Love Your Life (Even When You Don’t Like It All the Time): A Realistic Guide to Unlocking Joy in Life’s Messy, Mundane, and Magnificent Moments

by Rachel Awtrey

Let’s be there are days where you look around and wonder why you don’t feel happiness when everything around you says you should .

With authenticity and transparency, Rachel debuts with the warm and practical Love Your Life (Even When You Don’t Like It All the Time), a love letter to those of us who’ve worked really hard to build a beautiful, shiny life…but sometimes still feel a little lackluster. Rachel will help you see that, even in the hardship there are glimmers of joy to be found. In these pages you’ll new definition and perspective of what it really means to live with joy,Simple-yet-effective tools to help you navigate through the everyday frustrations that can trip us up,A balm of encouragement and hope for your day-to-day life, helping you celebrate where God is moving in all circumstances,Inspiration for incorporating rhythms of joy into your home, family and relationships.Abundance is choosing to believe that God is working for your good, even when life looks differently than you hoped. Life is hard, but it’s so good—and it’s yours for the taking.

Genres: Christian, Christian Non Fiction

208 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 5, 2025

Reviews

[Shelby Barrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Literally AMAZING! Highly recommend for the post grad girlies!!

[Anna Grace Dunsford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved listening to this audiobook and reading along! So much truth in finding joy amongst the mundane, something I’ve been challenging my self to lean into lately.

[Hannah Brencher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachel is truly the best teacher on this subject. She fills this book with practical examples of how to embody more joy, even when life isn’t perfect. Her insights are not just inspiring—they’re actionable. I found myself immediately implementing some of the tools and tips she shares, and they’re already making a difference. This isn’t just a one-time read; it’s a book I know I’ll return to again and again. Highly recommend!

[Olivia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love everything Rachel does and this book was pretty solid listen. I loved the very real, practical takeaways. Didn’t find anything particularly groundbreaking but listening to her read the audiobook felt like a coffee date with a friend and there’s def some enjoyment in that!

[Lydia Harwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good perspective change! I LOVE THIS BOOK! It made me laugh and smile the entire time I read it! So thankful for this book it was a good jolt to my system to kickstart some joy in the mundane!

[Julia Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed it. Thoughtful reminders to trust in a plan bigger than me and lay my worries with God. I don’t often read in the Christian self development space but I’m so glad I picked this up as it really lifted my spirits and made me smile

[Sarah Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite reads of the year!

I’ve been listening to Rachel’s podcast for a few years, so listening to the audiobook felt like a longer form podcast/coffee date with an old friend. But even without that “history” this book was moving. Within the first few chapters I was quietly shedding a couple tears. My heart was moved, and I felt so seen in her descriptions of her life, experiences, and feelings. What an encouragement this book was!

The best part was that Rachel consistently gave practical, tangible ideas on how to find joy. It convicted me of the grouchiness I was dwelling in AND made it easy to take the first step out of that and into joy.

[Chloe Abrahamsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t say enough about how rich, practical, and life-giving this book was!! Rachel speaks to each reader right where they’re at, and simplifies what joy is and how it looks lived out, regardless of life circumstances and personality. She filled each page with empowerment and tangible ways to seek joy in the “mundane and marvelous”. I truly feel equipped and motivated to recognize the small joys in everyday life, and to allow myself to experience joy, even in dry seasons!

[TAYLOR KITTS · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a breath of fresh air and a good reminder to open your eyes and look for things that keep you going even through the hard times. Finding joy in Jesus and the little things around you. Loved this book!!

[Erika Dizney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book is like having coffee with your older sister, who gives you encouragement and a hug in hard moments of life. Rachel teaches the subject of joy from a raw, authentic, in the trenches with you, perspective. Her heart shines through all the pages and she'll help you take the deep breath you've been holding in. This is the book I've been craving for, but didn't know I needed.

[Courtney Blum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved listening to this! She encourages us to find joy in every day things, and that makes all the difference 🤍

[Mal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I met Rachel earlier this year, before her book was announced to the world and was excited to hear a story or excerpt or two at that retreat. I preordered the book excited to read more, but then had it delivered right after I had a summer full of loss and grief that was unexpected and long lasting. I didn’t think when I ordered this book that I would need a dose of encouragement (I’m a pretty go with the flow person!! I’ve got things under control!!), practical help, etc. but I had gotten to the point in my life that instead of assuming I’d have some level of suffering and hardship come my way, to being the type of person believing all of life is hard and a struggle, and perhaps there are some good moments in the in-between.

I desperately needed some practical encouragement (not just “you can do it!!”) to help me remember not to just fight through the day just to get through the day to do it again and again. Still seeking out joy, but grateful for the words Rachel offered then and now to navigate this life.

“A way to happen to life when it's happening to you: celebrate anyway. Make a fool of the grief and do the unexpected.
“Your heart needs it, your brain craves it, and your family and community will benefit from it. It's worth it.
“Not only is joy possible in the midst of pain—it's essential. When we take the posture of joy and gratitude through pain, the world will think we've lost touch with reality— when actually we have the best grip on eternal reality we'll ever know this side of heaven.” (Page 39)

[Madeline Krafcheck · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to like this more🙈I LOVE the idea of finding joy in everyday moments, but I overall thought the book was just a solid good. However, I do think it could hit people differently depending on your season or age.

I follow Rachel and love a lot of her content and podcast!! Major props for writing a book, just wish I liked it more💜

[Eva Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect & joyful read!!!!!! There are such easy & gentle reminders in this book that remind us to find joy in the mundane, sadness, stressful & hard parts of our lives. God is so graceful, generous & loving that He is with us thru it all. 🥹

[Kelli Mullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

When one of your favorite podcasters writes a book, you read it :) Rachel shares lots of personal stories about her life and normalizes that everyone experiences tough seasons and has a messy life. She gives practical ways to hold fast to truth that there is good here right now.

[Ginny Yurich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the stories and the premise. Rachel did an amazing job describing the daily struggles in life and how to still love your life.

[Aubrey Stanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! So many nuggets of wisdom from one of my favorite podcast hosts!

[Hannah • So Obsessed With · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joy abounds through the pages. Rachel’s ability to share a story and relate it to a practical take away will keep you coming back to this book. It’s like getting coffee with a friend who has been there, and is walking alongside you in life’s journey. If you’ve ever thought you didn’t deserve joy or it was unattainable in this season of life - let her words be the permission you need to start seeking it out and creating joy in your life right where you are!