From the first page I felt like this book was talking to you. Why did I say you? Because the theme of core lies is universal and it's for me and you. I couldn't put it down and I will revisit it again and again. Ultimately, the book says to recognise the spiritual battle going on inside of you and to shift to destroying those lies. It sounds almost trite and is well walked ground. But this author puts it better than any other I have read other than the secular book 'The mountain is you'. I cried, I worshipped. I feel hope.

Powerful and convicting. Jennie Allen digs deep into the hidden beliefs that shape our behavior and holds them up to God’s truth. It’s one of those books that makes you pause and self-reflect with every chapter. She writes with grace, honesty, and encouragement. Absolutely worth rereading.

Jennie is an expert writer. I've been a fan of her work for years. This latest title was exactly what I needed in my life. I have so many fears, and reading Jennie's words helped me sort through some of them. I was able to let go of patterns and began to see changes. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

This book is ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️! It’s like a weighted blanket for the soul that switches on the light of truth and shows that God’s word about us is stronger than our darkest lies.

I loved the stories the author shared. They make the truths personal and it’s packed with takeaway notes you’ll want to go over again and again.

A few of my favorite quotes:

“The lie didn’t start with me. But it was trying to make a home in me. And unless I named it, I would keep living under its shadow. “

“Darkness doesn’t go around picking off the weak. It goes to battle with you because you carry the light.”

“We all carry something. And most of the time we don’t even know what it is.”

“Your angels are tired”

“The forces that oppose you are real. But there is One who is for you. And He is greater than the Darkness. In Him you are not helpless. You are seen, sealed, and surrounded.”

We all have believed lies about ourselves that have shaped us. Jennie Allen's book addresses these lies and calls us to replace them with the Truth. I found this book to be extremely helpful and encouraging.

Jennie Allen has done it again! The Lie You Don’t Know You Believe is filled with wisdom, encouragement and practical applications for wrangling all your rogue thoughts. This book is gold and a worthwhile, life changing read.

This book is so timely. Spiritual warfare has been a hot topic it lately and this book shows us one more way that we Satan uses the smallest things against us. It breaks down things that we believe that we thought were true but really it’s just a lie that we’ve repeated over to ourselves and fell in to believing it was true.

💥 Review: The Lie You Don't Know You Believe by Jennie Allen
Jennie Allen’s latest book, The Lie You Don't Know You Believe, is a powerful and necessary guide for anyone who feels stuck in a cycle of frustration, shame, or anxiety. Allen dives deep into the core, often subconscious, beliefs that sabotage our relationship with God and ourselves. It’s a compelling book that offers both profound insight and actionable spiritual tools.

What Makes This Book Shine
Identifies the Root Cause: The central thesis—that our destructive habits stem not from a lack of willpower, but from a deeply entrenched, often unrecognized "core lie"—is incredibly illuminating. Allen effectively pulls back the curtain on the enemy’s strategy to keep believers perpetually struggling.

Biblical Authority and Practicality: The book does a fantastic job of marrying deep biblical teaching (like tracing Jesus' temptation in the wilderness) with highly relatable, modern examples. Allen doesn't just tell you to "try harder;" she gives you the spiritual authority to fight the lies by replacing them with God's truth, which is a key to lasting freedom.

High Impact and Clarity: Allen’s voice is bold, compassionate, and crystal clear. The process of identifying and dismantling the three core lies she identifies is laid out logically, providing a clear path forward for the reader. This isn't just theory; it's designed for life-changing application.

Why Not a Full 5/5?
Pacing and Repetition: While the core message is vital, the book occasionally revisits the main concepts a few too many times. Some readers might find the conversational, highly anecdotal style slows the delivery of the theological framework, wishing for a slightly more condensed presentation of the material.

Focus on the Spiritual Battle: The book is laser-focused on the spiritual dimension of lies, which is its strength. However, a slightly deeper acknowledgment or integration of the psychological and emotional roots of these core beliefs could have added another valuable layer for readers coming from different backgrounds.

Final Verdict
The Lie You Don't Know You Believe is an excellent resource for spiritual growth. It successfully provides the tools and perspective needed to identify the hidden narratives that keep us from experiencing true joy and peace. It's a challenging, hope-filled, and ultimately freeing read that delivers on its promise to help you transfer your life from the kingdom of lies to the kingdom of light.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 (A powerful, highly-recommended guide to finding freedom through truth.)

Jennie Allen is like the uplifting, cheerleader sister who never gives up on you. She is always there for you and always reminds you that you are deeply and unconditionally loved by God. As with her many books, essays, podcasts, etc, she has the goods and isn’t afraid to use them. Number one in her arsenal of support is her deep and abiding knowledge of scripture and of Jesus. If you are blessed enough to have discovered Ms. Allen then you will be additionally blessed by her latest book, The Lie You Don’t Know You Believe.

This book was just what I needed.
It gave me good reminders to focus on God. That God meets you where you are/ in your ache, etc.

Do not believe the LIES. You are worthy. You are beloved. God came for you and me.
Stop imagining defeat and start imaging the kingdom of God instead.

Do not be distracted by the enemies noise. Don't let the monsters steal your vision.... and to quote from the book, " The darkness doesn't always come after you because you've sinned. Sometimes the darkness comes being you're beloved."

What a wonderful read! I thank Netgalley to be able to read/review.
Highly recommend this read!!!

5 stars

How to Find It, Fight It, and Live Free by Jennie Allen felt like someone finally putting words to thoughts I did not even realize were shaping my life. It is honest without being heavy and deeply challenging without feeling condemning. As I read, I kept catching moments where I thought, This explains so much about why I get stuck in the same patterns.

Jennie has a way of naming the lies we quietly live under and then gently guiding you toward truth without shame. The book feels both practical and spiritual, grounding everything in Scripture while still speaking to real everyday struggles like fear, self doubt, and exhaustion. What stood out most was how actionable it felt. This is not just insight. It gives you tools to actually interrupt unhealthy thought patterns and walk in freedom.

It is the kind of book that makes you pause, reflect, and honestly pray differently. I walked away feeling clearer, lighter, and more aware of how God invites healing at the root level, not just behavior change. If you have ever felt stuck, discouraged, or spiritually tired, this book meets you right there and reminds you that freedom is not only possible, it is already being offered.

Gosh, this book was good! It helped me realize how the enemy is working in my life to distract me from God’s plans. His tactics aren’t new. He will just use the same lies over and over again until you think they are true. Jennie provided helpful guidance on how to fight back and not passively allow the enemy to win. Thankful for these reminders and the helpful truth that God not only loves me, but He likes me and anything that contradicts that is a lie straight from the enemy.

I loved this book! Took me awhile because I read one chapter per day. I really loved the way Jennie looks at lies we tell ourself, what Jesus thinks, and the stories she shared about herself and others. Always excited to read her books.

As always, Jennie Allen delivers a powerful, honest, hard-hitting message in this new book. She exposes three lies that are common to us that most of us don't realize are shaping our lives. Then she helps us uncover the why behind each one and work upward and outward from there with biblical steps. I enjoy her books because they have such practical takeaways and speak right to the heart of issues. This one was just as powerful as her other books. I know it will make a great impact on many like it has on me.

Jennie Allen has done it again. She mixes God’s teachings with our own terrible thought patterns and shows us how to overcome. There are so many nuggets of truth. You will feel like Jennie is really talking about you. This book shows you that you are not alone and there are things to do that combat the negative cycle. I am writing this review as an advanced reader reviewer courtesy of NetGalley.

I loved Jennie’s new book! So many good stories about believing lies about yourself, how we let them get us down, and how we can overcome it.

Wow! This book was amazing!

I forgot I was even reviewing this book as I was reading it - I was taking copious amounts of notes, not for the review, but for myself.

I learned a lot while reading this book. I didn't realize that everyone has a core lie that they don't even realize is a lie. Part of what Jennie Allen talks about in this book is that we have to name our lie, this way it loses power over us because we are no longer facing it alone, but with community (even if it's just one other person).

So - brave moment - I will name what I discovered is my core lie...but first, a little backstory... I have dealt with anxiety for my whole life and, as a child, didn't even know it was anxiety because it wasn't really talked about when I was little. I thought that the shaking; knots in the stomach; inability to breathe; being short of breath; heart pounding; feeling detached from reality; etc...was all completely normal (horrible, but normal). I had no idea that other people lived without these symptoms. As an adult, I learned about anxiety; have been on medications (trying to get the right ones for me); been in therapy; been on my knees in prayer (my whole life); reading self-help books; doing all the things.

So - what is my core lie? It is that I am my anxiety; I will never overcome it; and it will cripple me forever. What is the truth? I am not my anxiety; I can overcome it with the power of God; and it will not cripple me forever. I am a child of God, a daughter of the Most High King - this is no surprise to Him, He already has it all worked out.

Other gems from this book:
1. "If a lie is repeated enough, the brain starts to accept it as true".
2. "Naming means knowing. It means knowing what we're up against".
3. "Surrender admits the gap is too wide to cross alone; surrender kneels. When we surrender, the ground beneath us shifts. Jesus crosses that gap".
4. "God isn't tolerating me - He actually likes me"!
5. "Make space for grace - grace is how we fight".

This book is definitely NOT to be missed. Whether you read it for yourself or to help someone else, there is something for everyone in this book.

The Lie You Don't Know You Believe by Jennie Allen (Publishing March 30, 2026)

I picked this book up because I've loved Jennie Allen's other work, and this book felt very true to her voice and writing style. I was drawn immediately and love it from the opening paragraph.

This book was deeply encouraging, comforting, and convicting all at the same time. It met me exactly where I am , while also stretching me in ways that felt necessary and healthy. Jennie has a gift for speaking truth with both gentleness and clarity, and that really shows in this book.

One of the things I appreciated most was how consistently and thoughtfully she referenced Scripture. It served as a steady reminder of what God's Word says when our thoughts and beliefs start to drift. The book focuses on uncovering the lies we believe, particularly the core lies that we are worthless, unlovable, or helpless and then walking the reader toward the trough grounded in Scripture.

Jennie doesn't just name the problem, she gives you clear, actionable direction. The book helps you dig beneath the surface level thoughts and identify the deeper false beliefs that shape how you think, feel and live. Her writing voice feels loving and understanding, like a teacher who challenges you without shaming you.

This book includes tools and reflections that encourage real self examination, and it's definitely one I plan to return to. The process she lays out isn't something you rush through once and move on from. It's ongoing, which is why I plan to purchase a physical copy for myself. I want to be able to highlight, mark pages, and revisit the pieces to continue working on these truths.

I think this book works best as a personal read, where you can take your time and reflect honestly. That said, if friends are reading it together and willing to have open conversations, it could lead to meaningful discussions as well.

Ultimately, this book reminded me that we already have everything we need to fight the lies we believe (we just have to pinpoint the lies that have taken a stronghold). Scripture offers us truth, and this books helps point us back to it in a way that feels practical, compassionate and helpful. I would highly recommend this to anyone who wants to better understand the thoughts shaping their lives and learn how to replace the lies in their life with truths.

Such a powerful and impactful read. Thank you Netgalley for the ARC! I love Jennie Allen, and this book is a perfect example of why—she has an incredible gift for delivering truth in a way that is both honest and deeply encouraging. She challenges the lies we don’t even realize we’ve accepted and gently but boldly reshapes the way we think about ourselves, God, and our faith.
What I appreciate most is how seamlessly she weaves Scripture into each lesson, grounding every truth in God’s Word rather than opinion. Her insights are eye-opening and practical, and I found myself reflecting long after I finished reading. This book truly changed my perspective in so many areas and drew me closer to Scripture. If you enjoy faith-based books that challenge you, encourage growth, and point you back to biblical truth, this one is a must-read.

Extremely relevant and helpful! Jennie Allen has been a mentor and inspiration to me for many years- through her teachings and books. This book was exceptional. Jennie helps us understand and identify the core lie or lies we are believing. These lies shape our identity and our relationships- with both people and God. She then provides powerful and practical guidance on how to replace lies with the truth- to find freedom. Highly recommend!
Thank you to Jennie, the publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this incredible book. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are complete my own.

A great book with SO many truths. I really enjoyed Jennie's writing style. I have heard of her, but this is the first book I have read by this author. Very scripturally based and much helpful truth here. I appreciated all the personal examples in the book that helped me relate to this subject matter.
Highly recommend this book!

This was the book I didn’t know I needed. The author captured my soul and each page was filled with information that changed my thoughts.. I have spent decades believing lies that created patterns in my life that I was believing were —-just the way life was going to be. I found myself highlighting, journaling, re-reading and meditating on the words nestled on these pages. I highly recommend this read to anyone that has ever felt hopeless, not enough and thought even for a second they didn’t measure up. This book will transform you!

The Lie You Don’t Know You Believe is written just as if she was talking to me. I love how it uplifts and yet helps set you back on course in such a loving way! This books was everything I don’t know I needed! It is definitely worth some time to read it!

Going into The Lie You Don’t Know You Believe, I honestly didn’t expect to hear anything I hadn’t already read in other books about fighting lies in your mind. But Jenny Allen delivered some powerful truth bombs that stopped me in my tracks. I found myself writing down quotes I know I’ll return to again and again, and I loved how she paired practical steps with rich, Scripture-rooted encouragement. By the end, I walked away with a deeper understanding of God’s love for me and a clearer awareness of how to recognize and combat the lies I so easily believe.

What I liked:
- Jennie’s books are always written in an easy-to-understand, conversational tone. 

- How she broke down and covered the 3 common lies people believe about themselves: I’m helpless. I’m unlovable. I’m worthless. 

- The encouragement that always comes with her books, reassuring you about who God says you are!

- Overall, the book was fantastic! I would have liked to see a bit more practical applications for how someone might replace lies with truth.

❌What I didn’t like:
- 🚫

‼️Topics/themes/genres include: Christian nonfiction, confronting the devil’s lies

🌎 Location: 🚫

❤️‍🔥Spice level (out of 5): 🚫

📏Chapter length: long

🗣️Favorite Quotes
“Darkness doesn’t go around picking off the weak. It goes to battle with you because you carry the light.”

“Think of it this way: the Kingdom of Darkness maintains its power through lying to you about who you really are, then exhausting you with trying to become who you think you should be. And the Kingdom of Light comes to heal that division, to close that gap with grace rather than striving.”

📚 Thank you to @netgalley and @nelsonbooks for the opportunity to review this advanced reader copy!

I loved the title of this book and requested an ARC without looking closely to see that it was Christian self-help, not a genre I usually read or would choose to review but here we are.

The idea that no matter how good our lives are, there’s an underlying lie we believe about ourselves that we may or may not be aware of is intriguing and seems to be true. If I think about it, I have an underlying lie but years of personal development and exploration have quelled it. When I notice it, I realize it’s untrue and move on.

Jennie Allen helps readers identify their lie—there’s an online quiz to help if you don’t know yours—and then unpacks how to debunk it. Her approach is faith-based and scriptural, which for Christian readers likely provides a nice approach to psychology. The last section offers a guide to specific scripture passages to study and learn from.

Her writing is clear and swift. The examples are relatable and the tasks, actionable. For Christian readers who have an unidentified but jiggling sense that something’s wrong with them or that life could be better, this book may offer insight, comfort, and a way forward.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

#netgalley #thelieyoudontknowyoubelieve

Alright so someone recommended this to me and I was skeptical because I've read a lot of faith based self help stuff that sounds nice but doesn't really change anything. This one is different though. I started it before bed one night and ended up sitting in my kitchen at like 1 AM with a notebook out scribbling things down because it was hitting way too close to home.
She basically says there's a lie you've been believing about yourself for so long that you don't even recognize it as a lie anymore. It's just how you think. And when she walks you through how to find yours I'm not gonna lie it was uncomfortable. Like oh so THAT'S why I keep doing that. Cool cool cool.
The part about tracing back to where it started genuinely messed me up in the best way. You think you're reading a normal chapter and suddenly you're remembering something from fifteen years ago going oh. OH.
And she doesn't just leave you there which I appreciated. It's not one of those books that rips you open and says good luck. She actually gives you practical stuff to do with what you've just uncovered. Real steps not just pray harder and hope for the best.
I will say if you're not into the faith side of things this probably won't land the same way because it's very rooted in that. But if you are and you've ever felt stuck in the same patterns wondering why nothing changes just pick it up. Grab a notebook too. You're gonna need it.

Jennie Allen does an amazing job in showing us The Lie You Don't Know You Believe. She shares her own story interwoven throughout the chapters of the book while gently guiding you through your own discoveries, your own path. Jennie helps the reader face the lie(s) as well as the Truth(s). #netgalley, #nelsonbooks

Summary:
Have you ever thought something for so long that, to you, it became fact? What if it wasn't really fact, but a lie you told yourself for so long you began to believe it? How does this happen? Why does this happen? More importantly, how do make it stop? Jennie Allen's The Lie You Don't Know You Believe has some answers and would love to help you.

Buckle up, readers. We're all guilty of negative self-talk. We're all guilty of being hard on ourselves. But have you ever stopped and really paid attention to the things you tell yourself? Is it really true, or something you've just said so many times it morphed into truth? This book made me stop and analyze this within myself. Unfortunately, there are lies I didn't know I believed.

Jennie Allen informs you that we usually fall under one of a few core lies. Those core lies aren't true, but we decide they are. And before long, we've said/ believed them for so long they become hard fact in our minds. But they don't have to be.

As you read through The Lie You Don't Know You Believe, you are going to breakdown the lies, figure out how it got there, and learn what's the truth about it. Mistakes, flaws, insecurities are not truth of who you are. They are truth to feelings you felt in a given situation. However, lies have the ability to take on a life of their own and drive you down roads you never meant to be on.

While reading this book, I found a lie I'd been telling myself is a fact for decades, because once upon a time it my circumstances brought those feelings into my life. God never said I was what those lies did. But, nevertheless, 30 years later they were still prevalent when they no longer needed to be. This book helped me compare the lie to the truth, and allowed me to see things for what they really are- not what Satan encouraged me to think they were.

I encourage you to do yourself the favor of reading this book and exposing the lies in your life. Don't let shame, guilt or fear dictate your views anymore. Take the steps to reclaim your life and begin to stand on what's true.

Jennie Allen delivers yet another convicting but amazing book with "The Lie You Don't Know You Believe." In this world of constant distraction and constant numbing of all the darkness, it can be hard to see the light. In her book, Allen helps the reader to understand the lie that we so believe is the truth is not. With scriptures and breaking patterns, we can truly be free of those long and sometimes generational lies and be broken free from it all. She breaks it down in three parts, with how we can best fight those lies that we believe is our truth when it is just another way for Satan to confuse us and distract us. Overall, this was a very enlightening but also freeing book to help those who are stuck and not sure what the next step should be. I learned a lot while reading this book, so much so that I feel like I would need to reread it just to simply take the notes that Allen has given us on best steps to get rid of the lie that has taken a toll on ourselves. This book is to not be missed, whether you are a Christian or not, you will get something out of this wonderful book.

Title: The Lie You Don't Know You Believe
Author: Jennie Allen       
Genre: Christian  
Rating: 5 out of 5 

If there was a core lie sabotaging your life, wouldn’t you want to know what it is?

And wouldn’t you want to find the way to be free?

Most of us have been living inside a lie so long it feels like the truth. It has quietly shaped our identity, our relationships, and even how we see God. Until we see it, we’ll keep circling the same frustrations, the same shame, the same thoughts of I’ll never change. But freedom is possible. In The Lie You Don’t Know You Believe, Jennie Allen pulls back the curtain on the enemy’s oldest trick—and shows us how to dismantle it with the spiritual authority we already have in Christ. She guides us through how to:

    -Spot the three core lies everyone believes—and name the one running your life.
    -Trace the moment your lie took root and how the enemy’s been using it to keep you stuck.
    -Cut ties with your old narratives so they stop shaping your choices.
   - Challenge lies in real time and replace them with God’s truth.

This isn’t about behavior modification. This is about transferring your life out of the enemy’s kingdom of lies and into the kingdom of light—where joy, peace, and strength aren’t fleeting feelings but your everyday reality. Freedom starts here. Take hold of it.

I felt like the author was talking directly to me. The topic really resonated, and I feel it will with most people (and all people, if they’re being honest). This is well-written, with a personal tone, like you’re chatting with a smart friend or an older sibling. It’s a powerful topic, and the author handles it well, with grace and love.

Jennie Allen is a Bible teacher, author, and visionary. The Lie You Don’t Know You Believe is her newest book.

(Galley courtesy of Nelson Books | Thomas Nelson in exchange for an honest review.)

(Blog link live 3/3).

I have always loved Jennie Allen's books and her podcast. But this book hit me at the right time. I have been entrenched in lies and have felt their suffocating weight. This book brought clarity to the core lie I am believing and how to anchoring myself in truth to fight my lie.

A few of my favorite quotes:
"I didn't think it was a life. I thought it was the truth."
"spiritual warfare isn't just a theory. It's not just a biblical concept. It's happening--in our homes, in our minds, in our bodies, in our hearts. And if you don't understand it, you won't know how to fight it."
"God likes you, with your personality, with your countenance, with your quirks, with your gifts and talents, with your setbacks and insecurities, with your foibles and failures and fears. He really, really likes you."

I am ready to shake off my lies, embrace God's truth, and walk in freedom.

*I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for my review. All opinions and thoughts are my own.*

I feel like Jennie Allen is speaking directly to me fr the first page. Since reading this I’ve ordered the hard copy to have on hand and mark up. I know this is a book I’ll continue to recommend and come back to as a reminder over the years of what my truth is.

The Lie You Don’t Know You Believe is written just as if she was talking to me. I love how it uplifts and yet helps set you back on course in such a loving way! This books was everything I don’t know I needed! It is definitely worth some time to read it!

This is a terrific book about discovering what core belief about yourself is untrue and how to fill your mind with the truth from the bible to combat it. The hardest part is recognizing that you believe a lie. It is a well-written, encouraging book that I enjoyed and would recommend to everyone.

Family friendly.

Thanks to NetGalley and Nelson Books. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This has been my favorite Jennie Allen book to date. There are many common themes from her other books, but this one is packaged in a powerful, thought out way. Her words are walking in authority. You can see and feel her community showing up on these pages. The light breaks in. This is an excellent guide to overcoming the hidden lies that are steering our minds. Highly recommend.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for allowing me to have an eARC for this book!
I have read some of Jennie Allen's Bible Studies in the Bible app, and watched some of her group studies with my church, but have never gotten to a full non-fiction novel by her.
I think this one is a very important read right now. This book helps you realize your negative self -talk are lies from Satan and teaches you how to realize that they are. This book is 100% aimed for Bible believing Christians, so if you aren't one, none of this will help you.
I personally found that I have learned some of the things she mentioned just living my years of life on this broken planet, but it was good to highlight for the reassurance that I have been on the right track.
Allen explains things in such a way that is simple to understand. The way she further described the encounter of Satan tempting Jesus in the desert will stick with me. It will also help remind me that if Jesus can recognize lies while thirsty and hungry, plus not give in. Then I need to strive to do that too.
The beginning chapters were strong, but she kinda lost my attention around chapter 10 or 11. Which is why I couldn't give this a 5 star. I felt like we meandered a little bit to the conclusion.
Overall, I think this is a great book to pick up if you or a Christian brother/sister are suffering from lies leading to depression or other mental health situations, isolation, and trouble with self-worth.

“You’ve probably believed lies for so long that they don’t even feel like lies anymore. They feel like the truest thing about you. And that’s what makes them so powerful. They don’t just sit in your mind; they seep into your story.”
Oof, this book might make you feel called out — but like, in a good way that uproots the lie you’ve been believing so you can finally get free. A great mix of biblical truth and practical strategies to confront the hidden things that are keeping you stuck.

She has done it again. I love reading all of Jennie Allen books. She makes understanding how our spiritual and mental lives work together. That we really have to work to undercover our core lie sp that we can better fight the true enemy in our lives.

Author Jennie Allen pours herself out onto the pages of The Lie You Don't Know You Believe, being open and vulnerable in order to help others who struggle with believing Satan's lie about themselves as she once did. To some degree, that is probably the majority of us at one time or another in our lives. Allen points out that the subtleness of the lie does nothing to lesson its impact on us or the ripples sent out to others. Through the use of lots of Scripture, sage advice from counselors, and personal experience, she gives hope for breaking that impact as well as the ripple effect.

The Lie You Don't Know You Believe is a book everyone should have the opportunity to read. As the title implies, you may not be aware of the lie you are believing. Even if you are, you might be accepting it as truth, or feeling there is no way out from under its influence. Allen offers hope in this well-written, thoughtful book.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this eye-opening book from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

“The devil isn’t lazy. He’s strategic.”

I’ve believed some of these lies Jennie Allen talks about. This book is eye opening and straight forward. We have a hidden enemy, and the tools we need are in the Bible. Jennie Allen does an amazing job staying on topic and tying every chapter together. I read it in one day, and I’m sure I’ll read it again.

I received this ARC from NetGalley for my honest review.

What if the frustration you can’t shake traces back to a lie you’ve believed for years? This book uncovers three core lies shaping your identity and shows how to uproot them, reclaim truth, and walk in real freedom.

I have a really hard time reading some Christian living books because they don’t set me up well to define what my problem actually is. Sure, I resonate with their personal examples, but do the scenarios get to the root of my actual problem and then ultimately the wise solution the author is trying to offer? It’s often muddy.

So I was absolutely shocked when Jennie’s outline of the three core lies everyone often follows was so clear, and then the presenting questions made it so obvious to know which lie my other lies root from. The writing style is so conversationally confrontational in the best way- you feel the urgent need to respond, but it feels as though it’s coming from someone who truly cares about you.
If you’re looking to sort through some lies you’ve believed (or unknowingly believed) about yourself—you’re worthless, you’re helpless, or you’re unlovable—Jennie will not only identify the lie but clearly walk you through how to untangle it from actual truth.

Thanks @thomasnelson for the eARC!

Because I’ve listened to her speaking and have listened to other audiobooks read by her, when I was reading this I easily fell into the rhythm of her speaking and hearing her voice say it. Because she writes the way she speaks, I know this book will be good on audio and would suggest you read it via audio, especially if you’re unfamiliar with Jennie’s speaking.

Similar:
You Are the Girl for the Job by Jess Connolly
Uninvited by Lysa TerKeurst
Get Out of Your Head by Jennie Allen

Every book that Jennie writes is relatable but this one rings truer than any other. In a world where so many will push aside or push down the harder thoughts they battle Jennie wants to call them into the light and battle them with scripture and break them!

A book that truly everyone needs to read

I really appreciated the raw honesty in The Lie You Didn’t Know You Believe by Jennie Allen. Jennie Allen has such a powerful way with words, and she isn’t afraid to share her own struggles and doubts along the way. That vulnerability made the book feel incredibly relatable.

What stood out most to me was how clearly she identifies the subtle lies we often believe about ourselves, our worth, and our faith. She gently challenges those thoughts and points readers back to truth in a way that feels both convicting and encouraging.

This book felt less like being taught and more like sitting with a friend who understands the battles in your mind. Honest, thoughtful, and deeply encouraging—I’m really glad I read it.

P.S. I’ve added every single one of her books to my TBR pile!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Advance Reader Copy from Netgalley and Jennie's Fight Club advance copy.

The Lie you don't know you believe is powerful. it helps you to renew your mind and finding freedom in truth.

I have read several of Jennie's books and enjoy them. I have also attended many If Gathering local events and helped host a few IF locals over the years.

I really enjoy how she puts her real life into the pages and share how she isn't above the problems the rest of us suffer from. she helps break it down and shows us how to apply scripture to our lives.

This book has lots of helpful tips on helping to break the lies of the devil and to come into the Kingdom of Light. there are lots of good nuggets and helpful pieces.

A wonderful quote from the book is:
That's the freedom you've been invited into. walk in it. live in it. Steak your life on it. Because the lie is not the loudest voice anymore. Love is

We need to identify the lies in our life that we believe. then we need to fight them so that we can walk in the light of Jesus. We may fall back into the lies but it's important to keep fighting and Jennie gives us scripture to use to help with the fight.

I would recommend this to teens and adults alike to help them to see where they maybe believing lies and to bring them into how to fight it.

I think teens could use this as a way to help them to come to the truth sooner so that they are not held in the bandage from the start. People of all ages could use this!

On chapter 3 and can't put it down. Through reading I have figured out what lie I have been believing and am looking forward to continuing to read how I can stop believing this about myself.

As so many struggle with identity, this book is a must read for all readers! This book feels like you are sitting on the couch having girl time or hanging out at the coffee shop talking with a friend. Jennie opens up about the 3 central lies that we all can face, shares common struggles people face with each lie, and helps you identity which one feels like your truth (but is actually a lie disguised as “truth.”) What I appreciate most about this book is that Jennie doesn’t fill our heads with a bunch of knowledge. Instead, she gives bite size action steps on how to identify the lie, uproot the lie, replace it with truth, and how to find community/close friends to do life with you to keep the lie from coming back to ruin your life again and again or to keep you “distracted” from living in your purpose this side of heaven. She reminds us that the enemy is strategic, and so we need to be prepared and strategic as well. I highly recommend this book for Next Gen (preteens and teens) and adults.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Self-help and faith-based books can be hard for me to rate because they are often deeply personal, but this one truly resonated with me. I would place it somewhere between 4 and 5 stars.

One thing that stood out right away was how much of this book made me stop and reflect on my own thoughts. So many of us walk around believing the negative things we tell ourselves without realizing that those thoughts are not truth. The reminder that many of these lies come from the enemy and that we often align ourselves with them without even realizing it was incredibly powerful.

I highlighted so many passages while reading. One moment that really stuck with me asked what it would look like to walk into your favorite coffee shop and see people the way God sees them. That simple idea shifts everything. Instead of comparison or judgment, it invites compassion, grace, and love.

Another line that really impacted me was the reminder that God likes us as we are. Our personality, our quirks, our gifts, our insecurities, even our failures. That truth can be easy to forget in a world that constantly tells us we need to be more, do more, and measure up to everyone around us.

The book also speaks honestly about comparison. When we constantly measure ourselves against others, especially in the age of social media, we start to believe lies about our worth. Those lies can lead to jealousy, discouragement, or striving for an impossible kind of perfection. The reminder to stop scrolling, stop staring, and stop yearning for someone else’s life felt especially relevant.

Like many books in this genre, there were moments where the themes repeated slightly, but I think that repetition can actually help the message sink in. Overall, this was an encouraging and thought-provoking read that reminded me to pay attention to the thoughts I allow to shape my identity.

If you are someone who struggles with comparison, negative self-talk, or remembering your worth in God’s eyes, this book will likely speak to you in meaningful ways.

A reminder to stop and listen to your thoughts. Most everyone has a lie they believe, this book shows the way to start correcting this and finding the truth. A great author with a clear and precise message.

This isn't just a book that you can read once through. This is one that has to be digested slowly because it hits deep. It doesn't just scratch the surface. It is truly about changing how you see yourself and realigning your identity with God.

In her new book, The Lie You Don’t Know You Believe, Jennie Allen discusses how we are shaped by the lies we think are facts about ourselves. We don’t question their validity. We believe they are true. “That’s just how I am” is what we think as those lies create grooves along the footpaths of our minds through our thought lives.

While we believe many false things about ourselves, we have three in common that we need to fight against: I am powerless, I am worthless, and I am unlovable. We might not have all three, but we at least have one lie that keeps replaying, and Jennie wants us to speak that into the light. She counsels readers to name their lie to God and to a trusted Christian friend who can intercede for us.

To combat the lie, she wants us to search for truth in God’s Word in advance, so when the lie replays, we have our best defense. Jesus Himself modeled this for us in Matthew 4 when the Holy Spirit led Him to the desert to be tempted by Satan. Jesus also told his disciples in John 8:31-32,
“If you continue in My word, then you are truly My disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 

Jennie did the heavy lifting while writing this book, so I knew what she shared were tried-and-true ways to fight the negative thoughts I have about myself. The lies she believed about herself felt obvious to her when she said them aloud. She compared the lies to drifting along in the ocean, only to be dragged out to sea with no footing.

I thought, Hey, instead of the 'name it and claim it' that used to be popular, this is 'name it and don't claim it.' In fact, live free of it."

“The lie didn’t start with me," Jennie said, "but it was trying to make a home in me. And unless I named it, I would be living under its shadow." Believing lies would also keep her from her unique calling and the work God has planned for her.

When she was 12, Jennie said she and her dad would have conversations about her life. He seemed to expect a lot from her. She took his thoughts as a cue to perform and strive for approval and esteem, instead of resting in her father’s love. She talked with him about this later in life and learned that his mother, her grandmother, also had high expectations for her father when he was growing up. He appeared to have inherited it. And he had no idea that’s what she took away from their talks. That talk and others led to healing. He broke that tie to the past.

She knew she needed to write this book, though when she heard her daughter Kate repeat one of the lies she too believed. She said it is so important to find and uproot these lies. When we bring them into the light, they lose their power over us. We all long to be known, to know we matter for who we are and not based on performance. Sometimes the anxiety we feel has a physical cause, Jennie said, but sometimes it is a soul-deep hurt that longs to find lasting healing.

I liked that C.S. Lewis' Narnia books show up in this book. Jennie said she sometimes feels like Lucy riding on Aslan’s back. She used this imagery to show how we partner with God to conquer the darkness of lies and, in that freedom, rediscover a childlike wonder. Satan attempts to obscure and twist the truth. He encourages us to dwell on our former selves and forget the inheritance we have in Christ.

And as Jennie learned from her earthly father, she wants us to know we likewise don't need to strive for the love of God. He reveals the truth of who we are when we accept Christ's gift of salvation through faith, not by works, as Paul said in Ephesians 2:8-9, "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast."

Her message is clear: Jennie wants to help readers reclaim their true identity in Christ and command the lies to leave in His name. By facing the enemy's attacks head-on, we can step out of the Kingdom of Darkness into the Kingdom of Light. We can live in the freedom God intends for us.

My Review

I noticed Jennie refers to two men in this book who were her personal sources of wisdom. The first is Curt, who I believe is a cognitive behavioral therapist. His advice to Jennie is biblically sound and in keeping with what I would expect from a therapist. Her other source is John, who again uses Scripture with some great insights. But something he said bothered me.

For some context, Jennie tells a story involving a friend, Phoebe, who endured a particularly dark period in her life. She felt deep devastation, shame, and even a sense of spiritual death. Now, the great part is that the group responded by praying over Phoebe. John encouraged her to release her feelings and send them to the throne of Jesus. Perfect. That's what should happen.

But then John asked Phoebe, “Would you be willing to forgive Jesus?” Jennie did balk at the suggestion, but then gave what she believed he meant. She said that Phoebe’s relationship with Jesus had been deeply wounded by her struggles. But I had reservations about that suggestion that anyone ever needs to “forgive Jesus,” even with the explanation.

Yes, God does allow suffering, but He is not the cause. Our enemy is the source. After all, the apostle Peter writes in 1 Peter 5:8,
"Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour." God allows Satan some reign for now. He is called "the god of this world." He is coming for God's people daily, which is why we need to "put on the whole armor of God as Paul said, "so that [we] can take [our] stand against the devil’s schemes."

I think there's a better way to pray:

"Father God, I know this time of trial and pain first sifted through your hands. You know I'm angry. I'm in distress. Why do I have to go through this? I know that You are with me always, even to the end of this age. I know You have promised to equip me for this season, and You will use this testing of my faith for my good and Your glory.

But I feel weak right now, so please remind me of our past victories, Lord, and what You will do through me again. I want to obey You, put my trust in You, and leave all the consequences to You. In Jesus's name, amen."

I firmly believe that we can pray about our feelings of resentment, frustration, anger even, and entrust our pain to God. Maybe John likes to be provocative. I don't know. But Jesus is blameless.

That said, I kept reading. Jennie’s message is simply too powerful to overlook. Her writing is firmly rooted in Scripture, which she provides in the back of the book, and faithfully aligns with the core truths of the Gospel. Jennie draws us back to the story of Satan's temptation of Eve in Genesis 3, where humanity fell into sin. This pivotal moment marked the transformation of the world into a Kingdom of Darkness. Yet, the narrative does not end there. Christ came to dwell among us, and through His presence, He ushered in the Kingdom of Light.

Jennie’s message is a powerful call to action, urging us to stand firm and fight against the enemy's lies. She encourages us to walk boldly in the Kingdom of Light, guided by the Lion of Judah. This invitation is not just for a select few, but for anyone who needs to hear her words and be reminded of the ongoing spiritual battle between darkness and light.

In The Lie You Don’t Know You Believe, Jennie Allen delivers a powerful and eye-opening message about the hidden falsehoods that shape our thoughts, emotions, and spiritual lives. With honesty and biblical clarity, Allen challenges readers to confront the subtle lies they’ve unknowingly accepted—and replace them with the life-giving truth of God’s Word.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its relatability. Allen addresses common internal struggles such as insecurity, fear, comparison, and self-doubt in a way that feels deeply personal. Rather than presenting abstract theology, she speaks directly to the thoughts many people wrestle with daily, helping readers recognize patterns they may not have even realized were influencing their lives.

Another win by Jennie Allen!! I am thankful for all the knowledge I can learn from reading this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Spiritual warfare has been a hot topic recently and this book shows one more way that we allow Satan to use the smallest things against us. It breaks down that we believe that we thought were true but in reality it’s a lie that we’ve repeated over to ourselves and started believing it was true.

I appreciate the ARC

What an incredible book! Jennie Allen identifies three lies that we most often believe and how they stop us from living in the freedom and calling that God has for us. She not only discussed how we can identify the lies, but discusses how to overcome them and how we can walk in the light of the kingdom of God.

I loved the clarity she wrote with and how she backed up this message with scripture.

I will definitely be purchasing a copy of this book and making many notes and annotations!

Jennie Allen writes in a conversational tone about deep topics so they become digestible. In this book, she links common beliefs that people tend to hold to fears and behaviors we exhibit. I struggle with self-reflection and seeing a broader view of myself and my experiences. Linking a general root to my feelings was really helpful.

I've read a few of Allen's books before and I've really appreciated the evolution of her processing through different phases of her life. This one is no different. She reflects on her own experience, the broad behavior to the root and then how to move forward with biblical truth.

I'd recommend this to anyone who feels held back by their fears and is looking for something to help guide them though their thoughts.

Thank you NetGalley and Nelson Books for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Jennie Allen is a gift to not only her own generation, but all of them. Her newest The Lie You Don't Know You Believe will help women everywhere break free of untruth they believe.
We all think that we are doing "alright", but many of us are letting in lies daily that we think are truth. Jennie does a great job of showing the readers how that lie takes root in a person's thinking until it spirals out of control. The person then sees that lie as part of their identity. I loved that she says that lie makes a person "miss their calling." We can no longer hear God's truths from the lies taking over.
As usual Jennie does not make herself an exemption from the truth she is teaching. She sprinkles her own stories throughout the book that shows readers how God helped her redeem her life again from the lies. Readers will bond Jennie, as usual, through her openness.
I received a complimentary copy of this book thanks to Thomas Nelson Publishing and NetGalley, but all opinions are my own.

You know, sometimes you just need that reminder that the battle for our minds never really stops. I found myself realizing how sneaky those old lies can be, even the ones I thought I had already dealt with. With everything we take in every day, it’s so easy for negative thoughts to slip back in and start shaping how we see ourselves before we even notice.

There were so many quotes I had to highlight because they just hit home and spoke right to what’s really going on inside. This book doesn’t just skim the surface with encouragement, but really makes you stop and think about what you’re believing and how that’s showing up in your life.

It’s not about finding a quick fix, but about learning to stay aware and intentional with what’s going on in your mind. Honestly, it’s a powerful read that really makes you pause and reflect.

The Lie You Don’t Know You Believe is such a powerful and heart-opening read! 🌟💛 I loved how Jennie Allen gently uncovers the hidden lies that shape our lives and shows a clear path to freedom. I loved the way she makes complex spiritual truths feel so approachable, like a wise friend guiding you step by step 🕊️✨

I loved the practical tools for spotting the lies, tracing their roots, and replacing them with God’s truth—I could feel hope growing with every chapter. I loved how this book isn’t about forcing change, but about stepping into the light that’s already waiting for us. I loved the encouragement that joy, peace, and strength can truly be everyday realities 🌈💖

It’s inspiring, freeing, and deeply comforting—a book that feels like a hug for your soul while giving you the courage to live truthfully. 🙏💫