How Audible helped me fall back in love with reading as a busy mom, along with the audiobooks that have truly stayed with me.
Plus, my favorite heartfelt book recommendations you can listen to anytime.
When I was a kid, I was always reading.
I loved books.
They were an escape, they were new knowledge, they were all encompassing.
Then life got busy.
Eventually, I truly thought I had lost my love for reading.
It wasn’t because I didn’t want to read anymore, but because life simply became so full.
I became a mom of 3, I have a lot of responsibilities, work, house projects, errands, and trying to keep up with everyday life, so sitting down with a physical book was something I didn’t have time for.
I would buy books with every intention of reading them, only to leave them stacked on my nightstand untouched.
Every time I looked at that stack, I longed to read again.
I longed to get lost in a story.
Reading has always been something that grounded me.
It inspired me, comforted me, challenged me, and helped me feel connected to myself again.
That’s why finding Audible felt like reconnecting with a part of myself I didn’t realize I was missing.
I can absolutely say that listening to audiobooks helped me fall back in love with books!
Obviously, it didn’t give me more time, but it gave me more chances to read or actually listen in the middle of real life.
While folding laundry, driving to appointments, cleaning the kitchen, going for walks, or getting ready in the morning, I suddenly had stories, wisdom, inspiration, and beautiful conversations filling my days again.
I can truly tell you that those little moments started to feel softer and more meaningful.
You can try Audible for free right now!
My Favorite Audible Books for Personal Growth, Healing & Inspiration
These are some of the books that stayed with me long after I finished listening:
The Way of Integrity by Martha Beck
This is truly my favorite. It is a thoughtful and deeply reflective listen about what it means to truly live honestly and in alignment with yourself.
Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
This is one of the most beautiful books I’ve ever experienced. It completely changed the way I look at nature, gratitude, slowing down, and our connection to the world around us.
When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi
Written by a man in his final days, it is heartbreaking, beautiful, and incredibly human. This book makes you reflect on life, purpose, love, and what truly matters.
Educated by Tara Westover
This one sticks with you. It is definitely one of those stories you can’t stop thinking about. Raw, courageous, inspiring, and such a powerful reminder of resilience and self-discovery.
Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown
I love Brené! This book gives language to emotions and experiences I think so many of us quietly carry. It made me feel more compassionate toward myself and others.
When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chödrön
Gentle, grounding, and comforting during difficult seasons. I found myself replaying certain chapters because the words felt so calming and wise.
The Comfort of Crows by Margaret Renkl
This book feels like slowing down and taking a deep breath. So much beauty in noticing ordinary life, changing seasons, and the natural world around us.
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
Cozy, nostalgic, and beautifully narrated. It feels like listening to someone tell stories on a quiet summer evening.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
I listened to this book, then reread it out loud to my son. It is simple and meaningful, about purpose, dreams, and trusting the path you’re on.
The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben
I love trees, and after listening to this, I honestly started looking at forests and trees completely differently.
The Serviceberry by Robin Wall Kimmerer
A beautiful reflection on community, reciprocity, abundance, and living in a more connected and generous way. This book is powerful and deeply grounding.
Honorable Mention
From Here to the Great Unknown by Lisa Marie Presley & Riley Keough
I honestly don’t usually care much for celebrity memoirs, so I wasn’t expecting this one to affect me the way it did.
Oh my goodness, it was absolutely beautiful.
So raw, emotional, heartbreaking, and incredibly human.
Hearing Riley Keough tell her mother’s story with so much vulnerability and tenderness made it feel so personal and real.
This is one of those books I truly think should be listened to on Audible because hearing the emotion in the voices adds so much depth to the story. You can feel the love, grief, and humanity woven through every chapter, and it stayed with me long after I finished it.
Check out my free 100 Book Reading Challenge and download a free printable reading log to help you track your books along the way.
A Gentle Reminder That You Can Still Make Time for Books
One of the things I love most about audiobooks is that they’ve reminded me that caring for yourself doesn’t always have to look big or complicated.
Sometimes it’s simply listening to something beautiful while making dinner.
Or it can be hearing words that encourage you during a hard season.
It’s definitely replacing mindless scrolling with something that actually fills your heart and mind back up again.
Audible has genuinely helped me reconnect with my love for reading in a way that fits naturally into this season of life, and I truly can’t imagine my routines without it now.
If you’ve been feeling like you “don’t have time” to read anymore, I just want to gently remind you that it doesn’t have to look perfect. Even a few minutes here and there can become something meaningful.
And if you’re looking for your next listen, I’ve linked some of my favorite audiobooks and meaningful reads throughout this post and in my Amazon storefront here:
My Favorite Book Recommendations
I’d also love to know, what’s a book that’s stayed with you lately?