Deidra Riggs aptly dubbed this year, “The Year of the Books.”
After being inspired by Jennifer Dukes Lee’s list of Summer Reading recommendations, I decided to post a list of my own. (Granted, there is a significant amount of overlap, I admit. Apparently we have a very similar taste in books.)
However, since a sizable chunk of my readership resides in the southern hemisphere, I’ve decided not to call it a Summer Reading list, as many of you are heading into winter and will soon be sitting in front of the fire place drinking
Whether you’re donning sandals or slippers these next few months, do yourself a favor and settle down with one (or all) of these books:
Team Us: Marriage Together
by Ashleigh Slater
Watch this space! I had the privilege of pre-reading a copy of this soon-to-be released book by Ashleigh Slater, and I’ll be posting a review later this week.
As an appetizer, this is an easy-to-read book, filled with encouragement to think of yourself and your spouse as members of the same team.
In a world where tension and internal competition between couples are rife, this is a much-needed book and is likely to bless and enhance many marriages in the months and years to come.
Stay tuned for more ..
A Fall of Marigolds
by Susan Meissner
I fell in love with Susan Meissner’s writing when I read her novel, A Lady in Waiting. Her latest book, A Fall of Marigolds, was no exception.
In fact, I received a copy that I had won in a blog giveaway the day before Mother’s Day, got a tummy bug, stayed in bed and read the whole thing within 24 hours. It was captivating.
With masterful grace, Susan weaves the stories of two women from different generations together in a tale of loss, grief, healing, and hope.
Her story caused the depths of empathy to be stirred within me, and kept me thinking about the characters long after I put it down.
Warrior in Pink: A Story of Cancer, Community, and the God Who Comforts
by Vivian Mabuni
Providentially, I won a copy of this moving story on another blog giveaway, and I’m convinced it was meant to be. I wrote some of my impressions in a review that can be found here.
If you know anyone who has been affected by breast cancer in any way, this book is for you.
Surprised by Motherhood: Everything I Never Expected about Being a Mom
by Lisa-Jo Baker
If you’ve clicked on this blog before, you’ve likely caught me gushing about this book far too many times already.
Like here.
And here.
Oh gosh, and here, too.
And did I mention I got to interview Lisa-Jo, as well? Post here.
A Promise in Pieces
by Emily Wierenga
If you’re looking for a gentle, moving work of fiction, look no further.
I’ve written two posts about Emily Wierenga’s A Promise in Pieces — one on my blog, and one for Ungrind Webzine.
The writing is so graceful and fluid, it will carry you from page to page without you even noticing.
Just read it; you can thank me later. 😉
Compared to Her: How to Experience True Contentment
by Sophie deWitt
Sophie deWitt’s Compared to Her is one of the most searched for posts I get on my blog. If you’re female and you’ve ever struggled with comparing yourself to other women, you will definitely be able to glean much from this gem.
My interview with my friend Sophie can be found here.
Seekers of the Lost Boy
by Taryn Hayes
This middle grade children’s novel is the perfect holiday read, either as a family or to give to your kids to read on their own.
The story is set in South Africa, and follows a homeschooling family as they seek to find the original writer of a message in a bottle. This book is not only enjoyable to read, but is also very educational and thought-provoking. Highly recommended.
Read my full review here.
Books that are on my “Must Read” list:
Rhinestone Jesus: Saying Yes to God When Sparkly, Safe Faith is No Longer Enough
by Kristen Welch
Kristen Welch is the author of the We Are THAT Family blog, and founder of The Mercy House in Kenya. I have the utmost respect for Kristen’s worldview, and particularly her parenting philosophy as she shares it on her blog.
All of the reviews I’ve read of this book so far have been glowing, and everyone says you will not be the same after you’ve read it.
Take the challenge, and say Yes.
Atlas Girl: Finding Home in the Last Place I Thought to Look
by Emily Wierenga
I’m thrilled to be on the launch team for this upcoming memoir, and even more thrilled to be getting a review copy in the mail very soon.
I adore Emily’s writing voice, her gentle spirit, and her masterful, graceful way with word pictures. I had the pleasure of reading the first two chapters already, and they are dripping with beauty. I’ve picked up snippets of her compelling story through her blog, but look forward to reading this memoir, particularly as it addresses a topic dear to my heart:
Home.
The Nesting Place: It Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect to Be Beautiful
by Myquillyn Smith (a.k.a. “The Nester”)
I admit, I followed the hype about this book, but didn’t really intend to pick it up until I read Lisa-Jo Baker’s post about it. I had assumed it was more of an interior design book, and .. well .. that’s not really my thing.
But after reading about the impact this book had on Lisa-Jo, she persuaded me to request it from the library.
Return to Me
by Lynn Austin
Speaking of the library, I was walking past the Express Book shelf this evening on my way to the Children’s section, and this book jumped off the shelf into my bag.
It couldn’t help itself.
It just knew that Lynn Austin is in my Top Three Favorite Christian Fiction authors, so it just had to land itself in my bag.
I read the entire Chronicles of the Kings series years ago, and not only did they leave a lasting impression, but they caused my understanding of Old Testament history to be much richer and far more cohesive.
I’ve read more Lynn Austin books than my ten fingers can count, and all have been delightful. If you don’t read this one, read something of hers. She’s incredibly gifted.
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Well, that’s it from me for now ..
Happy reading!
