are invited to join her in seeing the beauty. One of my favorite quotes from the book is ‘Even when he (God) is silent, he is not still.’ How often when trials abound do we feel alone, forgotten, exposed to the harsh wind of winter? But even in those moments, God is not gone. He is merely silent.

I recommend this book for anyone struggling to see the beauty and good in the mundane of life. It may take time but God is working and he will make all things beautiful in time. This book is a great encouragement and reminder of that profound truth.


I was given a copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of reviewing it. The opinions expressed are my own and were not influenced in any way.

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A few weeks ago I received this beautiful book in the mail for review titled, Searching for Spring by Christine Hoover. It was definitely perfect timing, as I have been feeling a bit wearing in the waiting for spring to arrive. I shouldn't complain, I know winter in the south is not like winter in the north, and I know this because I was born and raised in Minnesota, so I really do know what it feels like to look forward to spring. This year this winter has been long, dreary, and cold here in the south. Now we are receiving rain upon rain. I am thankful though for the few days of sunshine we have received in between these dreary days. However, after reading this book, I have a different perspective of dreary days. The author writes and shares throughout this book about inconsolable things. (These are things that have brought us burdens, heartache, loss, disability, etc...) But these things are not a loss, because God uses these inconsolable things to redeem us, give us a hope, and a future. God isn't ignoring us in these things, He is not answering our prayers or at least the way we desire them to be. Instead, as the author says "If we fight to embrace the inconsolable things, knowing God grieves with us, knowing they are temporary, we not only can look forward with hope to a future forever peace but we can have peace in the present as well." Through the book, the author reminds us through history, her story, and Scripture that God never forgets, He has a plan, His plans are good!

I really enjoyed reading through Searching for Spring and Christine Hoover's writing. She has a way of bringing in history, our pain, suffering, and seeing the good and the beautiful through it all, even if we don't know the whys or we feel God is being silent, though He never is, He is still working and weaving to bring together His plan. "Fighting with faith is the only way through." I would highly recommend this book, this is one is going on my top list of recommended reads!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Searching For Spring is a play on the four seasons and how we can experience life in seasons. It's a reminder that there must always be an end to the trouble-less, "mountaintop" moments in life. And that there will always be a death, a renewing and a new growing season. Based on the book of Ecclesiastes, Hoover shares some personal experiences with walking through these seasons and what God has taught her about each one.  

As I was recently listening to Hoover's new podcast, By Faith, she explained that she approached Searching For Spring more poetically than her other books. I definitely found this to be true. Typically, I'm not a fan of flowery, or poetic writing. I get lost in what the true meaning of the book is. However, I found myself being challenged by much of the writing in this book.

I connected so much with what Hoover wrote about in the first half of the book. The idea of summer and the beauty that it brings to life challenged the way that I use the word beautiful. It was a reminder that life may be hard, but it is the hard parts of life that show us the beauty. I also really appreciated the first chapter on winter. My own experiences with winter seasons were echoed on the pages of Searching For Spring.

As I mentioned before, I tend to struggle with more flowery writing. Though I was challenged in the reading of Searching for Spring, I also struggled to connect with about half of the book. When I could connect with the story, I understood the point Hoover was making, but often, it lost some poignancy because of the length of time it took to tell the story. 

Searching for Spring is an excellent reminder that God does make all things beautiful in His time. That he has not given up on us or walked away from us. He is always moving in and through the seasons that we encounter in life. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. This review is my own, honest opinion.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are treasure seekers.

We long for:

The groom to return for his bride;
The finished book;
The completed canvas;
Spring to burst out of winter.

We long for wholeness, relief, life, resurrection. But we are poor waiters.

But what if the Lord uses our incompleteness, our waiting, the inconsolable things of this “in between” life as mechanisms and mirrors for our good and his work? What if his promise to make all things beautiful in time has already begun?

Through twelve chapters of captivating word pictures, vivid imagery, and engaging personal stories coupled with a through examination of scripture, author Christine Hoover reminds us that the Lord’s beauty and kindness is evident in a child’s momentary expression of love, the autumn leaves, a composer’s musical piece, falling snowflakes but paradoxically, also in our burdens, mourning, disabilities, and losses. Glimpses of the Lords redemption surround us if we stop to listen, observe, smell and taste his work.

As Christians, we are called to embrace this paradoxical state of living: weakness to be made strong, serve to receive, persecution for ultimate victory, die to self to fully live, and endure momentary affliction for an enteral weight of glory. We “wait forward,” persevering through the present in light of that promised future.

Searching for Spring is a book I’ve added to my canon of highly commended works, particularly for those struggling with trials, depression, lack of joy and impatience. It encouraged me in my own struggle with uncertainty, deepened my understanding of the Lords presence and activity in this age, and better equipped me to minister to others.

Hoover exhorts us to climb onto the potters wheel and rest from our wrestling. For the most beautiful saints will have lived through the gore of life with an eye on the finished beauty to come. What crowns they will wear!

[Kaitlyn Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this book! My soul has found so much joy through reading this during the actual season of winter - and through a degree of spiritual winter as well. Chrisitine understands and communicates so clearly and creatively that beauty is more beautiful contrasted with un-beautiful things. God is all-good, all-knowing and all-powerful all together, all the time. We can have this hope that He has our good and His glory in mind (Rom. 8:28) and even through suffering we have this hope: God will make all this beautiful in time (Ecc. 3:11). And, God uses suffering to produce in us a saving and enduring faith - which is his will for us in the present (Rom. 5:3-5). This week has given us our first glimpse of spring weather, and I read the final chapter soaking in the sun's rays after a long, cold, dreary winter. My husband joked that we should move to a location where it is always warm because my mood has been greatly improved with being able to go outside and the sun pumping vitamin D into my body. This book, though, has taught me that I wouldn't appreciate the beauty of spring and sunshine if I had it everyday...it is only after the ugly, winter that I fully see and appreciate spring in all it's beauty. I have learned not to wish suffering away, but to see the beauty in it and how God is using it in my life. I have a renewed trust and reminder of the promises of God. He will make all things beautiful in time - maybe not on this Earth - my sin will always remain and therefore there will always be a degree of winter on this Earth. But, God promises that in the life to come there will be no sin, no pain, no suffering, and only perpetual, blissful, beautiful 'spring'!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you love reading beautiful, lyrical writing? If so, Searching for Spring will awaken your heart to fresh beauty.

I enjoy literary reads by contemporary masters like Anthony Doerr and Marilynne Robinson. It's rare to find a similar writing style in my favorite genre of Christian non-fiction. I found it in this gem. Christine Hoover has a special gift of combining insight and beautiful language to paint pictures of spiritual truths, and I deeply enjoyed this treasure of a book.

In our oh-so-daily, fast-paced living, it's easy to overlook the stunning beauty God hides in our days. Searching for Spring shows us how to find it by slowing down, looking closely, and delighting in the smallest joys of right now.

Christine Hoover's framework for the chapters is Ecclesiates 3:1-8, the same framework I used for my book, Newness of Life. We both found fresh perspective from these verses, and I enjoyed her unique take on them.

So many thought-provoking images and stories from this book are still giving me pause, days later. The chapter I enjoyed the most was Chapter 8, "God Is Our Color." She brilliantly uses a metaphor of a pure red maple tree in autumn to talk about the hidden beauty of suffering. Here is a quote from this chapter that sings with truth:

"God, it seems, rewards obedience with peace, but there is a lesson we must learn from the little red leaf: the obedience of self-death is primarily rewarded later. The tree doesn't bear witness to what nutrients the leaf has passed on until spring."

I have many sections highlighted in this book for further pondering. If you're looking for a book to help you grow deep roots of faith, Searching for Spring is right for you.

Netgalley provided me a free copy of this excellent book.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Searching For Spring: How God Makes All Things Beautiful In Time by Christine Hoover is not a book for self-improvement, and it contains no discussion question or suggested activities for personal reflection. What it is, however, has the potential to touch you on a deeper level than the simple cover dares to suggest.

Searching For Spring is full of little snippets of Christine's personal journey to finding God's beauty in life's everyday happenings. From the beauty of watching the wildlife in her own backyard to discovering the hidden depths of God's beauty in witnessing close friends struggle with adulterous behaviors, Christine invites us to join her and see God's glories through the lens of her personal experiences. With plenty of Biblical excerpts and references, this book still manages to read with the simplistic casual tone of sitting down with a beloved friend for a chat over a cup of Joe or your favorite flavor of tea.

Whether you're familiar with Christine's other books or this is the first book of hers that has made its way into your paws, her candid voice and friendly demeanor are sure to find their way into your heart. Searching For Spring is one I'd suggest for any women who desire to feel closer to finding the answers to God's plans and motives within their own experiences - especially if you could use a friend to help you along the way. This book is good for new Christians just starting their walk with God, seasoned believers who seek a refresher on God's beauty and grace, and all those in between. 5/5 stars.

*Disclaimer: I received a complimentary print copy of this book from Baker Books for the purpose of this honest review. All opinions are my own.*

[Amanda E. (aebooksandwords) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Searching for Spring is centered around the truth that God will make all things beautiful in time. The writings within turn encounters with God’s beauty into inspiration for our life with Christ, encouraging us to seek out His beauty in all things, from the joyous to the grievous.

Christ's provisions for us on the Cross are presented with colorful illustrations that reveal His beauty to even the newly seeking heart. In presenting key aspects of our Christian spiritual journey, the book could serve as a helpful enjoyment on one’s journey through discipleship.

Though a bit wordy at times, this was not fault enough to be a detriment to the contents within. A few sections especially impacted me:

- The chapter on waiting and quieting ourselves before the Lord was a needed reminder to cultivate and guard such times with the Lord, teaching us to trust God even as we wait for Him to beautify certain areas of our lives.


- How the author shares about needing to know she was loved to the point of seeking to meet this need through striving and performance. It encouraged me to discover I was not the only one who had to be freed from such a merciless prison. God is so good to us.

Searching for Spring in hand, take a moment—many moments—to stop and relish the beauty of the journey with Christ. Then, take this rhythm into daily life, searching out God’s love notes of beauty—large and small—with all your heart. Thrilling encounters with His beauty await every heart’s need for hope and courage in this journey through life.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each of us experience a time of winter in our lives where we wonder where God is and how could there ever be life where hardship and brokenness has been known. In "Searching for Spring", Christine Hoover draws our attention to the only One we can look to as we wait and search for the newness and life that the Spring seasons bring. Without diminishing the struggle and pain we feel in those difficult seasons, she helps us see that God is a redeeming God who will one day make all things new. While we may not experience it in this life as there will be some "inconsolable things", we do have a hope that rests in Jesus who works for our good and His glory. I recently walked through a winter season of my own and while I have been ushered into a season that feels like spring, I know that I still needed the encouragement found in this book not only to prepare me for future winter seasons, but also to be reminded that in all seasons I walk through, I need to set my hope and my eyes on my Jesus. I highly recommend this book for anyone whether they are in a season of struggle or not because the reminders and truths found within this book will be foundational and encouraging for all of life.

[Myrna Rodriguez-Medina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Searching for Spring is an easy to read inspirational book, full of nature imagery and everyday illustrations. Using the analogy of nature seasons, Christine Hoover share the redemption story amid our suffering, our unanswered prayers and God’s silence. Depending on your hobbies and your stage in life some chapters may resonate more to you than others, but overall the reading will fuel your hope and challenge your perspective of your current season. Join Christine on a journey outlined by Ecclesiastes 3 to go deep in “how God makes all things beautiful in time.”

Some of my favorites quotes is: “Even when He is silent, He is not still.” (p. 49); “Limits are gifts that help us remember that our greatest gift is a God who is limitless.” (p. 150)

This book is great for individual or group reading and I’ll recommended to others and use it to encourage other women; as I have been encouraged.

I’ve received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

[Diane Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed “Searching for Spring” by Christine Hoover. I love how creative Christine is and how she shows us how beauty is all around us. So many times, especially when we are going through hard times, we focus on the negative and the “ugliness” of life. Christine shows us how God is always with us and even in the hard times of life, beauty can come out of it. I’ve seen in my own life where some of the most beautiful moments came out of the hardest and toughest things I’ve ever dealt with.

One of my favorite quotes in this book is “Beauty is not immediate. It often unveils itself slowly, through much waiting, much seeking, and sometimes much heartache.” (p. 21) I have experienced this, but I needed some reminding.

I definitely recommend this book to every woman out there. We women have so much to do and get so busy with life that we tend to ignore the beauty out there. This book is a great reminder not to do that!

I received this book from Baker Books for my honest opinion.