Welcome to June!
I suggested to my friend J.T. O’Donnell that she come up with a Summer reading list for those in transition or whose career needs a boost.
Then, I decided I better take my own advice and create a joyful reading list. So here my suggestions for summer reading.
I have read all books and receive no kickbacks from anyone for putting their book on the list.
Romance Novels
Perfect Kindle reading for the beach or hammock – none were over $5.00 when this post was written on 5/31.
- “The Second Chance Café” (A Hope Springs Novel) Alison Kent – Kaylie Flynn goes back home and buys her foster parent’s house and plans to turn it into a Café. (I am currently reading the next installment “Beneath the Patchwork Moon.”)
- “Penelope” (A Madcap Regency Romance) (The Fairweather Sisters) Anya Wylde – Country girl attempts to fit into London high society during the debutante season. I dare you not to fall in love with Lady Bathsheba.
- “The Wicked Wager” (A Regency Murder Mystery & Romance) Anya Wylde – “Oh what a tangled web we weave” describes this lighthearted tale about love, deception and murder.
- “Seeking Philbert Woodbead” (A madcap Regency Romance) (The Fairweather Sisters) Anya Wylde – A madcap tale of Penelope’s sister Celine trying to run a mansion and find her long-lost poet lover.
(I started reading Anya’s books based on the recommendation of Charissa at Joy In The Moments.)
Inspirational
- “The Butterfly Effect, How Your Life Matters”, Andy Andrews – A wonderful story of how 1 man’s decision still impacts our lives today. If he can do it – you can too.
- “Butterflies” An Essay by Rev. Donald Pederson – A brief essay about how our lives are intertwined and how what I do affects you and vice-versa.
- “We Will Survive: True Stories of Encouragement, Inspiration And The Power Of Song”, Gloria Gaynor and Sue Carswell – Proof of how 1 song impacted the lives of so many people.
Bible Study
Whether Bible study is on the beach or in your church’s yard under a big old shade tree, you can’t go wrong with these books.
- “Postcards from the Widows’ Path, Gleaming Hope and Purpose from the Book of Ruth”, Ferree Hardy. This book combines a study of the book of Ruth with Ferree’s first-hand account of her journey down the widow’s path. However, it is not just for widows. It is a great education for anyone looking to learn more about the book of Ruth and what it takes to survive widowhood.
- “Choose Joy, Because Happiness Isn’t Enough”, Kay Warren – Happiness is not enough. I know happy people and they are very one dimensional (more on that in another post). This book helps you get to know Jesus both as a man of joy and sorrow. She also teaches that the joy found in the Bible is not dependent upon circumstances – Hallelujah!
Book Club/Cooking Club
- “Bread & Wine, a love letter to life around the table with recipes” Shauna Niequist – You can’t go wrong ready any of Shauna’s books (Bittersweet and Cold Tangerines) but start with this gem. There are recipes at the end of most chapters. Annette’s Enchiladas is a great comfort dish. (I decided to read this book based on Anne of Modern Mrs. Darcy’s recommendation.)
There you have it – my joyful reading list for this summer. I am in the process of reading a few more books, so you just might find a second reading list later this summer.
Enjoy!
