This book has been a long, beautiful journey and it is so exciting to finally share the title and cover with you!
I have so many things to tell you about this book … let’s break it up into a few sections.
what’s the book about?
About six years ago, God began to gently wake me up to the ways I was trapped in trying to find my identity in places that would never satisfy. When I looked around at my life, it was full of wonderful things and still, I had this sinking feeling of dissatisfaction.
Is this it? Is this all there is? Because if so, why do I still feel so unsure and anxious and like it’s all up to me to prove my worth but I can never quite get there?
Living like this is exhausting. It’s a life of worry and self-reliance and looking to a very fickle world to tell us who we are and determine if we are enough.
Thankfully, Jesus offers an invitation to a better way to live.
“Come to me,” he says. “I will give you rest.“
He whispered these words to me at the height of my brokenness and after a five-year journey of deep spiritual transformation, I finally experienced what he was offering all along.
This is the story of how God’s grace moved me to this place of accepting his invitation to a life of quiet confidence. I hope my continuing journey will inspire and equip you to find you own unique identity in Christ.
the title
We went round and round searching for the perfect title for the book until finally realizing it was right in front of us: Freely and Lightly.
It is both the hope and the promise.
The phrase is pulled from the Message translation of Matthew 11:28-30, which is the structure for the book and, more importantly, the process of spiritual formation Jesus invites us to.
Burdened and heavy is no way to live. I needed free and light. Perhaps you do too.
the cover design
They say you’re not supposed to choose a book by its cover, but I do pretty much every single time. Covers are important.
I was so excited for this step in the book-making process. I have watched so many authors reveal covers and thoroughly enjoy seeing what creativity comes out in representing the message of the book through design.
The first round of cover designs came back this summer and it was very exciting. The initial designs were pretty, but not quite right. So my publisher asked if I would come up with another version of the cover.
Here were all of the options:
As you can see, coming up with just one option was impossible 🙂
When it finally came down to it, we decided black and white stripes on the spine just felt right and very classic Emily. I love that it wraps all the way around so when you place it on a shelf, you’ll still see the cute watercolor stripes!
I initially wanted the title to be in text, but my very wonderful publisher pushed for my handwriting and I’m glad she did. Inside the book are handwritten labels on all of the illustrations and Scripture verses so it makes perfect sense to give a peek at what you’ll find inside on the cover.
As for the artwork, simple felt better. I wish I had a love for bold and colorful, but when it really comes down to it, I love neutral and simple. The book is filled with illustrations in my imperfect watercolor style and picking just one piece for the cover was hard!
We all decided that this little potted plant was the right choice. The new growth of the sweet pea start feels fresh and hopeful, exactly what I hope the message of the book will be. Also, fun fact, this little plant was a gift from my mother-in-law’s garden and I love that little nod to family.
I can’t wait until this book makes it into your hands. How I hope that with each turn of the page the words and art will be a deep breath, a gentle wakeup, and a delightful reminder that you are loved and God is good.
The official release day is March 2, 2021.
You can preorder today (with special preorder bonus goodies to come!).
If you are not already subscribed to my weekly newsletter, I invite you to join! This is the best place for getting updates on all things Freely and Lightly related.
Thank you, my friends, for your encouragement and excitement over this project. You are the absolute best.
I’d love to answer any questions you have about the book or the process or anything else you’d like to chat about! Please leave a comment below and I’ll respond back.
It is just beautiful! The final design is my favorite out of all the options. I love how your handwriting looks free and light, just like the title. I am so looking forward to reading this! Congratulations!
Thank you so much!
I love the cover you chose. The simplicity but elegance is perfect.
Sweet peas are my absolute favorite annual flower. I can smell them just thinking about their delicate petals.
I wish you all the best & can’t wait for your book to be available for purchase.
I agree! They smell like the sweetest summertime.
I love everything about the cover. Your handwriting, your art, your inspiration. Thank you Emily.
Those stripes will be in my home soon!! *I wish soonER!!!*
Me too! 🙂
The Freely and Lightly title in your handwriting is free and light so for perfectly!
I’m ordering several for children and grandchildren as well as one for myself.
I’m so pleased for you! It’s gorgeous, and most importantly, genuine. I love your drawings.
Thank you so much!
About 6 years ago is when I printed out “serve one another in love” after seeing it framed in a friend’s home. Since then you have been my go-to for what to read, what to wear, how to decorate, plants…you name it-just about everything. It has been wonderful to see you fall more and more in love with Jesus. I am so happy for your book! Thank you from all the way over in Pennsylvania 🙂
Just preordered! I cannot wait to read the wonderful message of this beautiful book!
Dear Emily,
What an exciting time for you!! God is so faithful to walk with us on our journey of transformation. He is so good!
I am really looking forward to your book! I’d like to preorder from my local bookstore if that’s possible…is that going to be an option?! Or is amazon the only one we can preorder from?!
Thank you for listening to God’s call and sharing your heart so others can learn and grow!
Take care,
Kareena
I will get all of the preorder info in the next week or so!
It’s beautiful. Love the simplicity. Looking forward to getting your book. Congratulations!
Thank you so much!
It is perfect coming from you!! My first thought was the handwriting reflected the title, as someone else said. So excited to hear about how to preorder! Congratulations!!
Reading this post brings me such peace as I’m looking forward to reading and learning more from your journey. I’m so glad you’re sharing it. I’m sure you know so many if your traders feel you are a kindred spirit so it’s encouraging and hopeful to have you as a guide.
I also would like to pre-order from my local independent booksellers so I will wait for pre-order information!
Lastly, I’m tickled about the spine of the book as that will look so pretty on my shelf!
Oops! That should say “so many of your readers” 🙂
Congratulations on your beautiful book. I can’t imagine how wonderful that must feel for you! You are a wonderful person and deserve wonderful things. I can’t wait to read it.
I absolutely love the book cover! And I’m so proud of you for taking your time in choosing the design, the lettering and artwork ( you are a gifted artist!) and for paying attention to what the Holy Spirit was saying to you in writing the book. Really looking forward to buying copies for myself , friends and family.
Emily,
Sharing your journey will bring others enlightenment and peace. Looking forward to reading your beautiful book!
I look forward to this! Your words reflect my season
Congratulations, Emily! I am so happy for you and excited about this beautiful book! I’ve been a reader for years and what a JOY to see this dream come to life! Cheering for you and preordering as we speak (type…you get the idea)!
I get the idea 🙂 Thank you. It really is the strangest thing to know that an actual book will be going out soon!
I love hearing the process as it would be so hard to just pick one cover! But keeping to the whole meaning it makes sense. I feel like I am in the middle of this journey that the book is about, and those verses get me every time. I think I am going to write them as a prayer right now…. thanks for your gift of your words and drawings…
I wish I could hand you the book right now to offer some extra encouragement to your journey. Hang on to those words of Jesus and keep trusting him. He has such good things ahead for you!
So excited- just preordered!
Thank you so much!
I’m with you, sweet and simple – full of hope- it’s a beautiful design and fitting title. Just what we need after 2020! Your watercolors make me 😊. I can’t wait to receive this book, I love your emails and the blog – but this feels more personal (and permanent). God Bless you and your family!
Thank you. I do hope it will be a bright encouragement full of honest truth.
LOVE THE STRIPES!! I’m a stripe girl,too! Bravo Emily, can’t wait to have a copy in my hands. ❤️
So, so EXCITED for you AND for US! I’m pre-ordering today, but the wait is gonna make me crazy! From the moment you told us you were in book creation stage, I have been praying for you and anxiously awaiting the day we could order! Can’t wait to receive and share with friends! I love that you use your talent to honor our God!
Your prayers and support means so much! Thank you!
Yes, Emily, the book cover is classic you! A simple beauty that reflects how you are reflecting our Savior. I love the scripture passage (and version, too!) that has become the basis of your new book. Such deep rich satisfying heart-settling words of hope, promise and peace…makes us want (need) to stop and take a deep breath of Him! ❤️
Oh, and I’m am currently using the black and white striped dish towels you had a few years back. The cover just HAD to have those classic stripes! 😉
Yes to all of this! The stripes just felt like they had to be on the cover 🙂
So excited to be on this book journey with you! Thank you for sharing your life and all God has been showing you with us.
The book cover is so perfectly you, from what I know of you online. It’s beautiful! I pre-ordered, and look forward to March! It seems like a perfect March book.
I’m very excited for you! Such a lovely title, cover, and mostly subject. I wish you every success!
Gorgeous cover! As a designer, I loved seeing what decisions went into it. It’s perfect! I have to say, black and white stripes will forever make me think of you 😊 Can’t wait to get the book!! ♡
I LOVE the cover! It’s YOU! I can not wait to read the book. You described me to a tee and it’s not a good feeling to feel this way.
I’m so happy for you and thankful for your sharing of this transformation. March is too far away. I’m ready to read!
It’s so beautiful! Congratulations already. So exciting!
Ever since you posted about your desire for a “quiet confidence” that comes from God, that resonated deep within me and it is a daily prayer I pray for myself and my children. I just pre ordered my copy!
The cover is perfect! I love the black and white spine, it is definitely your signature style. Cant wait to get my copy! Im so proud of you Emily!
Oh, Emily, so very excited for you. I’ve been following you for several years. So enjoyed traveling with you and the family several summers ago, have watched the transformation of the “new” home. But, more importantly, have watched the transformation of you. May our good God continue to bless you and your family. Best to you and those you hold dear.
Can I order from Australia!? 🇦🇺
I hope so! I’ll check with my publisher on ordering outside of the US.
I got teary eyed seeing this because I too have had that journey of trying to be good enough. god had some serious reckoning to do with me that was oh so hard but honestly the best gift He could have given me. I just so excited for you to be able to share your story and your beautiful artwork! What a gift to us.
OH SO HARD! But the very best kind of hard to work through. xo
Simply Beautiful!
So looking forward to your lovely book!💕
Congrats! I’m so happy for you. I’ve been following you for a long time. In fact, I still have some of the Striped kitchen towels I got from you that resemble the book cover!
Do you know if you will be doing any kind of book tour? Probably hard to plan with the current virus situation. Can’t wait to preorder!
I am not sure about a book tour … it just depends on how things are looking with the pandemic. I do hope to meet people face to face and a book tour is a great way to do it. Stay tuned …
Emily, Congratulations on your book! Just preordered and looking forward to receiving. Thanking you in advance for sharing your journey.
I’ve been following you for about nine years now, and I feel like I’m a few steps behind you, but on the same journey! As an enneagram 9 myself, your thoughtful words often reflect my feelings and experiences so closely. Extremely happy and excited with you! Can’t wait to read your book!
Oh, I can’t wait for you to read the story! I think many of us are in the same spot and I hope the ways the Lord moved me through it will be an encouragement to continue to work through the insecurities to get to true peace. It is so worth it!
Congratulations, Emily! I agree with your words, “ Burdened and heavy is no way to live.” Looking forward to reading the book. The cover is really good.
I tried to pre-order but I am in Canada and it says it won’t ship here, hopefully it will be available through our large chain – Indigo/Chapters. Your handwriting and art work are so perfect for the title, can’t wait to see the inside. Congratulations to you!
I will check with my publisher on preorders in Canada. Thanks for trying! We’ll get it to work somehow 🙂
Congrats to my sweet sister in Christ. As a long time follower, I couldn’t be more excited and happy for you. The cover is so “emily” … as it should be. HUGS!
Emily!! This is such exciting news! I’ve been following you for many years. You had me hooked when you gave the book page wreath tutorial back when Instagram stories didn’t exist and you had to photograph each step. I love your classy style and love for our God!
Those were such good days! Thank you for being such a loyal online friend!
i’m so glad they let you design the cover. it’s so you. i just preordered. i will be cracking it open on texas independence day next year and most likely staying up late into the night reading. congratulations emily. ❥
I thought it would be so fun to have a ‘real’ designer do the book cover, but I guess God had a better idea 🙂 I am very happy with how it turned out.
The cover looks just like you Emily! So very pretty! I cannot wait to read this and hear the details of what God has been doing in your life. You’ve been an inspiration to me for a long time.
Thank you so much!
Emily, I had no doubt your new book would be beautiful but this exceeds anything I could imagine. ‘Free and Lightly’ is an invitation to anyone, no matter where they are on their journey to deepen their understanding of our true heritage. I cannot wait for my copy to arrive! Thank you for speaking truth to us while leading onward in our journey and understanding of the Bible.
What a kind compliment! I very much hope that this book will make it into the hands of people who don’t yet know the love and hope of Jesus!
Congratulations! It is so beautiful. & I agree with everyone else, the stripes are SO you! Your words have always been a source of encouragement & it feels like Christmas getting them written all in one book -Can’t wait to get a copy 💜
Thank you so much!
You picked the perfect cover…and black stripes, of course! So happy for you and excited to read it. I am sure it will be an inspiration to everyone who reads it.
I absolutely love the cover!! It is you! I’m super excited to read about your journey! Thanks for being brave and sharing. I’m so proud of you! Congratulations!!
I love the final cover choice! After following your blog for many years, I feel like this cover completely embodies your style. And the sweet pea watercolor was a perfect selection to reflect hope and new growth! I can’t wait to read your book. Congratulations on this huge milestone!
Emily, All you wrote is so beautiful! I have your sweet scripture cards and to have this lovely book will be something so good to look forward to. Your words are so perfect. I’m too am in this new process of spiritual growth(yes Leslie growth!) you encourage me- don’t give up!
I followed along with your daily art work in 2019. I can’t wait to have this in my hands
Having just watched Ashley Campbell of @underthesycamore unwrap her gift from you I was very intrigued by your book. The tissue matching the endcovers is so cool. I am on a deep spiritual journey right now, seeking the end to my life long depression. I have spent so much time and money seeking help through many avenues. I am really weighing whether your book is what God desires for me to pursue. The fact that the release date is my birthday seems a nod and a nudge to me. So, I’ve made my decision and now cannot wait for March 2nd and your book to arrive!
This is amazing. I hope the story and words are just what you need to feel that peace you so long for. xoxo