TEN MUST READ BOOKS

My kids are officially back in school, and although I am always quite emotional about sending them off into a new year, I am also a bit relieved and excited to finally have some time to MYSELF. At the beginning of each summer, I anticipate all kinds of time to relax in the summer sun and read all the amazing books stacked on my table, but the reality is- this dream rarely comes true. I wrote a little bit about this dream over on one of my favorite sites- SamwichesPsychMeds.com, and I would LOVE for you to check it out HERE.

To be fair, I can’t blame my book procrastination on friends at the pool, because I’ve learned after several summers with my kids home all day every day- there are very few moments of quiet and those are usually spent catching up on work that needs to be done. This summer was especially busy, so busy in fact, that I only wrote that one particular post and spent the rest of my limited free time editing my soon to be released BOOK!

But now with the kids in school, I finally get time to catch up on all the incredible books many of my beloved and talented friends have written! I want to share them with you, because I can assure you that each and every one of these books is worthy of reading. I know each author personally, and I can attest to their gift with words and the extraordinary mission with their books- all different and unique to their own passion. The following is a list of these books for you to click over and buy, in no particular order. I believe in these writers and I am confident you all will be incredibly blessed by their books!

For all you moms out there, Melissa Mowry, from OneMotherToAnother.com, offers us all an intimate view into her days of motherhood with humor, insight, and honesty through her newly released book -“One Mother To Another”. You will feel like you are having conversations with a best friend, and come away feeling relieved, grateful, inspired, and filled. A total ‘treat me’ book for every mom who needs that kind of friend.

BUY IT HERE: “One Mother To Another.”

For those of you who want a compelling and poignant read, CeeCee James from Joyfullivingafterchildabuse.com, shares her extraordinary story in “Ghost No More: A Story of Child Abuse and Rescue.” In it, she shares details of her tragic childhood, her long journey toward freedom from her sadistic mother, and redemption that ultimately comes from a loving and gracious God. You will be moved to tears, touched in the deepest parts of your soul, and finally, given hope by her witness to the glory of a redeeming God. This book will grip your heart from the very beginning. (One of a series of three, but it can surely stand on its own.)

BUY IT HERE: “Ghost No More”

For those of you who are looking for more Christian inspiration, Jeanie Shaw, from jeaniesjourneys.com, has a huge selection of nourishing books for you to read. I am particularly interested in “Prime Rib: Exploring a Woman’s Value and Purpose”, but she has written many others, including “Understanding Goose- For anyone who has felt different, rejected, or empty.” And “When The Chicken Hits The Fan.”, another encouraging and humorous devotional to inspire and grow your faith. Jeanie has a way of using ordinary everyday moments to broaden our perspective and deepen our faith.

BUY IT HERE: “Prime Rib: Exploring A Woman’s Value and Purpose.”

For those of you who love romance, this is the PERFECT book for you! Jennie Goutet from aladyinfrance.com, has released her first romantic fiction novel: “The Viscount of Maisons Laffitte.”-A clean modern romance set in France. This story sounds SO good. Who doesn’t need a good romantic fantasy about a seemingly impossible love affair, with a gripping plot? Oh, girls, you know you do!

BUY IT HERE: “The Viscount of Maisons Laffitte.”

While we’re talking about Jennie, she also wrote an extraordinary memoir, “Stars Upside Down”, in which she shares an intimate view into her unfolding life events that will keep you captivated through every word. Intertwined in her life journey is God’s enduring and passionate quest for her heart that will leave you inspired and amazed at God’s presence in her life- and perhaps leave you considering His presence in your own? Jennie’s experience with her travels all over the world will impress you, and her honest, raw, and very personal perspective on struggling with addiction, depression, loss, and love- will leave you astounded at her incredible strength and inspired by her ambitious spirit.

BUY IT HERE: “Stars Upside Down.”

For those of you who would like a book on marriage and relationships, Michell Pullium, from michellpullium.com, has just released: “Real Talk: The Little Handbook of Marriage and Relationship Tips.” Michell is full of wisdom in this area, as she has been married to her beloved husband (A pastor) for over 27 years, and is not only a devoted wife and mother but a passionate follower of Jesus. If you need a quick and easy read, that will offer nourishment, encouragement, and guidance in loving your partner- this is for you! I love the questions it answers:

* Why making your home a haven is a must.
* Why you should deal with your insecurities before they deal with you.
* What you’re probably doing that’s draining your relationships.
* The number one way to get what you want out of your marriage.
* How to avoid the red flags that keep you in relationship ruts.
* Why you shouldn’t sit there and die if your marriage/relationship isn’t working.

Real Talk: The Little Handbook of Marriage and Relationship Tips.”

For you gals who would like to be lifted into that heartwarming and fulfilling topic of friendship, this next book is definitely going to take you there. These two precious friends, Lizzi Lewis of Considerings.com and Hasty from Hastywords.com have created a gorgeous poetry journal: “Let Me Love You Anyway”, encapsulating their exquisite love for one another revealing insights into their unfolding friendship through a poem they wrote together. In this rare and beautiful book, you are offered the opportunity to join them in this gift of sharing your own love for a friend through your words and passing it along. Isn’t that lovely? Ah… the glorious gift of friendship all wrapped and woven into this cherished treasure.

“This poem was written from our hearts, one to the other, in support, solidarity, and love, which remains bright and shining between us, even on our darkest days. If friendship is the pinnacle of love, then may we ever enjoy this apex. We believe the sentiments our poem definitely go further than the two of us. We hope you fill this journal with heartfelt words and then… give it to someone you love.” ~ From Lizzi and Hasty

BUY IT HERE: “Let Me Love You Anyway- A Poetic Journal.”

For those of you who suffer from chronic illness, struggle with relentless ongoing pain, or even battle with brokenness in any way, Melinda Means from melindameans.com has a new book coming out August 23rd, titled “Invisible Wounds.” In it, she shares her own incredible journey in enduring the emotional and spiritual turmoil when feeling the burden of surviving her own intense ongoing illness for the last twenty years. This book also includes other women’s stories that reflect their own struggles with physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges they face through their own long-suffering. For the Christian woman who desperately needs guidance, encouragement, and assurance in God’s presence in her life while she suffers in silence, this book will bless you. Melinda has a mission, to use her pain for a purpose- and that purpose is to offer hope to the many women who feel hopeless. COMING SOON.

Check it out HERE: “Invisible Wounds.”

As many of you know, I contributed to MotheringFromScratch.com for over a year and worked with both Melinda and Kathy Helgemo in offering encouragement for moms on their beautiful site. They wrote a book together, full of combined wisdom and insight into parenting and motherhood‘s greatest challenges and joys. This is a Christian parenting book every mom can benefit from, including these topics:

• explore your personality and examine your strengths and weaknesses in order to find what works for you.
• tap into the resources surrounding you and get mentoring and support from other moms.
• push past the fear of change or doing it wrong and allow room for grace in your mothering.

BUY HERE: “Mothering From Scratch: Finding the Best Parenting Style for You and Your Family.”

This last book is a heart-rending memoir for anyone who wants to be shaken to your core, moved to tears, and inspired by the power of relentless faith. I think everyone needs to read “Rare Bird: A Memoir of Loss and Love”, by Anna Donaldson. The story of Anna losing her 12-year old son, will break your heart open, tear it to pieces, and put it back together with a fine thread of hope. Her agonizing personal journey into grief and beyond is by far the most compelling book I have ever read. I read it over two years ago, and it still lingers in my soul- and I know it will stay with you too. This book is a must read- yes, she will take you on an incredibly emotional journey, but sometimes it’s the hardest places that bring the greatest growth, right? I promise that you will feel honored to have this intimate view of her crushing world, because, surprisingly, you will take in her breath of hope in a loving God and the power of faith. Anna is an incredible writer and passionate faithful warrior. Her words will pierce your heart and take you deep into hers.

BUY HERE: “Rare Bird: A Memoir of Loss and Love.”

I am quite confident you will find each of these books to be worth your time and money. I’m honored to have the privilege of sharing them with YOU.