A Joyful Summer Reading List

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!