God Won't Leave You There: Joseph's Story

by Anne Graham Lotz, Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright

256 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication March 31, 2026

About the author

Lotz is the child of Billy Graham & Ruth Bell Graham

Anne Graham Lotz (born May 1948) is an American Christian evangelist. She is the second daughter of evangelist Billy Graham and his wife Ruth Graham. Anne Graham Lotz accepts speaking invitations worldwide, is founder of AnGeL Ministries, and an award-winning author.

Reviews

[Estar · Rating 3 out of 5]

I always wonder how a book on the Bible or a Bible story will work for when the authors didn’t go to seminary or spend years officially studying the Bible with its original languages. Even though Anne Graham Lotz and her Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright have studied the Bible for years, I was left somewhat disappointed with how they approached this study of Joseph.

It wasn’t until a third into the book that they added a perspective of a historical context to the story. Then there was the overuse of the enhancing the stories by using “I imagine” or “I wonder” phrases – at least 30 or more in the book. For example, this is one sentence they wrote about when Jacob met Pharoah: “I imagine that his frail and ancient body was supported by a carved wooden staff that clicked on the smooth marble surface of the floor with each shuffled step.” Adding these imagined descriptive details to various scenes was not helpful to my understanding of the text or for applying it to my life as part of the grand narrative of Scripture. It felt that the authors really want to write scenes from a novel instead. Being familiar with Joseph’s life and having read another book of on this topic, I didn’t experience much insight into the story that I didn’t have before. The applications to the concept of God not leaving us behind wasn’t especially unique either.

The organization of the book was confusing to me. Each chapter was progressive through the chapters of Genesis on Joseph’s life but the authors mention facts about Joseph’s life in the early chapters that are really covered in a later chapter. And then the topics they mention in a chapter such as forgiveness and waiting aren’t really confined to one chapter. So the flow felt disjointed at times.

They use examples from their lives, primarily Rachel-Ruth’s, so the primary voice sounds like hers instead of a seamless blend of both mother and daughter. A reader of this book should be a fan of them to really appreciate reading examples from their lives throughout the book.

I did especially appreciate Chapter 10 on legacies and the next generation and the prayers at the end of each chapter. Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for allowing me to read an advance copy of the book in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion.

[Bolt Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up God Won’t Leave You There: Joseph’s Story during a valley season in my life. The title alone felt like a lifeline. I don’t typically reach for books like this, but I was in a place where I needed reassurance, direction, and some sense of how to reconnect with God when everything felt heavy.

The first few chapters truly met me there. They were comforting and grounded in the story of Joseph in a way that reminded me that God is present even in betrayal, waiting, and suffering. For a little while, I felt seen.

But as I continued reading, the structure began to feel formulaic. Each chapter followed a similar pattern, and instead of feeling Spirit-led, it started to feel scripted. I especially struggled with the prewritten prayers. I know they can be helpful for some, but for me they felt rehearsed and impersonal. When I’m trying to reach God from a place of hurt, I need words that come straight from my own heart, not something I’m repeating off a page.

I also found myself wishing for more focus on Joseph and on God’s character. There was a significant amount of time spent on the author’s mother and family history. While personal stories can be powerful, in this case they often pulled me away from the biblical narrative I came for. I wanted deeper insight into Joseph’s journey and more direct encouragement rooted in Scripture.

This book may resonate with readers who appreciate structured devotionals and guided prayers. For me, though, it didn’t fully deliver the depth or connection I was searching for in that dark season.
I’m still grateful I read it, because even imperfect books can meet us where we are — but this one didn’t quite stay with me the way I had hoped.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to W Publishing, Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Kalen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved God Won’t Leave You There by Anne Graham Lotz and Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright. They are quickly becoming two of my favorite authors, and this book felt like a steady, reassuring reminder of God’s faithfulness in seasons that feel confusing, painful, or unjust. The way they connect the biblical story of Joseph with real-life experiences of suffering and perseverance was both comforting and convicting. I especially appreciated how clearly the authors showed that God’s plan is not derailed by hardship.

The personal stories shared by Anne and Rachel added depth and authenticity, and I value their openness. That said, many of the family stories felt familiar, particularly if you’ve read their previous books. While they were still meaningful, some portions didn’t feel new. Additionally, at times it was unclear which author was speaking. This didn’t take away from the message of the book overall, but it occasionally caused confusion, especially when family members were referenced.

Despite those minor points, this book was impactful and encouraging. It is well-suited for anyone walking through hardship, disappointment, or unanswered questions, and it gently points the reader back to God’s faithfulness and purpose. I felt spiritually refreshed, and would absolutely recommend this book, I have actually already pre-ordered 2 for myself and family!

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Publishing for the ARC copy of this book.

[Lance · Rating 5 out of 5]

God Won’t Leave You There written by Anne Graham Lotz and her daughter, Rachel Ruth Lotz Wright, is an insightful and inspiring look at the life of Joseph from the Old Testament. It is evident that Anne, who had once been referred to by her father, Billy Graham, as the best preacher in the family, has passed on her love of the scriptures to her daughter. While this book is mainly written from Rachel’s perspective, it does offer the depth and insight of Anne’s previous writings.

Each chapter highlights a different part of Joseph’s life spanning from his childhood, being sold into slavery, the forgiveness of his brothers for their betrayal, through his death. It is easy to read as it includes many personal stories and illustrations to help enhance understanding. I especially enjoyed seeing the many similarities at the end of each chapter between Joseph and Jesus Christ. Each chapter ends with a brief prayer making the book suitable for use as a devotional study as well.

If you’ve enjoyed reading Anne’s previous books, or desire to learn more about the life of Joseph, you’ll definitely want to check this one out.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Publishing for providing an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased opinion.