·         I wanted to let you know that I have enjoyed reading your book and learning more about how the Lord has been working in your life. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences to help others. It's so rare to meet another solid Reformed female author out there, so I was really delighted when I heard about you and received your book. . .  The stories you shared in your book were so touching. And you've reminded me through your book that biblical kindness does not equal being mistreated or taken advantage of. While reading it, I was also reminded that the root of "niceness" often times is "the fear of man" (which is ultimately self-centered) and how contrary it is to the fear of God. I also chuckled, too, when I read your thoughts on Joyce Meyers...I wholeheartedly agree with you about her teachings. Thank you again Carol, for your help and kind generosity to me in sharing your biblical wisdom through this book! I hope to give/share my copy with someone else who could benefit from this book also. I enjoyed getting to know you more through it. Jessica

·         I enjoyed getting to know your story and how the Lord has worked in your life. I especially liked the fact that you made a contrast between being 'nice' and being 'kind'. Yes, we are commanded to be kind, but being 'nice' to win the approval of others or to gain a reputation for ourselves out of fear of man is not a godly goal. Our motives must always be for the glory of God which rule can only be found through Scripture. May the Lord richly bless you as you continue to live for His glory.  Georgene Girouard

·         Getting Off the Niceness Treadmill I found to be most enjoyable. Carol’s stories as a child, a young woman, a widow, and a wife once more, were given throughout the book. These were written to not only give background, but to help us on her journey of getting “off” the niceness treadmill. I enjoyed various stories from Carol’s younger years, detailing the “Origins of the Niceness Behavior"-- how tradition and heritage had a lot to do with raising children in days gone by, and one would not dare to sway from it. One of my favorite quotes is found at the end of chapter two, “Your individuality does not conform. Your conformity is ignored. Complain, kvetch, yada, yada, yada.”

I thoroughly enjoyed Carol’s "theological" chapters and found myself completely agreeing with her. So often we do not speak of our views so that we do not come under scrutiny. Reading these chapters, I realized I don’t have to conform to another’s way of thinking; I don’t have to agree with every popular Christian author! I don’t have to conform to their way of thinking! They don’t have to like my theology, but I don’t have to change either. This then opens up conversations for a healthy debate with Bible in hand of course!

Carol covered a lot of ground in her book and one chapter dealt with social media, opening with a poem entitled “Longing for the Front Porch”. Very thought provoking and painfully accurate! ( However, I will not write out the poem here; I will let you enjoy it when you yourself read her book!) Diana Kennedy

·         "Your use of Scripture (and actually printing the text, not just the references to look up) was wonderful. All of the Scripture you used was so appropriate for your own message. What a joy for me to hear that you have allowed our Lord to use the difficult things to cause spiritual growth in your life. That is true biblical encouragement to us all! May God use your book to open hearts to His gentle leading in many, many lives." Nanci Alcorn

·         "Congratulations on your courage to be honest and open about some of the most personal and intimate events and thoughts about your life and faith. You have given us a wonderful and vibrant testimony.” Rev. Elvin Bjork

·         Just finished your book. It was a great read! I know so many people that are doing what you did....being "nice", as an idol, instead of checking with the Lord. I like your reference to Mary and Martha....and how Jesus is more than a perfect example of good deeds. He is Savior and Lord...you will be his Martha if he needs you to be, but you want him to help you to also be Mary at his feet. This is so true. My favorite quotes were the Maya Angelo and George Carlin ones. I think most everyone that is part of the Social Media scene goes through what you did...and I am one of them...I can relate to you not finishing the book because you were spending so much time on Facebook, etc.. I agree it can be addicting, and must be personally regulated. Now that I have read this...I feel like I know ya...but I probably have only scratched the surface. I love that you are close to your family, and it is clear you respect and love all of them. The Lord taught me this lesson...especially in my marriage. Whenever my husband let me down or didn't say what I wanted him to say...the Lord taught me that I am not living for my husband..I am living for Him. I am not being a good wife so I can get a positive reward from my husband...but to get my approval from the Lord. I don't expect reciprocation anymore... but do what I am doing to my husband and to others to please Jesus. If I am to represent Him "living in me" I have to love without expecting it in return. BUT, in return...I will continue in the love and peace that Jesus provides and is everlasting. If I am not sitting at his feet...how can I hear what he wants me to do? April

·         Carol Noren Johnson has learned that being nice is not always the equivalent of being godly. She says, "Now I dare to care not whether my giving is recognized or even outstanding. Why have I needed that glory! Off the treadmill! I surrender to the Lord and His glory" (p.64).  This book helped me to take a careful look at my motivation for the "good works" I perform on behalf of others.  Linda Born on Amazon

·         Where is the voice of nice people? Too seldom are they able to speak up for themselves or articulate what they are really feeling. Getting off the Niceness Treadmill is a thoughtful collection of memoirs that both exposes and illuminates the inner voice of the nice person. I enjoyed reading the reflections of the lessons learned in Carol's relationships with others and the humor she brought to these stories! Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing your heart in both how your motives were impure and how you have matured to offer others a gift out of your pain.  Lelu on Amazon

·         This book was recommended to me since I often found myself in situations where I was being taken advantage of. I had this notion that to be a Christian I just had to suffer the wrongs that others caused me and that I shouldn't stand up for myself. As a result, I found myself becoming a pushover and was often hurt by both unbelievers as well as Christians within the church. The author does a good job of showing that biblical kindness does not mean that as Christians we should be trampled upon. She uses both Scripture and her past experiences to demonstrate what true kindness looks like and that we can and should stand up for ourselves at certain times. She includes many touching stories and situations that anyone can relate to. If you are someone that finds yourself being taken advantage of, and often feel the need to be "nice", I would highly recommend this insightful book for more wisdom!  Objective Consumer on Amazon