Suggested Reading

I am in search of some new books to read, so I thought I would list out some books that I highly recommend for y'all -- then maybe I could get back some good recommendations from you! Most of these are books I have read in the last year and have loved -- so run, don't walk, to your local bookstore (or amazon.com!) and get them if you haven't read them already!

1. Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers:: This is a retelling of the biblical story of Hosea, and it is fabulous. I could not put the book down. It was my first Francine Rivers book, and it started a love for her as an author.

2. Her Mother's Hope also by Francine Rivers:: This is another wonderful book that I didn't want to put down. I read it in Tortola, and I was so sad to see it come to an end. It follows the relationship between a mother, Marta, and her daughter, Hilderama. It has a lot of parts where I got really frustrated with one or both of the characters, but it is a great read. The best part? There is a sequel, Her Daughter's Dream, that I am getting ready to order!

3. The Help by Kathryn Stockett:: Okay, so I think I am one of the last people in America to read this book, but if you haven't, you must. Surely you already know what it's about...

4. Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay:: I think I may have mentioned this one on here before, but this book follows a woman in modern times and a Jewish girl in the Holocaust. It is haunting, and you will need your Kleenex handy, but I couldn't put this one down, either.

5. The Kitchen Help: A Novel by Kathleen Grissom:: This book is about a white servant girl living in the slave quarters among the slaves in the antebellum south. During the course of the book she becomes welcomed into the big house by the plantation owners, and life becomes very interesting for her as she tries to navigate between two very different worlds. I also read this one in Tortola and also couldn't put it down!

6. Barefoot: A Novel by Elin Hilderbrand:: Finally, a light read! This book isn't anywhere as fabulous as any of the others that I have listed, but it is a good read, and it is a fast read. I read another book by Hilderbrand that I didn't love, The Castaways: A Novel, so I was hesitant to read this one, but I had it on my bookshelf, so I gave it a try -- and it was good! It is about three women who go to Nantucket for the summer to outrun their problems -- one has cancer, one has a cheating husband and is newly pregnant, and one has recently been fired from her job. The book follows them over their summer as they try to lead problem-free lives, but, of course, that can never happen...

7. The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name told by Sally Lloyd-Jones:: This is my favorite children's Bible. The kids, Brad, and I have read it through probably 5 times now. I just wish that Lloyd-Jones would write a follow-up book with more Bible stories that aren't included in this Bible. I love the way that she writes -- it is so vivid and full of great, descriptive words that make the Bible easy for the kids to understand.

8. Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace In His Presence by Sarah Young:: This is the devotional book that I read everyday, and it is written as if Jesus is writing it in first person -- so it is as if Jesus is talking to you every day. Young's writing is based solely on Scripture, and she lists several verses for you to read each day that go along with the reading. My mom works in our church bookstore, and she said that they cannot keep this book on the shelf. It is great.

9. Jesus Calling: 365 Devotions for Kids by Sarah Young:: This is the Jesus Calling for kids (way to state the obvious, Christie!), and Brad and I read it with the kids every day. It takes the same devotion that Young has for the adults and puts it in language that kids can understand -- still written as it is spoken by Jesus. I think that Tyler is the perfect age for this book, but Sanders and Gibson pick up a lot that when I don't necessarily think that they will -- kids are smart little boogers like that! I want the kids to get in a good habit of reading a daily devotion and spending time with the Lord each day, and this is a great way for us to do just that. We read this right before reading the Jesus Storybook Bible.

10. Best Friends Forever: A Novel by Jennifer Weiner:: So, I have only read one other book by Weiner, and I wasn't too impressed. I can't even remember which one it was. But, this one looked cute, so I got it. And, it was pretty cute. It doesn't make my Top 20 Favorites or anything, but it was another good, light read. It is about two girls who were best friends in high school until something happens, and then they have a total falling out. Fast forward 12ish years later, and one of the girls shows up at the other's house with blood on her coat and wanting help. I'll let you read the rest to find out what happens!!

Sooo, that's a nice, even 10, so I am going to stop there. I would love any suggestions for some great books -- I love to read, and I am always looking for something new and great!