Simple Joys by Candace Payne

Laughter that makes your stomach hurt, the perfect cup of coffee, a few moments alone with your Bible - these are moments of joy to be found on even the most difficult days. When you know you can trust God no matter what, lasting joy will be yours. Find your joy in Simple Joys: Discovering Wonder in the Everyday by Candace Payne.

Who hasn’t struggled with discontent, being overwhelmed, and the fight to be happy? You know that you have much to be grateful for, but sometimes the world feels so heavy and it’s hard to recognize the good stuff, let alone find and experience true, lasting joy.

Candace Payne, better known as “Chewbacca Mom,” reached more than 200 million people when her surprise outburst of joy at the simplest pleasure of a Star Wars mask went viral. Her story of struggling with loneliness, discontent, and unhappiness came out soon after, which made the world question: What makes her different?

“I could write a million words, books, and even songs to explain this,” Candace says, “but my gut feeling tells me you didn’t buy this book for a theology debate. You are reading these pages hoping to find joy - real, authentic, and unwavering in any and all circumstances. The kind of contentment that says, ‘I’m not only happy, but I’m satisfied as well. I have enough and I am enough.’ Because what I’ve discovered is this: contentment will often lead to more joy.

Review:  Simple Joys by Candace Payne is a lovely book.  Each chapter tells a story of simple joys in the author's life and then leads back to how we can find joy in our own life.  Each chapter has a verse in beautiful calligraphy at the beginning and artistic quotes throughout the chapter.  Each chapter ends with a spot to journal and reflect. 

I usually am the last person to know about anything, and even I knew about Chewbacca mom, Candace Payne. Her lovely laugh went viral in May of 2016.  This is a sweet book with many wonderful lessons.  Candace believes in joy and laughter, and seeks to find that in her life.

I enjoyed the calligraphy verses and journal page.  I found myself reading a chapter and then waiting a  day and reading another.  I love the size of the book, about 5 inches square and found it conveniently fit in my purse to read while I waited to pick up one of my children or waited for an appointment.  Simple Joys is a beautiful book to leave out on a coffee or side table.  It would also be a lovely gift book for  friend, or someone going through a tough time who needs to be encouraged.
I recommend this book. 


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. 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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”