If my book were a human, it would have been in school since September! Mind you, if it was an octopus, it would probably have died by now, so maybe it’s a good thing it’s a book!
Yes, 1 November 2025 will be the fifth birthday of If Only, my book about finding joyful contentment in the face of lack and longing.
In honour of this special occasion, and in recognition of all the new people I’ve connected with since 2020, I’ve got five copies of the book to give away!
I’m beyond thrilled with how the book has been received, and that it continues to sell, slowly but surely, all around the world.
And what wonderful, kind, generous readers I have – so many of them have hunted me out through this website or on Facebook to thank me for the book and tell me it has helped and encouraged (and challenged!) them. I’ve had messages from as far apart (physically and culturally) as the Philippines and Texas! One great recent story came from here in the UK, though.
I got a message from a lady in London. She had been reading my book and finding it challenging but helpful. That weekend she mentioned the book to Ben Virgo, from Christian Heritage. He pointed her to the podcast interview he did with me in 2021. She listened to it later that day, on her way to have coffee with a friend.
She told her friend what she had been listening to and reading, and the friend said, “You’ll never guess who the speaker was at our women’s brunch this morning!” You’ve guessed it, it was me, speaking on the theme of contentment, drawing from my book.*
What a wonderful example of God at work in this young woman’s life! And what an honour that he chose to use my book as the catalyst.
Apparently, the book is selling well enough that The Good Book Company are printing a second edition, which is likely to start hitting bookshelves next year, whenever the originals sell out.
To say I am honoured is such an understatement. I’m floored! Blown away! Wow.
Enter to win a copy
If you would like the chance to win a copy of If Only, simply leave a comment below telling me whether you want it for yourself, a friend, or maybe to put in your church library or suggest it to your book club, or… whatever your plans are!
I’ll draw 5 entries at random on Monday, 3 November, and will contact the winners via the email they use to leave a comment.
You can get a bonus entry to the draw by signing up to my book news mailing list. Don’t worry, you won’t get loads of emails. I don’t write very often, only when I’ve got some news related to books I’ve written, which so far is only this one! You will be among the first to hear if I ever write another, though.
Thank you to everyone who has bought and/or read a copy already. I appreciate you so much!
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* NOTE: I’m available to speak at women’s events, book groups, seminars and more, not only on contentment, but on various faith-related topics, and teaching Bible study skills (which I love to do). Get in touch to learn more.
on Oct 24th at 7:28 am
I would love a copy of your book. I’ve been struggling with depression after cancer treatment. I take inspiration from the Apostle Paul who suffered so much but was able to find contentment in all things. It’s challenging being single too and it was lovely to read your heart warming story of getting married.
on Oct 24th at 10:14 am
Thank you so much for sharing that. Yes, I took a lot of inspiration from Paul, too. The book draws on Philippians to find some of Paul’s lessons.
on Oct 24th at 8:31 am
I loved and still love your book as I go back to it again and again to remind myself of the great truths in it. Would love a copy to give to a friend.
on Oct 24th at 10:14 am
Thank you, Anne! You’re in the draw.
on Oct 24th at 11:04 am
Hi Jennie i’m so proud to be hour friend! Such an amzing talent!😘
on Oct 24th at 7:45 pm
That’s so kind. Thank you, Pinky. I’m happy to be your friend, too.
on Oct 24th at 12:49 pm
So proud of you I’d live a copy just for me. I’m still longing, well somedays are better than others. Love from Your old study programme writer
on Oct 24th at 7:45 pm
Thank you, Janice. Hope you win one.
on Oct 24th at 1:09 pm
Hi Jenny,
Goodness – it’s five years! Seems like yesterday – but you really have had an amazing and successful time since then. Congratulations!
on Oct 24th at 7:44 pm
Thank you, John. Yes, time is slipping by faster and faster these days. And yes, what an amazing 5 years it has been! God is good. 🙂
on Oct 24th at 4:52 pm
Happy 5th birthday and congratulations! Sending love from the Pacific Northwest! 🙂
on Oct 24th at 7:42 pm
Thank you Jon, sending our love back to you!
on Oct 24th at 6:10 pm
Oh wow Jennie, you’re a woman of so many talents! I’d love to read the book if I get the chance to. ( If I don’t win one, I’ll buy one 😊) You will inspire me to get something written that I’ve been planning for a long time but not started!
on Oct 24th at 7:42 pm
Thank you, Clare!
on Oct 24th at 10:56 pm
This is a much-needed book and one I wish I’d come across in my single days in my 20s/30s….it made me feel less alone and more heard reading it….and drew me to soften towards God’s unfathomable will in my life….I recommend it to many of the singles in the group I run. Thank you for allowing God to use your hard times for the blessing of others. I would love a copy for our church library!
on Oct 25th at 9:01 am
Thank you so much, Verity. What a lovely review!
on Oct 28th at 6:56 pm
Hi Jennie, I’m going to put my name down too, only because it gives me a chance to say that I remembered the other day how you were the first person I remember on the day I came to CU at school as a brand new year 9! I seem to remember we all sat round describing each other as kinds of food!! I think as an ice breaker and not the lesson for the day….
I’d love to read your book so I can say “I knew her before she was famous!” Xx
on Oct 28th at 7:22 pm
Aww, how lovely! What a fun memory. So, if I were a food, which would I be? (The usual answer is Victoria Sponge cake!)