Review: "The Wait Will Not Be Wasted" by Lauren Lianne

This year, I decided I wanted to read more nonfiction ... but I'm pretty picky about nonfiction, as I don't want to get bored! It definitely needs to be something that will either be enjoyable (like a celebrity memoir) or applicable to where I am in life. So when an invitation to review The Wait Will Not Be Wasted, written by a thirty-something single woman, landed in my inbox, I took a chance ... because I am also a thirty-something single woman 🙂

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You’ve probably imagined the job, the spouse, the kids—and you knew what age you wanted it all to happen. However, all too often such plans go up in smoke, and you may feel confused and forgotten when reality doesn’t match your expectations. When life doesn’t go like you planned, can you still trust that God knows how to write the best stories? Instead of taking the pen to your own story, author Lauren Walton suggests refocusing on your Creator.

After spending years frustrated because life wasn’t going according to her plans, Lauren decided to give up control. It was then she learned God’s graciousness wasn’t based on getting what she wanted and that God’s perfect plan included an unexpected season. She wrote The Wait Will Not Be Wasted to help other single women during times of unfulfilled hopes. Lauren shares how self-reflection, journaling, and practical experience have led her to find deep fulfillment and a God-given purpose while she waits. It is her hope that her journey will help others see God’s goodness even during the most difficult times.

Though directed at single women, the concepts apply to any woman waiting for God to move in her life.

Genre: Non-fiction/Christian Living
Release Date: February 14, 2020

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The Wait Will Not Be Wasted is a memoir of sorts—author Lauren Lianne shares what she's learned through years of singleness that have stretched longer than she'd ever imagined. As a single woman of a similar age, I could identify with many of the things she talked about—especially her desire as a young woman to be a wife and mother with no real "back up" plan. Other things didn't ring as true to me, probably because I went through my own singleness struggle with God much earlier in my life. That's not to say that I don't still wish to be married and that I never struggle with singleness (I do!), but I came to a place of surrender at 21, so I've been "comfortably" living in the tension of hope, trust, and acceptance for ... let's just say it's been a while now 😉

The author also relates to God in a very different way than I do—she seems to actually hear Him speak to her (in the first person), which is something I've always been a little skeptical of (don't even get me started on Jesus Calling 🤣), probably because my experience with the Lord is so different than that. So, I'll be honest, after the first couple instances, I skipped over those portions where she was transcribing what she believes God told her. (I do want to be clear: I am not saying that God does not communicate with her in this way. God can do whatever He wishes, and perhaps he does speak directly to people like this. But I still am skeptical.)

Bottom line: I appreciated the author's transparency with her struggles, and I do think that, read with discernment, this book could be excellent, especially for a small group of single women to go through together. There are some very thought provoking questions at the end of each chapter that could both cause deep reflection and lead to great discussion. With so many women being single far longer than they ever imagined, books like this can be very helpful in navigating an undesired season. 3-1/2 stars.

Buy the book (affiliate link).

Follow the tour:
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 27
Remembrancy, April 28
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 29
Texas Book-aholic, April 30
Inklings and notions, May 1
Artistic Nobody, May 2 (Author Interview)
deb’s Book Review, May 3
For Him and My Family, May 4
Mary Hake, May 5
Older & Smarter?, May 6
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 7
Christian Chick’s Thoughts, May 8
Just Your Average reviews, May 9
Simple Harvest Reads, May 10 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lauren is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/f8f9/the-wait-will-not-be-wasted-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Lauren Walton is a native Floridian who now calls Nashville home. She loves traveling, dancing, staying active with her church community, and cheering on her Auburn University Tigers. Lauren’s faith has carried her through some tough times, and it is now her life goal to help others see God’s goodness even during the most difficult times.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. 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."