Intentional finance. Intentional family. Intentional business.

Here's what's new:

10+ Ways to Read Books For Free (or almost free!)

My Honest Experience With Nourish

10+ Ways to Read Books For Free (or almost free!)

Do you love reading but also want to make sure you don’t break your budget with book purchases? Reading doesn’t have to cost very much money at all, I promise! This post covers my top tips on how to get FREE books!

(Psst! You can also get a FREE Kindle Unlimited Trial right now, which gives you access to thousands of e-books and audiobooks!!)

Note: This post is from the archives but has been updated to be current and include even more tips & tricks I’ve learned over the years! (A huge thanks to Readers Gotta Read for offering some of her expert tips, as well!)

My Top Recs For How to Get Free Books

If you’ve been here for any length of time, you know I’m an avid reader and that I’m constantly on the lookout for new book ideas to add to my crazily-long list of Books I Want to Read. Since I read so voraciously, I’ve had to come up with some creative ways to feed my reading obsession without running us out of house and home.

Not all of my ideas will work for everyone, but here’s a list of 10+ tips I’ve used to get books for free or almost free throughout the years:

1. Earn Free Books from MyReaderRewards

My Reader Rewards Club is a site that gives you the opportunity to earn free books and audio by filling out surveys, referring friends, and more.

It’s very easy to earn a free book — without even having to refer a friend!

My Reader Rewards Club offers Christian books from Tyndale, including Nonfiction books, Fiction books, Parenting books, Kids’ books, Audiobooks, Ministry Resources, and more! They even have Adventures in Odyssey audios and books!

Our family has gotten a number of free books from them over the past few years and I have loved being able to get brand-new books completely free!

2. Check Out Free Books at the Library & Through Inter-Library Loan

Of course, no list of how to get free books would be complete without a mention of the library. I’ve checked out countless books from the library over the years; it’s an invaluable resource!

If you have a relatively small library that doesn’t have a great selection, check and see if they offer Inter-Library loan. Most libraries do, and this offers a much, much broader selection. You have to request the book and then wait for it to come in, but it’s free–which usually makes it worth a bit of a wait!

You can also suggest books for your library to purchase. They might not heed your suggestion, but it’s always worth a shot.

3. Download Free Audiobooks from Libby

It’s no secret that I absolutely love books. And I try to invest at least a little bit of time in reading every single day.

But, on really full days, fitting in reading time can be a challenge. Which is why I’m so grateful for audiobooks! They are the perfect solution to making reading a priority — even if you aren’t able to physically sit down and read a book.

Psst! Do you struggle with finding time to read? Read this post, plus check out these practical tips on how to find more time to read each day!

However, if you buy audiobooks online, they are often quite expensive — typically more than you’d pay for the paperback or hardback copy. Which is why I’m a fan of finding ways to listen to FREE audiobooks.

Back in 2016, I told you about 8 Ways to Get Audiobooks for FREE. If you haven’t read that post, you’ll want to go read it right now.

I talked specifically about the Overdrive and Hoopla apps in that post — apps that allow you to “check out” audiobooks for free from your local library. Most libraries have since switched over to the Libby app, an app that is much more user-friendly and less clunky to use. And I have become a huge fan of it.

I liked the Overdrive app and the Hoopla app, but I LOVE the Libby app! There are so many different audiobooks to choose from on it and they are all at my favorite price point: FREE!

4. Get Free Books from Friends and Neighbors

I’m always swapping books with friends–and this is a great way to keep your reading materials varied! Just be sure that you keep track of what books you’ve borrowed and loaned out.

Also, it goes without saying, but return the books in the same condition they were loaned in. Otherwise, your friends might not be so excited to loan you books again. 😉

And don’t forget that many neighborhoods and towns have local Facebook groups where people swap books too! These groups are a fantastic way to connect with neighbors and trade books within your area. It’s like having a little free library right on your doorstep. Just be sure to follow the group’s guidelines and respect the community vibe!

5. Download Free Ebooks

If you have any sort of mobile device — an iPhone, iPad, or other mobile device – you can read Kindle books using the FREE Kindle reader app! That’s right —you don’t even need a separate Kindle device to be able to read them! Just download the app to access your free ebooks on any mobile device or computer.

My favorite ways to get Kindle ebooks are through my library’s Libby App and by using Kindle Unlimited, which gives you access to thousands of ebooks and audiobooks. Even better, right now, you can get a FREE Kindle Unlimited Trial!

Tip: Most public libraries also offer free ebooks on their site that you can borrow and download to your device for a few weeks.

Okay, so this one is for kids, but I still had to share it! If you have a child between the ages of 0 to 5 and your local area participates, you can sign up to get free children’s books from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

We’ve never personally used this, but I’ve heard from others that they send nice, high-quality books really regularly.

There are participating communities within the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Ireland. Check to see if your area participates here.

7. Check Thrift Stores, Used Book Sales, and Garage Sales

Thrift stores, used book sales, and garage sales can be a goldmine for book lovers. Best of all, they’ll often have fill-a-bag sales where you can fill as many books into a designated bag as you’re able to — all for a few dollars.

Also, make sure you check your library for book sales. Most libraries have shelves with extra books for sale and/or host regular book sale fundraisers (i.e., quarterly, annually), where books usually cost around $0.50 – $3 each.

Goodwill is an especially great place to get bargains on books. According to Teri at Readers Gotta Read, “Adult hardback books are $2.99, adult paperback books are $1.99 and kid books are 99¢. Additionally, Goodwill has a color of the week that changes every Sunday. If the book you want has that color sticker, it is 50% off. Or, if you go on Sunday, they have a color sticker where items with that color are 99¢. So, you can get some amazing deals at Goodwill!”

You can also find bargains on hot titles that you can then swap/trade on PaperBackSwap, at a Little Free Library, or at your favorite local bookstore! This is an easy way to get titles you want for very little money out of pocket!

8. Buy From an Online Used Bookstore

Sometimes you want a specific book, but you just can’t find it free anywhere. In that case, Teri from Readers Gotta Read has some more great suggestions that’ll help you find cheap books! She suggests checking these sites for used books —

ThriftBooks: free shipping on orders $15+
Abe Books: free shipping based on the book
Better World Books: free shipping on orders $15+
eBay: has the most variety on prices and shipping, but is an option if you can’t find a book cheaper on one of the sites above.

Teri says: “These sites let you choose the quality of the book (new, like new, very good, good, and acceptable condition), which impacts the price of the book. If I’m after just one book, I’ll usually order it on Abe Books with free shipping on that one book. If I have several titles I want, then I’ll try to get my order to reach $15 to qualify for free shipping for Thrift Books or Better World Books. Additionally, you can receive coupon codes for sales if you sign up for these sites’ email lists. The banners on the homepages of these sites promote deals as well.”

Readers Gotta Read also has ideas for what to do with books when you’re done reading them, which can help other readers get free or cheap books, and sometimes will even let you exchange your book stack for new reads without paying a penny!

9. Buy Used From Amazon or Barnes & Noble

When I do actually “buy” books, I use my Swagbucks credit to buy them. Swagbucks offers a great deal on Barnes & Noble and Amazon gift cards, so I often request those as rewards.

Not sure how to use Swagbucks? Read this post on how to earn Swagbucks gift cards.

However, I usually do not buy books brand-new, unless I’m buying them to support an author (which I’ve become pretty passionate about doing after releasing books myself!). Instead, I typically purchase the book used from Amazon or Barnes & Noble Marketplace. I’ve been amazed at how much money I’ve saved just by being willing to go with a book that has a little wear and tear on it!

In addition, Barnes and Noble sometimes runs free shipping deals or I’ll find a coupon code. Combining that with shopping through a cashback site, I can usually get a great deal on a book I really want – all for free because Swagbucks is covering the tab!

Bonus: How to Read Books For Free as a Blogger/Influencer

If you’re a blogger or review books for another type of social media, you can fairly easily obtain free review copies from publishers. Just search for the publisher of a book (you can often find this on Amazon) and then find their website and look for contact information for review copies.

Most publishers state their review copy policy right on their website and many are extremely generous in their willingness to send review copies to bloggers. However, please don’t take advantage of this. Only request books you are truly interested in, and those that you truly plan to actually review on your blog.

Many publishers are also more than happy to do a giveaway along with your review and see this as extra exposure for them. So it never hurts to ask, if you’re sure you’ll like the book!

I no longer actively ask for review copies, but I do receive a few each week from various publishers who are hoping I’ll mention their book on my blog, social media, or podcast.

More Favorites From Money Saving Mom

My Honest Experience With Nourish

Looking for a free dietitian online or online nutritionist consultation covered by insurance? I have been LOVING my Nourish dietitian and this is my completely honest review! Truly — it’s been life-changing for me!

This One Small Step Has Been Quietly Transforming My Health (and It’s Covered by Insurance!)

Are you wanting to make healthy changes in your diet but don’t know where to start? Struggling to hit your health goals or feeling overwhelmed by trying to stay on track?

Two months ago, I made a decision that I honestly didn’t expect to have such a big impact. I signed up to meet with a Nourish dietitian.

Not because I had a big health goal or some drastic change in mind, but because I was feeling a little stuck. I had been working out more, trying to be mindful of what I was eating, and wanting to better support my body through this full season of life.

I figured it couldn’t hurt to get a little expert insight, especially since Nourish is fully covered by insurance under our plan.

Honestly, I expected to get a few helpful tips on calories and macros. I didn’t expect it to shift so much of how I view my body, my energy, my relationship with food, and even how I approach rest and recovery.

But it has. And I’m so grateful. Let me tell you more about my honest experience with Nourish…

What Is Nourish?

Nourish is a virtual platform that connects you with a registered dietitian — someone trained to help you with everything from emotional eating and hormone health to energy levels and gut issues — all from the comfort of your own home.

Instead of handing you a one-size-fits-all meal plan or a strict list of foods to avoid, your Nourish online dietitian walks with you step-by-step. They listen to your goals. They help you build habits. They offer insight on how nutrition, sleep, stress, and movement work together. And they empower you to nourish your body well — without shame, restriction, or overwhelm.

My Completely Honest (+ Very Vulnerable) Nourish Dietitian Review

To be honest, I was hesitant at first. I wasn’t sure I needed an online nutritionist consultation. I wondered if my health goals were “big enough” or if it would be worth the time.

But I also knew I wanted to take better care of myself. I felt a little foggy some days. I wanted accountability and clarity, and deep down, I wondered if I was giving my body what it needed to thrive.

That first call with my Nourish dietitian? It blew me away.

She helped me understand how the stress and depletion of the last few years — pregnancies, nursing, fostering, adopting a child with disabilities, caregiving, running a business, and raising six kids — had left me running on fumes. She walked me through how undereating and undersleeping were actually slowing down my metabolism and affecting my mood and hormones.

She didn’t guilt me. She didn’t overwhelm me. She encouraged me and gave me clear, simple steps I could take that very week.

What I’m Learning from My Nourish Dietician

Every session has been eye-opening. Not because of some radical overhaul… but because of how freeing and healing it’s been to undo old beliefs.

My dietitian has helped me:

Identify and challenge long-held beliefs about food and weight.
Realize how often I’ve equated worth with a number on the scale.
Shift from restriction to nourishment.
Take baby steps toward what she calls “food freedom” — where food supports your life, not controls it.

It’s emotional work, too. But so, so worth it.

online nutritionist consultation or free dietitian online -- so worth it!

Making the Most of Your Free Dietitian Online

If you decide to sign up (which I highly recommend if you’re curious!), here are a few tips to make the most of your online nutritionist consultation:

Track your eating, movement, and sleep for a few days ahead of your first call (I used MyFitnessPal and my Oura ring).
Bring questions or struggles you want help with — even small things like “I snack all day and feel tired after lunch.”
Share your health history (I even brought my bloodwork to our second session!).
Be honest and open — this isn’t about perfection, it’s about progress.

How Much Does a Session Cost with a Nourish Dietitian?

If you’re wondering what a Nourish session might cost, here’s the exciting news: 94% of users pay $0 out of pocket when they use insurance!

That’s right! You have a very good chance of being able to meet with a free dietitian online — right from the comfort of your own home. How cool is that?!

I have been sharing about Nourish for the past 6 weeks or so, as I have been using it and benefiting from it, and I would say that number they give is quite accurate as the majority of my audience is also finding that Nourish is covered by their insurance, too.

That said, every insurance plan is a little different — some may have a small copay or coinsurance — but Nourish does everything they can to keep your costs low and offers a simple insurance coverage calculator to help you know what to expect ahead of time.

Here’s what you need to know:

Most people pay nothing. Yes, really! The majority of users don’t pay anything out of pocket because Nourish is in-network with hundreds of insurance plans across all 50 states.
You can check your coverage easily. Nourish makes it super simple to verify your insurance and see if there may be any copays or fees.
No surprise bills. What your insurance says is what you’ll pay — no hidden costs or unexpected fees. All appointments are backed by the Nourish Guarantee to provide a no-surprise billing experience! Note: One of my followers was told that her insurance would cover Nourish and then that ended up not being the case. Nourish zeroed out her balance and didn’t charge her anything for the two sessions she had because of their Nourish Guarantee.
Paying out of pocket? If your insurance doesn’t cover sessions, the self-pay rate is $145 per session — and you’ll know that up front.

Why I Recommend It

If you’re:

Feeling stuck with your health goals
Battling low energy or brain fog
Walking through a tough postpartum season
Wanting to build a better relationship with food
Or simply needing some gentle accountability…

I highly recommend checking out Nourish. This is one of the most grace-filled, personalized things I’ve done for myself in a long time.

Ready to try Nourish?

Head here to check if your insurance covers it: Nourish Dietitian Program

If it does, you’ll get access to a caring, credentialed online dietitian covered by insurance who will walk with you, encourage you, and help you create a life that feels vibrant, nourished, and whole.

Nourish FAQ

How much does a Nourish session cost?

94% of users pay $0 out of pocket when they use insurance!

Is Nourish really free with insurance?

Yep! Most insurance plans cover it 100% and you’ll pay nothing out of pocket!

Text about Nourish online nutritionist consultation

One Last Personal Word…

I had to share this text I sent to my accountability group a month ago. I still cannot believe that our insurance is paying for me to hire a dietitian — and I cannot believe how much it is changing my life and challenging me in such good ways.

Whether you’re dealing with postpartum changes, low energy, hormone shifts, or stress eating — Nourish takes a whole-person approach. Your dietitian helps you connect the dots between nutrition, sleep, mood, and overall wellness.