Sand Between Your Toes: Inspirations for a Slower, Simpler, and More Soulful Life

by Anna Kettle

Warm gentle breezes. The rhythmic sounds of a breaking surf. Washes of orange and blue painted across a sunset sky. The spray of salty water at your feet. Recapture the wonders of the coast as you soak up the beauty of Scripture and find calm in an ocean of God’s love.

Sand between Your Toes will fill your heart with hope through devotions and prayers that encourage you to slow down, simplify, and savor a quiet and calm only Jesus can provide. Practical lifestyle tips offer ideas for finding respite and peace amid life’s complications.

208 pages, Hardcover

Published March 2, 2021

About the author

Anna Kettle is an experienced writer, speaker, podcaster, and award-winning marketing & PR professional.

Her first traditionally published book ‘Sand Between Your Toes: Inspirations for a Slower, Simpler & More Soulful Life’ released in March 2021 under Tyndale House.

Anna is a coffee lover, bookworm, travel enthusiast, music fan, a keen foodie, a gatherer of people, a miscarriage warrior, special needs mum, and a big believer in the healing power of words.

She is married to husband Andy, and mum to their son Ben. They live in the beautiful waterfront city of Liverpool, England.

You can find her blogging at www.annakettle.com or on Instagram & Facebook @annakettlewrites

Reviews

[Lindsay Emery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anna Kettle’s book is delightful and so encouraging. I had been struggling to find time with Bible reading, but her words have been the encouragement I needed to get back into the habit. It’s relatable and an easy read. Would definitely recommend!

[Jennie Denney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anna's transparency and vulnerability in sharing what she has learned in her search for the slower, simpler, and more soulful life is truly remarkable. This book is truly a must-read for anyone looking for a wise guide and fellow friend in the journey to becoming more present and aware to the things around us that truly matter.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Anna's practical tips for leaning into the habits of stillness, observation, waiting, and surrender. Her "with you in it," writing style invites us to drop our guard and discover the distractions that keep us from experiencing the fullness of God. Her simple reminder of the normalcy of doubt encourages us to a real faith, knowing that our questions don't bother God, but rather, show our deep desire to draw close to Him. Anna posed the most profound questions throughout Sand Between Your Toes that challenge us to choose waiting, to see what is right in front of us, and to focus on simplicity. Rich wisdom to guard our heart and regularly check our emotional pulse. A book I will turn to over and over.

[DJ Hejtmanek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sand Between Your Toes offers practical but poignant, real life tools for reflection and heart change. Anna Kettle invites us on every page to pause and consider. Using the Bible as a guide for daily living, she opens her world to us and shows how God has stepped into her day-to-day and brought hope, beauty, and meaning despite the challenges of life. Highly recommend!

[Michelle Nietert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sweet little devotional is pocket-size to go on a trip or just carry around for when you have those down times on the run. I love a beach and I love the encouraging words regarding rest and self reflection. This would make an amazing gift for a friend to brighten their day or who is going through a hard time and needs to be reminded that they are loved.

Michelle Nietert, MA, LPC-s

[Susan Park · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anna's book is full of gentle wisdom that encourages us to slow down and enjoy God's presence in our lives. I love the way she integrates Scripture in her thoughtful reflections that are practical and life-giving to the soul. You will be inspired and encouraged by Anna's beautiful book!

[Amber Thiessen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Living inside the Information Age, it is so challenging to carve out time for reflection. Bombarded by sound-bites from social media, we are in a constant state of triage from one headline to the next.

Anna's book is a collection of inspirational readings for your everyday life. With biblical themes, it is practical for the struggles we face daily, with excellent reflection questions to help you "pause and sift" through the chaos of our mind and the busyness of our day.

If you are looking for a book that will encourage your heart and your mind, pick this up! I highly recommend it!

[Rachel Fahrenbach · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew that Sand Between Your Toes would be written well, as I have read pieces by Anna Kettle in the past, but I was pleasantly surprised by how each word on the page cultivated a sense of calm in me as I read them. Even when touching on hard topics like doubt, discontentment, or saying "no," never once did I feel hurried or rushed to come to a conclusion. I felt like I could sit with the conversation on the page for a bit and take it in.

The book is beautifully designed and would be a perfect gift for a friend or family member. Each devotional is short in length but has substance in context. I especially liked the questions/suggested actions and prayer at the end of each one. I felt like they gave me a way to move forward with simplifying my life once I closed the book.

I would definitely recommend it if you are looking for a daily (or whenever you need it) devotional that will make you stop, take pause, and rest in a way that is restorative to the soul.

[Janice Garey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review Title: Learning To Walk At God's Pace (Review of Sand Between Your Toes by Anna Kettle)
Reviewer: Janice S. Garey
***** 5 Stars
This book, on the surface, seems light and breezy like a wonderful beach day. It is that and more. The tone is light, but God's word goes deep like the calm offshore depths of the ocean. It invites you in for a look around at what you've been missing. Stop going breakneck speed through life. Learn to slow your pace and walk with God.
In the pages you will find God's peace, joy, hope, kindness, or in other words, the Fruit of the Spirit. An invisible helping hand reaches to you through the writing to assist in slowing you down. An awareness of what is really important in life begins to form. Keeping pace with God allows the reader to take in His sustenance and live the abundant life.
This is an excellent book for a new believer who seeks to do or accomplish as well as read. Activity prompts motivate the reader to get involved in living out the word of God. The activities were reasonable and worth the effort to complete.
I am thankful to have received a copy of this book from netgalley for review purposes. I have read the book and given my honest opinion in this review. I received a well formatted ecopy which allowed for ease in reading and enjoyment of the graphics. I hope to read more from Anna Kettle in the future.

[Jillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sand Between Your Toes is an invitation to come sit at Jesus feet and ponder his way. Anna Kettle's words give one permission to stop. To sift through thoughts of life. To just be still in a world of chaos.

This book instantly brought peace over me - I just wanted to read another devotional and another. I am often in
a hurry reading but I just paused and read these words. I stopped and pondered the questions and advice at the end of each chapter.

These words bring us to talk about some harder topics such as regret, saying no and more. But the author still lives us with calmness in our hearts as we ponder our lives.

Each page is beautifully decorated to match these lovely words. I will read this and reread it for sure.

"The present is here within your grasp, and you get to choose a life marked by God’s grace." -Anna Kettle

[Evelyn Sherwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so grateful to receive an advanced copy from Tyndale of Anne Kettle's newest book. Sitting with her words was like soaking in rays of rest and renewal for my weary heart. Each devotional is authentically written from Anne's own discovery to a more soulful life. The "Pause and sift" section at the end of each reading allowed me to plug the truths she shared into my own life experience. This book will be a friend I will revisit again and again.

[Pamela Henkelman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Anna’s helpful tips. She writes from a deep place of understanding how hard it is to slow our pace and to be still with God.

She welcomes us on her discovery of soulful slowness and rest. She guides us back to the goodness of God as we discover a more gentle pace to live.

It's a beautiful book with daily prompts and encouragement from scripture to learn a more restful way to approach life.

[Casey Hilty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This devotional sits on my bedside table. It has given me pause to prioritize rest in a rushed world. These are such sweet reminders, reflections and prayers to establish a habit of stillness and rest. Highly recommend!

[Jessica Alessio]

The Sand Between Your Toes is a compact book of soulful musings of what it means to live a slower, more purposeful life through a foundation of deep soul rest. A series of sweet antidotes, Anna is relatable in her humanity, thoughtful in her construction, and aligned to a gospel of truth. She takes you through scenarios from her life you can easily find yourself living as she helps us battle modern-day busyness with God's intended rest for our lives. She is inspirational, nonjudgmental, and earnest in her pursuit of rest. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking an honest exploration of their lives with strategic and thoughtful prayers. On the other side of this book is a place of abundance that stems from a state of rest.

[Heather Jeffery · Rating 5 out of 5]

This devotional is so refreshing and just what I needed in a busy season. I’m finding rest refreshment just when I need it most. Anna’s tips are practical and effective. I highly recommend this for anyone craving a simpler, more soul satisfying life.

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are like most people, you probably feel like there is just not enough hours in the day. Or that life moves a mile a minute and you are just struggling to keep up. If this sounds like you, I would highly recommend checking this book out!

Sand Between Your Toes is all about setting priorities and keeping your sights on God, and shutting out the background noise. It’s filled with wonderful little gems of wisdom, and achievable suggestions. Each segment includes a short guided prayer, a supporting verse, as well as a call to action; a step that you can take right away to help incorporate the lesson into your life.

On a personal level, I don’t think there was a single segment that I couldn’t apply to my own life in some way, shape or form. Not only that, but SO MANY of them really hit home. I found the entire book comforting and encouraging.

If you are a Christian (particularly women), I would strongly encourage you to check out Sand Between Your Toes. It’s a very easy book to incorporate into your daily routine, and I think you will get as much out of it as I did!

[Jodi Rosser · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved reading Anna’s Devotional: Sand Between Your Toes. As a fellow beach lover, I was captivated by the cover of her book. It is beautiful but what is more beautiful is the themes of rest in her devotional: slowing down, being still, connecting more with God, and waiting on His Timing. I highly recommend this devotional on rest.

If you want to hear more about this book, you can check out my conversation with Anna on episode 72 on the Depth Podcast. https://jodirosser.com/episode-72-san...

[Julie Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anna Kettle brings a sense of rest into our devotional lives in her book, “Sand Between Your Toes “. Each daily devotional is concise but packed with meaning to draw us closer to God. Definitely a must read for anyone who wants to slow their pace and enjoy a closer walk with God.

[Jay Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sand Between Your Toes: Inspirations for a Slower, Simpler, and More Soulful Life made me read a book to my kids when I would have turned bedtime into Netflix and hell—chaotic crosstalk of voices shouting from devices dotted all over our master bedroom. Me, hiding in my headphones, wondering what makes the top 10 movies “good.”

Anna Kettle’s devotional helped me make a different choice that looked like my kids in their sleeping bags at the end of our bed and the toddler between Hubby and I all received an unfamiliar message: It’s okay. Rest.

The principles from Sand Between Your Toes had got into me, and I decided to say, “No.” No to “chill time” that does nothing but set our brains on high alert. No to the busyness and blue light that too often rules the roost right up until the arbitrary sleep timer on TV shuts it all down. No to talking over each other. Replaced by the narration of a fantasy-adventure novel about three marvelous children who seem to have forgotten their true identities… Sound machines went on and lights went out without a peep. I slept better than I have in a really long time.

I had forgotten an important truth, which I remembered as I read between the lines of Anna Kettle’s devotional, Sand Between Your Toes: Inspirations for a Slower, Simpler, and More Soulful Life: We have now, in the midst of the Pandemic, its limits, and forced slowing of life, a choice. It’s one we’ve always had, actually—a choice whether to keep things as they are: Busy. Questionably good.

OR, I can choose to change. To say, “Yes” to the things that are life-giving and “No” to the things God is very gently telling me to trust to His care.

That’s real soul care. Self-care. Rest.

[Angie Gibbons · Rating 5 out of 5]

In one of the early devotions in Sand Between Your Toes, Anna Kettle says, “Being still is countercultural.” And it’s true. In an increasingly busy world, it’s a radical act to love yourself well, to take time to rest and to focus on the simple things that matter right in front of us. In this devotional book, Anna invites us into a beautiful space to contemplate what’s in our hearts and minds and align them with the restful life Jesus offers. No matter where you live, the stunning artwork invites you to a little beach break in your day, as you simultaneously release your burdens and take on the loving care of God’s truth for you. The book is both practical and contemplative, so you can carry Anna’s thoughts into your day and apply them. I highly recommend this devotional as both a regular spiritual companion and a useful guide for the weary and anxious heart.

[Katherine Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cover drew me in! As a fellow hope*writer, I was so exited to hear about Anna Kettle's book release, "Sand Between Your Toes." I truly appreciated Anna's vulnerability and grace in her journey toward a slower, simpler, and more soulful life. Reading this, I felt like she was sitting by the sea next to me, cup of coffee in hand as she explained things in a way that just made sense. Specifically her questions and thoughts prompted me to live less in self doubt and more in the confidence of God's heart toward his people, to draw us closer to him. The "setting," if you will, of "sand between your toes" simply expands on this and brings it all home. I certainly feel closer to God when I am at the sea or in nature. Thank you, Anna! And thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy to review!

[Elise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is it possible to slow down a busy life of juggling family, career, relationships? Anna Kettle’s Sand Between Your Toes is a little book packed with big power. We’re invited on a journey to a simpler life by taking just a few minutes each day to reflect on a scripture, sit quietly in God’s presence, and pray. If you’re looking for a way to quiet the noise and deepen your relationship with God, but you don’t have a lot of time, Sand Between Your Toes offers the perfect recipe. Invest a few minutes each day, you’ll feel calmer and less rushed…and you just may feel you’ve found a little more time in your day.

[Sharon Hazel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of short devotional pieces reflecting on a verse of Scripture. Each one includes a couple of questions, to pause and sift what you have read, and then a short prayer making it an ideal daily reader. The theme, as the title implies is one of encouragement to slow down and reflect on the bigger, deeper, questions of life in a very gentle way. The background images are all from the beach and sea giving you that holiday season feel, whether at home or away, inviting you to rest a while!

[Lisa Appelo · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a world that increasingly demands and values instant action and increased productivity, Anna Kettle offers a devotional to remind us to slow down and lean in to God. Sand Between Your Toes is a great summer devotional to slip into your suitcase or set on your nightstand. Each page is beautifully illustrated and each devotion is anchored with a scripture, message, a "Pause and Sift" application and a prayer. This would make a great gift as well!

[Kimberly Patton · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful devotional! Anna Kettle is so wise and brings up a lot of good points about how our world today makes it harder for us to slow down, rest, and hear from God. I really loved these short essays, and scripture to help me focus on what is most important. Her writing is clear, and her personal struggles are sprinkled throughout the book to help me feel less alone in my attempt to slow down and rest. Thank you Anna, for pointing us in the right direction!

[Rachael Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anna’s book is such a gift for those like me who are weary—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Culture perpetuates this myth that we need to be busier and do more, but in these pages we discover a healthier and more purposeful way to live. I especially love her tie to Scripture. If it was ok for God and Jesus to rest, then it is for us too. Pick up this book and start to relax and exhale.

[Lindsay Hausch · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lot of depth and insight, in a sweet package
Reviewed in the United States on April 13, 2021
This book is perfect way to channel summer vibes all year long. It would make the perfect gift for a friend- but order 2! You'll want one for yourself as Anna definitely packs a lot of depth and insight into this little book as a daily reminder of how we return to our identity and faith in God.

[Shay · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely collections of devotions geared toward the heart. I particularly love the "Pause and Sift" application prompts. This book is an invitation to sit down and receive...maybe with an iced tea in your hand. The cover and artwork are beautiful. It would make a perfect gift for anyone wanting to enter into a slower pace.

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this wonderful little book that makes me pause and think. This is a needed devotional full of authenticity from the author and gives ample space to reflect. The "Pause and Sift" section has beautiful reminders with a short prayer that is a highlight of this book for me. I couldn't recommend it enough!

[Allison Wixted · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slip on your flip-flops, grab an ice-cold glass of lemonade, and let Anna infuse your soul with a fresh perspective on solid, simple Biblical truths! Brilliant and beautiful pages beckoned me into her practical, soul-restoring words each day. This gorgeous devotional will brighten the beach of your weary soul and light your way to Christ.