Here are some of my favorite books that I have read recently and recommend. I love to read and expand my mind and encourage my spirit. Each book has a link.
Taken by Surprise: The Asbury Revival of 2023
by Mark R. Elliott
Elliott gives an inside view of this revival and some of the events and people who contributed to it.
Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life
by Dr Henry Cloud & Dr John Townsend
Both Cloud and Townsend are psychologist who are well-known for their Boundaries Series. They help us see where we need to draw boundaries and help us how to do that. Informative and transformative.
How to Pray: A Simple Guide for Normal People
by Pete Greig
Transformative, inviting, and practical
Growing Up in Greentree: From the Journal of a Wayward Son
by Bill DeKlavon Jr.
I love reading this book and rereading it. The personal stories bring back memories, delight the reader and sometimes tickle a funny bone. Bill tells stories of years gone by. He is a friend and mentor to me.
Reframing to Now: A memoir of my “Divine Interceptions!“
by Dorothy Bernice Smith
Reframing to Now is an autobiography of how God redeems a difficult past of a young black girl. Encouraging and inspiring.
Limping With God: Jacob & the Old Testament Guide to Messy Discipleship
By Chad Bird
This is great book for personal study or for small group on the life and history of Jacob.
by Kelly Irvin
This suspense novel is set in San Antonio, Texas. The story turns and twists with a surprise ending. I couldn’t put it down.
by Kelly Irvin
Irvin is well-known for her Amish novels. Heartwarming love story of a young Amish woman and a young English man
Laughing Through the Ugly Cry: Finding Unstoppable Joy
by Dawn Barton
Author finds joy in difficult circumstances and has a delightful sense of humor. Definitely worth reading.
The Second Mrs. Astor: A Heartbreaking Historical Novel of the Titanic
by Shana Abe
Set in 1910, written well and author has many factual details of the time period.
by Jan Karon
This is one of my absolute favorite books. I have read it several times. Heartwarming story of a small town priest. Jan Karon has an entire series following this small town priest.
Ten Secrets to Overcoming Stage Fright: Brought to you by the Most Persnickety angel in Heaven
by Janice Dean
Janice Dean tells a funny story about an angel who helps people with stage fright. This book is so much fun!
Before Amen: The Power of a Simple Prayer
by Max Lucado
Max offers a simple and practical way to pray. Super helpful.
Any book by Max Lucado is excellent, encouraging and worth the read!
A Grief Disguised: How the Soul Grows Through Loss
by Jerry Sittser
This is a classic as far as helping cope with grief. Heartfelt, hopeful and gives grace. I highly recommend this book for anyone going through grief.
Stream in the Desert: 365 Daily Devotional Readings
by L.B. Cowman, edited by Jim Reimann
A classic devotional that offers hope and strength during times of struggle.
Upper Room Devotional
The Upper Room is written by people from all over the world offering daily encouragement and inspiration.
by Lynn Austin
A Gripping Christian Historical Fiction Story of Friendship and Survival Set in London During WWII and Post-War America
by Lynn Austin
Four women during World War II embark on working in a factory to support the war. Each woman is changed by working and will never be able to go back to the same life after the war.
Beauty in the Breaking: A Memoir
by Michele Harper
Michele’s personal journey of working as an emergency doctor including her growth as a person and professional. I connected with this author because of my experiences as a hospital chaplain.
Understanding Your Grief: Ten Essential Touchstones for finding Hope and Healing Your Heart
by Alan Wolfelt
This is a great book to work through grief. The author is a professional counselor in the area of grief and has authored many books to help journey one journey in the grief process.
The Women of the Bible Speak: The Wisdom of 16 Women and Their Lessons for Today
by Shannon Bream
Inspiring stories of 16 women in the Bible. Short reads.
Shannon as wrote The Mothers and Daughters of the Bible Speak: Lessons on Faith from Nine Biblical Families
Miracle Walk: A Step-by Step Journey Through the Supernatural
by Larry W. Poland
Larry Poland recounts 26 miracles in his life. Encouraging and personal.
by Chris Tiegreen
Chris asks so thought provoking questions and challenges each of us. Great for young adults.
Box of Butterflies: Discovering the Unexpected Blessings All Around Us by Roma Downey
Inspiring book and light reading
When Women Lead: Embrace Your Authority, Move Beyond Barriers, and Find Joy in Leading Others by Carolyn Moore
Moore gives a very personal story of her growth and challenges as a female pastor.
Breath As Prayer: Calm Your Anxiety, Focus Your Mind, and Renew Your Soul by Jennifer Tucker
This award winning book gives simple Scripture prayers to breathe. Calming. Helps the mind focus on Scripture. A great gift.
A Place for T: Giving Voice to the Tortoise in Our Hare-Brained World by Robert H. Lengel
Robert Lengel opens our minds to divergent thinking and how important taking time to genuinely connect with others. He contrasts the tortoise and the hare and how we approach life.
Epic of Eden: A Christian Entry into the Old Testament by Sandra L. Richter
This is one of my favorite books on making sense of the Old Testament. Interesting, enlightening and helpful in understanding the Old Testament.
Grace Like Scarlett: Grieving with Hope after Miscarriage and Loss by Adriel Booker
Adriel gives hope for those experiencing a pregnancy loss. She shares her stories and helps navigate the reader through their own grief. Outstanding book.
Angel in the ER: Inspiring True Stories from an Emergency Room Doctor by Robert D. Lesslie, MD
Dr Lesslie shares inspiring experiences in the ER. This is such a fun read, I have read it several times. Great stories.