The following reader reviews about Character Makeover are from  Amazon.com. There's even one from a guy!

Thought provoking with a plan for change!, March 23, 2008 By  DiTrying I loved the title when I saw this book and looking through it I was impressed. An emphasis on the inside with a plan to identify and address areas for improvement. Much needed. This book has spoken to me deeply and helped me identify areas to address in order to continue to develop my walk with Chirst and with others. Great job!

Are you serious about making a change . . . Then this IS the book for you!, March 15, 2008 By  Joyce LeFevre (Pittsburgh, PA)     I'm very picky when it comes to Bible Study type books. I've written many Bible Studies, so I'm not an easy sell on Bible Study "light" material or something that seems too deep and not applicable. I look for a few primary characteristics in a study such as, strong-biblical foundation, understandable, challenging and most important practical (it will give people clear things that they can start applying in their lives). Katie and Shelley have gone beyond my typical expectations in this book. The book has a very personal, understandable and very biblical foundation to it. It's like getting to sit down with an older (and wiser) sister / friend and pick their brain for a bit, get some hugs and a gentle (and sometimes not so gentle) push toward God's best for our lives. One of the best features is that the application part is not a cookie cutter, one size fits all approach, but they allow the last day of the week on a subject to be a Spirit Driven Appointment toward application. It's great, because they give 'real' examples of some potential follow-ups to really get a certain character quality into your life, but it's not a step-by-step (gotta' do it or feel guilty plan), but instead: "Friends, here are some ideas (easy and harder), if you think this is not an area you need to focus on right now, that's okay!" I love any book that allows God's spirit to guide the reader into what they should do next with the message (if anything at all). If you are in a place where you want to grow and change spiritually, but want / need a friend to help guide you then this book would be a great place for you to start and walk hand-in-hand with these two friends!

This has been great, February 26, 2008 By  MA Coleman (Washington, DC)     I picked this at the beginning of Lent and have found it to be a great source of inspiration. I've been reading about a chapter a day and trying to meditate on each chapter (as the book suggests)and absorb the message. The on line resources add variety and insight. I emailed some to my husband while he was on a business trip. I think many people would find relevant, real life examples and ways to move past the spiritual distractions of our modern culture.

If you're searching, stop when you see this book!, February 26, 2008 By  S. Tupper     I picked up this book at a bookstore a couple of days ago. I'm going to be completely honest and say that I was looking for a different book, but they didn't have it. The Holy Spirit literally put this book in my hands as I waited for the clerk to check the back room for the book I was looking for. Instead, I ended up buying "Character Makeover" and I know that God hand delivered it to me for this time in my life. I've read lots of self-help books and completed numerous Bible Studies, but this book is different than anything I've encountered before. The daily "exercises" in the book really cause me to change my behavior. The best part is that the book starts with an issue that I have battled time and time again...being HUMBLE! Until I read this book, I really didn't understand what being humble means. Brazleton & Leith give you about 5 different points to think about with respect to humility. I also really enjoy that the authors utilize different formats..."email letters", online assessments, time in scripture, time in prayer. Excellent, excellent book. Enjoy.

Prepare to be transformed, February 26, 2008 By  Lee A. Fisch     "Character Makeover" may very well be the best "self-improvement" book I have ever read. Its main advantage over every other book is that the life coach who will help create the best you is none other than God Himself. Forget Dr. Phil, Bob Greene, or Donald Trump -- you are working with the true Master. Every day provides a life-changing gem. It's an easy but thought-provoking read -- one that even those of us who might need to spend a little extra time on the "self control" chapter can look forward to. Kudos to Shelley Leith and Katie Brazelton for allowing God to use their book to transform women everywhere!

Character Makeover a Must-Read, February 17, 2008 By  Marilyn Vaughan (Long Beach, CA USA)     I purchased this book for personal use during Lent. I plan to spend longer in the process than the 40 days suggested by the authors because I want it all to sink in deeply. I love the conversational way it is written and the opportunities given in each chapter to journal and pray your responses. The self-examination "tests" make you really think as you develop plans of action to come up with ways to become the best "you". It is not just another self-help book, but one that encourages us to collaborate with God on building our character.I keep my Bible handy to search out and study the many Scripture verses referenced. This is a book I hardly want to put down...it just draws you in and supports a journey of spiritual growth!

Drawing ever closer to God..., February 12, 2008 By  Jerry L. Luckie  (Hamilton NJ)     This is the first book I've reviewed. It is because I feel these words have been transformational for me. I decided to pick this book up for a Lenten study and found I couldn't put it down. For me the "life coach" downloads, also added a personal touch. But the way the book is written in a spirit of total honesty and integrity...and in a way that is very intimate helped me to dig way deep down within myself. It truly is a book that helps draw me to the heart of God and find His grace in all things. Thank you for the opportunity to be on this journey...all the activities: scripture, meditation, action plans, journaling...all enhanced my experience. Thank you for allowing God to use you in such a powerful way for the good of others. Jerry L.

Radical Makeover, February 9, 2008 By  C. Cresswell (PA)     I am reading this book knowing that there is not a better makeover than the one that God can give through the 40 days of reading, applying the principles and doing the exercises in this book. Taking hold of the truths found in the scripture references, journaling personal thoughts and prayers, enlisting the help of an accountability partner or coach will give you an experience not just a good read. The assessments and connection to the offerings on the Life Purpose Coaching Center International Website add even more value to the experience. I could visualize each coaching experience as I read "Welcome Back to My Place" on Day 1 of each Character trait. I would recommend Character Makeover for a personal makeover or for an entire group makeover as a book study.

Laugh, cry, learn, God's way!, February 8, 2008 By  Nancy A. Harris (CA)     I must say, your book makes me laugh and it makes me cry; but the most important thing is, that it makes me take a real close look at myself and with God's grace, it will make me a better person...thank you for sharing this book...it is time and effort worth spent.

Excellent!, February 4, 2008 By  Cathie Pinto (Santa Clarita, CA)     I heard Katie Brazelton on KKLA on my way home from work and could not wait to get online to check out the book. Of course, I quickly ordered it, and only had to read the introduction to know that this book was written just for me! :-) It is an excellent source of encouragement and insight into the good, the bad and the ugly side of the person you are, and how you can work towards being the person God wants you to be. Excellent scriptural references, with motivating quotes and thoughts that really make you think.

Advanced Reader, February 3, 2008 By  Kathy M. Cook   Character Makeover by Katie Brazelton and Shelley Leith can be a life-changing book for anyone who chooses to use it as a workbook and a journal. It is like having a Life Coach at your disposal 24/7. I took the book seriously, read all of the Biblical references, and intend to follow my Master Action Plan this year. I highly recommend Character Makeover to anyone who is interested in taking an in-depth look at their life and their character. Kathy M. Cook, Ph.D.

A Terrific Makeover!, February 2, 2008 By  Robin G. Teitelbaum (Reading, Pennsylvania)     I was initially intrigued by the title of the book, as I've always wanted a "makeover" and this seemed like the best place to start! I am in the middle of Beth Moore's Breaking Free" study, as part of a women's study group, and Character Makeover is proving to be a perfect and practical companion to that study. It's not easy to admit that we need work, and the personal coaching aspect makes it a whole lot easier. The additional online resources are an added bonus. Thanks, coaches Shelley and Katie, for helping me on this journey of change.

Plaid orange and purple soul fabric is gorgeous to God , February 1, 2008 By  Kristy Barrett "ravenous reader" (Taylorsville, KY)     Makeover shows like "Trading Spaces" and "How Do I Look?" call in experts when a room needs a little TLC or a fashion victim's wardrobe needs CPR. In their new book "Character Makeover" Christian authors Katie Brazelton and Shelly Leith called on the most revered world class design team when they wanted to redecorate human character. They called in an architect and interior designer (God), His Master Carpenter Son (Jesus), and an image consultant and life coach (the Holy Spirit.) This trinity of professionals is the best in their field specializing in one-of-a-kind creations. "Character Makeover" is a forty-day journey that explores common character traits in every soul that may need sprucing up. We all wish we had the patience of Job, but most of us more closely resemble a certain big green ogre. This book contains bible verses, practical applications, stories, exercises and journal pages to enhance who we are. Some of us spend our whole lives feeling like Charlie Brown after Lucy has jerked the football away for the millionth time. This book can help you wash away the wishy-washiness. If your inner Fred Flintstone bellows too easily, or your pride reaches to "infinity and beyond" Buzz Lightyear proportions this book is a great guidebook to creating a more beautiful you. This beautiful book may bring some emotional flotsam and jetsam to the surface. And you may find some tender soul places that need to be spackled and refinished, but the Holy Sprit's comfort is beyond compare. At the end of your "Character Makeover", perhaps we'll marvel at the perfection of the architect's blueprints--we were created in His image. Hopefully we will cherish the carpenter's exquisite craftsmanship--He died for us, and we should treasure the wisdom of the most divine life coach imaginable--we are His vessel. If the fabric of your soul is draped in orange and purple plaid, don't worry orange and purple are two of the Father's favorite colors.

A True Makeover for the Soul , January 30, 2008 By  Kiara Tatum (Wappingers Falls, NY)     This book is such a great book for women of all ages to read. It helps you to build qualities that are Christlike and how to truly be a God Focused person, even if you already think you have been. It taught me more about myself than I ever realized, and I was talking about God and my spiritual growth with my best friend that I decided to get her a copy for her birthday. It's like having a coach right there guiding you a journey to be the best you and see yourself the way God sees you. I'm learning to let go of my past, so that I can live in the present. I've been learning to call upon the Lord more often to help me through my troubles even the one's that I think I can handle on my own. And with the confidence and courage you gain, you will fulfill God's purpose for you.

Better than Dr. Phil, January 24, 2008 By  C. Riggs     Character development at its best. This book contains thoughts, scripture meditations, and journaling exercises to bring out the best that God has in you. A well organized 40 day guide to becoming the God Chick you were meant to be.

A Valuable and Wonderful Treasure, January 22, 2008 By  Stacy Slay (North Georgia Mountains, USA)     I have never endorsed a book, especially a book about becoming a better person, because I have never found one that I truly believed helped as much as this one! What the authors have discovered and shared in the most intimate of ways creates an atmosphere of sitting with your closest, most comfortable friend and sharing your innermost secrets. It doesn't feel like they just wrote a book to sell it, I feel after completing the "Humility, Confidence, Self-Control, and Contentment" Chapters that Katie and Shelley wrote the book just for me....especially after the "Contentment" chapter! That was a rough chapter, personally! But the authors stood by me through it, talked me through it with their Virtual Message on Day 2, and prayed me through it each and every day. Good character traits seem to be a lost commodity these days. What a valuable and wonderful treasure this book will add to the lives of the many, many women who read "Character Makeover"!

FANTASTIC , January 18, 2008 By  Danielle Turney (Visalia, CA)     This book is so very modivating! You will love it. I have not even finished it yet and still feel this way. They make it so easy to understand by relating it everyday life. Greaaat Seller! Totally would recommend!

Here's the one from the guy! Character Makeover: A Review, January 5, 2008 By  C. Moore "The Christian Manifesto (www.thechr... (Rochester Hills, MI)     I feel a little bit like I'm cheating by writing a review of the book, "Character Makeover: 40 Days With A Life Coach To Create The Best You" (Zondervan, 2008), by Katie Brazelton and Shelley Leith. First, it is geared towards women. I'm a man. Second, it is laid out in a such a way that a person really ought to spend 40 days with it. I've only had my Advance Reader Copy for 2 days. So, given that I am not of the female persuasion, nor have I had the 40 days to live out the principles discussed in the book, I will give my general impressions. Generally, I shy away from any product that promises to change a person after so many days or weeks. They tend to be too simplistic, not speaking to the difficulties, interruptions, and disappointments that tend to come with real life. I am even more wary of Christian self-help books, because they tend to garner more of their techniques and bullet points from pop psychology rather than Scripture. This is dangerous in that it retards a person's ability to discern things spiritually. That being said, I like how much "Character Makeover" relies on Scripture and does not attempt to trivialize the things that people go to. This book isn't about pretending real life doesn't happen. Quite the contrary. Through the use of the stories of various women who have struggled with character issues as they face everyday life, "Character Makeover" keeps its head out of the clouds and its feet firmly planted on the earth. Rather, this book is a resource women can turn to in order to help them change their perspective and temper their reactions when life isn't fair. Its greatest strength comes from the fact it starts off with the notion that if we wish to develop better character, we must first attend to our relationship with Jesus. The authors thus start the book with a section about humility. This is a great approach, as a person who "changes themselves" can be tempted to boast about all the changes they have made and how good that makes them because of it. However, by connecting true change to God, this encourages women to be humble in how they approach the rest of the book (and their lives). However, "Character Makeover" is not without its drawbacks. Actually, one of its greatest strengths is one of its greatest flaws. This is not a book that a person can just sit down and enjoy like a novel. It is meant to be an immersive experience. This is accomplished through journal entries, charts to fill out, and boxes to check (on self-evaluation checklists). It is a lot of work and a person has to be totally honest with themselves (or others if they are participating in a group), if they wish to truly get anything out of the experience. And the questions are not easy ones. For example, on Day 4 of a section about self-control, the reader is asked, "What habit or temptation has power over you?" While this question might seem simple on the surface, it is very easy to answer this question simply, avoiding darker things we know we ought to deal with in our lives. A person might answer, "I have a problem with chocolate," and that may very well be true. But, if they have a habit of gossiping or not controlling their thought life, having a problem with chocolate is the least of their worries. But, the main drawback is that some people don't have the time each day to sit down and follow this kind of program. While the authors might not mind 40 days stretching into 80 or 120 days, some readers may become frustrated and give up. Overall, "Character Makeover" is a good resource for those who can stick with a 40 day program. I believe they will come out on the other side with the ability to discern situations from a thoroughly Christian point-of-view without sacrificing their ability to live in the real world.

Character Makeover, January 2, 2008 By  Tina Henningson (Coto de Caza, California United States)    What a wonderful book! Each chapter touched on something that I could apply to my life today. The chapter on Humility was very convicting...I knew there was a reason that I was "nudged" (okay...pushed) to read this chapter. It made me pause and think...definitely made me stop and evaluate my motives of late. Motivated me to do a daily...sometimes hourly...pride check. Great work!!

Character Makeover, December 23, 2007 By  Ginny Caldwell (California) I especially like the prayers at the end of each chapter. The authors seem to say exactly what I would like to say to God.

Warm and Inviting!, December 18, 2007 By  Rachel McCluskey "Life Coach and Author"     Through personal stories and candid transparency, Katie Brazelton and co-author Shelley Leith invite you to join them on a spiritual journey that exposes the insecurites in each of us. While designed to be a tool and resource for women's small groups, Katie and Shelley add a personalized touch to the book that gives the reader a feel of walking over to their home for a visit and sitting and chatting with a cup of coffee in their living rooms. This resource is packed full of downloadable mini-talks, self-assessments, and questions for group discussion along with an Internet blog with access to the authors.