On this page, I will be sharing books I’ve read that I think you’ll love. Each book will have a brief description and review. Some books will be fiction, some will be nonfiction, some will be about faith, some will not be faith-oriented. But all will be books I have read (or listened to) that I have loved! Find your next great read here!

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  • My Dear Hamilton, by  Stephanie Dray & Laura Kamoie was enthralling. Although it is historical fiction, the setting is pure history. I listened to the book on Audible (23+ hours!) – and loved every minute. The character of Eliza Schulyer Hamilton comes to life and by the end of the book, I felt as if I’d known her personally. But beyond that, the portrayals of historical events – including the American Revolution, the writing of the Federalist papers, the War of 1812, and the grand return to America of General Lafayette near the end of Eliza’s life – gave new insight into the birth of this country I call home. This book is worth every minute of your time to read or listen to.
  • The Best Yes, by Lysa TerKeurst – yes, another Lysa TerKeurst book! The Best Yes may have been the first Lysa TerKeurst book I ever read – I can’t quite remember. But it certainly made a huge impact on me. The basic message: focus on saying yes to things that really matter, even when saying no to other things is hard. I love her writing because it makes me feel like we’re sitting at the kitchen table, talking about life while drinking tea and coffee. I haven’t found a book by Lysa TerKeurst yet that I wouldn’t recommend.
  • The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, by John Boyne. Oh, my goodness. What more can I say? If you haven’t read this book, you need to. Even if you’ve seen the movie. The Holocaust and Auschwitz through the eyes of an innocent child. It’s a short read, but not easy.
  • The One Thing, by Gary Keller. I don’t read a lot of ‘business’ books, but this was recommend so much that I got it. Although the target audience is certainly business or work-related, the principles discussed can apply to all of life. The key question Gary Keller introduces and discusses can make a world of difference in anyone’s life. “What is the best thing I can do so that…” The ‘so that’ is where the magic is.
  • Chasing Vines, by Beth Moore is Beth’s best book ever – in my opinion. As believers, we all know that we are to “abide” in Christ and “bear fruit.” Beth takes us into the vineyard to see what that means in practical as well as theological terms. I listened to the audio version but will be getting a hard copy so I can re-read it and underline, highlight, and write in the margins. Nonfiction, Christian.
  • I finally got around to reading when you, then God by Rusty George this year. Rusty George spoke at my church a few years ago and brought a great message on the topic covered in this book. This book will take you on a journey through the promises of God. Nonfiction, Christian.
  • I am currently reading If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat by John Ortberg. After the first chapter, I silently scolded myself for not reading it several years ago. If you’re comfortable in your easy Christianity – don’t read this book. But if you long to live a life of deep faith and risk-taking for God, get it now! Nonfiction, Christian.
  • Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers was the first Francine Rivers novel I ever read. It is a retelling of the story of Hosea, set in 19th century California. If you know anything about Hosea, you know it is a parable of God’s unending love for His people. This book brings the message home that we are never so far away from the Lord that He will stop loving us. Fiction, Christian.
  • Anything, by Jennie Allen is amazing! This book tells the story of Jennie and her husband Zac praying the “anything” prayer. Anything God wanted from them, they would do. Sprinkled with stories of other “anything” pray-ers, this book makes you want to jump up and yell, “Here am I – send me – use me!” Nonfiction, Christian.
  • I am rereading The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis in 2020 and finding it so refreshing. I’ve never read all 7 books (still have 2 to finish). But even the ones I have read before, I’m seeing through fresh eyes. Everyone – child and adult – should read this series at least two or three times in their lives. Fiction, young adult.
  • I loved Kisses from Katie by Katie Davis Majors so much that I wrote an entire blog post about it! A truly inspiring story of a typical American teenager who falls in love with Jesus and then with Uganda. Katie’s story was pivotal to Jennie Allen’s story in Anything. Nonfiction, Christian.
  • The Mark of the Lion series by Francine Rivers is set in first-century Rome and shows us what early believers faced. My primary thought as I read these three books was, “How would my faith hold up?” Although fiction, it challenged me to trust Jesus more. Fiction, Christian.
  • What Happens When Women Pray, by Evelyn Christenson is a prayer book that has been on my radar for years! And I finally got around to reading it in 2020. First published in 1975, some of the material is dated (phone-based prayer chains), but the principles introduced are timeless. I’m glad I read it, but it wouldn’t be my first recommendation for a prayer book. Nonfiction, Christian.
  • I first read This Present Darkness, by Frank Peretti in the last century! Yes, it’s been around since 1986. But more than 2.7 million copies of the book have been sold, so it’s obviously got a message that has staying power! The storyline of This Present Darkness and its companion book, Piercing the Darkness, circle around the spiritual battle being waged around us (Ephesians 6:12). If it doesn’t motivate you to pray – check your pulse! Fiction, Christian.
  • I loved Through Gates of Splendor by Elizabeth Elliott. I cannot believe I had never read it, even though I’ve heard about it for years! This is the true story of five young men who died to reach a primitive tribe of Indians with the gospel of Jesus in 1956. It is a testament to the power of their story, their lives, and the gospel, that this book – first published in 1957 – is still in print. The author, Elizabeth Elliott, was one of the widows left behind. She went on to live with the tribe that murdered her husband for many years and saw God change hearts and lives. Nonfiction, Christian.
  • A fiction book based on a sad chapter in American history, Before We Were Yours, by Lisa Wingate is heartbreaking and un-put-down-able. I listened to the audio version through Audible and found it hard to stop when I reached my destination! The story follows the oldest of five siblings stolen from their poor parents in Memphis, Tennessee as she tries to save her brothers and sisters from being split up and adopted out to rich families. Historical fiction.
  • I recently finished the audio version of Something Needs to Change by David Platt. I think of this book as part indictment of Christians in the West, part plea for revival, part heartbreaking glimpse into extreme poverty, and all “throw down the gauntlet” challenge. If you feel like you’re missing out on the heart of Christianity – you probably are. This book could help open your eyes to the desperate physical and spiritual needs you could have a hand in meeting. Read it, then read it again. Nonfiction, Christian.
  • Lies Women Believe, by Nancy Leigh DeMoss, was on my bookshelf for years before I finally read it! I confess to having too many such books. And, as is always the case, once I read it, I wondered what had taken me so long! This book presents basic Biblical truths for women to build their lives on – and skillfully answers objections that are often voiced. If you are confused by the voice of the culture around you – this is the book you need. Nonfiction, Christian.
  • I have read many books by Lysa TerKeust – some of which may eventually make it onto this page. But the first one I’d recommend is It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way. Have you avoided the feeling that your life should have turned out differently? That you somehow woke up 15 years in the future in someone else’s body and someone else’s life? I have. It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way deals with all the emotions and doubts and challenges to our faith that those feelings present. But every chapter is still a chapter of hope. It will probably always be in my “Top 10” list of books to read and recommend. Nonfiction, Christian.
  • Here’s a fact you may not know: I’m hooked on historical fiction set in World War II. The Nightingale, by Kristin Hannah, is the best that genre has to offer. Set in Nazi-occupied France, this beautiful and heartbreaking story will have you on the edge of your seat and staying up way too late. You will hold your breath as you wait to see what happens, cheer on the cast of characters, cry over loss and misunderstanding, and wish with all your heart you knew women like these. Historical fiction.
  • Another of my World War II favorites is We Were the Lucky Ones, by Georgia Hunter. This book is technically considered historical fiction because many details needed to be fleshed out with the imagination of the author. However, the basics of the tale were the real experiences of the author’s relatives: a three-generational Jewish family living in Poland at the start of World War II. That all five siblings and their parents survived the war is nothing short of miraculous. Historical fiction.
  • I read Fervent, by Priscilla Shirer shortly after it was published in 2015. But I am re-reading it now and being much more serious about applying the principles taught to my prayer life. Understandably, this approach is taking much longer. But the time spent is worth it. Even if you’ve already read Fervent, I encourage you to read it again. Nonfiction, Christian.
  • One of my favorite prayer books is The Circle Maker, by Mark Batterson. I’ve read it two or three times, and glean something new each time. Perhaps what I most appreciate about this book is the ever-present challenge to really take God at His Word. I often fall short in that regard. I know in my mind that He’s trustworthy and faithful and always keeps His promises. But getting that knowledge into my heart and out from there to my feet, knees, hands, and prayers takes effort. I re-read this book because I constantly need the challenge to live and pray as if I believed God. Nonfiction, Christian.
  • Like Lysa TerKeust, Mark Batterson is one of my favorite authors. I’ve read several of his books and been challenged by most. But my second favorite – after The Circle Maker – is In a Pit With a Lion on a Snowy Day. You will need to read the book to understand the title. But I’ll share this tidbit of truth: you are more likely to regret the things you didn’t do than the things you did. I’ve also re-read this one – again, for the challenge it presents to my day-to-day life. Nonfiction, Christian.