Eat Cake. Be Brave.

Not only have I read this wonderfully funny, inspirational book by Melissa, I have had the chance to have a one-on-one sit down conversation with her before she spoke to a group of ladies. She is a down to earth wife, mom and Christian that faces the same everyday struggles we all find ourselves dealing with. What is so awesome about Melissa you ask? She was brave enough to face her struggles head on and then was brave enough again to share her story with anyone that would listen. You can learn more about her stories by finding her on social media, in a new reality TV show and by buying this fantastic book. You will laugh and cry but most of all you will be inspired by her desire to make the best life for her and her family that she possibly can despite the challenges. L to R - Elizabeth Strong, Melissa Radke, Sherri Farmer.

Not only have I read this wonderfully funny, inspirational book by Melissa, I have had the chance to have a one-on-one sit down conversation with her before she spoke to a group of ladies. She is a down to earth wife, mom and Christian that faces the same everyday struggles we all find ourselves dealing with. What is so awesome about Melissa you ask? She was brave enough to face her struggles head on and then was brave enough again to share her story with anyone that would listen. You can learn more about her stories by finding her on social media, in a new reality TV show and by buying this fantastic book. You will laugh and cry but most of all you will be inspired by her desire to make the best life for her and her family that she possibly can despite the challenges. L to R - Elizabeth Strong, Melissa Radke, Sherri Farmer.

If Goodreads allowed half stars this would definitely be 4.5 for me. The only thing keeping it from a 5 and being shelved on my "need more stars" shelf is the fact that it wasn't what I was expecting.

Melissa Radke is hilarious. Literally laughed out loud numerous times. And she is so relatable! I was screenshotting passages and texting my sister "this is me" and "so you" with double exclamation marks. Not just the funny/embarrassing high school stories either. But the heart-wrenching moments as well.

While I received an advanced copy of this book free from Netgalley I am adding it to my the store to-buy list because I do want to own a physical copy, even though I have the e-book and even though it wasn't a 5 star review this time. Maybe I will reread it in a few years and wonder what I was thinking with my slight negativity.

As a collection of narrative essays this was great. But I was expecting a memoir. The summary lead me to believe that this would start off with the pre-41st birthday introductory chapters, then the rest of the book would be about what and how Melissa chose to be brave that year. Instead, there are over a dozen essays illustrating some moment in time when Melissa wasn't brave, when something unfair or unkind happened and how it affected and shaped those first 40 years. Most of those essays ends on the positive, with the new Melissa pointing out what she should have done or what she hopes readers will do in that same situation or what the takeaway is; because of that I expected the next chapter to be about her taking control etc, but there are only 3 essays I think that actually discuss events after her birthday that year. Maybe what I was expecting was a more linear story I guess.

Eat Cake. Be Brave. by Melissa Radke is totally hilarious. The author has a sense of humor that just won’t quit. She made me laugh, REALLY laugh.

It is also incredibly sad. I don’t mean just a little sad, but deep down in your soul sad. The kind that brings up tears that have been buried for so long you thought they’d gone. But, you know they haven’t because they are now soaking everything in sight.

I can relate to the life Melissa has lived in so many ways. Like, questioning Heavenly Father on why He’d give us a talent or desire, but put obstacles in our way that prevent us from fully realizing that talent or desire. Or, answering our prayers, and then taking our heart’s desire from us. I’ve been there, on both counts. It hurts.

People don’t make this life any easier, with their judgements of us. They judge us on something so shallow as our looks, not seeing that true beauty is what lies within us. They think we are unworthy to use our God-given talents because we aren’t one of the “beautiful people”.

Melissa is done playing that game. She tries to instill in us that it doesn’t matter what people say about us or how they judge us. Their thoughts about us don’t matter. What matters is what Heavenly Father thinks. He made us in His image and loves us, regardless of our physical attributes or lack thereof.

In the midst of all the laughter and the tears, Melissa’s message is clear: He doesn’t make junk. Don’t let other people control how you feel about yourself. He can use you in His kingdom. Live the life He gave you to live loud and proud, giving glory to Him.

And, most definitely, eat the cake! Don’t be afraid to be YOU!

We were sent a complimentary copy of this book. We are under no obligation to write any review, positive or negative.

We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.

I’ve been following Melissa Radke ever since the viral video on Red Ribbon Week. Do yourself a favor and go look it up. Right off the bat, I adored her humor, her genuine heart, her lack of pretense, her un-church-lady Faith with a capital F. Where was I? Oh yeah, she’s awesome and go follow all the social media platforms she’s on. All this to say, she is who she displays, and her book brings it all to the page for your life. If you’ve ever felt not good enough, this is your book. If you’ve ever felt you are too much, this is your book. If you’ve ever felt your frailest part of you disqualifies you from your dreams, this is your book.
You will laugh out loud, literally. You will cry, possibly if you’re like me, the ugly way several times. Most of all you will put the book down and pick up encouragement, possibility, bravery, and a slice of hey-girl-you-aren’t-alone-so-quit-acting-like-it.

Like many others, I was first introduced to Melissa Radke with her Red Ribbon Week video. This video had me rolling and sharing. Then came more videos. Some gave me laughs and some had me reaching for the Kleenex.

This book was no different. Melissa is a brilliant storyteller and she has the ability to summarize it into a lesson we can all relate to. Her heartaches and desperate moments are gut-wrenching, but word by word, line by line she pulled us out right alongside her.

If you're fearful you'll be wiping away tears the entire time you read Eat Cake. Be Brave., I assure you, you won't. You'll definitely laugh and will probably snort like I did. For sure you'll annoy the people around you with your spontaneous outbursts of joy.

Is this book for you? It is if you fit in any of these categories:
- Tried out for cheerleading
- Was an awkward 7th grader
- Got a perm that your mom said was fantastic but...it wasn't
- Wrote your name as "Mrs. _____" (whomever you had a crush on in middle/high school. For the record I don't know if Melissa did this but I did)
- Had infertility problems
- Loved a child so much you gave him or her up for adoption.
- Adopted a child who was so loved they were made available for you.
- Are fiercely committed to your marriage, even in the midst of it crumbling
- Adore your father
- Have a mother who emails essays to you full of run-on sentences and would be horrified if you said the word "poop" in public
- Ever questioned your worth or purpose
- Want to be brave

The only drawback to this book is that it took her 43 years to write it. Get the hard copy so you can underline, highlight and make notes. Because every page has nuggets you'll want to remember. Melissa I hope you're working on your second future bestseller. This one is golden.

*I received this book as part of the book launch team through NetGalley. However if I'd paid $1000 for this book it would still be worth every penny.*

A couple weeks ago I was attending a conference. One of the speakers was this author. Melissa Radke, talked to the audience like we were old friends and her book does the same thing. This book is a journey and I literally laughed and cried along with the author. I wanted to hug her at times and at others toast her with a tequila shot (or a big slice of cake). This is one of those books that I will give my friends who read, but not the ones who don’t because it is too good to just sit on a shelf. It needs to be read and shared. Thank you Melissa, for Eating Cake, Being Brave and sharing your story.

I believe this book would have resonated with me more if I aspired to be a mother. Even so, I was struck my Melissa's determination and resilience. This memoir in essays is written with raw honesty, her stories are insightful, inspiring, and hilarious. They are also at times heartbreaking, infuriating, and embarrassing. The overall message is a powerful one for women of all ages: to be brave and take responsibility for yourself, also to love big and forgive when it hurts. Melissa's Christian faith is clear throughout the book, but without coming across as "preachy."

Disclosure - I received a complimentary copy of this book. It's a quick read so you can finish it on an airplane ride. The book covers a variety of issues all pointing to the theme of accepting yourself because you a child of God, and God doesn't make junk. It's funny, sad, inspirational, motivational and good tasting southern charm. Good job, Mel!

I have been following Melissa Radke on Facebook since the Red Ribbon Week video. She makes me laugh regularly and puts into words the feelings I often experience. I also listen to her podcast and was concerned that I had already heard her story. However, this book...is so special. She shares tough stories of love and acceptance and loss and adoption. She shares a Christian message that resonates with me. Radke writes, "I am Christian. Not the kind that protests at your funeral. Not the kind that protests your marriage. I am more the kind that laughs the loudest and jokes the saltiest. I forgive quickly and easily because that was what was done for me. I hate injustice and yet feel powerless against it sometimes. So I pray, because God hates injustice, too." Yes! That's the kind of Christian I want to be and that's the kind of Christian the world needs more of.

I have been following Melissa for a while on Facebook and this book was the best move she has made!!!! This book hits home to everyone because of how vulnerable she was for our benefit. No matter what she has prolonged and this book helps you think... Easy read and the chapter are a reasonable size. I recommend this to everyone and getting a paper copy to hightlight!!! Trust me you'll wanna highlight!!!!

Melissa Radke did not disappoint in her first book, “Eat Cake. Be Brave.”. The viral sensation, known for her dislike of “Red Ribbon Week”, continues to weave her colorful, true stories and blessed me. She shares such topics as dating, trying out for cheerleader, college, marriage, infidelity, infertility, depression, adoption, family and her faith in Jesus. In true Melissa Radke form, one minute she has you laughing out loud and the next your heart aches. She reminds us that we are not what others see, or say or believe us to be, but we are a masterpiece of God’s own hand and we can and WILL be brave and live the life He created us to live. She feels like my new best friend, straight outta Texas, listen to her wisdom y’all, she loves you so.

This book is truly amazing and exactly what I needed at this stage in my life. I read it from cover to cover in one day as that’s how much I loved it and couldn’t put it down. Her words are very powerful and “real.” I can’t wait to see what is in store next for this very talented woman!

I went on this journey called life with Melissa. I was sitting right beside her in that bathroom stall eating lunch. I was standing on the sideline cheering her on during cheerleading tryouts. I wept with her when she lost her child. I was shocked and speechless when she overheard that phone call.

This book is definitely a roller coaster of emotions. Let me tell you there were lots of times I was crying (and snorting) from laughter. Then the next chapter I was buried in Kleenex. There were moments the emotions were so raw I had to put the book down and walk away.

In the end you will learn you are not along on this journey and that there is life after the hurt.

The book sounds just like you were sitting and having a conversation with Melissa. I literally laughed so much my family came in to see what I was laughing at and there were also parts where I had fears streaming down my face. An honest telling of her journey into choosing to be brave and be enough, to choose not to let others dictate your vision of who and what you are.

I listened to this audiobook as I traveled from Pennsylvania to Ohio, finishing in one car ride. During that drive, I found myself embracing the full spectrum of emotions or as the youngsters would say "#allthefeels." I laughed so hard I cried. I cried full streams of tears. Melissa is an excellent story-teller, one who makes you feel as though you are experiencing what she's sharing right along side of her. Her honesty allowed me to gain a new perspective into some of the things I am currently walking through. A must read for anyone who needs a pick me up and reminder of how faithful God is!

Should you read this book? YES!! It is definitely worth reading. ECBB is the book that will inspire you to have more empathy, make you want to know others stories as well as finally put you at ease that you are not alone in this journey called life. Melissa Radke is here offering you a seat at her table, willing to tell you about her struggles and her joys so that you won't feel so alone or confused about your own. I promise if you begin reading ECBB you won't want to put it down, even when you have finished reading it. Melissa shares very intimate details about her life and by the end you will be wanting to embrace her and share your own story.

This book is written from the heart. It is honest, heartwarming, uplifting and encouraging. It is also sad, raw and real. I laughed, I cried, I laughed some more. I feel like I now know Melissa Radke better than some of my best friends. She shares her story, her struggles, her accomplishments and failures - not for notoriety, not for pity, but to share the love of Christ and encourage each of us to cling to him no matter what. We all fall short and are imperfect, however we are all worthy! I will read this book again and give it as gifts as well. You will finish the book feeling like to just had a heart to heart with a very dear friend.

I had honestly never heard of Melissa before. I didn't follow her on social media and I still have not seen any of her videos. I came across this book because another author I follow promoted the book. I am so happy this book came into my life. The book is honest and absolutely beautifully written. I laughed, I cried, and when I finished it I wanted to read it all over again. Melissa is absolutely hilarious. In other parts of the book you can physically feel her pain leap at you from the pages. I think this book can speak to all of us. Pick up this book. You will not be disappointed.

Listen!!!! If you are looking for 100% realness and all of the feels, this is THE book for you!! Eat Cake. Be Brave. takes us all on a journey through the ups and downs of Melissa’s life. Just go ahead and grab your Kleenex because one chapter will have you laughing until you are crying, while the next sends you into a full-on ugly cry (or was that just me??). Do yourself a favor....grab this book, your Kleenex and join us all as we are eating cake and being brave!!

Could. Not. Put. It. Down! This book was everything I expected and more! It took me a total of 6 hours to read split between 2 busy days! I’ll be honest, I let my housework and laundry slide just to continue reading. I also purchased the Audio book. Eat Cake. Be Brave. Was so inspiring. I was encouraged to be brave, and to let nothing, absolutely nothing stand in my way! Thank you Melissa, for sharing your story and for inspiring so many women with your words! I’ll look forward to the next one!

This book is amazing. I turned each paging thinking... me too! Melissa tells her story in a real raw way that is relatable and relevant. All while making you want to eat a big ol’ Slice of mommas cake. A real MUST READ!

Loved reading all about Melissa’s struggles and victories! I could not put this book down and it has definitely been an inspiration for me to start being brave! Thank you Melissa Radke, I can’t wait for you to write another best seller!

Eat Cake. Be Brave. by Melissa Radke is totally hilarious. The author has a sense of humor that just won’t quit. She made me laugh, REALLY laugh.

It is also incredibly sad. I don’t mean just a little sad, but deep down in your soul sad. The kind that brings up tears that have been buried for so long you thought they’d gone. But, you know they haven’t because they are now soaking everything in sight.

I can relate to the life Melissa has lived in so many ways. Like, questioning Heavenly Father on why He’d give us a talent or desire, but put obstacles in our way that prevent us from fully realizing that talent or desire. Or, answering our prayers, and then taking our heart’s desire from us. I’ve been there, on both counts. It hurts.

People don’t make this life any easier, with their judgements of us. They judge us on something so shallow as our looks, not seeing that true beauty is what lies within us. They think we are unworthy to use our God-given talents because we aren’t one of the “beautiful people”.

Melissa is done playing that game. She tries to instill in us that it doesn’t matter what people say about us or how they judge us. Their thoughts about us don’t matter. What matters is what Heavenly Father thinks. He made us in His image and loves us, regardless of our physical attributes or lack thereof.

In the midst of all the laughter and the tears, Melissa’s message is clear: He doesn’t make junk. Don’t let other people control how you feel about yourself. He can use you in His kingdom. Live the life He gave you to live loud and proud, giving glory to Him.

And, most definitely, eat the cake! Don’t be afraid to be YOU!

We were sent a complimentary copy of this book. We are under no obligation to write any review, positive or negative.

We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.

Funny, down to earth book. I know exactly where Lufkin, Texas is, my Granny took me shopping at the mall there lots of summers.
Beautiful book with an even more beautiful message.
It’s out time. Be brave. Be a bad-ass.