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.

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 stuckovercome the fear of taking steps toward the thing you really wantunderstand 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.

Kindle Edition

Expected publication 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

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Carrington Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.