If you know me, you know I heart books! Books have been a welcomed companion since I was little a girl and all these years later, you can still find me with a book easily within reach. Although I still love the feel of a real book in my hand, my Kindle is becoming one of my favorite ways to keep my growing library of books handy. But just like my physical shelves, my e-shelves are burgeoning with books I haven’t had the opportunity to read. So this summer I have focused on slowing down, clearing out, and reading through my yet-to-be-read books.
It’s hard for the book lover in me to bypass a promising read but a girl only has so much time to devote to reading. Right?
My Summer Reading List
I missed the days of having summer off to leisurely read but the summer didn’t escape without me enjoying a few books. Here’s what I read this year. (Please note that some links are an affiliate. Not sure what that means? Read the full policy.)
The Ultimate Prescription
SUMMARY
Would you like to discover the powerful ways God is part of the healing process? Do you think the media, the government, or your doctor is telling you the whole truth when it comes to health care? Are you tired of taking medications that really don't fix the problem? In The Ultimate Prescription, Dr. James Marcum, a board-certified cardiologist, in-demand speaker, and radio host, discusses these questions and many more from a biblical point of view. He encourages you to find the real answers about your health—and the health of your loved ones. Dr. Marcum explains what he believes is wrong with our current health care system, how to get back on track, and how the spiritual dimension of our health is often being ignored.
About the Book
The Ultimate Prescription: What the Medical Profession Isn't Telling You by James L. Marcum, Charles Mills
on January 1st 1970
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Ratings:
My Thoughts on the Book
A very insightful book. Love how Dr. Marcum uses both science and faith to fuel his medical practice.
Street Smarts from Proverbs
SUMMARY
STREET SMARTS FROM PROVERBS reveals Solomon's steps to divine wisdom while providing tools to navigate out of conflict into community.Mitch Kruse learned the hard way that going to church three times a week while growing up did not answer the question:
Have you ever thought about changing the scorecard of your life from money to wisdom?STREET SMARTS FROM PROVERBS introduces Solomon's twelve words to the wise: righteousness, equity, and justice, wise behavior, understanding, and wise communication, prudence, discretion, and wise counsel, discipline, knowledge, and learning
STREET SMARTS FROM PROVERBS gives memorable prompts for the reader to recall every point with the purpose of applying it to conflict at work, with family, among friends, and in ministry. It provides tangible tools to be shrewd, yet harmless, in business dealings; to separate wisdom from foolishness through discretion, and to seek wise counsel for life's decisions.
About the Book
Street Smarts from Proverbs: How to Navigate Through Conflict to Community by Mitch Kruse, Derek Williams
Published by FaithWords on June 27th 2017
Pages: 320
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Ratings:
My Thoughts on the Book
I have always loved the book of Proverbs and Street Smarts from Proverbs provides a wealth of practical wisdom, truth, and knowledge on how to use Proverbs in our daily lives. Mitch Kruse presents the truths of Proverbs in a way that I have never seen before. It’s a great resource for every believer to have in their library. Street Smarts from Proverbs is one of the few books I would read over again. I received a copy of the book via NetGalley for review purposes.
Blogging by the Fruit of the Spirit
SUMMARY
Most Christians have heard of the Fruit of the Spirit as found in Galatians 5:22-23 and have applied them to their lives however not many have examined them in regards to blogging.
About the Book
Blogging Tips From the Fruit of the Spirit by Courtney Chowning
on July 29th 2013
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Ratings:
My Thoughts on the Book
The book provides a unique look at blogging through the lens of the fruit of the spirit. Bloggers of faith will enjoy this short and practical read.
My Son’s Next Wife
SUMMARY
First Lady Audrey Graham is gone and her husband suffers from loneliness and the after-effects of his second stroke. Their son, Stiles, now minister of his father s church, is engaged to Detria and has found happiness at last despite his heartbreaking divorce from Rena. Rena s now living in another state and has found a new love herself, Robert, though she resists his marriage proposals because she doesn t feel she could ever be completely forgiven for her past sins. Things take a turn for the worse when Stiles father suffers another stroke and Detria has a miscarriage, and his faith is tested like never before. But who knows in whose arms he will land up in the page-turning conclusion to My Son s Wife series!"
About the Book
My Son's Next Wife by Shelia E. Bell
Published by Urban Books on June 1st 2011
Pages: 288
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My Thoughts on the Book
Overall this was a quick fun summer read. The author explored a range of topics from abuse, loss, forgiveness, and love. I did find it weird that the adult children in the book called their father pastor, rather than his name. As people of faith, we understand the concept of faith but I like how the author presented it in a way that each of us would find difficult in walking out.
Everything We Keep
SUMMARY
A luminous debut with unexpected twists, Everything We Keep explores the devastation of loss, the euphoria of finding love again, and the pulse-racing repercussions of discovering the truth about the ones we hold dear and the lengths they will go to protect us.
Sous chef Aimee Tierney has the perfect recipe for the perfect life: marry her childhood sweetheart, raise a family, and buy out her parents’ restaurant. But when her fiancé, James Donato, vanishes in a boating accident, her well-baked future is swept out to sea. Instead of walking down the aisle on their wedding day, Aimee is at James’s funeral—a funeral that leaves her more unsettled than at peace.
As Aimee struggles to reconstruct her life, she delves deeper into James’s disappearance. What she uncovers is an ocean of secrets that make her question everything about the life they built together. And just below the surface is a truth that may set Aimee free…or shatter her forever.
About the Book
Everything We Keep (Everything We Keep, #1) by Kerry Lonsdale
Published by Lake Union Publishing on August 1st 2016
Pages: 306
Goodreads
Ratings:
My Thoughts on the Book
This was my first time reading a book by this author. From the opening lines of Everything We Keep, Kerry Lonsdale had me intrigued to learn more about the characters. Love the unexpected twists and turns throughout the book. Although I’m typically not a fan of books that flip flop between different time periods, I didn’t find it overly annoying in this book. I look forward to reading other books in this series.
High Heels, Honey Lips, and White Powder
SUMMARY
The tragedies of my yesterdays are now the sermons I preach, the lessons I share, and the memories that have caused me to lay down the stones that I used to carry. Rose 'Maria McCarthy' Anding was trapped in a life of addiction, crime, sex, violence, and homelessness for over twenty-five years. Her life turned on an axis of High Heels, Honey Lips, and White Powder. During that time, she was raped, robbed, beaten, shot at, and became involved in the infamous drug scandal of Mayor Marion Barry of Washington, D.C.; she was even jailed. After four marriages and decades acting the harlot, leading men astray with her high heels, honeyed lips, and perfumed sheets, Maria hit rock bottom. Her fourth husband's ultimatum was, 'Get it together or get out.' World-weary Maria McCarthy found herself on the doorstep of a spiritual rehab center, and finally met her Savior and was reintroduced to Rose, the woman God created her to be. Once she'd traded her high heels for a Bible and her cocaine for a relationship with Jesus, only then could she perform the task God made her to do. Mere months after completing drug rehabilitation, Rose was counseling and sharing her story with other women who had been leading similar lifestyles to her own. Because Rose met and fell in love with Jesus, this book is her way of telling all that it doesn't matter who you are or what your addiction is, if you feel helpless and alone, Jesus can set you free-just come and fall in love with Jesus!
About the Book
High Heels, Honey Lips, & White Powder: The Tales & Salvation of a Proverbs 5 Woman by Rose Maria McCarthy Anding
Published by Tate Publishing & Enterprises on August 10th 2010
Pages: 253
Goodreads
My Thoughts on the book
It was interesting to read Rose Maria Anding’s life story and the transformative power of God in her life. Parts of the book seemed repetitive or out of order in a sense. However, the book is an encouraging read.
Minimalist Living and Loving It
SUMMARY
In this book "Minimalist Living and Loving It" you will discover 40 proven steps and strategies on how to begin living the life of a minimalist WITHOUT giving up everything in your life.
This book is going to take you through not only removing the clutter from your home but from your life as well.
About the Book
Minimalist Living And Loving It: 40 Proven Steps To Simplify Your Space, Declutter Your Life And Increase Productivity (Simple Living, Reduce Stress, Frugality, Minimalism, Minimalist Living Guide) by Kathy Stanton
on January 27th 2015
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Ratings:
Whispers of Rest
SUMMARY
Life is noisy. But what would happen if every day - for the next 40 days - you soaked in God's love as He intimately whispered words of rest just for you? WHISPERS OF REST is a 40-day devotional detox for your soul, a spiritual journey to refresh you and guide you to greater peace, while helping you discover who God truly made you to be: His beloved. Renew your spirit with powerful affirmations of God's love with uplifting words of Scripture, journaling prompts for reflection, and practical challenges to spark joy. Bonnie will lead you to places of rest, where you can deeply experience the Savior's presence in your everyday life.
This beautiful guidebook will create space for your soul to breathe:
Soul Care Tips & Trail Notes - Reduce stress and nurture your body and spirit.Daily Beloved Challenges - Brighten your day by taking simple soul care actions.A Simple Prayer Practice - Deepen your intimacy with God through easy-to-enjoy prayer prompts, inspired by classic devotional practices.
A lot can happen in 40 days. A new rhythm. A new heart. A renewed faith.
Transform your life as you take the journey to say yes to God, embrace your true identity, rediscover your dreams, and begin your healing. Dare to enjoy each day fully and celebrate your calling as the beloved.
About the Book
Whispers of Rest: 40 Days of God's Love to Revitalize Your Soul by Bonnie Gray
Published by FaithWords on May 23rd 2017
Pages: 400
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Ratings:
My Thoughts on the Book
Love Bonnie Gray’s call to us to break away from busy and embrace rest in our daily lives. Whispers of Rest is one of those books you choose to linger in and it leaves an imprint on your soul. I’m still slowing reading through the book and savoring all it has to offer. For any Christian woman who is struggling with all the should do’s of life, Whispers of Rest offers a welcomed retreat of simply being and connecting with God. I received a copy of the book for review purposes courtesy of NetGalley.
And then there was the stray book that I just couldn’t get into like Sisters One, Two, Three and therefore abandoned. Well, that wraps up my summer reads. What books were on your summer reading list this year?
Hi Wanda!
Wow! You have been reading a lot. I must admit that I am envious, as I have been slacking in my reading and journaling. However, my Etsy shop has grown, as I am using more of my time to create new Scripture magnets and coasters. I believe that all of the negativity on social media pushed me into creating an abundance of inspirational and uplifting art. You know, arts and crafts, like music, have a way of detoxing the soul. I thank God, everyday, for my art! I plan to get back into my reading and journaling, soon. In fact, my next purchase will be from your list: Street Smarts from Proverbs!!! Be well and take care of yourself, on purpose!!! Much joy! Cynthia
Hi Cynthia, my reading ebbs and flows. It just happens to be in a flowing season. I used to be an avid journal but I have certainly been slacking in that area. And it’s always interesting to go back and read old journals. I’m glad to hear your business is increasing Cynthia. It’s good to have a place of solace. Good to hear from you sweet friend.
Blessings
Great list.
I haven’t been by in a while. No excuses, been hanging out at Instagram.
Rhapsody, I haven’t been blogging in awhile. I didn’t bother to make any excuse either. Always good to see you.
Your book reviews always interest me, Wanda. I read primarily Christian fiction through the Kindle app on my iPhone. Like you, I love that I can carry my whole library around with me! I am always on the lookout for good recommendations. I appreciate your honesty in your reviews. Thanks for sharing!
Yeah when Kindle first came out, I wasn’t sure I’d like it. But it’s become one of my favorite things.
Great reads! I’ve been enjoying my Kindle as well. I am downloading free reads and am loving the evenings when I can slow down and lose myself in a good story.
Hi Barbie, yes I find all sorts of goodies in the Kindle freebies I might never have discovered other otherwise. Happy Reading, friend.