Don't Let That Hold You Back: A Bold Guide to Finding the Life You're Longing For

by Annie F. Downs

In this powerfully inspirational book, New York Times bestselling author, podcast host, and beloved speaker Annie F. Downs challenges you to step into your new life by finally doing the thing you can’t stop thinking about.

“Wise, tender, and unafraid of the hard parts, Annie hands you a little courage, a lot of truth, and a loud, ‘Go get it!’”—Kate Bowler, bestselling author of Joyful, Anyway, Duke professor, and host of the Everything Happens podcast

What if the only thing standing between you and the life you really want is the story you keep telling yourself about why you can’t have it?

With her signature blend of warmth, honesty, and soul-deep, God-focused truth, Annie F. Downs invites you to stop waiting for “someday” and start living the life that’s been tugging at your heart all along. Don’t Let That Hold You Back is a bold, honest wake-up call for everyone who has ever said, “I’ll do it when…” and then watched the calendar flip by. Whether you’re hindered by fear, finances, age, doubt, burnout, or a life that looks nothing like you imagined, it’s time to stop waiting for perfect conditions and start living on purpose.

Here is your invitation to listen to your gut, confer with God, take the risk, and go after what you want—even if it scares you, even if you stumble, even if it doesn’t make sense to anyone else. Try. Fail. Win. Go. Stay. Love. Leave.

Through Don’t Let That Hold You Back, you’ll

• discover the pieces of your life that have kept you stuck
• overcome the fear of taking steps toward the thing you really want
• understand that the rewards outweigh the risks when it comes to transformation

No more “Maybe later” or “Maybe never” or “I wish I could.” It’s time to reclaim the things that have stolen your courage, trust God with your next step, and finally do the thing you’ve always wanted to do. God has something for you to do on this planet, partnered with Him, that only you can do.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian Non Fiction, Christian, Self Help

240 pages, Hardcover

Published September 15, 2026

About the author

Annie F. Downs is an author, blogger, and speaker based in Nashville, Tennessee. Flawed but funny, she uses her writing to highlight the everyday goodness of a real and present God.

An author of three books-  Let's All Be Brave ,  Perfectly Unique , and  Speak Love , Annie also loves traveling around the country speaking to young women, college students, and adults.

Read more at anniefdowns.com  and follow her on Twitter @anniefdowns.

Reviews

[Nikki]

Rating: 🤗/4
Source: #netgalley
Review: This book definitely hit different for me than some of her others. This book is for the reader and their life and their story, not so much AFD’s. It’s about the “hards” in life - the grief, the broken, the destroyed moments and how to keep going in the hard. It was a book I kept slowing down to read slower and think.

[Katie Betts]

Thank you @prhaudio @prhchristian @anniefdowns for the books! #PRHAudioPartner

What if the biggest thing holding you back is… you? Annie F. Downs is done waiting for someday. Through stories of her own risks, doubts, dreams, and detours, she explores what it looks like to ask God, trust your gut, and actually take the next step—even when the timing isn’t perfect and you’re a little scared to try.

I’ve been an Annie fan since forever- way back in 2018, when she visited the church I attended in college for a women’s conference. Her faith-focused conversational podcast is probably what she’s known for most now, but she started out as an author!

This book is classic Annie—warm, conversational, story-driven, self-deprecating, emotionally honest, FUN—but with a newfound mature wisdom. It’s definitely her most self-help-leaning book, and I love how she uses the ordinary lessons of life to push us out of our comfort zones and toward an extraordinary one.

You can expect an engaging cycle of stories, people, trips, and funny moments that turn into insight—and then into your own next steps.

If you love New York, stories of personal growth, and little self-help tidbits that make you feel brave enough to actually do the thing, this one’s for you. And apparently, step one is booking a trip. 😂 Annie REALLY wants you to travel in this book—and honestly, by the end, I think you’ll find yourself saying yes to wherever you’ve been talking yourself out of going.

If you’re a fan of the pod, you’ll ofc love hearing Annie. But the physical copy is stunning and the chapters are short, so you really can’t go wrong either way.

Similar:
The Next Right Thing by Emily P. Freeman
Undistracted by Bob Goff
Own Your Everyday by Jordan Lee Dooley

[Andrea]

An interesting thing about this reading experience is that I requested it thinking I'd read something from the author before. Turns out, I hadn't. That said, I'm glad I know Annie F. Downs now, and this was a wonderful read. It was relatable reflection told by the author sharing and processing her own lived experiences. With that, it wasn't just about her, but making connections and providing questions to think about similarities in your life. I have seen the author's podcast before (and have lost of friends who are listeners), and now reading this, I want to check it out. It was an unexpected connection, but one I'm glad I've made. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the look at this September 2026 release!

[Emily (emsalwaysreading)]

Book #83 of 2026!

Four stars

Thank you so much to #NetGalley and Waterbrook books for this advanced copy.

What to expect in this book:

-Motivational non-fiction
-Christian Living
-Anecdotal writing
-Funny and encouraging
-Easy to read

Thoughts

I have read all of Annie Downs' books and have loved her podcast since 2015 and am honored to be among the chosen to read her book ahead of publication. Everything that she writes just feels like a balm to the soul and a place of comfort for me--like sitting across a friend at a coffee shop (the irony is that is how she opens this book and it very much reads that way.) As an avid Annie fan in general, this one feels different from her other books. Don't Let That Hold You back is her most prescriptive and challenging book to date, not necessarily because of the content, but because of the way that she ushers readers into considers the limitations that we have set on ourselves and God, and the way that she invites us to move toward the pursuit that we are wanting and waiting for.

Through personal anecdotes, stories, and experiences, Annie shows how we can more boldly step into the life that we are chasing, whether that is personal, professional, in our faith, or in our relationships. This was such an easy read for me and I found myself flying through the pages. This may have been my first by her that I did not do on audio (I have single handedly listened to "Remember God" at least three times on audio) but I feel like this would be great on audio since it feels so conversational. I would also say, this book is a beautiful and sneaky way that we can get the gospel and scripture into people's hands without being overtly Christian in nature, as Annie would say, 'Sneaky Jesus.'

Overall, I loved this and would recommend this to people who may feel stuck-in your current situation, feeling unseen, or stagnant. It's good to be reminded that we can build a life that is worth pursuing.

[Eleanor Banks]

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Christian for the ARC.

This book is written like an easy conversation with a friend and what struck me is how this was palatable for adults, but this could even be for a teenager or young adult/college age. It is not very weighty or deep and while I think I have come to expect that more from Annie, this could also be a benefit to a broader range of readers.

There is nothing inherently bad or wrong about this book. But I think as someone who reveres Annie's work, it could have been more substantive. It feels like she was tasked with making a self-help book and did the very best she could. But, as a reader/listener of Annie's for about 10 years, that's what I've always loved about her work. She's never tried to convince us that she has it figured out, but she's always shared what she has worked through and learned along the way. While I appreciate the wisdom that comes with time (especially having read this near when she got married), something is missing with this book to me. It might be the title and tagline. She's said many times in pods and books "we are not in the business of should-ing around here" and this book feels like a big ol' "should."

Would I recommend it to a college kid and/or young adult navigating early adulthood troubles? Yeah. Would I recommend it to a friend going through divorce, death of a loved one, infertility, etc. Maybe not. I do wish Annie all the best in the world, with this book and everything else. She is truly a gift.

[Elizabeth Voth]

Annie has a wonderful way of inviting her friends (aka readers) into her life experiences and the lessons that she has seen play out through them. I first met Annie through her writing in 2016 as she was Looking for Lovely. Ten years later, the opportunity to read Don't Let That Hold You Back ahead of the world was a wonderfully surprising invitation. As a long time listener of Annie's work, I saw her represent her time in New York City through social media posts, podcasts and more without knowing that behind the scenes, Annie was writing about how NYC was impacting her personally. Annie's writing is insightful, and thought provoking, it is a comfort and a challenge, and most of all, it feels like sitting with a friend as you discuss life events and the lessons you take from them.
Don't Let That Hold You Back will encourage you to take a closer look at the dreams you have in your life, allowing hope to grow in the midst of life's circumstances and (sometimes) in defiance of them.

Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Random House Christian Publishing (WaterBrook) for the opportunity to read this book early, and Annie for her work.

[Kayla Williams]

I’ve listened to Annie’s podcast, followed her on social media, and read her books for almost a decade. She is funny, wise, vulnerable, and fun! Her newest book, Don’t Let That Hold You Back, is encouraging and feels like having Annie in your corner as your own personal hype girl. She uses stories from her own life and many examples from her recent time living in New York City to emphasize moving forward, taking risks, and not letting fear, failure, shame or anything else hold you back from whatever your next step is. This book feels like Annie is giving advice from her lived experience. It’s less testimony and more counsel, yet as I read this book it reminded me of one of Annie’s older books, Let’s All Be Brave - similar themes but in a completely different season of life. I’m so glad Annie is still writing and my only regret is not listening to this book on audio and hearing Annie read her story in her own voice.

Thank you to NetGalley and WaterBrook Multnomah for an advanced copy of this book!

[Stacey]

Annie always has a keen way of connecting to our hearts through her journey. Of course this book is no different. From her relationships to moves, from heartache to overwhelming joy, from literal disasters to emotional struggles, once again she shows us how to trust the Lord and follow Him through it all.
I specifically appreciated how she shared her journey and how the Lord has provided and made it clear that this is her story. This her describing how God moved for her and in her life while not implying anything prescriptive to get God to move.
Her heart is to show how asking, seeking, and knocking are how Jesus taught us to live and to be faithfully obedient.

[Beth Hunsberger]

I received an advanced copy of this book.

This is a book for those that may be wrestling with a big life decision. The reader is encouraged to evaluate the opportunities in front them, take advantage of the life we've each been given and then take full advantage of that life. Written in a very straight-forward manner, Annie Downs walks the readers through simple steps to help you through your thought process. Her personal stories and faith impacts help make the reading very relatable.

[Amanda]

Oh to be a swimming tortoise with a sword tattoo.

Downs invites readers to consider what is holding them back from the life they want, to identify what has been stolen, what has died, or what has been destroyed, and then to take action to move forward. It's a not a book of false promises or a magic formula, but it is a blueprint of what it might look like to "aim higher, work harder, live bigger".

[Jasmine Hall]

Thanks to NetGalley and WaterBrook for the advance copy. I love Annie F. Downs and her podcast and her books. I was so excited to read this book because she always puts things into perspective for me. She would use stories from her life to offer a perspective on what has taken place. One thing about this book is that it can energize women to focus on moving forward and not letting anything hold them back.

[Stacey Cochran]

I have loved AFD for many years after being introduced to her podcast. I have always enjoyed her writing style and voice, and it comes through beautifully in Don't Let That Hold You Back. Her honesty and her big sister wisdom make the book shine.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Jennifer King]

It was a lot of antidote things about her life prior to her move in NYC. If you listen to her podcast, you know most of these stories already. However, the bonus chapter was the best. It tied it all together and made it sound more like we know of her life now. It was the ending the book really needed. Without the final chapter, it finished like Jonah does in the Bible.

[Kaitlyn Falk]

I listen to Annie's podcast and listened to this as an audiobook, so it felt comfortable and familiar to listen to. The concepts in this book really motivated me and encouraged the path that I'm walking on. I loved how she took a familiar concept (Enemy coming to steal, kill, and destroy) and broke it down. Let's ask, seek, and knock y'all!

[Kelly]

3.5 stars rounded up. This book was incredibly encouraging and motivating. I found myself thinking that I wasn’t alone in some of the thoughts and experiences I’ve had. Overall I loved the vulnerability of the author and how encouraging and real she was. Thank you NetGalley for the eARC!

[Melinda]

I don’t know Annie personally, but after reading her books and seeing how much of our lives overlap I feel like she is a kindred spirit. This is a good book with a lot of nuggets of wisdom. I highlighted entire passages that I will be chewing over for a while. 5 stars.

[Randi Stretch]

Annie’s best book to date!

“A swimming tortoise with a sword tattoo” was my favorite line.

[Anna]

“ Curiosity with God strengthens your intimacy, opens you up to growth, and makes the world a bigger place. Curiosity with others sets you on the widest and best path, keeps your friends informed and close, and staves off loneliness. Curiosity with yourself and the world around you helps you feel like the truest, proudest version of yourself.”

Annie really did a great job with her new book! It was filled with real stories of hurt and brokenness that were each met with hope. Annie’s style of writing is very encouraging and optimistic. This book was about discovery, stepping out in bravery, and remaining close to God. I loved it!

I was gifted a copy of this book from NetGalley, but all opinions expressed are my own.

[Mhughessc]

Annie F Downs is an author, podcaster, and influencer whose previous books I've read, so I was excited to see that she has a new book coming out! The title of the latest book caught my eye: "Don't Let That Hold You Back: A Bold Guide to Finding the Life You're Longing For." However, sometimes books like this tend to be a little generic, so I went into it hesitantly. I was happily surprised to find that this book was very encouraging and filled with practical advice! In fact, I found myself highlighting a lot of helpful suggestions as I read through the book. Downs begins by reminding her readers that we all feel like our lives aren't where we want it to be or like life has passed us by. She asserts, however, that "the key difference - the turning point or the thing that sets you apart - is what you do after realizing that something is missing." I appreciate how she refers to our feelings as something that we should listen to and pay attention to but not to follow or allow feelings to make our decisions for us. In fact, when our goals and hopes have died, she encourages her readers to do the following: identify the cause, grieve truthfully, mourn fully, accept death as a part of life, and look for resurrection.

My favorite part of the book was when Downs explains how she will often find herself rushing through life, as though there is a finish line or that she needs to be in a hurry to reach her goals. She reminds us that we miss a lot of life that way, and I can really relate with that. And even if we make wrong turns around the way, it's okay because it's proof that we're at least trying. The quote that resonated most with me was the following: What if, when I die, the thing that people actually say about me is 'I never saw her quit running after what God called her to.'" Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Sue]

If you are seeking a Christian based self-help book, look no further. This is not a prosperity gospel book so if you’re looking to build wealth, you will be disappointed. This book is to help you identify the circumstances or experiences in your life that prevent you from living abundantly, audaciously, freely. To move past the hurts and disappointments and brokenness to seize all that God has for you.

It is honest and realistic. It doesn’t promise that every dream will come true, but it will get you out of ruts and bitterness to move you to a life of adventure with the attitude to be excited to see what God will do next.

I loved this book and highly recommend it.

Family friendly.

Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Christian Publishing. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Rachelle Cobb]

In her signature memoir-style, Annie writes this collection of essays on how to move forward when the enemy of our souls has sought to steal, kill, and destroy. She encourages us to ask, seek, and knock in areas of decision and transitions big and small. Casual, conversational, and encouraging. As a married mom, I don’t directly relate to Annie’s stories of big adventure in the Big Apple, but I still enjoyed her reminders to let go and trust God.

“We have already established that so much of our lives is out of our control, but the few things that you can control, now is when you get to. Here comes the good part. Here comes the best part. And also? Here comes the hard part.” - Annie F Downs

[Beth]

Annie F Downs is an author, podcaster, and author whose previous books I've read, so I was excited when she announced a new book coming out then she said the title and I didn't think I would really get anything out of this one. I was wrong. It is such a good book Annie wrote in such a way it feels like a friend is sitting beside you cheering you on to try the next new thing. She also challenges you to take a look at your past and see what things you've let close you off to bigger dreams you have or that the Lord may have for you. I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would.

[Christine]

Annie writes in a very conversational style that makes you feel like you are sitting down to chat with your good friend. This is a quick read as Annie acts as your personal cheerleader to put your worries and fears behind you, ask,seek and knock to get what you want out of life and not get too bent out of shape when it doesn't look like what you think it should. There is nothing deeply profound here, it is just Annie sharing some personal stories while encouraging you to not let anything hold you back from living life to the fullest.

[Carrington Hodges]

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Annie F. Downs is a light and a fantastic guide. All of her books, including this one, give practical advice to move forward. It's like a personal friend talking to you. This book is going to really make a difference.

[Rebecca Hastings]

This was a quick read that left me feeling inspired to do the things God calls me to. Downs is funny and relatable as she shares with honest vulnerability. It feels like a series of coffee chats with a good friend. It was deep without feeling heavy. I recommend this for anyone looking to make progress or move forward in their life.

[Paige Slovisky]

Thank you Net Galley for the ARC of this book!

This book was a breath of fresh air. I have read almost all of Annie’s books & it has been so fun to follow her journey through her writing. This book truly felt like sitting down for coffee with a mentor & receiving wisdom from a life well lived. It leaves you feeling so hopeful!