You can tell a lot about a person by who they hang out with, what they read, what they watch, and how they prioritize their time. Today I thought it would be fun to give you a glimpse into what I have been reading this year.

Here are 6 books I have read this year or by authors I love reading that I think you might enjoy too! There are 3 fiction books and 3 non-fiction books. Plus I am also sharing what is on my reading list for the rest of the year.

I wanted to note that I while I love reading I tend to do most of my reading after the kids have gone to bed and on days when Josh is at the fire station. I really try to read my bible most days during the week and when I am doing a bible study I usually will wake up before the kids to be able to spend time while the house is quiet reading and praying.

FICTION

I have a bit of strict criteria for what I read. I won’t read books that have profanity. I don’t speak that way so I really don’t prefer to read it. I also seek out books that have an underlying faith/inspirational/uplifting message. There are already so many dark things in this world that what I put into my mind I want to be positive. And lastly if I know a book is basically soft porn I won’t go near it. And yes, I am talking about books like 50 Shades of Grey.

In March I discovered Josh had signed us up for a kindle unlimited account over a year ago. I now love kindle unlimited and have found some amazing authors!

Resolutions by Jenn Faulk

I adored this book. The storyline is about 3 friends who have 10 resolutions and a year to complete them. Emily the main character is the daughter of a megachurch pastor and the assistant to a sensational and exhausting wedding coordinator. Using the resolutions as a challenge to make life about more than being a mindless drone at work, she ventures out of her comfort zone – trying new hobbies, picking up new exercise habits, travelling abroad, helping out in new ways at church, DATING – and discovers in the process that there’s more to life than weddings and work. I deeply connected to the characters and story and was so sad when I finished. Thankfully I soon discovered that Jenn has written multiple books about these same characters.

Storm Clouds Rolling In (#1 in the Bregdan Chronicles Historical Fiction Romance Series) by Ginny Dye

This book totally caught me off guard. I wasn’t expecting to love it as much as I did and took a chance off all the reviews on Amazon when I decided to read it. The first book in this series is available on Kindle Unlimited but the additional 8+ books in the series will need to purchased. Trust me. They are worth the money and you will want to keep reading this series.

The main character Carrie Cromwell comes of age as the dark clouds of the Civil War swallow the country. Born with a fiery spirit and a strong mind, she finds herself struggling between the common wisdom of the South and the truth she has discovered. If you love history you will love this book and if you don’t love history you will still love this book. I have found myself in tears, laughing, and turning the pages in suspense while reading this series. All the characters are well developed and I was given a new understanding or what our country experienced during the Civil War.

Waves of Deception by Hope Callaghan

I love Hope’s books! I had never heard of the Cozy Mysteries genre before I started reading her books. Cozy Mysteries are stories that are a subgenre of crime fiction in which sex and violence are downplayed or treated humorously, and the crime and detection take place in a small, socially intimate community.

Samantha Rite is in desperate need of a vacation. Her life is shattered when after 21 years of marriage, her husband walks out on her, leaving her for another woman. As Sam is trying to pick up the pieces and start over, her family decides now would be the perfect time for her to take a relaxing vacation.  Sam finds herself caught in the middle of a deadly adventure of a lifetime.

Be sure to check out her other series: Made in Savannah, Southern Sleuths, and Cruise Ship.

NON-FICTION

For non-fiction books I tend to lean more towards health/fitness, parenting, and marriage topics in addition to my bible and bible studies.

NIV, Giant Print Compact Bible

This bible is so great. Large enough to read. Compact enough to carry. This compact NIV Bible makes the comfort of giant print especially portable. This isn’t a study bible but it is very easy to read the font and it fits great in my larger purses and bags without taking up all the space. I am so committed to finishing the entire book this year. I have read the New Testament the beginning of the Old Testament and still need to read Judges – Malachi.

Orphan Justice: How to Care for Orphans Beyond Adopting by Johnny Carr

This book totally broke my heart and opened my eyes to how Christians are clearly called to care for orphans, a group so close to the heart of Jesus. In reality, most of the 153 million orphaned and vulnerable children in the world do not need to be adopted, and not everyone needs to become an adoptive parent. However, there are other very important ways to help beyond adoption.

I love that this book clearly outlines numerous ways you can become involved  in caring for orphans. This book sparked amazing conversations with family and friends and I highly recommend it to anyone considering adoption/fostering or if you are just curious on the topic.

The Well-Versed Family by Caroline Boykin

This one-of-a-kind resource makes Bible memory doable – with proven memory tips and tools, engaging games and activities, quick family devotions, 90 memory verse cards, and more.

I have really enjoyed the tips mentioned in this book and have noticed that our kids have begun to memorize scripture with more ease and it has also been beneficial for Josh and I too!

In addition to the books I have read I am also looking forward to reading World’s Healthiest Foods, 2nd Edition: The Force For Change To Health-Promoting Foods and New Nutrient-Rich Cooking, Eating on the Wild Side: The Missing Link to Optimum Health, and I know I will be brushing up On Becoming Baby Wise: Giving Your Infant the Gift of Nighttime Sleep and also Love and Logic Magic for Early Childhood: Practical Parenting From Birth to Six Years . The first two books I have just barely opened but I am super excited to dive into them and since we have used Baby Wise with both our kids I will be giving myself a refresher by skimming through the pages.

If you have any books you think I might like to read please let me know! I am always looking for great recommendations!