Books I Want to Reread in 2016

Yes, it is April. And yes I am just finally getting around to listing the books I want to reread in 2016....but better late than never, amirite? I need to read at least one of these before May ends!
*links lead to my reviews!

Breathing Room by Leeana Tankersley

I have her newest, "Brazen", that I should be starting this week. I remember her writing as 'honest and truth revealing'. Gorgeous cover as well ;)

The Finishing School by Valerie Woerner

This one needs a re-read from me just so I can take each lesson and truly let it seep in. Maybe I will blog my way through this as a way to stay accountable??

Desperate by Sarah Mae and Sally Clarkson

I don't think I ever posted about this one, but it is beautiful. Anything these two write is soul refreshing. With a tough young baby and a rambunctious three year old, I could use some hope and fresh air.

50 Women Every Christian Should Know by Michelle DeRusha

THIS. Every single lady in this book is so inspiring. I could use inspiring right about now. This one was also supposed to be on my ReRead 2015 list....but we can see how well that went...

Chasing God by Angie Smith

After reading this one I wanted to push it on every single person I knew. Prayer, forgiveness, running around in circles searching desperately for God. Angie gets it, she has been there. This one made my 'Lifechanger' shelf and it's time I revisit why. 

Women of the Word by Jen Wilkin

When I first read the words beneath this beautiful cover, they didn't strike me as earth shattering. But at the time, I was much better at my personal Bible study time. Now life has happened and I need to dive in again. I think reading Wilkin's words will give me the spark I need to dive headfirst back into the Word. 

And of course...because it is obvious:

  

If you could reread anything this year, what would it be??

The Gift of Friendship {Quick Review}

The Gift of Friendship by Dawn Camp

Visit the Author's website HERE

Publisher: Revell

Publishing Date: February 16, 2016

Goodreads Summary:

Whether next door or in the next time zone, our friends provide some of our most important relationships. We cherish time spent with them, bemoan time spent apart, and look forward to the next time we can have coffee or rush to greet them as they walk toward our door. And nothing warms our hearts like stories of true friendship. 
Collecting over fifty true stories from some of today best writers, Dawn Camp offers readers a chance to sit back and experience the gift of friendship. With its beautiful photographs and poignant prose, this collection is a great gift for a dear friend and the perfect pick-me-up any time you need a boost. Contributors include Crystal Paine, Liz Curtis Higgs, Tsh Oxenreider, Myquillyn Smith, Jennifer Dukes Lee, Lisa-Jo Baker, Jessica Turner, Lysa TerKeurst, Bonnie Gray, Holley Gerth, Renee Swope, and many more.

The Gift of Friendship {Sneak Peek Link Up}

Welcome to Sneak Peek Saturday!

Current book:
The Gift of Friendship
By Dawn Camp and various contributors

Forgiven {Review}

Forgiven by Terri Roberts

Visit the Author's website HERE

Publisher: Bethany House

Publishing Date: October 6, 2015

Goodreads Summary:

After a son does the unthinkable, how can a mother go on?

On October 2, 2006, a gunman entered an Amish one-room schoolhouse, shooting ten girls, killing five, then finally taking his own life. This is his mother's story. Not only did she lose her precious son through suicide, but she also lost her understanding of him as an honorable man. It was a trauma that none should ever have to face.

But the biggest headlines came when her Amish neighbors did the unimaginable, reaching out to the family of the shooter with comfort and forgiveness. Today Terri lives in harmony with the Amish and has built lasting relationships beyond what anyone could have thought possible. From the grace that the Amish showed Terri's family from day one, to the visits and ongoing care Terri has given to the victims and their families, no one could have foreseen the love and friendship that have been forged from the fires of tragedy.

Get Yourself Organized for Christmas {Review}

Get Yourself Organized for Christmas by Kathi Lipp

Visit the Author's website HERE

Publisher: Harvest House Publishers

Publishing Date: September 1, 2015

Goodreads Summary:

Have you lost your Christmas joy? Does the thought of jam-packed malls, maxed-out credit cards, overcrowded supermarkets, and endless to-do lists give you the feeling that maybe Scrooge was on to something?

In Get Yourself Organized for Christmas, Kathi Lipp provides easy-to-follow steps to reduce the stress of the holiday season, including tactics for how to put together a holiday binder you'll use year after year determine a budget that won't break the bank gather your elf supplies get your gift list together (including ideas for various ages and relationships)collect your recipes and prep your kitchen

By putting into practice Kathi's tricks and tips, you'll finally be able to fully enjoy this most wonderful time of the year.

Every Little Thing {Review}

Every Little Thing by Deidra Riggs

Visit the Author's website HERE

Publisher: Baker Books

 Publishing Date: October 6, 2015

Goodreads Summary: 

Everyone has had that moment--we see a need in our church, our school, our neighborhood, our family, or our world and we think, Someone really should get to work on that, never imagining that we might be the answer to that need. We don't have the time, the expertise, the money. We've got careers to manage, bills to pay, meals to prepare, and families to attend to. Besides, who are we to think we can change the world?

In this encouraging and empowering book, Deidra Riggs calls readers to accept God's invitation to join him in making a difference right where they are, regardless of their current life stage. She shows readers that they were created with a purpose and with the capacities to fulfill that purpose. And she reminds them that it's not up to us to fix the world, but it is up to us to join God--and the rest of his people--in his redemptive work. For when God calls and we look over our shoulder and answer, "Who, me?" God always emphatically answers, "Yes, you." 

The Ology {Quick Review}

The Ology by Marty Machowski

Visit the Author's Website HERE

Publisher: New Growth Press

Publishing Date: October 19, 2015

Goodreads Summary:

Truth is for kids, not just for adults! So The Ology gives kids of all ages a beginner’s theology book to help them understand who God is and how we, as his children, relate to him. Arranged within a traditional systematic theological framework, each truth in The Ology is also connected to the larger redemptive story of Scripture. The doctrine of God, for example, is presented in the larger framework of creation, where the attributes of God are more clearly on display. The Ology takes abstract theological concepts and makes them easier to understand with the use of creative examples, illustrations, and analogies. The goal is not to say everything that could be said about a theological topic, but rather to share the key thoughts behind a theological concept. The Ology is a starting point to learning theology and aims to create a hunger and desire in children to learn more as they grow older. 

Designed for six-year-olds through preteens, this flexible resource includes built-in adaptations for use with younger or older children, so that entire families can enjoy it together. Read The Ology to preschoolers, read it with grade-school kids, and let older kids discover the “hidden” truths by reading the corresponding Scripture passages for each section. However you read it, The Ology will give your children a gift that will last a lifetime—a solid foundation of life-changing biblical truth that will point them to the God who loves them and gave himself for them.

Girl Meets Change {Review}

Girl Meets Change by Kristen Strong 

Visit the Author's Website HERE

Publisher: Revell

Publishing Date: September 15, 2015

Goodreads Summary:

Whether chosen and celebrated--like going off to college or welcoming your first baby--or unexpected and anxiety-inducing--like losing a job or grappling with a broken trust--all change brings stress. Kristen Strong knows about change--especially the kind you didn't choose or expect. What she's fought hard to learn over the years is that change is not something to be feared but something to be received as a blessing from a God who, more often than not, works through change, not in spite of it. Strong has learned to see change not as a grievance but as a grace.

In this hope-filled book, she shows women how when we follow God's will, we receive blessings of contentment, purpose, and renewed strength. She encourages women to see change not as the end of their story but as the scenery for this part of life's journey. And she offers practical advice for coping with change in every part of life. Anyone who has struggled to adjust to life's transitions will welcome this warm and personal perspective.

A Glorious Dark {Review}

 

A Glorious Dark by A.J. Swoboda

Visit the Author's Website HERE

Publisher: Baker Books

Publishing Date: February 3, 2015

Goodreads Summary:

On Thursday as they ate the Passover meal with Jesus, the disciples believed that the kingdom was coming and they were on the front end of a revolution. Then came the tragedy of Friday and, somehow even worse, the silence of Saturday. They ran. They doubted. They despaired. Yet, within the grave, God's power was still flowing like a mighty river beneath the ice of winter. And then there was Sunday morning. 
Real, raw, and achingly honest, "A Glorious Dark" meets readers in the ambiguity, doubt, and uncertainty we feel when our beliefs about the world don't match up to reality. Tackling tough questions like "Why is faith so hard? Why do I doubt? Why does God allow me to suffer?" and "Is God really with me in the midst of my pain?" A. J. Swoboda puts into sharp focus a faith that is greater than our personal comfort or fulfilment. He invites readers to develop a faith that embraces the tension between what we believe and what we experience, showing that the very tension we seek to eliminate is where God meets us.

The Finishing School {Review}

The Finishing School by Valerie Woerner 

Visit the Author's Website HERE

Publisher: NyreePress

Publishing Date: September 8th, 2015

Goodreads Summary:

In today’s world, our pursuit of a life well lived gets squeezed out by the silliest of things: binging on Netflix or ice cream, shopping trips for things we don’t need, bad habits we can’t seem to get a handle on and so much more. Valerie has been there despite knowing what she wanted for her life. Actually do it though? That’s the real challenge.

After gobbling up all the non-fiction and self-help books her donut-filled belly could handle, she decided it was time to put her knowledge to use and start actually living it out. The result has been a refining process that has drawn her closer to God and produced the sweetest fruit in her life. You will hear about Valerie’s journey filled with failures and victories and find practical tips to apply to your own pursuit of holiness. You will find homework at the end of each chapter that includes a worksheet to put real change in motion for your own life as well as recommended books to further study those topics that really test you.

For the Love {Review}

For the Love by Jen Hatmaker

Visit the Author's Website HERE

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Publishing Date: August 18, 2015

Goodreads Summary:

The popular writer, blogger, and television personality reveals with humor and style how Jesus' extravagant grace is the key to dealing with life's biggest challenge: people.

The majority of our joys, struggles, thrills, and heartbreaks relate to people, beginning first with ourselves and then the people we came from, married, birthed, live by, live for, go to church with, don't like, don't understand, fear, struggle with, compare ourselves to, and judge. People are the best and worst thing about the human life.

Jen Hatmaker knows this all too well, and so she reveals how to practice kindness, grace, truthfulness, vision, and love to ourselves and those around us. By doing this, For the Love leads our generation to reimagine Jesus' grace as a way of life, and it does it in a funny yet profound manner that Christian readers will love. Along the way, Hatmaker shows readers how to reclaim their prophetic voices and become Good News again to a hurting, polarized world. 

Beauty of Grace {Quick Review}

The Beauty of Grace by Dawn Camp

Visit the Author's website HERE

Publisher: Revell

Publishing Date: February 3, 2015

Goodreads Summary: 

In this hectic life, we all need a little peace, a little quiet, and a little beauty. Combining heartfelt stories from some of today's foremost writers and bloggers with stunning photography of God's incredible creation, "The Beauty of Grace" is a haven of calm contemplation amidst the chaos. 
This uplifting collection includes moving stories of cultivating friendship, waiting on God, choosing joy, staying connected, and more from popular writers such as Jessica Turner, Lisa-Jo Baker, Holley Gerth, Ann Voskamp, Bonnie Gray, Tsh Oxenreider, Leeana Tankersley, Emily Freeman, Margaret Feinberg, and many others. Each story is accompanied by an uplifting Scripture verse, and the book includes Dawn's stunning photos. Foreword by Holley Gerth.

You're Loved No Matter What {Review}

You're Love No Matter What by Holley Gerth

Visit the Author's website HERE

Publisher: Revell

Publishing Date: March 3, 2015

Goodreads Summary:

How would your life be different if you truly believed you're loved just as you are?" Holley Gerth poses this compelling question at the start of her latest book. As someone who has connected with thousands of women, Holley has seen the dangers of becoming trapped by impossible standards of beauty, achievement, and even spirituality. We believe if only we were "perfect" we could beat our depression, banish anxiety, and develop the relationships we long for most. Holley shares how God wants to set the hearts of women free by revealing the lies we believe and the scandalous grace and acceptance offered to us instead. When we know we're truly loved, the response is to love in return--and that changes everything. 
Bestselling author and every woman's best friend, Holley Gerth helps women lay down their unrealistic expectations so they can embrace who God created them to be, pursue his purpose for their lives, and offer the love they've been freely given.

Quick Review for Mature Eyes

10 Ideas to Inspire Red Hot Sex

by Kathi Lipp and Erin MacPherson
Website and Podcast HERE
Publisher: Revell
Publishing Date: February 3, 2015
Goodreads Summary: 

2014 Letdowns

Okay, let's be real: you may possible hate me after reading this post. But hear me out! Not all the books on this list did I hate or throw across a room, sometimes they just didn't live up to my expectations. In no particular order, I present my 2014 Letdowns ....

50 Women Every Christian Should Know Review

50 Women Every Christian Should Know by Michelle DeRusha
Visit her website HERE
Publisher: Baker Books
Publishing Date: September 16, 2014
Goodreads Summary:

Throughout history, countless women have boldly stepped out in faith and courage, leaving their indelible mark on those around them and on the kingdom of God. In lively prose Michelle DeRusha tells their stories, bringing into focus fifty incredible heroines of the faith. From Catherine of Siena, Teresa of Avila, and Anne Hutchison to Susanna Wesley, Harriet Tubman, and Corrie ten Boom, women both famous and admirable live again under DeRusha's expert pen. These engaging narratives are a potent reminder to readers that we are not alone, the battles we face today are not new, and God is always with us in the midst of the struggle. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Buy a copy of the book today! 

My Thoughts: 
It is not an overstatement to say that EVERY CHRISTIAN needs to read this book, male or female, newbie or 'junkie'. Having this collection of fifty women who were self-less, faithful, and wavemakers is truly an inspiration. I follow author Michelle DeRusha's blog so I have had the privilege of seeing a few behind the scenes moments. The struggles, time and effort the author put into writing about FIFTY separate, amazing women and culling each giant story into a few short pages. Nothing short of astounding in itself.

First, the obvious: I just loved reading through these tiny glimpses of these giant women of faith! It is like a Hebrews 11 book of women. And I truly mean it, these ladies were FAITHFUL. Writing and reading when it was frowned upon for women, trusting and loving the Lord when it meant certain death, standing up for the weak and destitute, and raising, and losing, hundreds of kids. How could this book NOT be an inspiration? Each time you set the book down these fifty women will stick to your heart, you will ponder their lives and your own guaranteed.

I just have two nitpicky things to say about the book, and only because I was trying to look with a critical eye. First, some of the women's chapters felt more purposeful, with a clear conclusion and take away. But others just felt like they...ended. They may have had a compelling life story, but sometimes I was left wondering 'And now what?'

Second, I wish the editor had allowed for a 'Further Reading' section at the end of each chapter. I would love to read more on some of these women of faith. The very back of the book includes DeRusha's notes and Bibliography so I will try to cull some extra reading from there. 

"50 Women" will be sticking with me for a long while, and will hopefully be making it's way onto my Re-Read 2015 list. Until then I will be trying to push everyone I know to read it and become inspired themselves. 5 stars. 

Get Wise Review

Get Wise by Bob Merritt
Visit his website HERE
Publisher: Baker Books
Publishing Date: October 21, 2014
Goodreads Summary:

We make dozens of decisions, big and small every day--some without much thought at all. But with many decisions, there's a certain amount of danger. One wrong decision can destroy a career or a marriage. A string of wrong decisions can derail a life. So how do we know if our decisions are wise ones? 
Pastor Bob Merritt has found that the best way to get it right is to cultivate godly wisdom. In "Get Wise," he takes God's best wisdom as found in the book of Proverbs and applies it to the top decisions every person has to make--decisions about education, work, family, friends, sex, parenting, money, and more. Topic by topic, he shows readers how to make choices that result in long-term benefits in health, reputation, peace, and finances.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Buy a copy through the church's bookstore Beyond Books. 

My Thoughts:
Bob Merritt stations us firmly in the Book of Proverbs, a place I honestly don't read much from. 'Get Wisdom' breaks up into five different sections; "Wisdom, Weaknesses, and God" discusses why we should trust Solomon's wisdom and how we can acquire the same, "Personal Wisdom" covers the heart, mouth and feet. From there we move into relational and family wisdom and end with "Successful Wisdom''.

Having read Merritt's first book, 'When Life's Not Working', I knew I was in for a practical, hard-hitting read. Merritt combines entertaining real life stories with Biblical truth in a seamless manner. The pastor's willingness to share both wins and failures is encouraging. Plus, the combination helps the reader make some sense out of what can be a difficult Biblical book. I didn't feel that this book was trying to replace the Bible in some way, but rather drive the reader to the original text, which I love.

'But there's a difference between being foolish and being a fool. Everyone trips up and does foolish things at times, but some people are fools by their very nature. A fool is a fool all the time.'

And much like his last book, Merritt knows how to go after the re-read. 'Get Wise' covers most of the major aspects of life (money, friends, parenting, etc) which easily ensures that any reader will need to return to the book again and again to glean more wisdom. I've read his previous book twice, and have contemplated a third, and I can already tell that I would love a re-read of this one as well.

Incredibly well written and well thought out, do I have any choice but to give this book 5 stars?? I am also proud to announce that this is my husband's FIFTH book he read in 2014. Doesn't that count for a little something? ;) Add 'Get Wise' to your reading list for January 2015 and get ready to feel motivated in all aspects of life.

Breathing Room Review

Breathing Room by Leeana Tankersley
Visit the Author's website HERE
Publisher: Revell
Publishing Date: October 7, 2014
Publisher Summary:

AN INVITATION TO BREATHE
Catastrophe or no catastrophe, if you are unhinged, disoriented, suffocating, or otherwise generally dragging, I'm inviting you to pull up a chair at this table . . .
Breathing Room is a beautiful release of self-condemnation, a discovery of the rest that comes when we offer ourselves some space to breathe. Vulnerable and winsome, Leeana Tankersley shows you how to stop beating yourself up, how to be radically on your own team, and how to truly experience grace. If you've been putting on a strong front and yet are secretly coming apart, you'll find in these pages a trusted friend.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Buy direct from the publisher today!

My Thoughts:
If anyone is their own worst enemy, it's me. I've been my enemy for years and years. I could never do anything right, I was never pretty enough, I constantly reminded myself of my failures and sins. The description above is from on the back of the book, and it is an accurate description. 'Breathing Room is a book about coming apart and coming back together again.' 

Tankersley does two amazing things with this piece. First, she holds our hand and walks us into the idea of being our own best friend. Women folk, isn't that just the truth? We say horrible things about ourselves, internally and externally, that we would NEVER say to our best friend. So why on earth is it okay for us to say them to ourselves?? The simplicity comes right out of the book and smacks you in the face. 

The second thing I thought Tankersley does well was to share the importance, and normalcy, of losing it for 'small' reasons. Sometimes there doesn't need to be a 'big' life change (death, loss of job, pet, etc)for a person to lose it. Sometimes life just builds up and up and up until...well, until you are quite lost. 

Catastrophe or no catastrophe, if you are unhinged, disoriented, suffocating, or otherwise generally dragging, I'm inviting you to pull up a chair at this table.

It doesn't really matter to me what the outside of your life looks like. If the inside of you is struggling, this is your book, baby. I'm your girl. (pg 15)

It was a blessing to feel normal for feeling lost and confused for no real reason, other than life. I think many a mom could use this reminder. Heck, any WOMAN could use this reminder. It is okay to take time for yourself and find some spiritual whitespace.

'Breathing Room' is getting 5 stars from me and I am labeling it with a label of 'immediate re-read'. I know Tankersley's message is one that will get forgotten by me again and again. And again and again I will need her reminders. If you like vulnerable, honest authors who are encouraging and truth-revealing, 'Breathing Room' is for you!

PS: Check out this podcast Leeana Tankersley did with Kathi Lipp. Its a fun introduction to the author and her message!!