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, Audiobook, Self Help, Memoir, Faith, Christian Non Fiction

218 pages, Kindle Edition

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 out of 5]

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.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book spoke hope and affirmation to me. It is written in her signature fun-loving, very honest style. I appreciated her transparency about the hard parts of life too. This book gave me new insights about my own healing journey and provided guidance I needed for the next steps to take.
I received a preview copy from NetGalley.

[Eleanor Banks · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Katie Betts · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Kailyn Tauber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Annie F Downs does it again!

A book about taking inventory of what is truly holding you back, along with inspiration and motivation for picking up. Do the scary thing! Do the thing that's been on your heart! Do the thing you've been dreaming of!

Thank you NetGalley, WaterBrook and AFD for the ARC!

🩷💛

[Caroline Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a big fan of Annie Downs. A friend gifted me this book, and I was excited to read it. This book is written in a way that feels like Annie is sitting across from you at coffee. There wasn’t anything profound about this book, but it did feel like a coaching/positive pep talk that was really encouraging. Annie shares some good reminders and nuggets of truth throughout this book pertaining to doing the things we’ve always wanted to do, but have felt held back. Some reviews of this book say this book is geared toward college students and young adults. While I can see that, I think it can be for any age group. As we age, I think it’s easy to stay in our comfort zones and not try new things, or especially the things we’ve always wanted to do, but never have. Annie’s book gives us the courage to step out and go attempt to do the things!

[Ashley Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Annie is one of my favorites. I follow her life on social media and listen to her podcast on a regular basis. I have loved hearing the stories of how this book unfolded in real time and being able to see it in this form was such a treat. I feel like a friend rooting on another friend. This book is for anyone who needs the reminder that feeling is human, grieving is universal, and letting things (or people) hold you back from God’s best for you isn’t worth it.

“Don’t let that hold you back” is a quick and worthy read.

[Morgan Horn · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

A lot of this resonated with me as a Southern woman the world has deemed a “late bloomer” (ie almost 31, never married, no kids, unsure if that life is the life God has planned for me). For me, the theology is quite a bit more shallow than the AFD I’m used to and I do wish she would have delved just a bit deeper.

[Abby · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

I have loved Annie F Downs for many years. She speaks in her same straight to you voice, sharing her own stories and encouraging you to keep going and not get stuck. Annie's like your big sister friend calling you up and I honor her work.

[Jon Barr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Putting "ask, seek, knock" into practice, trusting God, and overcoming internal and external obstacles.

[Kayla Fletcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always enjoy listening to the audiobook version of Annie’s books because they are similar to her podcast. Good book with good themes.

[Annie Prasco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Annie F Downs has a way with words. This book is exactly what I needed in this month of life. Slow down, In Jesus Name, and Don’t let that hold you back.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two teachings from Annie’s latest book absolutely blew my mind. This was a great listen but I do wish I had a print copy to annotate. Whether you’re a longtime fan of her like me or just discovering Annie F. Downs, this is worth the read. I do recommend going back to Remember God if you are new to her books. It helps to know where she’s been to appreciate where she is now. I also highly recommend this for new teen & young adult followers of Jesus. Annie has really wise advice for you.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always love an AFD book but this one is the best yet. Such a great step by step guide on how to chase those dreams you haven't yet seen happen. It's an easy and must read!

[Paula White · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Audio

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

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) · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Shari Summers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Christian Publishing for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Ahhh, I am such a fan of Annie Downs! I’ve listened to her That Sounds Fun podcast for years, and I genuinely believe that if she lived in my area, we would be besties. 😂 So, of course, I was excited to read this book, and it did not disappoint!

Don't Let That Hold You Back was SO helpful! Annie explores the things that can keep us stuck in life, and there were several ideas that were genuinely new to me. I love that she doesn't just identify the things that might be holding us back and leave us to figure out what to do next. Instead, she provides practical action steps and takeaways for each area to help us move forward with greater bravery and courage as we pursue the life God has for us.

I love Annie's storytelling, the way she draws meaningful truths from seemingly ordinary life experiences, and her willingness to share herself so honestly and authentically. She has a way of making you feel like you're sitting across the table from a friend who's cheering you on while also lovingly challenging you to stop making excuses and take that next step.

This book was both encouraging and challenging in the best possible way. It reminded me that sometimes the things holding us back aren't what we think they are, and that we don't have to wait until we feel completely ready to start moving forward.

HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who feels stuck in life and finds themselves thinking, "There must be more to life than this." If you're ready to stop waiting for someday and start taking steps toward the life God is calling you to live, pick this one up!

[Elizabeth Voth · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 3 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Andi Wernke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Annie is such a trusted voice for Christ followers. With her uniquely Annie humor and truth, she gives us all the push we need to run hard after what God has called us to do. She helps us find what is holding us back (which most of us already know), she teaches us how to identify what has been stolen, killed or destroyed and how we move forward.
Annie reminds us that we each have a unique calling from God and no one else can do what we are called to do. This is such a timely message for anyone who wants to pursue Jesus and what He has asked them to do. Thank you Annie for being the friend who speaks truth to us.

[Beth Hunsberger · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Annie has been a voice in my world since roughly 2017, and is definitely that parasocial big sister role for many. I really appreciate the reminders to not let things in life get in the way of remembering to trust and hope in Gods plan and that he is working all things together for our good and his glory. I don’t fully agree with how all scripture is interpreted and sometimes things can get a little prosperity gospel in this book but I don’t think that is the heart at all and she even says that. Overall very encouraging big sister energy which was needed right now!!

[Chas Bomgardner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this while on a first time solo trip to Switzerland. Perhaps the best of timing ever to listen to this. While I don’t endorse everything about this author, I deeply appreciate her perspective on life. I think Annie often says things many of us are thinking but don’t say out loud. The questions she asks, we are asking but unsure if it’s ok to verbalize. I’m so thankful for her voice and her willingness to be so vulnerable to show us her life in order that we might see what God can do in a person’s life.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Taylor Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

1. I absolutely love Annie (my review is probably biased because of this).
2. Recommend listening to the audio version.
3. Her themes often lean toward having fun and being brave. I feel like this book was a more vulnerable combination of the two with emphasis on that the enemy came to steal, kill, and destroy, but with Jesus we have life to the full (John 10:10) and ask, seek, knock (Matthew 7:7).

[Katelyn Brunson · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book immensely.Annie F Downs voice comes through clearly on the page it is like she is your wise friend sitting across from you walking through life with you. I love this book and it pushes me at the same time. I am looking forward to her next book. This book is like listening to an extended podcast episode of hers.

[Kristin · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

This might be my favorite book by Annie F Downs. It is a great mix of personal stories and anecdotes, along with practical reflection questions and frameworks to help you evaluate areas where you may be personally stuck. This is great for anyone who feels like they aren’t reaching their full personal,professional or relational goals. The chapters are short so it’s easy to pick up for a quick chapter. Highly recommend!