We’ve all heard the saying “Don’t judge a book by it’s cover,” but I’m guilty of doing this (literally!) with this book! When I was given the opportunity to review The Finishing School by Valerie Woerner, I was drawn in by the adorable cover. Traditionally, a finishing school taught young ladies what they needed to know about social graces. I love the twist Valerie took on this topic, because the chapters are based around subjects that would be discussed at a finishing school – hospitality, self-control, friendship, etc. – and relates them to the Christian faith.
I’m going to be completely upfront and let you know I haven’t finished the book completely; I skimmed it for review purposes. Why? Because I’m working my way through this book slowly, and I’m excited to see how it will affect my life. The chapters are short, so I usually read a chapter and give myself some time to really digest it. There are homework worksheets for each chapter, which I appreciate because they help me to truly focus. (You can also purchase the workbook instead of using the free printables if you prefer.) I spend the week focusing on the discussion, and really trying to be intentional when it comes to that topic. My hopes are that by doing this, I’ll make new, positive habits.
I immediately connected with the author, Valerie, when she revealed that she was a nervous child. I was too, and I have grown into a nervous adult. I pray about everything. (And I don’t say that in a braggy way. Praying has been a game changer with my anxiety, because I visualize myself placing my problems in God’s lap. I can feel a weight being lifted when I pray.) The topics are so relevant in my life, and especially with blogging. Valerie talks about comparison, contentment, and the world of female entrepreneurs.
My only qualm about the book is that it can occasionally come off as preachy. To be honest, I think this happens with just about every self-help book, and that I take things a little too personally. Or maybe it’s God trying to change my heart?
I hope that y’all enjoyed my brief review of The Finishing School! If you’d like to chat further about the book, please leave me a comment or shoot me an email – seersuckersass(at)gmail(dot)com! If you’d like to connect with Valerie, check out her website or connect with her on Twitter or Instagram. And if you’d like to purchase The Finishing School, you can do so here.
Now I want to hear from you – What’s something about yourself that you feel is “unfinished” that you would like to work on?
I’m leaving for a leadership retreat today, so no new post tomorrow, but be sure to stop back by on Friday! Happy Wednesday!
XX,
SS
A big thank you to Litfuse for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This looks really interesting! I'm adding this to list of books to read after graduation! xoxo
Sounds like a great book! I will add it to my list, too! I am trying not to buy any more books until I finish the four I recently bought. Lol. 😉
I love the cover and the name definitely catches my attention. I'll have to pick it up next time I visit the book store (:
Aww the cover of this is so cute and so are these photos!I'll have to check it out.xoxo, Jenny || Breakfast at Lillys
Sounds lovely! I love learning more about God through books like these.Mikayla | A Seersucker State of Mind.
I agree the cover is so cute!! Loved you review! Prayer really does help and I can tell that you have a really personal relationship with God through prayer! I definitely going to look up this book! Sounds like just the thing I need to read at the momentFelice Raina // The Kiss Of Joy xoxo
Sounds like an interesting book! I would say something that I'd like to work on is getting help when needed. Sometimes I like to think I can do everything myself, but sometimes you definitely do just need help! Thanks for the review and hope you enjoy the rest of the book!CassieMy Pop of Color
Sounds so intriguing!www.kayleighskloset.com
Oh I would love to pick this up! I would have never heard of it otherwise.LaurenThe Fashionista's Diary
That sounds like a good book! I'll have to check it out!xoxo,Katiechicincarolina.blogspot.com
Headed to B&N to try out this book! I understand your point of self-help books being a little preachy…I hate feeling like what I'm doing might be in the wrong. Nicole // Chronicling Home
This book sounds really interesting! I'm intrigued and I think I'll be picking it up soon!
Sounds like a wonderful read!! How interesting that it comes with "homework!!" 🙂 And you are just the cutest and prettiest ever! <3xoxo Awww.southernbelleintraining.com
I agree that most self-help books can come off as a little "preachy", I still like them but I always feel like I must be a little defensive because I always find myself rolling my eyes every so often. This does sound like an interesting book though, I am always looking for ways to be more polite and professional!
I've only recently started to delve into self-help books – just because I need a little bit of a boost as far as confidence and motivation are concerned. It seems like an interesting read – very cool that it has a workbook as well! Alessandra | blog.pumpup.com
Oh wow, what an interesting concept. Thanks for sharing your faith and review 🙂 I think I'll be checking this book out, I'm definitely intrigued. Jadore l Jadoregrace
I will definitely have to check this book out!! Thanks for the suggestion!Carley @ preppylane.blogspot.com
Haha – all about judging books by their covers! Got to work them into my instagram 😉 But I agree about a lot of self-help books sounding preachy! But once you get past that you can get a lot out of them!
I would love to read this book! It sounds like the perfect book to read slowly and really take in. I definitely love books that make me think! Thanks girl! xo Ashley
I haven't read many self-help books, only a couple by Charlotte Gambill from a women's conference they have each year at my church. But I really enjoyed them! This sounds interesting too, I like the idea about thinking about something as 'unfinished' rather than unreachable. It makes it feel much more realistic to work through!
I like the idea of "homework" sheets to complete! I'd really like to give this book a try, I haven't read that many self help books (unless you count GIRLBOSS as one), but I could always use some guidance!xo, Alicia | Alicia Tenise
Shhh I totally judge books by the cover. I definitely want to pick up this book!
This book looks and sounds SO cool, I definitely want to check it out!xx, Southwestern Prepster
This sounds like such a nice book, in terms of learning about etiquette! I also agree with you about praying – it definitely does remove a burden from you!!Pop over to my blog!Sarahhttps://everydayconcepts.wordpress.com
I definitely have become much more prayerful as I age, He really comforts me in all my everyday anxieties!xoxo, SSThe Southern Stylista
This looks awesome. And I LOVE that you pray for everything! I do too, and it's awesome to connect with and relate to another blogger gal with that same mindset. <3Coming Up Roses
Such a great post! xoxoxoxo Lex // LexMeetsWorld