Overbooked and Overwhelmed: How to Keep Up with God When You’re Just Trying to Keep Up with Life

by Tara Sun

Popular podcaster Tara Sun shows readers how to intentionally keep Jesus first in the middle of all that is vying for their attention when life does not slow down.

In a world of packed calendars, constant pings, and every battery running low, many Christians feel they are squeezing God into their lives rather than focusing on the best thing of all. How can we stop the busyness long enough to pursue what we know we need the most?

Overbooked and Overwhelmed is a hopeful and practical guide for readers who want to be fully present with God but are overbusy, overnotified, and overwhelmed. Popular blogger and podcaster Tara Sun comes alongside readers to explore how to

adjust their speed to walk at Jesus' pace instead of trying to keep up with the world's hustle,
understand why distraction is not rooted in a disordered schedule but a disordered heart,
develop spiritual resilience for the times they feel stuck in their faith, and
trade habitual busyness for intentional rhythms of rest, even in seasons when life does not slow down.


For everyone who feels behind before the day even starts, Overbooked and Overwhelmed gives ideas and inspiration for putting distractions in their place and embracing the true rest your soul longs for--crazy-busy life and all.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Christian Living, Faith, Christian, Christian Non Fiction, Religion

240 pages, Paperback

Published August 5, 2025

About the author

Tara Sun is the uplifting host of the popular women's podcast "Truth Talks with Tara", and author of several books. She is a dynamic speaker and creative, using each of these platforms to equip hundreds of thousands of women with the tools to know, love, and live God's Word in their daily lives. Tara's favorite titles are wife to her husband, Michael, and mom to their two young boys. You'll find them living and serving the Lord in Oregon.

Connect with Tara on Instagram @misstarasun and YouTube @tarasun.

Reviews

[Christian Shelves · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciate that in the midst of much noise and clutter in our world, Tara Sun has written a book that is clear and simple without omitting some of the truths that Christian women need to face. Like a glass of lemonade, this book is just the right blend of ingredients, providing a refreshing reminder that we periodically need to step back and reflect on the things that can get in the way of our walk with God. Too much sugar in our life, and we can be distracted from what we've been called to as disciples of Jesus Christ. Too much lemon, and life is barely palatable as we try to endure everything thrown at us. Instead of getting weighed down by either ingredient, what we need is to centre our lives around God and reorient ourselves in light of the Bible; only then can our schedules have meaning and purpose beyond chores and to-do lists, providing direction in the midst of busyness.

Relatable and practical while espousing biblical truth, I also like that the author is unafraid to call out behaviours that can act as impediments to our overflowing lives. Feeling convicted in how easily I allow things to pile up instead of being faithful in what I've been given, my favourite chapters are near the end of the book where stewardship and consistency are touched on in how Christians can reflect God's character traits. This brought the book home for me and is well-worth reading to get to these points. Readers looking for a book that offers spiritual insight and application in a digestible format will enjoy how we can move from being Overbooked and Overwhelmed to being available for God’s work when we surrender our schedules to Him.

Review link: https://christianshelves.blogspot.com...

Many thanks to Nelson Books and NetGalley for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Ginny Yurich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Relatable and inspiring ❤️

[Julia Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. In a world so focused on overworking itself, in a culture so set on hurry, this book is a burst of light and truth.

I don’t know Tara, but she apparently knows me! This book helped me in more ways than one, covering all the facets of overbooking and the overwhelming results of people-pleasing.

I was going through a particularly busy season when I picked up this book. I felt overwhelmed and empty, knowing I had failed once again in prioritizing God first and giving Him more than a few minutes of my day. I’ve gone through this cycle before, and I recognized it right away:
Saying yes to everything social in fear I’d miss out or hurt someone’s feelings
Feeling guilty for not doing “more” to prove I could work hard or love people
Hitting burnout, mental, and spiritual exhaustion to the point where I’m unmotivated to do anything
Reverting to old mind-numbing habits like doom-scrolling to avoid exhaustion

And then I saw an ARC copy of this book at my workplace and thought, “That’s exactly how I feel!”
Tara’s words are filled with a refreshing Biblical truth, reminding one that our ultimate purpose here on earth is not to do everything or overbook, but to glorify God in everything and to keep our eyes set on Him. This is a difficult task when the world around us is so loud, echoing the busyness of our schedules, but praise God we rely on His strength and not ours.
Tara tackled all I’ve struggled with in the past and am currently battling with in the present, as well as opening my eyes to new things keeping me from God. By His grace, He used this book to help me grow deeper in a relationship with Him.

I’ve been learning that saying no is okay, and even started to practice it. At first, there was the guilt, the questioning if I made the wrong decision, and the fear of missing out. But then, a weight lifted from my shoulders, and I could feel my soul ease to a calm. There is balance to be found in rest and work. Both are important, and Tara’s book helped me see that.

God didn’t call us to be distracted. He called us to be efficient, to work hard, but also to rest and be still in His presence.

Thank you for this reminder, Tara. I pray God uses this book to help more people find comfort and satisfaction in His presence, laying down the need to fill something only He can.

I had to return this ARC to the bookstore I work at. But as soon as it releases in August, I’m buying my own copy to annotate!! There are too many quote-worthy things not to highlight and underline, like these:

“The life we long for is found in spending our energy on the assignments, callings, and situations that are worth it. The life we long for is found in putting our focus on the God things.”

“So when that time comes, remember that you don’t need to say yes to the things that everyone else is doing for the sake of being relevant or liked or approved. You’re only accountable to give your yes to the One who called you to build, just like Nehemiah. You are here to please God, not man. Yes you’re here to love people, but true godly love does not give in to the fear of man.”

“The effort we put into our relationship with God, whether it’s a great effort, little effort, or no effort, will produce something.”

“Distraction opens the door to distancing ourselves from God, distance opens the door to disconnecting ourselves from God, and disconnection opens the door to complete soul overwhelm.”

“Burnout wasn’t the result of my busyness. Burnout was the result of putting God on the back burner and not allowing Him to sustain me.”

“One of Satan’s tactics throughout Scripture is to get God’s people to forget what He has said and promised. When that happens, it’s easier for the enemy to convince them they continually need to do more and to be more. Yet Jesus reminds us in John 10:10 that ‘the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.’”

This book felt like a hug from God. His faithfulness is astounding, and Tara’s book is a wonderful reminder of it.

[isabella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. At a time in my life where I've felt so overwhelmed with the daily tasks of life, this book found me. Tara gives practical tips to implement in your everyday life to keep up with your faith and put it first. She makes you feel understood by sharing her personal experiences of falling behind and trying to act like everything is fine. The book is easy to understand and really makes you feel inspired. There are reflection questions at the end of each chapter, allowing you to really look into what is causing you to feel so overwhelmed and why it's leading you further from God. I would highly recommend this book to someone feeling overwhelmed with life and disconnected from what really matters.

Thank you to the publisher, Thomas Nelson, and Goodreads for the free copy.

[Michaela | Reading in the Heartland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing Christian nonfiction. I loved it and marked a copious amount of passages. This book meets you where you’re at - overwhelmed with life’s responsibilities and staring at a full calendar. This book reminds us to turn our focus to Christ and to make sure we are putting Him first. It convicts us to look at our list of responsibilities and see what items on there need to be removed. Good and healthy things can get in the way of abundant life if they are given the wrong weight in our lives and take over the first priority that belongs to God. I’ll definitely reread this book, recommend it to family and friends, go search out and read this author’s other book, and continually refer back to all the sections I’ve marked.

I received an ARC of this book via TLC Tours and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Chrystal Gregg · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Women of faith don't take the enemies attacks or the allures of the world laying down. With grit and strength they stand up and fight."
I am known for making lists. my lists have lists. There are to do lists, to buy lists, ingredient lists, don't forget lists, and on and on. Since I can remember life has been constantly busy and in motion. Sometimes it can all be too much and I have to step back and ask God to grant me strength to push through. This book was a great reminder that no matter how busy and overwhelming life can be God is with us in our midst. There are so many things pulling us in different directions in today's world. But if we submit our thoughts and prayers to God he will help us set our hearts and priorities on what matters most. This book was also a great reminder that if our heart is not right we will be consumed with fear not love. I am so glad I chose to read this blessing of a book because it's helped me shift my priorities and thoughts back to our true purpose and in a world of comparison and temptation I need nudges and reminders to help me stay fixed on God not the ways of the world.
This book is a treasure trove. Thank you Netgalley for gifting me an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
From the first page, I felt like I had been right there, in her shoes, experiencing what she was describing in the book.
While my life is filled with different things than hers, I definitely have a full and sometimes overwhelming life. What she talks about in this book felt like obvious truths (like we need to put time with Jesus first), but it was refreshing to hear it said in simple and relatable ways. I liked that she wrote so blatantly about faith and used Scripture throughout to reiterate her points.
It was easy to read as they were relatively short chapters that could be read as you have time. I also really appreciated the reflection questions at the end of each chapter that allowed you to take time to dwell on what you'd read and apply them to your own life.
While she was relatable to me as a mom of young kids, I think the concept and ideas could be applied at any age: teens busy with school, social media and friends, or those with kids and jobs, etc.
*Definitely recommend this book to anyone wanting help to refocus their life on Jesus or to get a little encouragement in their spiritual life.
**Favorite quotes from the book:
"Never is a woman so fulfilled as when she chooses to underwhelm her schedule so she can let God overwhelm her soul. - Lysa Terkeurst"
"Take heart, my friend. God knows your frame. God knows your limitations. God created you this way. He did this not to stifle your creativity, rob you of your purpose, or withhold satisfaction but to give you the space to live undistracted, wholeheartedly devoted to His purposes that ultimately bring you the most creativity, the most purpose, and the deepest satisfaction."

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tara is relatable and encouraging, and reading her book was so refreshing for me as someone who struggles with feeling overwhelmed. This book is a beautiful reminder of how important it is to slow down and live in healthy rhythms.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you, Net Galley, for an early copy of the book!

Tara writes like your best friend. I will definitely come back to this book again and again. I enjoyed hearing more about Tara’s background. If you enjoy this book, then you would definitely enjoy her podcast. 🩷😊

[Emily Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overbooked and Overwhelmed is a self-help book on reconnecting with and re-prioritizing God in our lives as overwhelmed and busy women, wives, and moms, no matter what season we are in. It is a real look into Tara’s own life and struggles with busyness and a call to her readers to reevaluate their priorities. She goes through some specific struggles that many women go through, and talks about what it means to see each situation and season as a time to connect with God in a different way.

Personally, I am not a fan of self-help books, and I did not relate to a lot of what was talked about in this book, but I can appreciate it for what it is supposed to be, and what it is trying to say. One thing I did like, was when Tara was talking about how women are not only called to be a mother, but we can be called to other things too, like our careers and being a good wife. We do not all need to have the same calling. I was originally only interested in this book because she had recently come and done a talk for the women at my church, and I had to miss it, so I thought I would check out her new book. Overall, it was a good book, just not something I was needing in this current season. Hopefully, when I am in a season where I do feel overbooked and overwhelmed, I will remember this book and what it taught me.

[Favour Creative · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Overbooked and Overwhelmed is such a timely and encouraging read! Tara Sun speaks straight to the heart of what so many of us struggle with feeling stretched thin, spiritually drained, and constantly behind. What I loved most is how she doesn’t just offer productivity tips, but points us back to Jesus and shows how true peace begins with a heart at rest in Him.

Her writing is relatable, practical, and full of grace. I walked away feeling lighter, encouraged, and better equipped to choose presence over pressure. Highly recommend for anyone who feels like life is too busy to connect with God this book is a gentle but powerful reset.

[Mikayla Stringfellow]

This thought provoking book brings self-awareness and self-accountability into your life. It’s easy to get caught up in life with our daily hustle and bustle, but it’s harder to take a moment to remember that within all of those busy moments, we can still use that time to be with Christ. I like the analogy her dad had about spending time with Christ is basically like a phone call: you’re able to talk to Christ from the moment you wake up to the moment your head hits the pillow and you close your eyes. Thank you NetGalley, HCCP & HCF Audio, and Tara Sun for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many of us are overbooked and overwhelmed, including me. This book is targeted mostly to younger women starting out with their families, and perhaps don't know what lies at the source of their overwhelm. Tara Sun identifies the reason: putting God first is the only way to find peace in the middle of our busy lives. She gives some practical tips on how to put God first in your life. I think this book will be most helpful to people ages 20-35. I'm older than this segment, so I found it less helpful for myself, but it is still a good book for people in the target market.

[Michelle Castaneda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overbooked and Overwhelmed: How to Keep Up with God When You’re Just Trying to Keep Up with Life by Tara Sun is a look at our busy lives today. This book is a call to our hearts to slow down and focus on Jesus. When we focus on Jesus, everything settles into the right focus and priority. This book is an excellent look at why this is needed more than ever and a introduction of how to start. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

[Chloe (Always Booked) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book! This book hit me at the exact right time. I am currently overbooked and overwhelmed and this book was a gentle and grace filled reminder that if we put God first, the other stuff will seem less important and we will be able to prioritize better. It feels so hard to drop the balls in order to make time for God but once we do, it will get better. Great book to read right before the new year!

[Ariel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a strong feeling I would love this book, but I didn't realize how much I needed it right now in this season of motherhood. Tara does an amazing job of telling the reader what needs to be done without shaming in the slightest. The little anecdotes sprinkled in between were relatable and kept me reading until the end. I didn't want to put it down! Highly recommend.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as a Goodreads first-reads winner.
I found this book to be a bit repetitive, yet still enjoyable. I don't think I'm a member of the intended audience as I'm 50 with grown children. However, I was able to find some practical applications. Chapter 5 was especially helpful.
I would recommend this book to young women.

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I needed this book in this season of life and I will need this reminder again! I’ve followed Tara for a while and I feel like she’s a sister who gets me, even though we’ve never met. Loved her realness and honesty with the things that distract her and keep her busy.

[Kat Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I didn’t disagree with the ideas in this book, it felt a little over simplified and repetitive. It felt like it was the beginning of a great idea but didn’t quite get to finished. I didn’t feel like there was a lot of practical applications

[Courtney Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Overbooked and Overwhelmed” by Tara Sun couldn’t have come at a better time for me. Those two words describe my life perfectly, and this book felt like a breath of peace in the middle of chaos.

Tara’s honesty and practical wisdom reminded me that being close to God isn’t about squeezing Him into my schedule—it’s about walking at His pace. I loved how she shared her own struggles with distraction and burnout while pointing back to the simple truth that a full life isn’t the same as a faithful one.

Each chapter ends with reflection questions that help you dig deep into what’s truly overwhelming you—and how to realign your heart with what matters most. 💛

If you’re feeling stretched thin, spiritually weary, or just craving a slower, more intentional rhythm with Jesus, this is the book to pick up.

[Valerie Prusa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super relatable and I loved the author's storytelling. That said, lot of the ideas were pretty broad and started to feel repetitive. I was hoping for more practical takeaways and deeper reflections on scripture.

[Jessica Millard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is this something i have read many times? 100% do i need to read and hear this message again and again??? 100%

This was a refreshing book about feeling overwhelmed. I really did enjoy each moment of it

Thank you NetGalley for this audiobook

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a giveaway book. I found it very uplifting, and focusing. The end of chapter reflection questions were very good at focusing my mind, and helping me review my own reactions/ideas about things in my walk with the Lord. I really enjoyed reading this book.

[Pam Mooney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very encouraging and like talking to a concerned friend. It is timely for young families but does work across the ages. An easy read but says so much. A good read.

[Courtney Blum · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick easy listen that challenges you 🤍 the best kind to listen to as I’m walking my dog!

[Michelle Slomp · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy read that encourages simple and slow steps to spiritual disciplines.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good and succinct. This was the perfect set of reminders and challenges to start a new year with.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was full of good reminders for Christians and great information for new believers. As a slightly older Christian, I sometimes found it a little hard to relate to the younger author, but, in general, I liked it.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was timely and full of some really good nuggets of wisdom. I borrowed it from the library but plan to purchase a copy as I’d like to take more time to go through it.