Always Choose Adventure: One Couple's Journey of Chasing the Things in Life That Matter Most

by Dan Mathews, Samantha Mathews, Carol Traver (primary_contributor)

Genres: Adventure

240 pages, Hardcover

Published August 26, 2025

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Stephanie Langford · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review. I wouldn’t call myself a book snob, but I love a good story—and this one absolutely delivered! The writing pulled me in from the very beginning, and I felt like I was right there in the middle of the story. As a Christian, I especially appreciated being able to connect and relate on a deeper level. This book is heartfelt, immersive, and a joy to read—I highly recommend it!

[Bernadette Seifert Leonard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is all about stepping out of your comfort zone, and that's exactly what I did when I decided to listen to the audio book instead of reading the physical book. I have only listened to three audio books in my lifetime, and this is the only one I was able to listen to until the end! Dan and Sam did an amazing job with the audio!  I am familiar with their voices from following them on social media platforms for years. I actually received my physical copy today and skimmed through all the great pictures and illustrations. Can't wait to sit down and read it.

This story gave me all of the feelings! I cried and laughed. I felt like going on a road trip, saying some prayers, and going to church. Sam said some powerful statements that hit me in my soul! She is an inspiration. Dan has that Pastor/Leadership like quality that you need on your side in any type of crisis.
I highly recommend this book and following them on social media! They put their heart into everything! I could go on and on, but I am trying to stay away from spoilers.
Thank you, Dan and Sam. I am honored to have the privilege of being a part of your Launch Team during this Adventure!

Release day is August 26, 2025.

[Samantha Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

"What if instead of thinking, what if I don't like this? You went into it thinking, what if I absolutely love this?"

[Ashley Michelle Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ALC (Advanced Listeners Copy) from the authors in exchange for my honest review. I loved this book so much, and the audiobook was even better. Dan and Sam share their real life in this book and teach us how to take chances in life and not let fear hold us back. They are both Christians, but I think even if you aren't, you will still get something out of this book and enjoy it. Plus, everyone, I'm sure, has or knows a Robin in their life.

A quote from the book I love - "What if instead of thinking, What if I don't like this? You went into it thinking, What if I absolutely love this?"

[Candace Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was Amazing, Fun and the perspectives from Dan and Sam were right on. I have been in a funk and my friend Sheila gifted this book to me. She made me promise to read it right away, she said, I would THANK her later. SHE WAS RIGHT!

I have been in a funk since COVID and I am always thinking I won't like something (new food, a friend's BBQ, a drive to the beach with a friend, a holiday away. I had given up on adventure and this couple has made me want to get up, get out and start living again. "WHAT IF INSTEAD OF THINKING, WHAT IF I DON'T LIKE THIS? YOU WENT INTO IT THINKING, WHAT IF I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS?" This was in the book right at the beginning and actually helped me read more and before I knew it I had read the whole book. It was AWESOME and I am for the first time in a long time excited to get out and start living again.

This book may be just what you need. It spoke to my heart, to my sense of adventure I thought I had lost forever. Thank you Dan and Sam, your risk in writing this book has changed my perspective and hopefully the way I see and live my life. I loved all your adventures, and they way you shared them. The conversational tone in the book was refreshing

GET THIS BOOK, YOU WILL THANK ME LATER JUST AS I AM THANKING MY FRIEND NOW!.

[Jenn Holloway · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is objectively bad. This memoir doesn’t follow a timeline, it jumps around so it’s hard to follow when certain things happened and in what order. The authors seem to redefine what adventure means throughout the book. There’s a strange number of quotes and “as the old saying goes…” It seems like they’re trying to be wise and knowledgeable and like this should have been a sermon. Lots of contractions in their stories and conclusions. It’s also a very strange set up for a book. I did the audiobook. It’s very conversational, like an incredibly scripted podcast where the hosts are trying to be actors. It would be interesting to see the physical book and how this written out since they go back and forth and “interrupt” each other. Wouldn’t recommend it and sorry I used an audible credit

[Cassie Stahly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of the audiobook while waiting for my physical book to come in the mail. WOW! I was on the edge of my seat the entire book and found myself laughing, smiling, and thinking about my own life and dreams. I listened to this in the car with my husband and he laughed alongside me. Dan and Sam are so relatable and having them narrate the book made it that much more entertaining!

The physical book itself is beautiful. There are pictures on every page and quizzes, recipes, and resources sprinkled throughout! I definitely plan to read it multiple times. Can't wait for a sequel! 🙏

[Nicole McKittrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished Always Choose Adventure and wow…this book was such a great read (or in my case 🎧 listen)! As part of the launch team I got early access to the audiobook and i absolutely loved it! Having Dan and Sam narrate their own words brought so much life and personality to it. Felt like a podcast I didn’t want to end. They really make you feel like you’re just hanging out and having a real conversation with them. I love how fun, honest, and down to earth they are. Highly recommend! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Sheila Schroeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

If FEAR is keeping you from living your BEST life than this book is a MUST read!

I was asked to read this book in advance of it's release and share my honest opinion. I didn't expect to enjoy this book as much as I did or laugh so much as I listened to the audio version.

Dan and Sam are fun and relatable. Their take on adventure and how to accept more into your life has made me think about how much of life I let pass by. Today I am saying, 'YES" to more adventure. This book is a was very enjoyable and I can't wait to get my hard copy. I will be trading it again and sharing it with friends and family.

[Kailey Wyman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a great book. I greatly enjoyed it. The intro had me hooked. I love that they included photos throughout the book and getting to know their back story. I have been following these guys on Social Media well before this book came out. This book helps new and old fans get to know and understand Dan and Sam better. They have done wonderful things and continue to. I recommend reading this book and plan to start a few new adventures for myself. If your thinking about reading it. Take the leap and just do it.

[Shealyn Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely ate this book up. I feel like a bomb of excitement for my life went off. So many new possibilities came to life while reading. I laughed outloud multiple times. Told my husband I’m making him read this asap. Also, this book encouraged me so much with everything and I feel like when my eyes saw it at Barnes the Lord was like read read read and see what I’ve been trying to tell you☺️ will read this book again when I need to laugh and need some encouragement in life. 5/5⭐️ and I think everyone should read this no matter where they are in life.

[Miranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was soo good on the audiobook that I caught myself listening to it every spare second I had. The couple reading their own book about their adventures really engages you. The way they keep you on the edge of your seat wanting to know how one adventure ended and another started, keeps you engaged the whole book that I wanted more. 10/10 recommend! I can’t wait to get the paper copy and read it again and share with my friends and family 🥰🫶🏼

[Mrs Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having popped this on my headphones as I headed out for a long walk along the clifftops, I was able to relax and listen to Dan and Sam be open and honest about life and adventure. Their relaxed attitude to faith and adventure made me want to listen on resulting in my finishing the book! Would totally recommend this to others just wanting to see how others tackle adventure and how they take every challenge on together.

[Michaela Kunzle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has been a delight to read (listen to in my case). I was offered an Advance Audio Version prior to the book launch, in exchange for my honest review. I am someone who struggles to get into a book, and this was such an easy read! I found myself giggling along as I read the book, jaw dropped at some points, and feeling all the emotions that Dan and Sam went through. This book is one I will read multiple times! It is sooooo good! Inspirational, I cannot recommend this book enough!

[Misty Poletek · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance audio copy of the book & let me just say this book is amazing!
Dan & Sam are both Christians & they talk about how they have navigated life together & how we should let fear keep us from adventuring through life. Because if we do we could miss out on so many memories & opportunities.
Trust me when I say you won’t regret reading this book!

[Amanda Robbins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm currently listening to the audio book and loving every second of it! Dan and Sam reading the book themselves is a huge plus for me as it isn't often the actual authors are the ones reading the book, it makes it that much more personable.
I can't wait to finish the book....off to keep listening!!

[Kealia Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I lived this book from the second I looked at the cover all the way through to the end! If you and your spouse are trying to find something fun to read and also add fun adventures along with it this is your next read you will love every second of it I cried and smiled the whole time and also had all the laughs it’s the best thing ever and the people that made it are even more amazing!

[Christina Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fin book that opens you up to different ideas that you may not have thought of and if you have thought of it, then it will give you the courage to get out and do it!! I love the fact that it is so authentic and that you feel like you are doing all these things with Dan and Sam!!! This book truly is an adventure!!!

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dan and Sam write in such a conversational way where you connect with them and their story so easily. A fun, light hearted book that made me laugh, and cry. There are so many ways to look at and prepare for adventure. This book made me want to plan a trip and get ready for my next adventure, while also seeking out adventure in my every day life.

[Ashley Bentley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced listening copy of this book and I absolutely loved it! I have enjoyed following this couple on social media for many many years and now getting an inside scoop on their life was just super inspiring to me as an adult & as a parent.

“The key to living a life of adventure is to focus on experiences, not things”

[Jadra Kiekhafer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE that the authors are the ones who are reading the audiobook. Think about this quote from the book, “What if instead of thinking, what if I don’t like this? You went into it thinking, what if I absolutely love this?” If you need a little more adventure in your life, order this book! You won’t regret it!

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dan and Sam write about their personal life that is full of adventures and how they have and will continue to have adventures and they encourage others to live the same. They are influencers that have renovated campers, been on a reality show makeover for campers, traveled for 6+ months in an RV, have been a surrogate and more.

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

an interesting take on... whatever category this falls into. We learn more about Dan and Sam but all still very surface level. If not anything else it was encouraging. and did get few laughs. I listened to the book and the feels like the only way to read it given the conversational way it is written.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

We were made to experience life, choose adventure, take risks, explore & try new things! Check out this fun and honest new book by @wearedanandsam for tips on adding a sense of adventure to your life!
#AlwaysChooseAdventure https:// www.wearedanandsam.com/preorder-
our-book

[Summer Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omgoodness, this book hit all the feels and was so revelant to real life and what all of us go through every day! It has helped me to look at life differently and trust in God! loved this book and definitely recommend it!!

[Amber]

This was such an amazing book i wanted more . I really enjoyed reading it and it was such a easy read/ listen . It was heart felt amd it was so good learning more about dan and Sam/ getting more details on stuff i already knew about them

[Samantha Reeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book dives deep into adventure, not just of family, but of independence. The in depth detail, engaging content and connections to your own life make this book come to life! Especially if you have followed Dan and Sam’s journey, you still learn so much about them and the journeys that have been on! 100000/10 recommend this book to EVERYONE!

[Melissa Abraham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love this book! It was a wonderful collections of stories showing both wins and losses but all things were adventures and gave great lessons. The scripture tie in was so refreshing. I love how the audiobook is narrated by both authors and feels more like a conversation!

[Alicia Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book! I loved hearing how Dan and Sam overcame so many different obstacles, but always tried to stay so positive. Also loved all the scripture they was included and how they always looked to the Bible to make sense of their situation.

[Anna Garman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dan and Sam have you on the edge of your seat waiting to hear what happens next while laughing through it all. I love the action steps they include throughout the book to help you step into and create your own life filled with adventure. This book will leave you feeling SO incredibly inspired!