I've been eagerly keeping an eye out for examples of my favourite non-fiction writers reflecting on their experiences and growth during quarantine and the COVID pandemic. Rachel Macy Stafford writes from the perspective of a loving mother grappling with distraction and overwhelm, and I always find her work intensely relatable because she has such high aspirations, while always remaining humble enough to recognise her own mistakes and stumbling blocks. While sharing her vulnerabilities so openly, she writes with beautiful ease and poetic charm. Like the best children's stories, her work is easy to read yet the simple format disguises the rich, complex life lessons on the page. The author uses the extended metaphor of a garden to explore the Soul Shift universe, and in much the same way as a garden through the seasons, I felt the bloom of life and the encouragement to rest.

If you enjoyed any of the author's previous work, you will love Soul Shift. If you enjoy reflective self-help that feels like a conversation with a loving friend or a kind teacher, this is the book for you. If you don't enjoy examples driven by the author's own family life, or religious overtones, this probably isn't the book for you.

disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from Sounds True Publishing via NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving this honest review.