Dear Daughters: Love Letters to the Next Generation

by Susie Davis

Dear Daughters is a love letter from one generation to the next. It is a bridge between two groups of women—dear daughters and spiritual mamas. It is a guide to friendship. A dear daughter is a young woman in need of spiritual guidance, and a spiritual mama is someone just a little further down the road who can pass along wisdom. Whichever role you identify with, the hope is that you will invite someone to come alongside you, pore over the letters together and share what is speaking to you right now, wherever you are in your God story.

Genres: Nonfiction

161 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 16, 2019

About the author

Susie Davis is an author, speaker and co-founder of Austin Christian Fellowship. She is married to her high school sweetheart, Will Davis, Jr., and they have 3 delightful young adult children (Will III, Emily, and Sara) who are all married and living their one beautiful life.

Susie’s podcast, Dear Daughters, is full of wisdom and joy, offering women young and old the kind of comfort and companionship they crave.

Aside from family and ministry, Susie is hopelessly addicted to horseback riding, McDonald’s coffee and pink geraniums. She loves bird watching, creek walking and connecting the dots between God and nature. Her favorites include cooking, gathering people at her big French farm table and asking deep questions.

Reviews

[bekkah corkey · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s truly like sitting down for coffee with a dear friend. Through this book, Susie will encourage you, speak Truth to you, and walk alongside you in any season.

[Whitney Shortt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cannot say enough good things about this book. Got it on a Friday after work and sat down and read the whole thing. I could not put it down. Susie's letters in the book are so timely, gentle, and beautifully written. I felt like I was sitting across her kitchen island from her while she cooked or did dishes and we chatted. This is a book that I will return to time and time again. 18 or 80 this book is for you!

[Ruth Tacoma · Rating 5 out of 5]

We all want clarity. Often we are so close to situations in our lives that we just can’t seem to get perspective. In “Dear Daughters”, author Susie Davis brings such thoughtful wisdom and encouragement, along with a gentle nudge to consider a different perspective.

Susie has this amazing way of inviting you in to her heart and life through the simple interaction of conversation. This book is an extension of those one-on-one conversations that she has with those in her life. It is a gift that shares, it teaches, it’s filled to the brim with all those things that make you want to sit just a little longer over coffee and soak up all her wisdom.

I would recommend this to women of all ages who are looking for clarity of their life’s purpose, who may be going through transition (new bride, new mom, graduation, changing jobs, divorce, empty nest, etc.), or who simply want to discover more about who they are. Susie will ask the questions that will help you uncover the answers that your heart is seeking.

[Vendelina Romero · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book speaks to the questions women everywhere are asking themselves. When I say speaks to, I mean it. Like a mentor speaks to a mentee or beloved auntie tells you the truth gently over a hot cup of coffee and melt in your mouth scone. She says the things you thought maybe were true, but couldn’t quite articulate. She ends each chapter asking you to reflect, leaving you thinking like most good conversations end. A beautiful part of this book, is the lined pages at the ends of the chapters to capture the thoughts and feelings you have bumping around in your brain after reading/ meeting with Susie and have to jot down lest they bump themselves right out.
If they do, don’t worry, you don’t have to remember the conversation. It’s right there in print, read it again and see what God is telling you sister, friend, and dear daughter.

[Rachel Moss · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Dear Daughters: Love Letters to the Next Generation, Susie Davis shares practical, spiritual wisdom for young women in the church and shares some personal stories from women that she has been a Spiritual Mama to. Younger women need Spiritual Mama’s to help with each navigate through every season and every life change that happens, and Dear Daughters book is a great first step.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Kaitlin Garrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s hard to come across books that don’t feel like books, but rather conversations. THIS IS THAT BOOK. Dear Daughters feels like a conversation from one experienced woman to another who is just finding her way. As someone in their mid twenties, this book has been a breath of fresh air and I wish I had these words years ago. Such an amazing read for ANY season of life!! I would highly recommend it for a college grad in your life!

[Diana Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely love this book! Dear Daughters is like having a heart-to-heart with Susie as she pours out so much encouragement on loving God and living for Him everyday. The chapters on Life’s Purpose, Your Relationship With Your Father, and Living Wholeheartedly were a few of my favorites. I’d definitely recommend this book to women looking for wisdom from a spiritual mama a few steps ahead, and would also suggest to read it with friends! The journaling sections and the florals all over are so beautiful and can be enjoyed together. I know I’m so grateful for the inspiring message of Dear Daughters.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has touched my heart in so many ways--Susie Davis made me feel like I was sitting next to her on the porch, drinking sweet tea and talking about all the important pieces of life that we so desperately want the answers for. Her words are direct but gentle and a constant reminder of God's beautiful and unconditional love for us.

I've never had a spiritual Mama but I have no doubt that I will be turning to this book throughout my life for guidance and later, handing it off to a spiritual daughter in my life to experience the same thing.

[Jen Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dear daughters is a little book with a big punch. It is filled with simple truths and godly wisdom. It’s like you’re sitting on a big comfy couch next to Susie Davis while she is pouring her heart out to you, mentoring you, loving you. In a genuinely loving way, her words in this book will make you think and evaluate things in your life. No matter what your age or place in this journey of life, whether you feel more like a dear daughter or a spiritual mama, this book is for you.

[Mary Gallagher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe you're like me and you never had a spiritual momma. I share your disappointment but within the pages of this book you'll find all the spiritual mentoring you need.

Susie Davis' words are as beautiful as the cover of Dear Daughters depicts and fall gently into your soul with ease. You'll finish each chapter with a contented sigh and a warm sensation in your heart. It's the book I wished I'd had 20 years ago but the book I think I still need!

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that this book has “bite sized” wisdom. It’s both deep and simple - which is exactly what this stay at home mom of four needs. Susie writes from life experience and don’t we all long to learn and grow from others stories? Her heartbeat is to love God and love others and that’s exactly what this book does.

[Claire Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful book. Easy to read but so important. Chapter 2: On Life’s Purpose spoke right to me. Getting ready to graduate college and not getting the job I wanted just last week, reading about being a portable sanctuary was just the reminder I needed that it’s not about what we do but who we are. So thankful for this book and will be recommending it to all of my friends.

[Joy Schneck · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful little book is full of powerful messages to women of all ages who are seeking to serve Jesus in all they do. It might not be a long book but that’s because Susie gets right to the point with grace and truth. There are journaling pages at the end of each chapter and I’m going to use the space to write messages to my own daughter and give her this book someday.

[Jaime Cardinal · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! I love this book so much! And really can't wait to share it with all my favorite people. Susie Davis speaks directly into my heart guiding me as a Dear Daughter and inspiring me to be a Spiritual Mama. Every chapter filled with guidance, encouragement, and wisdom. Dear Daughters found me while I'm deep in transition, full of mixed emotions looking for a clear instructional manual. Susie's spiritual mentoring and meaningful questions are a lovely way to clear my head, calm my anxiety and listen and trust in God.

[Lauren Fleming · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a breath of fresh air. While I read the book I felt as though I was sitting with Susie over a cup of coffee and just talking about life and all it’s wonder. This book is appropriate for any woman seeking a little bit of wisdom, tender direction, and hope. While I wouldn’t consider this book to be “religious” I love and appreciate how Susie continues to point to Jesus all throughout this book. Thankful to have this little gem on my bookshelf.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dear Daughters: Love Letters to the Next Generation by Susie Davis is a beautiful book, both outside and in. It looks and feels like a “gift book”. But the real “gift” is the message inside. As a fan of Susie’s Dear Daughters podcast, I read this book with her voice in my head. I started reading it, thinking that I would gain some insight into how to be a “spiritual momma” to the younger women in my life. And indeed I did. But much of what I read spoke directly to my fifty-something heart and my current season of life. Susie is kind and honest and vulnerable. She admits “I don’t know how to be in this season of my life.” I can relate. I’ve recently early-retired from teaching, my husband and I became empty-nesters as our youngest of four boys headed away to college, my mother-in-law moved nearby into assisted living, and we added grandbaby number three to our family. She put words to my feelings—that transitions are difficult and painful, yet “curiously beautiful”. “Transitions birth transformation. And that’s what God is all about in your life and mine; transforming us more and more into his image through our everyday story.” I smiled, I cried, and I highlighted—a lot! This book is for younger women, older women, and everyone in between—“a love letter about life. A reminder of God’s presence and love and wonder in the middle of our everything.” Highly recommend!

[DeAnna Criss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loving this book so far! So beautiful. So full of simple
Truths. So Susie!

[Andrea Stiller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been in a season where I long to be poured into by an older, wiser woman. Someone who would understand the challenges I’m currently facing with being in new territory as a new mom as well as someone who has walked many spiritual roads ahead of me and can speak gracefully into the areas where I may feel that I’m lacking. Then this book fell into my lap and I have felt seen, know, and loved by a woman who writes words that speak so deeply to my heart. I’m inspired to grow and learn and continue to live gracefully in Gods presence. Susies words will touch you in deep places too, guaranteed. It is perfect for all ages, she’s able to clearly voice the things of Gods heart in a simple way that may also feel profound even if you’ve heard it before. Though I’m still going through this book, I HIGHLY recommend it if you’re in need of a mom who just gets it. Every time I open this book I feel like Susie is right next to me on my couch with a cup of coffee speaking refreshing words to me personally. This book is full of hope!! THANK YOU Susie, you’re amazing.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the same way every woman can either be a mentor or use a mentor, Dear Daughters speaks to every woman’s heart—whether she’s a dear daughter, spiritual mama, or somewhere in between. Susie Davis has filled this beautiful little book with wisdom for all seasons of life, as well as those deep yet gentle questions she’s known for. And she delivers it all with a sweet spirit that makes you feel like you’re sitting right beside her, drinking in all of the joy and discernment she has to share.

Facing a time of uncertainty in my own life right now and desperately wanting to see God in all of it, Dear Daughters showed up at the perfect time, earning an permanent place on my nightstand. I keep revisiting chapters and adding to the list of dear daughters I want to gift with this book!

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever wanted to sit down with an older woman who is full of wisdom and godly advise? This book is just that.-An older woman speaking into younger women. Susie makes you feel seen and safe in whatever season of life you are in. The chapters include worry, expectations, life purpose, etc. At the end of each chapter there is space to journal thoughts from the chapter or questions that come to mind. Loved this book! No matter your age this book is for you.

[Nicole Greaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently became a mom of a beautiful little girl and the thought of raising her in this crazy world is nerve racking. This book could not have come at a better time in my life. It’s full of love, truth, joy, laughter and Godly wisdom. I can’t put it down and I look forward to the conversations that I will have with not only my own daughter, but other dear daughters in need of a spiritual mama. Susie Davis has blessed me with her heartfelt and thought provoking words. This is one I will read over and over and over again!

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am reading this book now and I already don't want it to end. The encouragement and gentle instruction that Susie brings in this book is soothing to my soul. I have not met her, but in just a few chapters she feels like a friend.

There have been parts of the book I have read from the perspective of a dear daughter who craves wisdom and other parts I have read as a spiritual mama who pours into those a few steps behind me.

Do not get this one at the library, you will want your own copy to star, underline and fill with hearts and notes in the margin like a journal.

[Tammy Wong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! Such heartfelt and lovely writing. Perfect companion for a new friendship or mentor/ mentee relationship. Susie writes with such openness and honesty. Makes you want to go out and find someone to walk along side. Can’t wait to gift this to some special people in my life.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you ever want to sit with a kind mentor, who care about you and has some gentle truth for you, this is the book for you. Susie Davis' care and love felt like it came off the page, and sat beside me and held my hand as I read. With chapters on loving your body, feeling small, life transitions, just to name a few, each chapter made me feel safe and seen in the current state of my life.
Plus, this book is just beautiful! The cloth cover, and the pages that have gorgeous floral illustrations matched the gentle, kind tone of the book. Each chapter ends with space to jot some reflections or answer questions that Susie's words might have raised for your own heart as you read. I've loved savoring each chapter, with a steaming mug and a few quiet moments to breathe deeply and hear some truth from someone who is rooting for me.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

My book came today. I am on a road trip and read the whole thing already. All I can say is wow. I feel like I’ve been on a really long and meaningful lunch date at Susie’s home. Every chapter made me think of who I need to share the book with. I didn’t know I needed this so much right now, but God did. Now I’m able to enjoy my trip with renewed peace and purpose. ❤️ I really feel like a dear daughter. Coming up on the 10 year anniversary of my father’s suicide, and the end of the school year as my students (my kids who I love so much) transition to jr high, and as my own girls grow, I needed this so much.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before I'd even finished the book, I'd already ordered two more copies to give away as gifts – that's how excited I was about Susie's wisdom and encouragement she imparts to the next generation of women. Regardless of our relationships with our own mothers and fathers, every "dear daughter" needs mother figures in their life to pass along advice on things like purpose, work, motherhood, body image, priorities, faith... and I'm so happy that Susie's words are available for young women everywhere to read. As a young mom in my early 30s who works full-time outside of the home, I found myself taking deep sighs of relief as I read, remembering that I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be, and the work I do (however mundane or exciting, depending on the day) is seen and applauded by the God who made me. Thank you, Susie, for sharing your heart with all of us! I know this book is one I'll re-read again!

[Ashley Litwiller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am proof that growing up surrounded by spiritual mamas is so critical to a life-long Faith. When young women see other young and older women in their daily lives living out their faith, it is encouraging and enlightening to how we continue to move forward. Susie’s words about this topic is such a joy and gift to anyone who is looking for a spiritual mama or growing as a spiritual mama. Susie explains that if you are a daughter of God, then you are a spiritual mama to those around you and guides us on how our words can help shape but not tell others what to do. As a youth pastor, this is encouraging to me but I’m also gifting it to my senior girls who are graduating to help them transition into college life!
Get this! You will not be disappointed!!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you ever wished for a mentor? Maybe not one in the career sense, but someone who could help you grow as a Christian and as a person? I have been blessed to have one or two in my life. Or maybe you’ve wished for a “mentee” — someone who you could help as they go through life stages you already have weathered.


Dear Daughters: Love Letters to the Next Generation is a book by Susie Davis. I don’t know Susie, but after reading this book, I feel like I do. She sounds like the sweetest, loveliest person. I knew I’d enjoy this book after reading the foreword, written by a young lady who Susie has mentored. Susie came across as such an encouraging, positive, caring person. I really wished I could know her in real life!

This book is the next-best thing. Although I kept wishing Susie was around to mentor me, I realized that we’re probably almost the same age. She has struggled, as I have, with her kids growing up and leaving the nest: If all you ever wanted was to be a mother, it is hard to see it come to an end … This was one of the biggest and most difficult transitions I had been through because I loved mothering and I loved my people. My family is my heart, so having them leave and create new lives apart from me was hard.

Susie realized that we women never need to have an empty nest, though. She took on “dear daughters” who came into her life and needed a spiritual mom, taking them out to lunch and meeting their needs as she could.

This book is another way of reaching out to “dear daughters,” as Susie addresses various issues that she has seen appear frequently in the women she knows: worry. Life purpose. Expectations. Transitions. I would call it “comfort reading.”

The book itself is also beautiful. It’s small, with a wonderfully-textured cover, a ribbon bookmark, and plant drawings and journaling pages scattered throughout. I enjoyed
Dear Daughters: Love Letters to the Next Generation, and feel that almost any woman would as well.

[Alexis · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book "Dear Daughters" by Susie Davis is a sweet read written from the heart of a mother who loves to encourage her children.

Affectionately known as "Mama Suz" by the friends of her real-life daughters, Susie takes her mission of encouraging the hearts of young women seriously.

Her book is filled with kind words of wisdom to help guide the younger generations through the obstacle course of life. She writes in a warm tone and doesn't shy away from wearing her heart on her sleeve. The author's transparency and heart for women shines through every page of this book.

She writes with a desire to help her readers figure out everything from what they should do with their life to how they can trust that God is in control and seek Him even when they feel alone and confused. The author proves that her readers can trust God's plan for their life and encourages them to find peace and contentment in their journey.

This book is a wonderful, inspirational work of nonfiction that will help and encourage the hearts of young women everywhere!

*I (Alexis A. Goring) received a complimentary copy of "Dear Daughters" from Audra Jennings PR. My opinions in this honest review are my own.

[Joy Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dear Daughters: Letters to the Next Generation is a beautifully written book of encouragement. Susie Davis uses her own life experiences and surroundings to artfully illustrate how to navigate “your one beautiful life.” Focusing on soul care, she encourages you to view yourself as the dear daughter you are as well as embrace that you are both one to be mentored as well as mentor to others. I highly recommend the contents of this book and think you will enjoy the sequence of the chapters along with the physical design of the book. #deardaughtersbook #review #amreading