Here we go.
If you’re familiar with the world of blogging, then you probably know my friends Boo Mama and Big Mama…both exceptional story tellers with wonderful books to read! I’m so excited because Melanie (a.k.a. Big Mama) is about to release her 3rd book about girlfriends and if you know me, you know girlfriends are very important to me. Read all of these Melanie Shankle and Sophie Hudson…you’ll love them…I promise.
These are some books I’ve read that are faith centered that I keep right above my desk and refer back to often…I love each of these. If you’re looking for a good spiritual or faith-centered read, here you go…
Let’s All Be Brave by Annie Downs
Bringing Up Girls and/or Bringing Up Boys both by James Dobson
Not a Fan by Kyle Idleman
The Insanity of God by Nik Ripken
The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel
The Case for Faith by Lee Strobel
Radical by David Platt
God is Able by Priscilla Shirer
Pray Big For Your Child by Will Davis Jr.
So Long Insecurity by Beth Moore
Breaking Free by Beth Moore
The Mission of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson
Loving the Little Years by Rachel Jankovic
The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren
And listen, I love biographies and autobiographies probably the most. I could sit forever and read real accounts of people and their lives. If you’ve read a good biography recently, please share below in the comments! I’m always looking for good ones!
I also added this page to the top of my blog…
Whew! I don’t know about you, but this makes me want to read :). Happy Monday friends! I hope you can steal away a minute or two for your favorite read!
And psssssst….
…Meal Planning Monday: Spring Break Edition is up on my foodie blog today! Whether you’re on Spring Break or not, it’s five suppers that will put you and your kiddos in the Spring Break mood!
XO
Erika Slaughter says
I love this list!!! And completely agree-Sparks, we love you and hate you all at the same time! 🙂
Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says
I cannot relate to any of this. Oh how I wish I loved to read. You ALMOST get me excited to try……If I do, I'll be sure to let you know. 🙂
Anonymous says
"I cannot relate to any of this" hahaha this comment made me laugh out loud. I feel the same way.. I wish I loved to read too. Glad I'm not alone!
Anonymous says
I love to read but Sheaffer is just funny! Would live to meet her in realnlife.
Denise Panetta says
I love to read Mary Higgins Clark. Great murder mysteries.
Megan says
I am excited about this post! I always have an on going list of books to read!! Redeeming Love is probably my all time favorite book!! Such a great book..
Lauren C says
If you are looking for biography to read, "Off Balance" by Dominique Moceanu was really good! She was the youngest member of the "Magnificent 7" USA gymnastics team that won gold in the '96 Olympics. It chronicles her training (which was pretty crazy) but also discusses someone close to her being given up for adoption due to a physical ailment. I don't want to give too much away, but it is a good read!
Melinda says
Dorothea Benton Frank has great reads too! They are kind of like Jennifer and Sophie books. They are easy, light hearted, clean, usually based in the south. Hissy Fit is my fave!!
Tara G. says
Eric Metaxes bio of Dietrich Boehoeffer.
Jenna Miller says
Yes! This is a fabulous book!
Anonymous says
I LOVE to read more than anything in the world. You MUST read: Secrets of a Charmed Life. It is fantastic. And got 5 stars on Amazon.
Also, I'll See You Again (by Jackie Hance) is a PAGE TURNER …biography about the Aunt who drove the wrong way on the freeway and died along with her child and nieces (written by the mom of the 3 nieces) A PAGE TURNER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kelly
Stacy P. says
I just finished reading The Accidental Empress by Allison Pataki. It is historical fiction about the wife of Franz-Joseph, the Emperor of the Austro-Hungarian empire in the mid-1800's. Sounds dry, but it really isn't! I read it in a day…no laundry, no cleaning, no dinner (oops!). It was THAT good. Intrigue, politics of the Court, wars…it really is a great read. 🙂
Ashley Weeks says
If you like Christian fiction at all, Beverly Lewis is amazing!
Anonymous says
I recommend Elin Hilderbrand. Like Emily, Sophie and Jennifer but set in Nantucket. She has written a dozen or so books. Start with The Beach Club or the Blue Bistro.
Morgan Soper says
I LOVE to read! One of my favorite books of all time is "Suprised by Oxford" by Carolyn Weber. It is a beautiful memoir of Carolyn finding her faith while she's a student at Oxford. I HIGHLY recommend it. I've given it to many of my girlfriends and it quickly became their favorite book 🙂
Kellie says
Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand and the Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown are my two favorite biographies. Both tell amazing stories of courage and strength and I just love the end of Unbroken.
Katrina Goodman says
I read anything by Sophie and Emily too. Have you read Unbroken? That was the last biography type of book I have read. I really want to read I am Malala but just haven't done so. I am a teacher on spring break as well, so I think that is going to be my book I read!
Narci says
What a great list!! I love that you are such a big reader!! 🙂 you always have the best recommendations!
Andee says
I love Dee Henderson's books. She is a Christian fiction author, and her stories center around the military. Much like Karen Kingsbury, her books are page turners for me and I've read them all! 🙂
Rachel Emily says
I love Sophie and Emily so I'm not sure why I've never tried Jennifer! Looks like I have some catching up to do 🙂
Coreline Mayfield says
One of the best books I've read in a while is the true account of Cheryl Strayed hiking the Pacific Crest Trail by herself, over 1000 miles from the Mojave Desert, through California and up through Washington State and ending in Oregon. "Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail" has been made into a movie with Reese Witherspoon and about to be released on DVD. It was great!
The Andersons says
A book that I have LOVED and I think you would love too since involves cooking AND France, is My life in France by Julia Child. A fabulous book that talks about how she got started in the culinary business.
Melissa H. says
Based on your recommendation, I purchased and read Lessons from Madame Chic and I loved it! I had a college professor who always said that we feel our best when we behave as we should, and I thought about that a lot when reading this book. It tells us how to behave, feel good about ourselves and have fun at the same time. I hope you will do a post on your love of the French way of life!
Nicole O says
Anything I have ever read by Kristin Hannah has been amazing! Her latest book, The Nightengale is on my list.
Christina Adamson says
41 is a great Biography that George W. wrote about his father. Loved it!
Shelby says
Have you read "7" by Jen Hatmaker? No book has resonated with me as much as this one has in a long time. I cannot say enough good things about it.
Lauren says
THE SHACK by William young. You must read if you haven't. Seriously…every Christian and every human should read it.
Anonymous says
One of the best books I've read recently was "When Crickets Cry" by Charles Martin — great characters and great story! I also love anything by Dee Henderson (O'Malley Series!!!) or Terri Blackstock (both christian fiction authors). I especially loved Blackstock's earlier series… Newpointe 911, and Cape Refuge
Kate L. says
I LOVE biographies, too! You may have already read it, but I highly recommend Robin Roberts' most recent book, "Everbody's Got Something." It is a great account about how her faith and family pulled her through her cancer and the positive outlook on life she gained from it. And, of course, from one housewives lover to another, Andy Cohen's books are pretty great, too! 🙂
amanda beery says
My passion for reading has grown since having children! I actually used to make fun of my nearest and dearest friends who were always lost in books growing up (Ahem!) I didn't get it… But now, NOW I totally get it! I am more so obsessed in the faith building category and I think living out my dreams of becoming a wife and mother we soon realize with dreams also comes surprises. There is no playbook that tells us exactly what to expect and no two marriages or children are alike! Therefore my love for reading evolves!! I love James Dobson's Raising Boys! I have 3 of them and seriously reading it helped me look at my littles with and different perspective spiritually and physically. Everything he said was like he was living him my house observing my children! Right ON Dobson, right on!!! I wanted to share a few more A-mazing reads not that you don't already have enough on your list, but …. Some I think you would really like! First, 1000 gifts by Ann Voskamp ( very poetic and not a good read when you are sleepy…. But a total game changer when it comes to our perspective on life), and Mark Batterson… Oh how I love his reads! He has many I haven't read yet, but given that you have children and well that you clearly love your family and friends read The Circle Maker and Praying Circles around your children!! That are books you will keep picking back up. The Best Yes, by Lysa Terkeurst … Holy moly so so good and so great for us ladies who love to connect with others but then to "overbook" our lives even with a good heart in mind! A MUST read! Goodness there are many I love, but for sure I would check these out if you haven't already! Thanks for sharing, your love for books makes me want to take a few more moments of my day to get lost in words!! Blessings to you!!!
Crystal says
Great list Shay! Even though you get a lot of recommendations when you post about reading, I will still add my two cents:).
1. A Painted House by John Grisham. A super fun read…not a legal drama and on the lighter side.
2. Choosing to SEE by Mary Beth Chapman. I highly recommend since you have recently adopted. Love the Chapman's and their heart for orphan care!
Amy S says
If you haven't read The Mark of the Lion series by Francine Rivers, it is a must! I believe it to be her best work!
Sally says
Check out Mary Kay Andrews a writer from Georgia. Love her books! She won't disappoint.
Jenna Miller says
The Astronaut Wives' Club by Lily Koppel
Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
Instant Mom by Nia Vardalos
Wild Swans by Jung Chang
The Monuments Men by Robert M. Edsel
The Girls of Atomic City by Denise Kiernan
Carina Kelley says
Kisses from Katie by Katie Davis is incredible.
Laura H says
Agreed! This memoir is incredible and I believe she also keeps a blog too. She highlights beautiful verses in the Bible about God's heart for adoption too.
Carina Kelley says
Blake mycoskie (spelling) the creator of Toms also wrote an incredible book about his journey that will empower you to want to change the world yourself!
Tracy says
Sophie Kinsella is my FAVORITE! Haven't read any by Jennifer or Emily. Will have to check them out!
Jenny Perez says
I'm an avid reader and love talking about books! If you haven't read Elin Hilderbrand you should. They are light beachy reads set on Nantucket. I also love Adriana Trigiani. Her Big Stone Gap series is so good. Thanks for your suggestions. I added a few to my list.
Aubrey says
A fun book list is right up my alley! I read all sorts of different things, but I'm always reluctant to choose chick lit because I've read some serious rubbish in the past. So glad to have a few decent recommendations in that genre!
I am totally going to get Madame Chic when we get back to the States if you promise you'll read Watching the English. I recommend it to anyone who loves England like we do. 🙂 Another fun American/Euro book is The Expats. Totally implausible, but it's a page turner with some very pithy observations about Americans living outside of America.
Laura says
I am reading Karen Kingsbury's novel, Angels Walking, right now. Pretty good so far. I am always reading!
kmknowles says
For an autobiography I recently read American Sniper by Chris Kyle. I saw the movie first then read the book then HAD to go see the movie again. The book also has excerpts from his wife's point of view. Great book about a great hero!
Erin Stinson says
You need to try "Unglued" by Lysa TerKeurst. It's about making wise decisions in the midst of raw emotions, something all us women could learn a thing or two about, no? Wonderful book!
Mix and Match Mama says
Love that book!!!
Anonymous says
I think you mentioned this before, but I LOVED the Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom. For anyone out there: A MUST READ!!!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes, read it last year. So good!!!
Olivia says
Love the 2015 list being so easily accessible! I'm not sure if you've posted about them before, but I just love reading comedians' memoirs – especially women writers like Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, and Mindy Kahling! Hilarious, light reads.
Janet says
I love reading anything based in the south and especially in the Lowcountry. I have a fascination with the Gullah people and all of their magicalness. (I know that isn't a word). Dorothea Benton Frank, Mary Alice Monroe, Anne Rivers Siddons, Pat Conroy, Mary Kay Andrews, Susan Bowyer is fun. Others I enjoy are Fern Michaels, Wendy Wax, Susan Mallery, Sue Grafton and Janet Evanovich. I travel a lot. I enjoy listening to recorded versions of the books while driving. I also listen to books while walking a couple of miles a day.
Meredith says
You should read "Overextended… and Loving Most of It!" by Lisa Harper!Both she and the book are amazing!
Alice says
you forgot to add your brothers book!!
Mix and Match Mama says
This list is all books from the past. I reviewed his book in February!! 🙂
Audrey says
I'm a big Emily Giffin fan also. Try Whitney Gaskell, Elin Hilderbrand. and Jane Green also for similar chick lit. Thanks for the new suggestions!
Anonymous says
I love to read too and these are 3 great books!
Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
Same kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall
Molokai by Alan Brennert
Jodi says
Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand. You will not regret it! Such a powerful real life story.
Ryan Warner says
Shay, I am SO excited you put books on your blog menu! I love nothing more than hearing recommendations from real people about books they've loved. Yay!!! I could talk about books all day. 🙂 You HAVE to read Jojo Moyes! Based on the authors you've read and loved, I think you will absolutely love her books! She is just a wonderful storyteller.
The Resourceful Mama says
I love a lot of these same authors. Reading is my escape! I buy way too many books. I have a huge stack of books awaiting reading right now.
Allie says
Mary Kay Andrews is my top fave followed closely by Nora Roberts. How has no one mentioned her?? Huge booklist that doesn't disappoint. Jane Green is great too. And for more historical romance type (but really great characters) I love Lisa Kleypas.
Katie Nedrow says
Love this list – the only major addition I'd recommend is anything by Kristin Hannah – love her!
DeWeese Fam of Four says
I loved Carolyn Jessop's autobiographies on escaping the FDLS church. Both were absolutely fascinating as a mom, woman, Christian and US citizen!
amanda beery says
Choosing to SEE is an Amazing book!!! My first book I picked up and didn't put down til I read it in a night!!! Definitely life changing!
J says
I read Laura Bush's autobiography ("From the Heart")last year and loved it. I've always been a fan of hers, but reading her autobiography made me fall in love with her even more.
I just finished the second book in the Mark of the Lion series by Francine Rivers. Talk about page-turners! The first two books were incredible and I can't wait to read the third!
Thanks so much for sharing your list. I'm always looking for something new to read!
-Julie
Kate Craig says
Since you have autobiographies and Lee Strobel on your list, you would love Seeking Allah Finding Jesus!
live compassionately says
Kisses from Katie by Katie Davis is a must read. It's so good 🙂 I also never tire of Under the Overpass by Mike Yankoski. Love love love it.
Wendy says
Best series is Outlander by Diana Gabaldon (there are 8 books). She manages to wrap a real-honest-to-goodness-never-ending-love-story around history, mystery and superb writing. I don't think I've ever been more moved by the lives of fictional characters.
Laura Youker says
I would highly recommend the memoir "What Remains: A Memoir of Fate, Friendship, and Love" by Carole Radziwill. Carole is an award-winning TV producer and she marries JFK Jr.'s best friend/cousin. She becomes very close friends with Carolyn Bessette Kennedy and in the span of three weeks she loses JFK Jr., Carolyn and her husband. (Don't worry I didn't give anything away it says that in the books description)
Another really good read, and completely different, is "Fearless: The Undaunted Courage and Ultimate Sacrifice of Navy SEAL Team SIX Operator Adam Brown" by Eric Blehm
Mix and Match Mama says
What Remains was my favorite read of 2014!!!
Deborah says
Another faith centered author is Elizabeth Musser.
stacey says
biographies and autobiographies are my favorite also. a few more good ones are 'Heaven is Here' from nie nie dialogues blog, Pioneer Womans book 'from black heels to tractor wheels', anything by Boomama and Bigmama is a YES, Mistaken Identity (2 girls on a youth trip, get in a wreck- 1 dies and 1 lives. True story and amazing!… oh also from 'the blind side'- Michael oher wrote a book about growing up before he met the touheys.
Unknown says
Have you read any of Liane Moriarty's books? What Alice Forgot and The Hypnotist's Love Story are my favs of hers.
Mix and Match Mama says
I love her! I'm on my 5th one in four months!
Sarah Stewart says
Such great suggestions! I bet you would enjoy "Bringing Lucy Home" by Jennifer Phillips. It is a beautiful, encouraging story of a family's adoption journey to bring their little girl home from China. She parallels their story so beautifully to God's pursuit of us!
Cassi Jo says
I'm halfway through Lee Strobel's The Case for Christ. I love it so far!! The Case for Faith is next on my list!
Corner of Sass and Snark says
I'm not a big biography fan; I usually find them dull and fluffy. However, I loved American Sniper by Chris Kyle.
Liane Moriarty is another of my easy read authors. I'm currently on The Anniversary Wish.
I tried reading Radical, but couldn't get into it. Thoughts?
Corner of Sass and Snark says
Also, I've written down a lot of these suggestions from your readers. Cant wait to dig into some of them!
Anonymous says
I'm a mom to three small kids and I'm curious how you find time to read so much? I would love to read more, but I just feel like I'm so busy trying to finish our daily schedule there isn't any time to stop and read. Do you have any suggestions? -Lynn
Jeanie says
I love anything by Jodi Picoult, Jonathan Kellerman and James Patterson (except the "Max" books).
The Rohman Family says
Sum it Up, by Pat Summit. Can't say enough about it.
Anonymous says
From Good to Grace by Christine Hoover. It was just released, but I would highly recommend it!
Nichole says
Teri Blackstock is an awesome Christian suspense writer! There is a series called the Restoration Series. Essentially a star creates all these electromagnetic pulses and wipes out electricity and technology around the world. The series follows a family in Alabama and how they try to survive without modern conveniences. Total page turners!
Debbie says
You should try Dee Henderson. My favorite is the O'Malley series. They are mysteries/love stores.
Reading is my favorite!
Anonymous says
When I Lay My Isaac Down by Carol Kent. So, so good!! I go back to it for quotes all the time!
Melissa says
I loved the book, Loving Frank. It's a biography about Frank Lloyd Wright. I believe the book is told from the view of his first wife. I couldn't put it down!
TheDueittFamily says
I am a book lover and avid reader! I've read nearly every book on your list at one time or another. One of my favorite Christian based series is The Mitford Series by Jan Karon. I also love reading biographies and currently reading three at the moment… Lilly by Kathryn Livingston (bio of Fashion designer Lilly Pulitzer), Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis: The Untold Story by Barbara Leaming and last is Walt Disney by Bob Thomas. All there are fabulous! You have to check these books out.
jeanna says
Kristin Hannah! You'll love her! Also chick lit but so good. Start with Winter Garden. You will thank me!
Carey-Jane says
If you like biographies and autobiographies you might like historical fiction too?? Edward Rutherfurd is awesome, I loved "New York", starting when it was new Amsterdam to current time and he writes like a story so it's a fun read while learning all sorts of things! James Michener is another great historical fiction writer!
Anonymous says
You have to check out The Case for Grace by Lee Strobel if you liked the other two 🙂 it just came out recently!
Chic Coastal Living says
Love Nicholas Sparks too! I need to find out what to read of his next! I think I'm really behind because the last book I read of his is the one where the wife ran away from her abusive husband and she met this great guy and of course the ending to that was boo hoo hooo! AHHH! He makes me cry so much!!
Nancy says
"Heaven is Here" by Stephanie Nielson. It's an amazing book about faith and love in the Lord and Jesus Christ. It's the story of her nd her husband as they survived a plane crash/burns and their life after. Definitely a good cry book and one to make you count your blessing in life and to see the hand of God on a daily basis.
Frances says
I love book posts!! Though I do have to admit that since having kids, I am more of a good book collector than a reader (I make exceptions for Emily and Sophie though, lol). I know you have about a million recommendations but I just wanted to add my 2 cents anyways about the books that have stayed with me over time: 1) The Good Earth by Pearl S Buck 2) Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden 3) Surviving The Killing Fields (not sure of the author but about the Cambodian Holocaust) 4) Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan and 5) Grapes of Wrath (John Steinbeck) and I'll just stop at 5. Oh! Haven't read, but I heard Michael J Fox's autobiographies are fantastic!
Cherrisse says
Do you have a goodreads account?! I would love to follow you! A lot of our read books would overlap 🙂
Megan Sutton says
I just finished a book on Monday night called The Glass Kitchen, by Linda Francis Lee. I think you would enjoy it. The main character is from Texas moving to NYC and loves to cook.
Paula says
We need a running list from those you have read, going to read and "readers" suggestion list! 😀
I know you are a very busy mom, blog, business? When do you find the time to read? You go to bed fairly early right?
I struggle to fit it in.
Ashley says
Some books that I've read recently and LOVED are:
1) The Boys in the Boat
2) Ship of Brides
3) The Girl on the Train
4) The Longest Ride