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Joy Chose You: Words for Hope, Comfort and Light: The instant Sunday Times bestseller & perfect gift
THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER and perfect for the special person in your life this Mother's Day.
A beautiful gift to bring joy and comfort to your days, from the number 1 Sunday Times bestselling author of To the Women and Wild Hope
'Beautiful . . . Donna's words melt me' - Davina McCall
Joy Chose You is a beautiful, colour-illustrated collection of Donna's most-loved poems to bring more joy into our imperfect lives. When we allow joy to wrap her quiet warmth around us we find ourselves opening up to more life, love and light.
With poems such as 'Joy Comes Back', 'Happy' and 'Unstoppable', as well as 20 new poems, including 'This Little Moment', 'Love Wins' and 'A Little Weird', Donna's wise words help us find hope in the dark, calm amid worry and greater joy in the beauty of living.
[JOY CHOSE YOU by Donna Ashworth was the No. 5 Sunday Times bestseller w/e 12 October 2025]
A beautiful gift to bring joy and comfort to your days, from the number 1 Sunday Times bestselling author of To the Women and Wild Hope
'Beautiful . . . Donna's words melt me' - Davina McCall
Joy Chose You is a beautiful, colour-illustrated collection of Donna's most-loved poems to bring more joy into our imperfect lives. When we allow joy to wrap her quiet warmth around us we find ourselves opening up to more life, love and light.
With poems such as 'Joy Comes Back', 'Happy' and 'Unstoppable', as well as 20 new poems, including 'This Little Moment', 'Love Wins' and 'A Little Weird', Donna's wise words help us find hope in the dark, calm amid worry and greater joy in the beauty of living.
[JOY CHOSE YOU by Donna Ashworth was the No. 5 Sunday Times bestseller w/e 12 October 2025]
- GenresNonfictionPoetry
256 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 2, 2025
60 people are currently reading
158 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
October 2, 2025
A collection of Donna Ashworth’s most popular poems.
What a beautiful book. I have to comment on the physical qualities of the hardback book as it is simply gorgeous. The deep green cover, sumptuous gold lettering and gold silk place marker give a traditional feel that is very high quality so that Joy Chose You would make a wonderful gift book. With occasional black for emphasis, the end papers and interior illustrations are the most soothing green with the alignment of text to illustration and white space so well balanced that the anthology creates a feeling of calm and soothes the reader before a single poem has been accessed. This really is a keepsake collection.
As well as poems, there are questions for reflection that encourage the reader to assess their life and there are beneficial suggestions so that perhaps readers might make changes in their lives as a result. There are also statements that sum up to perfection the aphorisms of life and short passages of prose that feel as if the author is speaking directly to the reader. I rarely quote from books as I think it can spoil the read for others, but I urge you to get a copy of the book, turn to page 227 and make Be The Peace your mantra for life. Joy Chose You is a collection that encourages, guides and supports as if Donna Ashworth is your oldest, most cherished friend speaking directly with you.
But of course, it is the poetry itself that is the shining star. If you’re looking for challenging literary allegory or scathing socio-political commentary in your poems, look elsewhere. Turn to Milton, the Metaphysicals, Dante or some other ‘great’ poet. If, however, you want to read words that speak to the heart and soul of who we are, that bring comfort and understanding and that make you feel seen and loved even in your darkest or most unattractive moment, then read Joy Chose You. I defy anybody, regardless of their education, their social status or their personal circumstances not to be able to find something in this anthology that resonates, supports and heals.
On that personal note, since Mum died a few weeks ago, I have found it impossible to settle to reading – which is normally a great passion. I’ve gone from reading 3 to 5 books a week to reading perhaps one book every 10 or 12 days. Picking up Joy Chose You, reading a whole poem or passage in a quiet moment and finding something with which I can identify has indeed returned that feeling of joy. Never mind joy choosing you; I suggest you choose this anthology and make your own life a happier and more positive place. I won’t be parting with my copy of Joy Chose You, but rather will return to it in those moments when I need its gentle support.
What a beautiful book. I have to comment on the physical qualities of the hardback book as it is simply gorgeous. The deep green cover, sumptuous gold lettering and gold silk place marker give a traditional feel that is very high quality so that Joy Chose You would make a wonderful gift book. With occasional black for emphasis, the end papers and interior illustrations are the most soothing green with the alignment of text to illustration and white space so well balanced that the anthology creates a feeling of calm and soothes the reader before a single poem has been accessed. This really is a keepsake collection.
As well as poems, there are questions for reflection that encourage the reader to assess their life and there are beneficial suggestions so that perhaps readers might make changes in their lives as a result. There are also statements that sum up to perfection the aphorisms of life and short passages of prose that feel as if the author is speaking directly to the reader. I rarely quote from books as I think it can spoil the read for others, but I urge you to get a copy of the book, turn to page 227 and make Be The Peace your mantra for life. Joy Chose You is a collection that encourages, guides and supports as if Donna Ashworth is your oldest, most cherished friend speaking directly with you.
But of course, it is the poetry itself that is the shining star. If you’re looking for challenging literary allegory or scathing socio-political commentary in your poems, look elsewhere. Turn to Milton, the Metaphysicals, Dante or some other ‘great’ poet. If, however, you want to read words that speak to the heart and soul of who we are, that bring comfort and understanding and that make you feel seen and loved even in your darkest or most unattractive moment, then read Joy Chose You. I defy anybody, regardless of their education, their social status or their personal circumstances not to be able to find something in this anthology that resonates, supports and heals.
On that personal note, since Mum died a few weeks ago, I have found it impossible to settle to reading – which is normally a great passion. I’ve gone from reading 3 to 5 books a week to reading perhaps one book every 10 or 12 days. Picking up Joy Chose You, reading a whole poem or passage in a quiet moment and finding something with which I can identify has indeed returned that feeling of joy. Never mind joy choosing you; I suggest you choose this anthology and make your own life a happier and more positive place. I won’t be parting with my copy of Joy Chose You, but rather will return to it in those moments when I need its gentle support.
March 18, 2026
Just absolutely beautiful. This book is a treasure that I will keep with me always and return to again and again.
October 28, 2025
Donna Ashworth's poetry collections have always been beautiful - but Joy Chose You has to be the best yet. It is a beautifully crafted poetry collection that offers solace, encouragement, and a gentle reminder to embrace life's imperfections.
Aesthetic Appeal: The hardcover edition is a visual delight, with a deep green cover adorned with gold lettering and a silk ribbon marker. The interior features stunning illustrations - making this a poetry collection to display with pride and revisit time and time again.
Emotional Resonance: Donna's writing speaks directly to the heart. Her words offer comfort during difficult times, making readers feel seen and understood, there will be a page in this books that speaks to everyone and anyone.
Joy Chose You is more than just a poetry collection; it's a companion for those seeking light and hope. Whether you're navigating personal challenges or simply in need of a comforting read, Donna's words offer a gentle embrace. This book would make a thoughtful gift for anyone in need of encouragement or a reminder of life's simple joys.
Aesthetic Appeal: The hardcover edition is a visual delight, with a deep green cover adorned with gold lettering and a silk ribbon marker. The interior features stunning illustrations - making this a poetry collection to display with pride and revisit time and time again.
Emotional Resonance: Donna's writing speaks directly to the heart. Her words offer comfort during difficult times, making readers feel seen and understood, there will be a page in this books that speaks to everyone and anyone.
Joy Chose You is more than just a poetry collection; it's a companion for those seeking light and hope. Whether you're navigating personal challenges or simply in need of a comforting read, Donna's words offer a gentle embrace. This book would make a thoughtful gift for anyone in need of encouragement or a reminder of life's simple joys.
January 2, 2026
First book of the year complete today! What a beauty this one is ... I absolutely love @donnaashworthwords her poetry is just gorgeous. This book is like a "best of Donna" collecting together a selection of poems from all her other collections along with some new ones too.
It's very special to me this one because the three poems I picked for my mum's funeral are in here so a lot of feelings when reading this but overall what I get from reading Donna's work is a feeling of comfort and warmth, I don't feel sad when I read Donna's poems on grief and that in itself is pure magic.
I will say there are a lot of other themes in here other than grief (that's just what is speaking to me the most at this present time) Friendship, Love, Self Care, Confidence, Motherhood and much more, there's something for everyone. I'm very grateful for the words Donna, I truly believe this lady's poems could help so many people. A beautiful read. 🫶🏻
It's very special to me this one because the three poems I picked for my mum's funeral are in here so a lot of feelings when reading this but overall what I get from reading Donna's work is a feeling of comfort and warmth, I don't feel sad when I read Donna's poems on grief and that in itself is pure magic.
I will say there are a lot of other themes in here other than grief (that's just what is speaking to me the most at this present time) Friendship, Love, Self Care, Confidence, Motherhood and much more, there's something for everyone. I'm very grateful for the words Donna, I truly believe this lady's poems could help so many people. A beautiful read. 🫶🏻
January 22, 2026
I received this for Christmas - I enjoy all of her books and this was a mixture of many books. Some I don’t have or read yet. Some in this book I’ve read many times in the books I own and help with the happy/sad days of grief. I enjoy her poems. Women are complex and have many roles to play in our day to day lives and some days are easy and some are difficult. I will continue to purchase her works when they come out.
Happy 📖Reading
Happy 📖Reading
February 16, 2026
Im not one for poetry that rhymes generally and this book has a mix of poems that do / don’t. My favourite by far was page 156. ‘Sadness comes’ particularly the line ‘I think perhaps they know by now I sometimes come as two’ when talking about sadness and meeting with friends. ‘Let your sad accompany you don’t think her hard to bear, no need to face her all alone just pull an extra chair.’
October 21, 2025
A moving collection of poetry from the wonderful Donna Ashworth. A rollercoaster of emotion, that helps you reflect on what really matters; love, hope, connection and, of course, joy!
I'll be dipping in and out of this collection in years to come.
Thank you to the publishers for a copy
I'll be dipping in and out of this collection in years to come.
Thank you to the publishers for a copy
November 1, 2025
This was a book for my soul. Beautiful poetry that reminds you to slow down and embrace the joy in our lives.
December 9, 2025
loved it! such a beautiful book and the audio was so calming as it was read by the author. I'll be purchasing this book so I can randomly come back to it again and again.
December 28, 2025
this is lovely
definitely gets you into a more kind and compassionate headspace
definitely gets you into a more kind and compassionate headspace
January 4, 2026
Wonderful poetry for when you just need to be reminded to choose yourself every now and then.
January 19, 2026
Love this poetry book so much! So glad that I found this author's poetry.
February 16, 2026
beautiful collection, i have been dipping in to a few each night as the mood has taken me. so many resonate with how I feel
March 7, 2026
Absolutely gorgeous compilation of poetry from Donna's previous books, accompanied by soothing art.
March 9, 2026
Beautiful collection of poems! Some made my heart sing, some made me cry, many made me share them with a friend. Donna never misses the mark.
October 8, 2025
Just A Day…
No, today probably won’t be a great day, but it absolutely won’t be a bad day either.
Another great poetry collection from the lovely Donna 🥹
Thank you for such beautiful poems ❤️
No, today probably won’t be a great day, but it absolutely won’t be a bad day either.
Another great poetry collection from the lovely Donna 🥹
Thank you for such beautiful poems ❤️
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews