All Rachel Hollis Books: The Full List of Non-Fiction, Fiction & Cookbooks, Sorted by Popularity & the Best Reading Order

Rachel Hollis Books Cover

Rachel Hollis is an American self-help author, speaker, and blogger. Born in 1983, the quirky Californian and mother of four eventually went viral on Instagram after posting a photo of herself in a bikini showing the stretch marks from her pregnancies. In 2018, she published Girl, Wash Your Face, an inspiring, you-can-do-it call to action aimed primarily at helping women take charge of their lives. The book became a #1 New York Times bestseller, and if you’re looking for what else Hollis has published, this complete list of Rachel Hollis books is the exact right place!

Besides her writing, which includes forays into fiction and cookbooks, Hollis also started a lifestyle brand with her then-husband, Dave, called The Hollis Company. The pair also launched a podcast, Rise Together, which was initially about marriage advice but later pivoted into more general health and wellbeing topics. The show has crossed over 100 million downloads.

Sadly, after 16 years and raising four children together, the couple announced their divorce in 2020 which, if you’re running a business together, isn’t without complications. Dave now runs the podcast alone, it seems, and Rachel has rebranded Hollis Co. into Start Today. The separation attracted criticism not least because the couple portrayed itself as happy and positive until the end.

Finally, Hollis faced some controversies over both plagiarizing famous quotes on her Instagram and later over a TikTok video in which she compared herself to women like Harriet Tubman, Frida Kahlo, and others — over the critique from a fan that she shared she had a twice-weekly toilet cleaner. But as they say: Don’t judge a book by its cover! Clearly, Hollis isn’t perfect, but her honesty and willingness to share her flaws is also part of why she was able to attract such a large fanbase in the first place.

While we’ve mainly summarized her non-fiction titles as part of our 1,000+ book summary–roster, we decided to also compile the rest of her work for you. As such, in this list, you’ll find all Rachel Hollis books by category (non-fiction, fiction, cookbook), popularity, and in what we think is the best reading order.

 

You can easily navigate this list by clicking on whichever section interests you the most in the below table of contents. For each book, we’ve included an image of the cover, a 1-sentence-summary, and our favorite quote. We will also share our most important takeaways and why you might want to read the book yourself.

If you want to dive deeper into any book, click the “Read on Four Minute Books” or “Learn More” button or use one of our Amazon affiliate links to buy a copy for yourself. Alright, let’s check out the full lineup of Rachel Hollis books!


Non-Fiction Rachel Hollis Books (in Chronological Order)

1. Girl Wash Your Face (2018)

Rachel Hollis Books #1: Girl Wash Your Face (2018)

Favorite Quote

“You, and only you, are ultimately responsible for who you become and how happy you are.” — Rachel Hollis

The Book in One Sentence

Girl, Wash Your Face inspires women to take their lives into their own hands and make their dreams happen, no matter how discouraged they may feel at the moment.

Why should you read it?

We all have limiting beliefs that hold us back. “I’m ugly, and that will never change.” “I’m a terrible mom.” “I will never be good enough to be a leader.” This book will help you systematically tackle and destroy some of those beliefs so you can move forward with your life in a positive, spirited way. Hollis lists 20 particular lies we tell ourselves, and there’s a high chance that at least some of them have affected you in one way or another. If you can overcome at least one limiting belief thanks to this book, you’ll be glad you have read it!

Key Takeaways

  1. Build the habit of keeping your promises to yourself because breaking them pulls you down.
  2. Rather than fighting the river of chaotic home life, learn to embrace it.
  3. Visualize your dreams and focus on them in detail to stay motivated to make them happen.

If you want to learn more, you can read our four-minute summary or get a copy for yourself.

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2. Girl, Stop Apologizing (2019)

Rachel Hollis Books #2: Girl, Stop Apologizing (2019)

Favorite Quote

“A goal is a dream with its work boots on.” — Rachel Hollis

The Book in One Sentence

Girl, Stop Apologizing is an inspirational book for women everywhere to start living up to their potential and stop apologizing for following their dreams.

Why should you read it?

This book is a call to action for women to stop apologizing for what they truly want and start going after it. In three parts, Hollis will help you let go of common excuses, like “I’m not a goal-getter” or “What will others think?”, show you better behaviors to adopt, like no longer asking for permission, and teach you some of the skills you’ll need along the way, like planning, confidence, and persistence. If you know you’ve been hiding from your best life, this book will get you to shed your cocoon and finally take flight.

Key Takeaways

  1. Women shouldn’t apologize for their desire to be ambitious and do great things. 
  2. Stop making excuses for not starting on the path toward achieving your goals. 
  3. Intentionally build the habits, skills, and foundation for your success to see your dreams become reality. 

If you want to learn more, you can read our four-minute summary or get a copy for yourself.

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3. Didn’t See That Coming (2020)

Rachel Hollis Books #3: Didn't See That Coming (2020)

Favorite Quote

“I am willing to be the villain in someone else’s story if it means I can be the hero of my own.” — Rachel Hollis

The Book in One Sentence

Didn’t See That Coming is a three-part manual for processing feelings of grief, loss, fear, and anger, based on the author’s own experiences with death, divorce, and the loss of foster children she cared for.

Why should you read it?

If you’re struggling with one of life’s tougher blows, be it a chronic disease, the loss of a loved one, or your relationship gone awry, this book might provide some relief. Life sends us all to rock bottom sometime or other, and no matter what that might look like for you, eventually, you’ll have to pick yourself up and piece yourself back together. That’s what this book is for. Starting from the dramatic event, Hollis will show you what to do today, tomorrow, and forever. A good read for anyone going through a really hard time.

Key Takeaways

  1. Your suffering is not to be questioned — it is to be accepted.
  2. It takes time to find a new perspective, but you’ll know when to try one.
  3. Try to find joy in the small things even when life sucks.

If you want to learn more, you can click below or get a copy for yourself.

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Fiction Rachel Hollis Books (in Chronological Order)

4. Party Girl (2014)

Rachel Hollis Books #4: Party Girl (2014)

Favorite Quote

“People treat you with as much, or as little respect as you allow them to.” — Rachel Hollis

The Book in One Sentence

Party Girl is the story of small-town Texan Landon Brinkley, who moves to Hollywood to plan events for the movie world’s elite but soon discovers that, beneath all the glitz and glam of million-dollar parties, there lies a dark secret, forcing her to decide between her morals and her career.

Why should you read it?

Whether you feel in over your head in your career, like a fish on land in the world of dating, or simply in the mood for a fun yet educational romance novel, this book is for you. Party Girl will show you that it’s okay to live life at your own pace, and that, sooner or later, we’ll all have to decide whether we want to live up to society’s expectations or our own.

Key Takeaways

  1. The only way to figure out if you’re up for your next career challenge is to try.
  2. There’s a difference between a boss and a bully, and it’s on you to hold your leaders accountable to it.
  3. Staying true to yourself won’t always be an easy decision, but it is often the most important one we can make.

If you want to learn more, you can click below or get a copy for yourself.

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5. Party Girl’s First Date (2015)

Rachel Hollis Books #5: Party Girl's First Date (2015)

Favorite Quote

“Our wild differences are probably why we get along so well.” — Rachel Hollis

The Book in One Sentence

Party Girl’s First Date is a follow-on novella to Party Girl, exploring the beginnings of a beautiful relationship which, ironically, started on a first date gone horribly wrong.

Why should you read it?

If you’ve ever done the big dance around the all-important, “official” first date, this one’s for you. Like many of us, Landon and Brody find themselves in the space between “dating” and “not dating,” and even though they’re attracted to one another, things aren’t as simple as they should be — and their first date won’t help. Have you found yourself stuck in this weird in-between zone before? Ever had a terrible first date? You’ll find this one both funny and relatable.

Key Takeaways

  1. All “firsts” are special, but few are worth getting totally stressed and paralyzed about.
  2. Talk, talk, talk — in relationships, communication is everything.
  3. Something good can follow from a bad first date.

If you want to learn more, you can click below or get a copy for yourself.

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6. Sweet Girl (2015)

Rachel Hollis Books #6: Sweet Girl (2015)

Favorite Quote

“Failing is much easier to go through if no one is there to see it.” — Rachel Hollis

The Book in One Sentence

Sweet Girl follows the story of aspiring pastry chef Max Jennings, who needs to overcome not just the cutthroat competition and harsh criticism surrounding her as she works for a world-famous baker but also her own past so she can live up to her potential and perhaps even find love along the way.

Why should you read it?

Are you dragging around an event from your past that just won’t let you move on and pursue a different future? In that case, you’ll relate to Max’ story. Like all of us, she must learn to let go, to trust herself, and to forgive herself — sometimes within the same week. This book will show you how to do just that, wrapped in a fun, romantic, inspiring story.

Key Takeaways

  1. You’re not alone, and though it might not feel like it, there’s always someone close by whom you can trust.
  2. Every opportunity is different and won’t repeat in the same way, so sometimes, you just have to take the leap.
  3. No matter what anyone says, it’s never too late to forgive yourself.

If you want to learn more, you can click below or get a copy for yourself.

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7. Smart Girl (2016)

Rachel Hollis Books #7: Smart Girl (2016)

Favorite Quote

“Two half people don’t make a whole. You’ve got to be completely whole on your own before you can be one half of anything.” — Rachel Hollis

The Book in One Sentence

Smart Girl details designer Miko Jin’s seemingly hopeless journey to find true love — just like the kind she always reads about in her favorite novels — except that, when her dream guy shows up in real life, the events that follow are nothing like those out of a book — but perhaps, for Miko to learn to finally stand up for herself, that’s exactly what she needs.

Why should you read it?

If you have a crush on someone and don’t know what to do, you might want to pick up this book. Miko’s story will teach you when to persist and when to give up. It’ll also show you that, more important than any crush, is to know yourself — because otherwise, you’ll waste tons of time chasing someone who was never right for you to begin with.

Key Takeaways

  1. Love makes us do crazy things, but they’re all part of the game.
  2. Fall in love with someone, but don’t fall so deep that you forget yourself altogether.
  3. True love cannot be rushed.

If you want to learn more, you can click below or get a copy for yourself.

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Rachel Hollis Cookbooks (in Chronological Order)

8. Upscale Downhome (2016)

Rachel Hollis Books #8: Upscale Downhome (2016)

Favorite Quote

“You will never find peace unless you feel truly comfortable being exactly who you are.” — Rachel Hollis

The Book in One Sentence

Upscale Downhome is a cookbook that’ll help you present impressive-looking food on a low budget, reimagining classic recipes with new twists, from snacks to dips and drinks, mains, and desserts, all wowing your guests without breaking your bank.

Why should you read it?

Looking for recipes that’ll impress your friends and family without costing a fortune? Look no further. Hollis has managed to put new spins on old classics that make pigs in blankets look like haute-cuisine hors d’oeuvre, and it’s great fun to make a lot out of a little.

Key Takeaways

  1. You’re always hosting — because there’s no such thing as making “just some meat loaf.”
  2. Focusing a dish around one “splurge element” will allow you to make something look impressive without spending a lot of money on a long list of ingredients.
  3. Little cups, bowls, and glasses make it easy to portion appetizers and desserts and have a high-end feel to them, even if they’re cheap.

If you want to learn more, you can click below or get a copy for yourself.

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9. Real Life Dinners (2018)

Rachel Hollis Books #9: Real Life Dinners (2018)

Favorite Quote

“No matter how crazy my life gets, a good dinner makes me feel like we’re going to be okay.” — Rachel Hollis

The Book in One Sentence

Real Life Dinners presents a collection of recipes that’ll fit into your busy everyday life, defying the chaos of getting your kids ready for school and making sure your wife doesn’t eat the table after she returns from work, all while giving you that powerful, satisfying feeling of taking care of your loved ones with great food they’ll enjoy and thank you for.

Why should you read it?

Asking yourself “What should I make for a quick dinner?” for the millionth time and coming up short? Real Life Dinners will provide new answers to an age-old question. More than just giving you new ideas, though, the book will give you recipes you can actually cook amidst a hectic schedule. If you need less fancy suggestions that take forever and aren’t easily thrown together on a Tuesday night after a long workday, this cookbook is for you.

Key Takeaways

  1. Real life is chaotic, and your cooking should fit into that mess, not rely on getting rid of it.
  2. A good dinner can be a daily grounding experience, providing hope and resilience on top of nourishment.
  3. Dinner holds a special place in our lives, and it should, as it’s where old relationships deepen and new ones begin.

If you want to learn more, you can click below or get a copy for yourself.

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Rachel Hollis Books by Popularity

Want to know which Rachel Hollis books are the most popular? Here’s a short reorder of the list based on the total number of Amazon ratings, ranked from most to least.

  1. Girl, Wash Your Face: Stop Believing the Lies About Who You Are so You Can Become Who You Were Meant to Be (⭐️ 27,300+ Ratings ⭐️)
  2. Girl, Stop Apologizing: A Shame-Free Plan for Embracing and Achieving Your Goals (⭐️ 14,300+ Ratings ⭐️)
  3. Didn’t See That Coming: Putting Life Back Together When Your World Falls Apart (⭐️ 6,000+ Ratings ⭐️)
  4. Party Girl (⭐️ 1,900+ Ratings ⭐️)
  5. Sweet Girl (⭐️ 900+ Ratings ⭐️)
  6. Smart Girl (⭐️ 800+ Ratings ⭐️)
  7. Real Life Dinners: Fun, Fresh, Fast Dinners from the Creator of the Chic Site (⭐️ 600+ Ratings ⭐️)
  8. Party Girl’s First Date (⭐️ 260+ Ratings ⭐️)
  9. Upscale Downhome: Family Recipes, All Gussied Up (⭐️ 220+ Ratings ⭐️)

As is often the case, Hollis’ prior books started selling well after her big breakthrough, which came with Girl, Wash Your Face. In 2018, it was the second-most bought book on Amazon and has sold 4.5 million copies to date.


In What Order Should You Read Rachel Hollis’s Books?

Which of Rachel Hollis’s books should you read first? Here’s the order we think makes the most sense:

  1. Girl, Wash Your Face. Since this is her defining work and most popular title by far, it makes sense to start here. It’s also super empowering. Like I said, we all have limiting beliefs, and I’m sure you’ll smash at least one or two of them to pieces thanks to this book.
  2. Girl, Stop Apologizing. With a few less limiting beliefs, you can finally start giving your best shot at what you truly want out of life. This book will help you do just that, not just with more internal work but also by forming new habits and skills that’ll be useful on your journey towards accomplishing your dreams.
  3. Didn’t See That Coming. Accomplishing anything worthwhile takes time. This book is for the train wrecks — and there will be train wrecks — that happen along the way. It’ll show you how to pick yourself up and move on after even the most devastating setbacks.
  4. Real Life Dinners. One way to overcome tough days is to remember that life goes on. And what better to remind you of that than a delicious, nourishing dinner? This book will make dinner a daily grounding exercise in your life.
  5. Upscale Downhome. Once you’ve got your spring back in your step, this fun, on-a-budget cookbook will add further recipes to your roster. It’ll even show you how to make simple food look astonishing for guests, friends, and family.
  6. Party Girl. If you’re mainly into non-fiction, obviously, Rachel’s fiction section is optional. That said, her novels and novellas are fun and inspiring. They each come with some profound life lessons. This one will show you that there’s more to life than work, and that sometimes, staying true to yourself is more important than accomplishing a goal.
  7. Party Girl’s First Date. Since this is a short story providing more context on the events of Party Girl, it just makes sense to read it right afterwards. The lesson? Even if something goes wrong at first, it can still become something beautiful.
  8. Sweet Girl. Beyond yet another love story about a strong heroine who doesn’t quite fit the mold, this book will provide a lesson in perseverance. It’ll also remind you to let go of the past. No matter what happened, it’s never too late to forgive ourselves for something that’s been holding us back.
  9. Smart Girl. There’s book-smart, and there’s life-smart. As the protagonist of this books learns the difference between the two, she’ll also show you how to put yourself first, and that love isn’t something we need to give ourselves up completely for. It’s a you-focused book, and since that is where Hollis’ books started, it makes sense to end on that note as well.

Conclusion

As with almost any artist, Rachel Hollis has both fans and detractors. Some say her no-BS, you-get-what-you-work-for approach is exactly what we need, others say she is perpetuating stereotypes. And we? We say you should pick up one of her books and find out for yourself, and we hope this conclusive list of Rachel Hollis books will help you do just that.


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Last Updated on December 14, 2022