I have read many books by Max Lucado and have enjoyed all of them. Although it would be difficult to choose a favorite, How Happiness Happens would be in the running, for sure! Like its cheerful cover, I found this book to be a warm ray of sunshine. In it, Mr. Lucado expounds on ten "one another" gems of wisdom from the Bible that not only offer guidance on how to live, but how to live joyfully. And that is by taking the focus off of ourselves and transferring it to others! I love Lucado's writing style as he has the ability to take a topic and break it into easily digestible kernels of wisdom that stay with you for a long time. Add to this scripture references and Lucado's humor sprinkled throughout, and you've got a "can't miss" book of encouragement that will help spread a little sunshine to your corner of the world! I highly recommend this book!

Review Title: The Happiness Factor (review of How Happiness Happens by Max Lucado)

Reviewer: Janice S. Garey

***** 5 Stars

Everyone enjoys feeling happy. Yet happiness remains elusive for many. Max Lucado, a well known Christian pastor and author, has written a book that lets readers in on habits that are certain to generate happiness and lead to lasting joy. When Max's biblical advice is taken to heart and acted upon, the reader will find a well of joy that surpasses understanding.

I've read the first five chapters and found them engaging and surprisingly productive of laugh out loud moments. I had expected to hear about how to get to 'happy,' but I was amazed when I realized how happy I felt in the midst of reading the chapters. The book is a successful mix of easy to read stories and guidelines, honest and down to earth self-deprecating humor, and a portrayal of the way Christians should be growing in love for one another.

I rate this book G for all General audiences who appreciate Good books for self, family, church libraries, public libraries, and G for Good Gifting. All my loved ones and acquaintances would enjoy this book.

Thanks to the publisher for letting me participate on the launch team. I look forward to the release of the book when I will get a full dose of Max's shared happiness and avenue to joy. Max knows that of which he speaks through his books. His authentic and winsome voice will bless many who read this book.

I received the first five chapters in email format from the publisher. I have no obligation to give a favorable review. I have read the chapters and offer this review as my honest opinion. I have no doubt that the rest of the book will be up to the same high standards of this writing and previous books I have read by Max Lucado.

Would you say that you are a happy person? What makes you happy? According to Max Lucado in his latest book, How Happiness Happens, "only one- third of Americans surveyed said they were happy. In the nine- year history of the Harris Poll Survey of American Happiness, the highest index was 35 percent. This means a cloud of perpetual grayness overshadows two out of three people." In America, the land of opportunity, there are so many who are unhappy. Why is that, and how can we make happiness happen?

Max Lucado explains that we are all seeking happiness, but many are seeking it the wrong way. People often look to things such as material possessions or affirmation on social media to make them feel happy and worthy. Instead, we should be looking at how we could bless others. "The words of Jesus are spot- on: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive' (Acts 22:35). Because when you do, it has a boomerang effect. Happiness happens when we give it away." I will be honest. I'm just as selfish as the next person. I try to make myself happy with retail therapy sometimes, look for those likes on social media, and see how many views I have on this blog. But that temporary high does not bring true happiness, while blessing a neighbor changes my life and theirs.

Another recommendation that Lucado gives to make happiness happen is to "give the gift that God loves to give: the gift of encouragement". Send a card, send an e-mail, greet someone with a smile and words of kindness, and really listen to others. It's so easy to do, but not often our first step when trying to seek happiness.

How Happiness Happens is a guide book encouraging one to seek God and bless others in order to truly find happiness. I would recommend this book to anyone, and I am excited for the book to release in September!

I received a preview of this book (the first five chapters) from the publisher in return for an honest review.

Max Lucado, an incredible writer, and storyteller. The timing of this book can never be perfect. We are living in a world dominated by anxiety, depression, fear, greed, and violence. It's time for us to take over and share a little happiness each day. So love Max words - happiness happens when we give it away. It's time for us to encourage and love each other. This is one of the book that I am sharing with my friends. Again MAx Lucado thank for always inspiring us with your writings and the best part is it always points us to Jesus.

I love reading Max Lucado's books and How Happiness Happens did not disappoint! I love his vital message, finding joy in the act of sharing it and creating a quiet revolution of joy in the world. Mr. Lucado uses research studies, personal stories, Biblical verses and stories, and goes into depth with 10 "one another" passages found in the Bible to deliver his powerful truths.

I love Max Lucado's writing style; easy to read, descriptive and visual, relatable, rich in Biblical history, and sprinkled with humor. I find that I learn so much from reading his books because he takes something that can be difficult to understand and breaks it down into digestible bites. As he told the story of Peter and the city of Caesarea Philippi, I felt like I was right there experiencing it! I loved Max Lucado's How Happiness Happens and feel it will bless everyone who reads it.