What’s on Your Summer Reading List?
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I truly can’t imagine a day without reading! What about you?
My tastes are varied and include a combination of Christian, secular, fiction, and nonfiction. More specifically my favorites include fiction by Southern women; feel-good romances; dark mysteries; devotionals; Bible studies; and spiritual formation books.
Here are some of my favorites:
New favorites
Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton – the story of present-day Marisol intertwined with her grandmother’s past story of living in Cuba. A story of romance, family loyalty, and sacrifice. Can’t wait to read the next in this series!
Only Ever After by Marybeth Whalen. This is my favorite of Marybeth’s fiction. A good mystery, a favorite genre for me.
Need to Know by Karen Cleveland. I couldn’t put this one down! Vivian, a happily married wife and mother, is also a CIA analyst where she makes a shocking discovery that leads to questions and doubts on the homefront and at work.
Ongoing Favorites
Two Steps Forward series by Sharon Garlough Brown. This Christian fiction series includes Sensible Shoes, Two Steps Forward, Barefoot, and An Extra Mile. Four different women take the next steps in their spiritual formation journey and friendships. I’ll read these books again and again.
Rachel Hauck – all her Christian fiction, but especially liked The Wedding Shop.
Kristan Higgins – light, funny secular romance. Instead of listing a specific book, I’ve just listed her name because I love everything she’s written.
The Blue Book by Jim Branch. Devotional that my husband and I’ve been doing since the beginning of this year.
Bible studies
Exhale by Amy Carroll and Cheri Gregory. My Next Step partner’s recent Bible study release is stellar. Timeless truths presented in a fresh way.
God Is Enough by Cynthia Heald. Doing this Bible study this summer with a small group. Cynthia Heald has many Bible studies, and she’s a long-time favorite.
I’m ready for a new book! What do you recommend?
Your Powerful Prayers (Reaching the Heart of God with a Bold and Humble Faith) by Susie Larson. Not a new book (2016) but the first time I’m reading it. It’s a faith-builder with a prayer at the end of each chapter. Here’s a snippet from the prayer in chapter two: “May I lean in and learn, draw deep and trust, and pray hard and believe, because You are here with me, You are true to Your Word, and in due time I will see a breakthrough.”
Thanks, Rose. I am a Susie Larson fan – and I love that snippet! Thank you!
Thank you for these recommendations, Melanie! I lead a book club on my ministry page and I’m always looking for suggestions – especially in fiction because I read less of that and sometimes have a hard time picking a good selection. We just finished “Dear Mr. Knightley” by Katherine Reay who I “met” through the Flourish Writers Conference. Now we are reading “Finding Spiritual Whitespace” by Bonnie Gray (also from the Flourish Conference). All of your suggestions and support have helped me grow and expand. Thank you!
Hi Angie, Thank you for the recommendations! What a fun thing to have on your website! Honestly, fiction is my love, but I do have a hard time finding Christian fiction I love. The Two Steps series is so good because it’s well-written, love the characters and there’s so much to learn about spiritual growth and to apply to our lives.