If there's one thing women can use more of, it's encouragement. With depression and stress on the incline, especially in women, extra boosts of support, inspiration and wisdom are always welcome. Sometimes those moments of encouragement are what actually keep us pressing on. Cynthia Heald is a sought-after speaker and the author of nearly 30 books written specifically for women, including several titles in her Becoming a Woman Bible Study series. Needless to say, it's kind of a given that Heald knows a little something about offering encouragement to women.

Her latest book is LIFE PROMISES FOR WOMEN, which contains inspirational scriptures and devotional thoughts. In the introduction, Heald shares her motivation for writing this book. She also reviews the importance of making vows and reminds us of God's faithfulness to keep His promises to us. She goes on to quote a few of those promises from the Bible.

This book is divided into eight parts. I'll list each category and a couple of the titles within that section to give you an idea of how they are broken down:

Beauty: Beauty is as Beauty Does, Walking in Beauty

Passion: A Life with No Regrets, Ignite Your Spirit

Wisdom: Walking with the Wise, The Power of Observation

Integrity: The Back of the Bus, To Err is Human

Selflessness: Holding Up a Mirror, Choosing to Serve

Graciousness: Random Acts of Kindness, A Legacy of Loyalty, Laughter, and Love

Contentment: Peace of Mind, Count Your Blessings

Courage: In the Face of Danger, The Courage to Overcome

Each page includes a short devotional, as well as a Life Promise, which is a Bible verse the devotional is based on, and a Meditation, which is a thought to reflect on for the day. For example, in a devotional about modeling our lives after the Proverbs 31 woman, the Life Promise is taken from 2 Corinthians 7:1: “Because we have these promises dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God.” (Holy Bible, NLT) The Meditation to reflect on for the day is: “Fearing the Lord is giving God His rightful place as my Father, Savior, and Lord.” There are also notable quotes printed at the bottom of some of the pages.

A number of these devotionals include personal illustrations from the author, but most consist of brief stories of memorable and remarkable women throughout history, whether real or fictional. They include Antigone, the main character in Sophocles' ancient play Antigone, who was caught in a moral dilemma; Jane Bennet, the oldest sister in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice; Dolley Madison; Laura Ingalls Wilder; Harriett Tubman; and Rosa Parks. Read about women from the Bible like Lydia, Ruth and Jehosheba. They are women who inspire, who we can learn from, who rose up in some unique way and made a difference in the world. They are ordinary women just like you and me who did some extraordinary things.

This small book is the perfect size to tuck into your purse for a quick boost of encouragement throughout the day, or keep on your kitchen table to read with your morning coffee. It also makes a great gift book for teachers, girlfriends, or perhaps a woman who has recently committed her life to Christ. Nice additional touches are an attached satin bookmark to hold your place and beautiful floral pages for a feminine look.

In LIFE PROMISES FOR WOMEN, Cynthia Heald creates yet another wonderful book for women, offering encouragement straight from the Word of God. And that is the best place from where to receive a breath of life during our crazy and chaotic lives.