Winner of the Christlit Book Award 2026 in the “Understanding the Faith” category, Choosing True Life: 30 Foundational Choices for a Life Transformed is a Christian discipleship book helping new and growing believers move from simply knowing about Jesus to experiencing a transformed life with Him.
And now, it is also a Finalist for the Kingdom Book Awards! If this book has changed or challenged you, or if you stand behind its mission to disciple Christians around the globe, will you please take a moment and share your vote and story here?
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Choosing True Lifeย is now available on theย Hope*Books website, as well as onย Amazon,ย Barnes & Noble, andย Walmart.
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On This Page
About the Book
Choosing True Lifeย is a Scripture-rooted discipleship guide designed as an introductory framework for a life centered on faith. Each chapter functions as a step along the daily journey with Jesus through Scripture, reflection, and prayer. Using the imagery of Jesusโ first miracleโturning water into wineโHolly encourages readers to discover how God transforms the ordinary and routine into a life filled with purpose, joy, and spiritual freedom. This book gently instructs believers on how to cultivate a living relationship with their Champion, Jesus Christ, through surrender and obedience.
Who This Book Is For
- New Christians
- Growing believers feeling stuck
- Small groups
- Churches
- Mentors/disciplers
- Womenโs ministries
Inside the Book
โ The Water-to-Wine Transformational Theme
Many years ago before I wrote the book, I was mesmerized by a line in a Chris Tomlin song that opened with “Water You turned into wine opened the eyes of the blind, there’s no one like You, none like You.” And the Holy Spirit spoke to my spirit and basically told me this:
Water is ‘essential’ to all life. It’s the foundation, the basis of all things that live and grow. But if you were to serve water at a wedding in Jewish culture, you would be humiliated. Besides, water is kind of boring–no color, no flavor, no kick!–especially if it’s the only thing you ever drink. Wine, however, has a grand ‘celebratory’ purpose. Wine is an extraordinary example of a transformed person who has chosen every day to follow True Life.
For the full explanation, check out Choice #3 on page 30.
โ The 30 choices in 4 parts
PART I: Choosing True Life is about a Who, Not a What
Chapter 1. JESUS
Chapter 2. LORD
Chapter 3. OBEY
PART II: Choosing True Life Happens From the Inside Out
Chapter 4. WORDS
Chapter 5. HOLY SPIRIT
Chapter 6. IDENTITY
PART III: Choosing True Life Brings Hope & Healing
Chapter 7. SATAN
Chapter 8. HOPE
Chapter 9. HEALING
PART IV: Choosing True Life Inspires Connection & Vision
Chapter 10. COMMUNITY
Chapter 11. TRUST
โ Important Themes:
- Transformation
- Surrender
- Obedience
- Trust
- Identity
Reviews
Don’t Just Read This, Engage with it – Reviewed on July 9, 2026
I am still digesting this book. This foundational book is meant for earlier believers, but it is also great for those more advanced in their walk. There are always new nuggets of truth to be found to help with the journey to becoming transformed. Her honest sharing of her own journey allows us to see another way at looking at each of these choices. Then there is a bit of work to do with each part that is beneficial to do.
Whether you are new or a long-time follower of Jesus, this book will help you properly shore up your foundation and verify where you may have a few cracks to fix or a section you never thought of. – Althea Damgaard
The Choices that make a difference – Reviewed on Jun 10, 2026
In โChoosing True Lifeโ Holly J. Compton writes about choices we can choose everyday to follow Jesus as one of His sheep. What I love abojt the book honestly, is the larger sized print so it doesnโt seem overwhelming to read and the way the choices are broken down makes them actionable. They are not difficult but they every one of them will bring you closer to Christ Jesus. If you know anyone that is struggling with their faith right now or someone that wants a deeper relationship with Jesus but just doesnโt know where to start point them to this book. – Melissa Winters
A Clear and Relatable Guide to Living the Life God Desires – Reviewed on June 2, 2026
Thirty foundational choices invite you to look inward, moving from simply going through the motions to intentionally choosing the true life offered by our Savior, Jesus Christ. Holly J. Compton walks alongside the reader, sharing Scripture, personal stories, and lived experience in a way that is both clear and relatable. She reminds us that surrender and obedience are the keys that open the door to the abundant life God desires for us. When our will aligns with His, we discover what it truly means to live. – Maria Morgan
Endorsements
Choosing True Life is Hollyโs honest and engaging spiritual journal of what it looks like to find, follow, and flourish in life with Christ, in both the good and challenging times. But itโs so much more than telling her story; she reveals the truths from the Scripture she learned that helped her and you, the reader, today, be transformed by the Spirit into a new person who makes a kingdom difference in their world. These truths are not quick fixes, but daily choices, centered on Christ, that give you a life map on the road to kingdom livingโA life-long journey. Choosing True Life will encourage, inspire, and instruct you to a more meaningful life of following Christ.
Dr. Steve Norris
Director of Discipleship at
Grace School of Theology, Adjunct Professor
Retired Pastor of Discipleship and Spiritual Formation
DMin, Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary
This book is simply needed and wonderful! In Choosing True Life, Hollyโs enthusiasm for Godโs kind and loving nature shines through, alongside her genuine care for those who have made a decision to follow Jesus. Perfect for new followers of Jesus, but even as a seasoned Christian, one who has loved and followed Jesus for decades, I came away from reading it with my soul refreshed and my hope renewed.
Deb Gruelle, speaker, best-selling & multi-awardwinning
author, and grateful follower of Jesus
Choosing True Life is a refreshing and deeply meaningful guide for anyone longing to move beyond the motions of everyday life and into a fuller walk with Jesus. Holly Compton gently leads readers through thirty choices that anchor the heart in Scripture and invite real transformation. Her use of Jesusโ first miracle beautifully illustrates how God takes our ordinary and turns it into something rich and purposeful. What I love most about this book is its blend of honesty, hope, and practical spiritual steps. Holly speaks to real strugglesโdiscouragement, healing, identityโand points us back to the only One who can truly change us. This isnโt self-help; itโs an invitation to depend on the Savior who restores and renews. I wholeheartedly recommend Choosing True Life to anyone seeking a deeper, more vibrant relationship with Christ.
Tecia Janes
Founder & Director of Choosing Him Ministries
In the pages of this book, Holly invites us into a more intentional way of following Jesusโone daily choice at a time. Her insights are grounded, practical, and full of hope. Her writing is so relatable, and her vibrant personality shines through every word. Womenโs groups, discipleship groups, and individuals seeking to daily encounter Jesus, as well as experience spiritual growth, will find this book to be a meaningful and encouraging resource.
Alison Lusted
Co-Founder of CrossPoint Ministries and Certified Trauma
Resolution Therapist
Resources
โ In the Works: CTL Leader’s Guide, CTL Workbook, CTL Devotional Series, Spanish Translation, Audio Book
โ Choosing True Life Official Spotify Playlist
FAQ
โ Why is there a wine glass on the book cover?
CTL is all about transformation. In this case, Holly is talking about the miracle that Jesus performed at a wedding reception, where He turned water into wine–not just any wine, but THE Best wine that the attendees had ever had. Basically, water–essential to all life but no color, no flavor, no kick!–transformed into wine–a grand celebratory, vibrant drink. For the rest of the story, check out Choice #3 on page 30.
โ Is Choosing True Life a devotional?
CTL is not purposely designed to be a 30-devotional. The material is very dense and should not be read, pondered, and/or discussed in a single day’s time. Each Choice is meant to be considered deeply and then made intentionally, but not just for a single day. Each Choice builds on the next to allow believers a complete understanding and experience of the Christian faith.
โ Is this book good for new Christians?
CTL is a down-to-earth conversation between the author and a new believer, or even someone who is on the fence about faith. Holly starts from the beginning about who God is, who Jesus is, and who the Holy Spirit is, and why someone would want to believe in them. So this book is perfect for a seeker who doesn’t know the Christian lingo and just wants to know what’s in it for them.
โ Can churches use this book? / Is there a Bible study version?
Yes, of course! Holly is working on creating both a Leader’s Guide and a separate Workbook that will be set up as a 12-week Bible study for anyone who is seeking a firm foundation of faith where they have the opportunity to ask questions, seek God for answers, and make the choices that they feel are right. Stay tuned for them in 2027.
Holly J. Compton 