Awake

Jen Hatmaker is a bestselling author, speaker, and podcaster known for her honest, funny, big-sister voice on faith, family, and social justice. A mom of five and longtime church leader, she drew a wide audience with practical, humorous books about everyday small town life and Christianity, then (and not to everyone’s liking) evolved into an outspoken advocate for empathy and inclusion. In 2020, after twenty-six years of marriage, her husband, Brandon, confessed to an ongoing affair. With a house full of kids and responsibility, she was understandably overwhelmed at the idea of him leaving, but there was no scenario in which he could remain. Jen understood in that moment things would never be the same again. Married since age 19, Jen didn’t know how to be alone; many of the daily household duties they’d shared would now fall on her shoulders. As if that were not enough — along with the humiliation and shame of a failed marriage—Jen wrongly assumed she could rely on her church community. When her personal life turned into nasty online commentary, Jen felt adrift—leaning on nearby family and a few incredible friends. After this very public divorce, she writes openly about rebuilding and reimagining her home, identity, and belief system—with warmth, wit, and straight talk that keep readers and listeners coming back for more. ⭐⭐⭐⭐