Dallas Review
“A great book to start off the year!”
Although Dallas ladies were split on their thoughts on this book, the general consensus was that it was a great book to start off the year.
While some found it to be “preachy”, others welcomed the “preachiness” with both arms and gleefully so.
Her authenticity in boldly and courageously sharing her faith, along with the scriptures that she shared to support her thoughts and advice, were heartwarming, encouraging, and applauded.
Some of the ladies thought there was nothing new to what she shared in the book; no “aha” moments. The other side agreed that although it wasn’t “new” information, the fact that she was able to highlight and breakdown the many ways we expend energy without us realizing it, was highly appreciated and commended. Additionally, some of her pointers and tips on how to rest well in each category, were validations for the ladies.
In summary, there were so many nuggets embedded in the book; so much so that some of the ladies made their own notes, which ended up looking like a “small book of how to rest right.”
Overall, Dallas rated it 8.5/10. (Although some of us rated it a TOTAL AND UNEQUIVOCAL 10!!! 😎😎)
Toronto Review
Toronto chapter rating and review of Jan book: Sacred Rest by Saundra Dalton-Smith
Meet date: Jan 26, 2024
In attendance: 8 members
Group rating: 9.5
Host/Reviewer: Nene Akintan
Book Summary and Rating
The book Sacred Rest by Saundra Dalton-Smith was a big hit with the BND Toronto branch! It received ratings of 9/10 and 10/10 from all the ladies in our group.
During our monthly book review, we found ourselves identifying, in one way or another, with the various types of rest discussed in the book. The importance of setting boundaries stood out, as did the realization that true rest is more than just sleeping—it’s about intentional restoration.
Some members even committed to reading the book again, finding its insights invaluable. It sparked meaningful conversations and a deeper understanding of what rest truly means.*
Lagos Review
The Lagos chapter of the Books and Desserts Book Club found that Sacred Rest sparked a mixed but engaging discussion. Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith’s exploration of the seven types of rest was a fresh perspective for many of us, offering insights into why sleep alone doesn’t always leave us feeling refreshed. The practical suggestions for identifying and addressing rest deficits were especially appreciated by those looking for actionable steps toward better balance in their lives.
However, opinions were divided. Some members found the book inspiring and insightful, while others felt it became repetitive and slightly preachy as it progressed. While the core message is undeniably important, a few felt the delivery could have been more concise and dynamic to hold interest across the chapters.
Overall, we found Sacred rest to be a thought-provoking book that opened up meaningful conversations about how we approach rest in our lives. While not everyone was captivated by its style, most agreed that the concept of rest as more than just physical is worth exploring. We scored it a 6/10—a mix of admiration for the message and varying perspectives on the writing style.
