Written by The Influence Network co-founders, Jess Connolly and Hayley Morgan, Wild and Free is a hope-filled anthem for the woman who feels she is both too much and never enough. That description resonates with my heart so well, and I know it resonates with many others. As I dove into my advanced copy of the book, I saw quickly that these pages are a reminder – of our identity, our purpose, our ability to live free and run wild in Jesus’ name. My heart was both encouraged and challenged by these pages of words of gospel truth, and I quickly began to mark up the pages with my own little scribbles of what was resonating with my heart and truth I need to keep close.

At first, I wasn’t sure how the book would read with Jess and Hayley alternating chapters; but as I read it, I realized that’s the best possible way this book could have been written. Jess and Hayley each offer their unique perspectives and personalities while sharing the same gospel truth to create the whole picture of what wild and free living looks like. I found myself having the most “me, too” moments while reading Hayley’s chapters, while Jess’ words stirred up a lot of excitement and courage in me. The conversational writing styles of both women made this book easy to read. It’s such a beautiful collaborative work!

Wherever you are, however mundane or broken or idyllic your life is– whatever path you find yourself on — the wild and free life is waiting for you. It’s been purchased on the cross, and the kingdom of God is waiting, heaving, groaning– ready for you to take your place. And it’s never too late to say yes. The story isn’t over. It’s just getting started. -Jess Connolly, p. 37

God is freedom. He freely gives to all of us. He gives of Himself most of all, and that is the prize. -Hayley Morgan, p. 91

As I read Wild and Free, I prayed bold prayers as I soaked in gentle yet challenging truths. My heart is lit up in passionate readiness to move with God. Freedom feels near and I lift my hands, ready to run wild in my day-to-day life. This is a book I see myself revisiting with other women. It’s a perfect book to read in a group, whether that be of friends, a church group, or neighbors.

Tears filled my eyes as I read the last lines of the book. I feel like Jess and Hayley have taken my hand and led me on the freedom trail from start to finish. But the truly beautiful thing is that as I went, I almost forgot they were even there – I was talking to my Father and processing with Him. To me, that’s the mark of a good read. 🙂

If Christ is in you, you have access to wild and free living right now. You’re as holy as you’ll ever be, as wild as you’ll ever be, as free as you’ll ever be, and as loved by God as you’ll ever be. -Jess Connolly, p. 130

Wild and Free releases on May 3, 2016 and is available now for pre-order on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Lifeway. See the Wild and Free website for details on pre-order goodies like the first six chapters of the book for immediate download, art prints by Jess and Hayley, and teaching videos to watch in your reading group!

I received this book for free from Zondervan as part of the Wild and Free Launch Team. I was not required to write a review, and all opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own.