Well Lived: Shaping a Legacy of Gratitude and Grace

by Sally Clarkson

Write a Beautiful Story with Your Life 

You are invited to embark on a journey toward greater service, lasting significance, and wholehearted delight—a life truly well lived!

In this transformative journey through heartfelt reflections and breathtaking photos, bestselling author Sally Clarkson explores how God’s astounding grace empowers you to lead a joyful life loving and encouraging others. Drawing from her time in Oxford and years in ministry, she offers wisdom on the topics of discipleship, family, hospitality, and cultivating joy that will inspire you to invite God more fully into your own story.

Wherever you are in your life’s journey, Sally’s encouraging insights will call you to deeper faith and guide you toward a life filled with direction, meaning, courage, and contentment. 
"Our way to this fruitful, flourishing, well-lived life comes when
we willingly accept the mantle of devotion with a servant’s heart full of love for Him—
creating beauty again and again, loving, forgiving, sacrificing,
pouring our lives out to bring light and redemption to our world every day.”

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian, Christian Living, Christian Non Fiction, Family, Religion, Parenting

Audio CD

Published October 8, 2024

About the author

From working on college campuses, to sharing the Gospel behind the Iron Curtain as a missionary, traveling around the United States, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia to speak on discipleship, Sally Clarkson has tenaciously sought after God's kingdom, and has used her ministry to encourage others to do the same. From her best-selling books such as Own Your Life, Desperate (with Sarah Mae), and her latest, The Lifegiving Home, Sally has shared from her heart and home about the value of motherhood and the potential for home to cultivate life, love, and faith. In 1995, She and her husband Clay founded Whole Heart Ministries, which has encouraged thousands of families around the world in discipling their children

Reviews

[Clarita · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book: it’s like drinking from a deep well and sitting with a beloved mentor and feeling seen and encouraged all in one, all with the most beautiful pictures of England and her favorites places. Oh and now I want to visit to Oxford. 😍 You want to read it.

[Taylor Stiles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like a conversation with a wise mentor, Sally inspires us all to shape our legacy as Christians. This book summarized many of her ideals set forth in all her prior books, and is one that will continue to inspire as many times as you read it.

[Alison (readinginazaleawoods) · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I learned about Sally's newest book, I knew I wanted to read it and that it would be a great blessing—and it did not disappoint. Well Lived is the kind of book you finish with a full heart, feeling seen, encouraged, and spurred on toward a life of deeper faith and purpose. This is my fifth book by Sally Clarkson, and each one has felt like sitting across the table from a trusted mentor—a true Titus 2 woman who pours out wisdom with gentleness and grace.

From reflections on discipleship and hospitality to cultivating joy and a legacy of love, this book is brimming with timeless truth. Sally’s words, paired with stunning photography, invite you to slow down and consider the kind of life you are building. It is one I will return to again and again in different seasons.

🎁 If you are looking for a meaningful read for yourself—or a beautiful gift for a Christian woman this Mother’s Day—Well Lived is truly a treasure.

✨ Thank you, @harvesthousepub, for this copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Caroline Norris]

This book is classic encouragement from Sally Clarkson, to live well by trusting the Lord and walking by faith, and to love people well- both your family and anyone else the Lord brings across your path. I loved the beautiful pictures of Oxford!

[Patty Betts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was gorgeous, and Sally's wisdom is a treasure. I'm grateful for how she constantly brings in scripture for encouragement and to direct us mommas to what a well lived life looks like.

" Only living into a divine purpose, committing to loving relationships, and basking in the light of God's truth can help us find the belonging and fulfillment we long for. Only God can lead us to this." - Sally Clarkson.

[Nycole Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a feast for the eyes and a balm to the soul. I forced myself to savor it slowly, one chapter at a time, and sitting in Sally’s treasure trove of wisdom quickly became my favorite part of the day. I have been refreshed, inspired, convicted, and changed by her testimony. What a legacy.

[Janelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

God knew I needed this book! Beautiful in every way!

[Leane · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
It is a reflection of Sally Clarkson's time living in Oxford, as well as her thoughts on her life up until now.

[Carol Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book to be savored. Read slowly, pondered well. The pictures are beautiful. It’s good for the soul.

[Charlene Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another lovely and inspiring book by Sally!🤍

[Annalise]

Thank you mother for letting me steal this 😊

[Morgan Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sally Clarkson has always been a source of inspiration and encouragement to family and me. This book is no exception. When you read it, it's like she's sitting nearby, encouraging and challenging you.

Well Lived focuses on leaving a legacy by living a loving, gracious, beautiful life. The book talks about how all women are "queens" of their domains and have the ability to bring light into the darkness, love others well, and live into their full potential. There are practical tips, gorgeous photographs of Oxford, personal stories, and inspiring quotes and Bible verses sprinkled throughout this charming book.

Women from all ages and walks of life can draw strength, inspiration, and encouragement from this book. It can also make an excellent gift for a friend or family member (or yourself!). Highly recommended.

[Amanda (The Little Book Spot) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, how I loved this book! It’s simply beautiful—over 200 pages of full-color photographs capturing Oxford through Sally’s eyes. From cozy scenes and delightful architecture to delicious food and quiet moments with friends and family (including sweet glimpses of Sally herself!), it’s a visual delight from start to finish.

But it’s not just lovely to look at—this book is overflowing with encouragement. Sally writes with such passion, drawing from a deep well of Biblical truth and lived wisdom. She touches on discipleship, family, hospitality, finding joy in the everyday and much more. I felt like I was sitting beside a dear friend or mentor, listening to her gently share from her heart.

Sally is a gem and I now want to read every book she’s written!

It was a joy to receive this book from @harvesthousepublishers —thank you for the copy to review!

[Amanda Mary Akgul · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a delight to read Sally’s reflections. What a gift Queenie is to all who know her. This book left me feeling empowered to press on in motherhood and homemaking. The photography was beautiful. I’m adding “live in a fairy house in Oxford” to my bucket list 🤩.

[LeAnne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sally has mentored me through her books and podcast for years. She points me to Jesus. I truly want to be like her when I grow up. ♥️

[Susan Kendrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aw, this was good! Sally combined her love of her adopted home of Oxford with broader reflections on a life of love and service to God and people. She recently turned 70 and this book has her looking back and encouraging those of us who are a bit younger in ways of kindness and intentional living. I really enjoyed the combination of text, quotes, and photos. Now I want to go to England!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew this would be full of beautiful photographs from a favorite place, but I didn’t realize the content would be so good as well. Thoroughly enjoyed.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book inside and out… the photographs are stunning, inspiring, peaceful… the words wise gems to ponder and reflect on. This is a book I see myself pulling back out to reread and remind myself of the wisdom shared within.

[Rebekah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a beautiful book. Easy to read, fun to look at, and inspiring.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bursting with encouragement to live fully and well, this is one of the loveliest and most soul-satisfying books I’ve read. Highly recommended!

[Havebooks Willread · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a beautiful book! I was drawn to the title and to the many beautiful pictures of the author's time in Oxford. And perhaps it's my age/season, but the concept of a life well-lived--a legacy left behind--well, we have such a limited amount of time and "life should be all living," as Charlotte Mason said so succinctly. I could have read it all in one day but I tried to space it out so I wouldn't be done.

"The purpose of life is. . .to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well." Ralph Waldo Emerson

Some favorite quotes:
--"friendship that called them to their best selves" (11).
--"experience life in its fullness, to enter into the joy that is offered, even amidst the mundane. . .celebrate life, soak in the beauty that every day holds" (19).
--"You and I have opportunities to imagine and plan for delight in our everyday life. Preparing to be a celebrator, a worthy lover, a cheerful friend, an encourager, a lifesaver requires practice. It is an ability we cultivate by noticing ways to be present for others with simple offerings of time, fellowship, thoughtfulness, gifts, and gestures that say we see and appreciate them" (38).
--"Feeding my curiosity and hunger for wisdom through regular, scheduled meetings with close friends satisfies my soul and brings such deep calm and comfort" (133).
--"A life well-lived is one in which hospitality and kindness (the consideration of someone else's needs) is a natural habit of expressing the welcome, love, and grace of God in a practical way" (147).
--"We can create hospitable moments when we are emotionally prepared to pause the busyness of our lives to extend kindness and help to those who come across our path. Readiness to help is the foundation of being willing to interrupt our own schedules to meet the felt and real needs of others" (152).
--"A well lived life is one with room to notice, to pause, to experience the exchanges from one heart to another" (183).
--"We are only fully alive when we are connected to God deeply from our heart. Living well, He said, is about relationship, joy in companionship with Him, and enjoying what He has created for our pleasure--everything from mysterious beauty, nature's wonder, faithful friendship, the antics of a puppy, the cuddles of a baby, the kiss of love. God created us to explore His infinite attributes through eternity, singing, praising, playing, enjoying--with all our heart" (203).
--"Only living into our divine purpose, committing to loving relationships, and basking in the light of God's truth can help us find the belonging and fulfillment we long for. Only God can lead us to this" (206).
--"Small, hidden lives are sometimes the most fulfilling. When we live without needing or longing for recognition from others, fulfillment comes through faithful love and friendship given over a lifetime and the cultivation of a home where those who enter from the streams of life find comfort, belonging, faith"(209).

[Mandi Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Sally Clarkson and all of her books!

This is a beautiful "coffee table" style book that I love to keep beside my chair to enjoy the beauty in the pictures and to get little bits of encouragement on long, hard days.

Sally Clarkson has been given the gift of finding, and creating, beauty in all of life's circumstances. She is an encouragement to all who read her books, get her emails, and listen to her podcast.

The only reason I gave 4 stars, and not 5, is because much of the written content is so similar to her other books. To be fair, the book is not meant to be new, revelationary material. It is meant to be a summary of her life "well lived," and it is that. I will be honest though, I was hoping for more content about the difficulties and challenges of later years. She does reference these things! And, she does provide encouragement in those. I think I was just looking forward to newer information about her later years.

Mrs. Clarkson seems to live an idyllic life. She is honest about her families struggles, as well as her own. I recommend all of her books! Yes, all!

This book will not dissapoint, even with some of the material being similar to previous books.

It is a great gift book and a great book to introduce to someone who is older that may not have read anything by her before, or who have passed the "child rearing" stage of life and missed her books that focus on parenting.

Thank you, Mrs. Clarkson, for consistent, great quality of writing, and for the encouragement you provide for women!

The godly counsel and support she gives are priceless, and her writing and perspective on life are truly gifts from God.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unfortunately, this isn’t Sally’s best book. While the pictures are beautiful, much of the writing is repetitive, and Sally uses a lot of words to say very little. While some sections are better than others, overall, it doesn’t really contain any new information. I mainly gave it 4-stars for the photography. The actual writing is probably only 3-stars.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful photos. I love the Oxford setting. I would have given it 5 stars if it had been less vague in its advice and more specific as far as a spiritual life and/or memoir. Many of the paragraphs read like platitudes.

[Inspiration Station · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is full of beautiful photos and insightful thoughts. Makes me want to walk the canals of Oxford, curl up with a good book by the fire, or chat and have a cup of tea with the author in her home in England.
Sally's grandchildren call her "Queenie" after the character in the Larkrise to Candleford series and I loved what she had to say about all women being queens:
Learning and understanding that every woman has potential to embrace her own story, to become "queen" over her own domain, to work hard to leave a legacy of wisdom, love, gratitude, and grace emerged as a message while I walked through parks and meadows and wrote in my journal. Women, I believe, are amazing creatures and have the ability to civilize the world, to influence generations by generously pouring out love, training the very character and souls of the next generation and persevering through great trials and challenges while coming out resiliently. p.16

p.22 Every man's life is a fairy tale, written by God's fingers. -Hans Christian Andersen

p.32-33 ...watch closely for delight even in--especially in-the middle of imperfect circumstances
...there is no perfect place, no perfect person or family or job. It is in learning to practice joy and delight despite the difficult contexts of our circumstances that we find deep soul satisfaction.

p.50 Contentment, thanksgiving, and creating delight in mundane days are not necessarily parts of our human nature, but beautiful habits that give grace to our lives will develop as we practice them over and over again. Such practices reflect the Holy Spirit breathing joy through us. What we practice we become.

p.68 "In the absence of biblical conviction, people will go the way of culture." In other words, if we have not been taught, trained, and instructed in the wisdom of God's Word, and if we have not learned to pray and become familiar with His voice, then we will listen to the loudest voices, the ones most elevated by the world.

p.75 Keep good company, read good books, love good things and cultivate soul and body as faithfully as you can. -Louisa May Alcott

p. 96 For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. -Ephesians 2:10

p.109 What if each of us determined to leave light with everyone we came across: with our children, our friends, our husband? But to do that, we must be in an intimate relationship with the true source of light, Christ.

p.148 After some soulful, sympathetic songs, Andrew began to sing a familiar favorite, "Be Kind to Yourself." This song had been written for his children to remind them that all of us fail, all of us are self-critical, and all of us need to lean into the generous, endless healing grace of our compassionate heavenly Father.
Every song, every lyric seemed as though it were written just for me.
Sally, be kind to yourself, it seemed as though God was whispering to me.

p.152 to stay more filled up, more able to face the stresses, I have to find ways that restore me on a regular basis so that I can mount up over the pressures.
Daily I look for ways to develop peace and quiet in my hart amidst the constant demands of life and the ever-present people who live with me. The canal pathway near my home is a favorite place I walk to restore this peace of heart from which I respond to others. It is beautiful, calming, a natural haven. I also spend time immersed in literature and books of faith and knowledge to nurture my mind and spirit. Background music always wafts through my rooms to soothe me. Feeding my curiosity and hunger for wisdom through regular, scheduled meetings with close friends satisfies my soul and brings such deep calm and comfort.

p.219 as they moved into adulthood, I needed to seek to understand and support them, instead of always giving advice, as they spread their wings. Love for and affirmation of their different phases in life, to this day, gives me access to deep friendship with each of them.

p.229 I wanted to learn how to leave everyone I met with a fragrance of God's love.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to live a well lived life and enjoy Oxford, first read the Bible (with others) and then follow Jesus. Then read the Jesus Story book Bible (it's amazing for kids and adults and was written by Sally as well). It's one you can read again and again and never tire of. Finally, then read this book it was pretty incredible too!

Sally shares her life experiences in Oxford (part of it during Covid) and her lifetime experiences in this book. She has beauty, wisdom, and love in all she does. She is very elegant and so classy! It contains the most amazing pictures, scripture verses, and quotes. You will feel as if you are sitting down with the author and sharing a cup of tea with her in Oxford while she and you discuss your life together and how to live with truth, beauty, and goodness. I feel as if I've traveled to Oxford with her and back again. I LOVED reading this book. It is short, easy to read, and very engaging. She has inspired me to be welcoming to my neighbors, my family, and all those Jesus brings in my life.

She gently shares how one can be a light for others, share hospitality in the most difficult of circumstances, demonstrate forgiveness and grace, live with gratitude, and love the people that God puts in one's life well. I loved her chapter on how to build love with one's spouse and her reflections of marriage. I love her other focused living even in spite of hardships along the way. This book encouraged me that I can invite others into my circle and can demonstrate greater love to all I meet, even in challenging circumstances. Leaving a legacy of love is one thing this book can help you with.

It would be a wonderful book to read at the start of one's life, and then pick up to read every 2-5 years or so because it would hit different in different stages of one's life. I'm so thankful for the blessings of this author who takes risks to write her most precious thoughts to encourage and love those around her. It would be a great book to leave on the coffee table. What a wonderful book!!

[kyleesreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚 Well Lived by Sally Clarkson


“Every woman has potential to embrace her own story, to become ‘queen’ over her own domain, to work hard to leave a legacy of wisdom, love, gratitude, and grace.” 👑

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book was a delight. I read it slowly in the quiet moments of my day always alongside a cup of tea. I loved reading Sally’s memoir of musings and thoughts she had while spending time in Oxford. (Oxford has definitely soared towards the top of my bucket list over the last few years!!) She shares stories, wisdom, encouragement, places, and practical tips. This book can be enjoyed on a coffee table where you might flip through the gorgeous photography of Oxford and read the inspiring quotes found in the margins OR you can enjoy this book by reading through the ten chapters start to finish! 🇬🇧❤️

❗️: Suitable for all ages

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[Jo|Ruth Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely savored this book! I filled it with tabs, marking quotes that moved me, passages that inspired me, and even pictures that were just breathtakingly beautiful. Some quotes were so powerful, I literally called friends just to read them out loud. That’s how much this book impacted me.

I’ve always looked at Sally as a mentor through her writing, and this book is no exception. I gained so many biblical lessons and deep insights while reading it. I’m incredibly thankful to now own a copy that I can display proudly in my home, and revisit again and again in the coming months.

This book doesn’t just share stories from Sally’s life... it’s packed with wisdom, memorable quotes, and Bible verses that are applicable to everyday life. It’s the kind of book you’ll keep coming back to for inspiration and guidance on biblical living.

I absolutely loved it, and now I can’t wait to go back and read through more of her earlier works!
I received a complimentary copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.

[Eden · Rating 5 out of 5]

On the first chapter and already it is becoming a fast favorite. The photography is beautiful and inspiring, and as always, Sally remains one of my favorite authors who is able to capture my innermost idealism and express it in a way that is admirable and attainable. With each book she writes, I see more of the godly wisdom and maturity that comes with walking closely with the Lord through all of life's seasons and trials with faith, hope, grace, and love. Well Lived is a story that cements Sally's beautiful legacy of Christian faith and perseverance ever deeper into the hearts of her readers; inspiration for us to keep pursuing goodness, truth, and beauty, shining as lights in the darkness of the world around us.

[Nicole Arias · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just beginning the book and already I am inspired!
Sally Clarkson continues to mentor me through her books.
Well Lived does not disappoint. Always pointing to the beauty in her own life, Sally Clarkson encourages me to do the same - to not only appreciate that beauty, but to inspire those around me as I share with those around me. She draws from her long life, encouraging her readers to look not only to the present, but to the future legacy they want to leave. I am thankful for her wise words.