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Return to Jesus: An Invitation to Abide with Him in Every Beautiful, Stressful, or Tedious Moment
An inspiring invitation for women to surrender the stress, anxiety, and overwhelm to rest in the presence of Jesus.
What do we do when the hustle and bustle in the world leaves us feeling overwhelmed, overcommitted, burdened, and burnt out? Where do we turn when we realize we’re running on empty? And what about rest? The answers lie in the return.
In Return to Jesus, blogger Jen Thompson invites us to return to the One who gives us lungs to breathe and eyes to see all the beauty, heartache, and wonder that can be found in a single day. Using personal stories and scriptures, Jen offers guidance on how to disrupt the patterns and rhythms of life and embrace an eternal perspective that calls us out of the constant demands of our schedules, our time, our emotional capacity, and the expectations of the world pressing in.
Through practical tips, Jen helps us meet with Jesus daily and intentionally as we mindfully put him at the center of every space of our personal, relational (friends and family), and collective (community and church).
When we learn how to be with Jesus in all things, we experience restoration, peace, and the abundant life that is waiting for us in the presence of our Savior.
What do we do when the hustle and bustle in the world leaves us feeling overwhelmed, overcommitted, burdened, and burnt out? Where do we turn when we realize we’re running on empty? And what about rest? The answers lie in the return.
In Return to Jesus, blogger Jen Thompson invites us to return to the One who gives us lungs to breathe and eyes to see all the beauty, heartache, and wonder that can be found in a single day. Using personal stories and scriptures, Jen offers guidance on how to disrupt the patterns and rhythms of life and embrace an eternal perspective that calls us out of the constant demands of our schedules, our time, our emotional capacity, and the expectations of the world pressing in.
Through practical tips, Jen helps us meet with Jesus daily and intentionally as we mindfully put him at the center of every space of our personal, relational (friends and family), and collective (community and church).
When we learn how to be with Jesus in all things, we experience restoration, peace, and the abundant life that is waiting for us in the presence of our Savior.
256 pages, Paperback
Published April 15, 2025
40 people are currently reading
2437 people want to read
About the author
Jen Thompson
3 books20 followersJen Thompson is a blogger, speaker, and author with a heart for sharing the raw and vulnerable pieces of her life on her Truly Yours, Jen socials and website. Her comforting and hopeful words are like a warm letter for the soul so you know you are never alone. You can find more of Jen’s stories in the National Bestseller, So God Made a Mother and in the book, So God Made a Grandma.
Jen has a deep love for Jesus and the people He has placed in her life. You can often find her sitting across from a friend at a coffee shop, running around the trails behind her neighborhood, serving the theater kids at the middle and high schools, leading Bible studies for tweens and teens around her kitchen table, driving kids from here to there in her blue minivan, or lying on the couch next to her family, relaxing with peanut butter surprise in hand.
For the past nineteen years, Jen Thompson has been a stay-at-home mom to her beautiful children: Sophia, Amelia, Nylah and Patrick. She is married to the love of her life, Patrick, and resides in Nolensville, Tennessee, with her beloved family and two Persian cats - Zilly and Beans - who rule the house.
She is beyond excited for her first book, Return to Jesus: An Invitation to Abide with Him in Every Beautiful, Stressful, or Tedious Moment, to be published. The book is currently available for preorder with a release date of April 15, 2025. Be sure to check out the sneak peek that is now available on her website (www.jenthompsonauthor.com)
She is also very excited to announce that she has a devotional coloring book, Grace in All Places, releasing on November 11, 2025.
You can find more of her writings on sites such as Her View from Home, Scary Mommy and Love What Matters. She writes monthly columns for Indy’s Child Parenting Publication and Southwest Ohio Parent Magazine.
She would love to hear from you! Pop on over to her website or social accounts and say “Hi!”.
Jen has a deep love for Jesus and the people He has placed in her life. You can often find her sitting across from a friend at a coffee shop, running around the trails behind her neighborhood, serving the theater kids at the middle and high schools, leading Bible studies for tweens and teens around her kitchen table, driving kids from here to there in her blue minivan, or lying on the couch next to her family, relaxing with peanut butter surprise in hand.
For the past nineteen years, Jen Thompson has been a stay-at-home mom to her beautiful children: Sophia, Amelia, Nylah and Patrick. She is married to the love of her life, Patrick, and resides in Nolensville, Tennessee, with her beloved family and two Persian cats - Zilly and Beans - who rule the house.
She is beyond excited for her first book, Return to Jesus: An Invitation to Abide with Him in Every Beautiful, Stressful, or Tedious Moment, to be published. The book is currently available for preorder with a release date of April 15, 2025. Be sure to check out the sneak peek that is now available on her website (www.jenthompsonauthor.com)
She is also very excited to announce that she has a devotional coloring book, Grace in All Places, releasing on November 11, 2025.
You can find more of her writings on sites such as Her View from Home, Scary Mommy and Love What Matters. She writes monthly columns for Indy’s Child Parenting Publication and Southwest Ohio Parent Magazine.
She would love to hear from you! Pop on over to her website or social accounts and say “Hi!”.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
April 14, 2025
In the craziness of today’s world, you can lose sight of what is truly important. Return to Jesus is a wonderful book with great examples and stories of how to put Jesus first in your everyday life. It shows compassion and grace as we humans make mistakes as we grow and learn. It guides us to be forgiving and transparent in our relationships. The questions and tasks at the end of each chapter help drive the subjects home. I love when you can put advice to action! Great book!
May 6, 2025
Return to Jesus is a refreshing, grace-filled reminder of what truly matters. Jennifer Thompson writes with honesty, compassion, and spiritual depth, inviting readers to lay down striving and return to a simple, life-giving relationship with Jesus.
This book isn’t filled with formulas or spiritual checklists. Instead, it’s a gentle but powerful call to reconnect with the love and presence of Christ in the midst of everyday life. Thompson’s personal stories and reflections make the message relatable and deeply moving.
What stands out most is the authenticity of Thompson’s voice. She writes not as a distant expert, but as a fellow pilgrim who has wrestled with faith, doubt, and the desire to find deeper intimacy with God. Readers will find in these pages a wise companion and a trustworthy guide.
If you’re feeling spiritually dry, discouraged, or just longing for more of Jesus, this book will feel like a breath of fresh air. Highly recommend for anyone seeking renewal in their walk with God.
April 30, 2025
Return to Jesus offers something I didn’t know I needed: a quiet, grounding voice in the middle of a loud and demanding world. I don’t go to church, and I don’t usually reach for faith-based books, but this one caught me at the right time—and I’m grateful it did.
The author gently explores what it means to return to peace, purpose, and grace—not just in a religious sense, but in the way we live, think, and treat others. It reminded me that even without a formal spiritual practice, there’s so much value in pausing, reflecting, and reconnecting with what really matters.
This isn’t a book that lectures—it listens. And in doing so, it helped me listen to myself more clearly. If you're navigating stress, uncertainty, or just feel like life has become too noisy, this book offers a path back to stillness.
The author gently explores what it means to return to peace, purpose, and grace—not just in a religious sense, but in the way we live, think, and treat others. It reminded me that even without a formal spiritual practice, there’s so much value in pausing, reflecting, and reconnecting with what really matters.
This isn’t a book that lectures—it listens. And in doing so, it helped me listen to myself more clearly. If you're navigating stress, uncertainty, or just feel like life has become too noisy, this book offers a path back to stillness.
April 28, 2025
Sometimes you meet someone and within 30 seconds of talking to them, you know they are a safe space. Someone with whom you could share your deepest darkest fears and secrets and be met only with compassion, grace, love, and acceptance. That is Jen Thompson.
I’ll be honest—my relationship with faith is a conflicted one. The ways in which Christianity and Jesus have been weaponized to perpetuate a nefarious agenda have often pushed me away from both in recent years. But the Jesus that Jen carries in her heart and writes about in her new book is the one I imagine to be the true one:
Kind
Forgiving
Loving
Generous
Humble
Peaceful
If you are seeking a way to reconnect with a gentle and guilt-free faith, look no further than this beautiful book.
I’ll be honest—my relationship with faith is a conflicted one. The ways in which Christianity and Jesus have been weaponized to perpetuate a nefarious agenda have often pushed me away from both in recent years. But the Jesus that Jen carries in her heart and writes about in her new book is the one I imagine to be the true one:
Kind
Forgiving
Loving
Generous
Humble
Peaceful
If you are seeking a way to reconnect with a gentle and guilt-free faith, look no further than this beautiful book.
April 26, 2025
Jen shares personal yet relatable stories and connects them to different examples of ways we can continue to return to Jesus in our lives. She provides beautiful prayers, journaling questions, and takeaways to process and apply for ourselves!
April 22, 2025
Beautifully written and relatable
April 15, 2025
this book is a breath of fresh air to those who are weary and tired. Jen offers such beautiful examples of how we can return to jesus and what it can look like. she guides the reader through practical and personal daily ways to return to Him. so good and so refreshing!
April 15, 2025
Jen does a beautiful job ushering us into the peace and fullness of life that Jesus offers us!
November 18, 2024
My endorsement: "Jen’s invitation to return to Jesus found me right in the middle of a season of feeling worn thin and burnt out. Her vulnerability and practical tips will not only help you abide in Jesus but will leave you wanting even more of Him. Return to Jesus is a much-needed book for the woman who is longing to ditch the stress and hustle of this world in exchange for more of Jesus. And Jen is the encouraging friend you want by your side."
April 6, 2025
Has there ever been a better time for a book about spiritual renewal and reconnecting with Jesus?
Like a warm hug on a cold evening, a shoulder to lean on during difficult times, author Jen Thompson welcomes us with open arms, encouraging us to join her on a glorious journey to finding Jesus once again.
In the midst of chaos and never-ending stress, it's challenging to find time to focus on our spiritual needs. Thompson recognizes this truth and adeptly guides us with such authenticity and down-to-earthness that one could easily be convinced she wrote her wisdom while seated beside us on her couch.
Through the use of a three-tiered approach of nourishing prayers, insightful reflections and encouraging invitations to return to Jesus, this gifted author enriches us with simple, easy to apply grace and wisdom.
She makes us believe that there is hope and renewal around the corner.
With quotes ranging from Mister Rogers and Mother Teresa to Winnie the Pooh, Thompson bathes us in messages of light, warmth helping to lead us into a new, rewarding life chapter; a season of growth, awakening.
Thompson understands how in our haste we often walk right past our blessings. She teaches us to slow down, look around, breathe in, reap the teachings of our savior.
And she does all this with a compassion and sensitivity that makes us wish she could be our best friend in the end.
I can't think of a finer time to engage her words.
"Walk as Jesus walked. Talk as HE talked. Breathe, eat, and speak a life of love". God Bless
Like a warm hug on a cold evening, a shoulder to lean on during difficult times, author Jen Thompson welcomes us with open arms, encouraging us to join her on a glorious journey to finding Jesus once again.
In the midst of chaos and never-ending stress, it's challenging to find time to focus on our spiritual needs. Thompson recognizes this truth and adeptly guides us with such authenticity and down-to-earthness that one could easily be convinced she wrote her wisdom while seated beside us on her couch.
Through the use of a three-tiered approach of nourishing prayers, insightful reflections and encouraging invitations to return to Jesus, this gifted author enriches us with simple, easy to apply grace and wisdom.
She makes us believe that there is hope and renewal around the corner.
With quotes ranging from Mister Rogers and Mother Teresa to Winnie the Pooh, Thompson bathes us in messages of light, warmth helping to lead us into a new, rewarding life chapter; a season of growth, awakening.
Thompson understands how in our haste we often walk right past our blessings. She teaches us to slow down, look around, breathe in, reap the teachings of our savior.
And she does all this with a compassion and sensitivity that makes us wish she could be our best friend in the end.
I can't think of a finer time to engage her words.
"Walk as Jesus walked. Talk as HE talked. Breathe, eat, and speak a life of love". God Bless
October 31, 2025
What I appreciated about Thompson's book is how practical it is. Each chapter covers something that we all confront/have to deal with in our lives at one time. Thompson writes from her own perspective of when she's had to deal with the situation and encourages the reader to 'return to Jesus' explaining how she did it and suggesting some alternatives.
But what I really loved was what she provides at the end of each chapter: a solid reflective prayer on the subject the chapter dealt with, 4 questions to reflect on and 3 practical invitations to respond in action (what will take 1 minute, 1 hour and 1 day). It's thoroughly practical and well thought out.
I struggled initially to get into the early chapters, however, the more I read, the more I was encouraged and challenged.
I would recommend this book for all those people struggling to make time for Jesus simply through a busy distracted lifestyle, whatever the circumstances. I believe such a reader will be both encouraged by not feeling alone and provided with some practical ways to take action in returning to Jesus.
I feel fortunate having received an early ebook copy from the publisher via NetGalley, however, this has had no bearing on my review.
But what I really loved was what she provides at the end of each chapter: a solid reflective prayer on the subject the chapter dealt with, 4 questions to reflect on and 3 practical invitations to respond in action (what will take 1 minute, 1 hour and 1 day). It's thoroughly practical and well thought out.
I struggled initially to get into the early chapters, however, the more I read, the more I was encouraged and challenged.
I would recommend this book for all those people struggling to make time for Jesus simply through a busy distracted lifestyle, whatever the circumstances. I believe such a reader will be both encouraged by not feeling alone and provided with some practical ways to take action in returning to Jesus.
I feel fortunate having received an early ebook copy from the publisher via NetGalley, however, this has had no bearing on my review.
April 10, 2025
Return to Jesus is a gorgeously written and accessible book loaded with anecdotes and practical ways women can carve out time, prioritize, and find peace in Jesus. Most of us experience busyness but what truly matters is how we react to it, live it and learn from it. We are all human and all sin but Jesus always welcomes us back with open arms and no time constraints.
What a great reminder that joy comes in the morning and the relief of forgiveness is tremendous. Many of us are people pleasers and have trouble saying no...especially without justification. But in order to prioritize God, we sometimes need to. Legalism is a biggie for me as I grew up in a loving but legalistic church. The importance of true surrender cannot be emphasized enough. But there is much more here.
I like that the author includes a prayer and one minute, one hour and one day projects or ideas reflecting the topic in each chapter. These are all doable and really enforce the idea of mindfully making excellent habits.
Though there was no new-to-me information, boy, it was an encouragement and made me thirsty again. I love that.
What a great reminder that joy comes in the morning and the relief of forgiveness is tremendous. Many of us are people pleasers and have trouble saying no...especially without justification. But in order to prioritize God, we sometimes need to. Legalism is a biggie for me as I grew up in a loving but legalistic church. The importance of true surrender cannot be emphasized enough. But there is much more here.
I like that the author includes a prayer and one minute, one hour and one day projects or ideas reflecting the topic in each chapter. These are all doable and really enforce the idea of mindfully making excellent habits.
Though there was no new-to-me information, boy, it was an encouragement and made me thirsty again. I love that.
May 26, 2025
Jen Thompson writes with sincerity and compassion, cutting straight to the heart with every page. Her words are like salve to the soul—gentle, grace-filled, and deeply comforting. This book offers a relevant and timely message for anyone who feels weary, overwhelmed, or simply in need of spiritual refreshment.
Thompson’s authenticity shines through as she shares personal stories and reflections that make the message relatable and profoundly moving. Reading her words feels like sitting down with a trusted friend who listens, understands, and speaks truth with tenderness. She writes with honesty and vulnerability, inviting readers to draw near to Jesus at all times—whether beautiful, stressful, or tedious.
Return to Jesus is especially powerful for those who have wrestled with their faith or struggled to prioritize it amidst the chaos of daily life. It's the type of book you’ll reference again and again for encouragement and perspective. It’s wonderful to read on your own or in a group study or book club.
Thompson’s authenticity shines through as she shares personal stories and reflections that make the message relatable and profoundly moving. Reading her words feels like sitting down with a trusted friend who listens, understands, and speaks truth with tenderness. She writes with honesty and vulnerability, inviting readers to draw near to Jesus at all times—whether beautiful, stressful, or tedious.
Return to Jesus is especially powerful for those who have wrestled with their faith or struggled to prioritize it amidst the chaos of daily life. It's the type of book you’ll reference again and again for encouragement and perspective. It’s wonderful to read on your own or in a group study or book club.
May 3, 2025
I really enjoyed this book by Jen Thompson.. She acknowledged the busyness of the world that we all days, and that often pull us away from Jesus.. Jen detailed ways to quiet your mind and return us to the arms of Jesus. I really enjoyed the end of each chapter. Jen had some beautifully worded prayers for when you have a hard time finding g your own words. I also really loved her one minute, one hour, one day activities that help you deeper into each topic she discussed. All in all this book was great and will be one that I recommend to my circle.
I received and advanced readers copy of this book from NetGalley, but all opinions expressed are my own.
I received and advanced readers copy of this book from NetGalley, but all opinions expressed are my own.
April 10, 2025
At such a tumultuous time in our world, Return To Jesus is a comforting and inspiring breath of fresh air. Jen Thompson authentically bears her soul in a way that makes you feel as if you are truly one of her good friends. This is not a judgmental religious book, nor does it align with conservative Christian nationalist views. I walked away from this book with a deeper understanding of who Jesus truly was, and how his love and grace are still available to us each and every day if we only allow the space.
April 13, 2025
In this season of my life, of being worn, stressed, burnt out, overwhelmed, "doing all the things" (need I go on?)...Jen's book spoke to me. It is relatable and honest, which I believe so many of us are searching for. We crave connection and relationship, not judgement. I appreciated this book just as much I thought I would! Absolutely loved it!! 5 stars!!! *I received a complimentary ARC from the author/publishing company via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts & opinions are my own.
April 28, 2025
The author, Jen Thompson, shares vulnerable stories and wise, practical ideas (along with prayers and reflective questions) to help us draw closer to Jesus and experience His abundant life, even in the anxiety-ridden ups and downs we go through. I found the entire book to be a beautiful invitation to rest and reset. It's a very insightful, comforting read that makes you realize you're not alone, pointing us back to the only one who can shoulder all our burdens. I highly recommend!!
October 19, 2025
Return to Jesus is a gentle, grounding read that goes far beyond religion. It’s a comforting reminder to pause, breathe, and realign with what truly matters peace, kindness, and clarity. Written with warmth and sincerity, it feels more like a heart-to-heart conversation than a sermon. Perfect for anyone religious or not seeking calm and meaning amid life’s noise. A book worth revisiting whenever the world feels too heavy.
November 27, 2025
This beautiful book by Jen Thompson is a vulnerable, beautiful, real invitation to us to return to a personal relationship with Jesus today and in our own way. Through her own stories of love and loss the author draws us near and reminds us he is always there to love us and meet us right where we are. It is for everyone who longs for a real. connection to God outside of all the man has done to hide that behind rules of religion,
April 12, 2025
An incredible book by a wonderfully gifted author. Jennifer shares personal and real stories about the walk of faith that are so relatable. She reflects on faith and God as she walks out her own faith journey. She is real, honest, funny and faithful. An excellent read that can be enjoyed day by day or in one sitting. Highly recommend!
April 23, 2025
This book was incredibly refreshing to the soul. Jen does such a great job helping the reader bring their attention back to Jesus in this chaotic world we live in, and learn to walk step by step with Him. Id highly recommend this book to anyone eager to find rest, peace, and a deeper relationship with Jesus!
April 24, 2025
Although I'm not very religious, Return to Jesus spoke to me in such a powerful way. Jen's wisdom, vulnerability, and heart are so inspiring. Whether you're deep in your faith, curious about faith and what that may look like, or maybe just on a journey of self-reflection, there's something in here for everyone. I HIGHLY recommend this book!
June 26, 2025
Jen has given us a personal glimpse into the real world of being a Christian. It is messy and imperfect, but we are held by Jesus through it all! Her truth and abundance of grace are reflected through personal stories and loving devotionals. This is a book you will “return” to over and over again. And each time you will be reminded of the everlasting love of Jesus.
June 26, 2025
If you are feeling distant in your walk with Jesus, this book is for you! The author is very relatable in the struggles we all face in keeping Christ first in our lives. And she gives many practical ways to return to Jesus and written out prayers to help guide us back. I have been able to apply her practical advice in my daily life and it is helping me as well as my children.
April 30, 2025
This is a beautiful book that is a comfort to the soul. Jen is unafraid to talk about our real lived experiences and our real HARD experiences, but she is also unafraid to share the REAL love of Christ, and the freedom that results from that. I highly recommend this book for any woman seeking rest.
May 5, 2025
This book is such a gentle and encouraging read for busy women who want to reconnect with their faith. It is beautifully written, kind, thoughtful, and full of grace. The sections are short and easy to read, but still full of heart stirring reflection.
September 5, 2025
Jen’s perspective and reassurances are a breath of fresh air bringing comfort, peace and relatability to her readers. There’s something for everyone somewhere in her book. It’s a great reminder of Jesus’s constant presence and unfailing love no matter the season or circumstance.
May 20, 2025
Such an inspiring and gentle read for a world desperate for love and peace. Desperate for Jesus.
August 28, 2025
Beautifully written and inspiring ! Grateful to Jen for this real and beautiful reminder of the tangible ways we can seek Jesus in the midst of our crazy daily lives.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews