Jesus Led Me All the Way

by: 

Margaret Stringer

Book Bio from Amazon: A missionary-preacher, teacher, medic, and friend-to the province of Papua, Indonesia, Stringer lived her love for Christ and His children to the exclusion of personal gain and modern convenience. Through detailed memory, anecdotes and excerpts from her journals, she shares the array of unforgettable characters she lived, worked and praised with for forty years. Living out love is an evocative, soul-stirring phrase, containing nothing of the worldly, starry-eyed, stomach-a-flutter ethereal. Rather, the concept seems very like the hammering out of salvation on God’s own glowing forge; teaching a man to fish instead of sending him a manual. To witness such zeal and faith must surely be a moving experience for any minister, and certainly much more so to one who works in distant and primitive lands. Jesus Led Me All the Way is simply one of the most engaging and immersive recollections of a missionary life ever written.

My Review: Margaret Stringer’s enthusiasm and love for Christ is contagious! I loved reading about her life’s work among the jungles of Indonesia. A wonderful missionary biography!

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Being Elisabeth Elliot

by: 

Ellen Vaughn

Book Bio from Amazon: Elisabeth Elliot was a young missionary in Ecuador when members of a remote Amazonian indigenous people group killed her husband Jim and his four colleagues. And yet, she stayed in the jungle with her young daughter to minister to the very people who had thrown the spears, demonstrating the power of Christ’s forgiveness.
 
This courageous, no-nonsense Christian went on to write dozens of books, host a long-running radio show, and speak at conferences all over the world. She was a pillar of coherent, committed faith—a beloved and sometimes controversial icon. And while things in the limelight might have looked golden, her suffering continued refining her in many different and unexpected ways.
 
Her early years, related in Becoming Elisabeth Elliot, traced the transition of a young woman who dealt in “certainties” to the woman who lived with the unknown.
 
Now, being Elisabeth Elliot increasingly meant confronting how much she did not understand. She sought her reference point beyond her own experiences, always pondering what she called the “impenetrable mystery” of the interplay between God’s will and human choices.
 
And it is that strange mystery which shaped the rest of her startling life story.

My Review: I have mixed emotions about this book. As an EE fan, I feel the author disclosed personal struggles, sin, and intimate details that taint ones view of Elisabeth. I did walk away reminded that Jesus is our only perfect example. While we can learn much from the lives of others, we should not model our lives after fallen men and women.

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A Family Guide to Narnia

by: 

Christin Ditchfield

Book Bio from Amazon: Do you read The Chronicles of Narnia sensing that the stories are full of biblical parallels, even if you’re not always sure what they are or where to find them? This user-friendly companion to The Chronicles of Narnia is written for C. S. Lewis readers like you who want to discover the books’ biblical and Christian roots. Read it, and you’ll find that this chapter-by-chapter, book-by-book examination of The Chronicles will widen your spiritual vision.

My Review: This was a good tool to have as we read through The Chronicles of Narnia outloud as a family. While I do not agree with all the intrepretations and correlations the author made, it served as a guide for conversation and further discussion of biblical principles.

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The Last Battle

by: 

C. S. Lewis

Book Bio from Amazon: During the last days of Narnia, the land faces its fiercest challenge—not an invader from without but an enemy from within. Lies and treachery have taken root, and only the king and a small band of loyal followers can prevent the destruction of all they hold dear in this, the magnificent ending to The Chronicles of Narnia.


My Review: We greatly enjoyed reading through this series as a family and were sad to see our adventures in Narnia come to an end. A must-read series for families!

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Carry On, Mr. Bowditch

by: 

Jean Lee Latham

Book Bio from Goodreads: Readers today are still fascinated by “Nat,” an eighteenth-century nautical wonder and mathematical wizard. Nathaniel Bowditch grew up in a sailor’s world—Salem in the early days, when tall-masted ships from foreign ports crowded the wharves. But Nat didn’t promise to have the makings of a sailor; he was too physically small. Nat may have been slight of build, but no one guessed that he had the persistence and determination to master sea navigation in the days when men sailed only by “log, lead, and lookout.” Nat’s long hours of study and observation, collected in his famous work, The American Practical Navigator (also known as the “Sailors’ Bible”), stunned the sailing community and made him a New England hero.

My Review: 5 STARS!!! This is one of my top-favorite books that we’ve read together as a family. You will fall in love with the story and characters. While there is an element of hearbreak woven throughout the story, Nat rises above the challenges life brings and carries on! While this book was loved by our entire family, my husband and son really enjoyed the nautitical themes. You will also find wonderful moral lessons that lead to further family conversations.

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The Mysterious Benedict Society

by: 

Trenton Lee Stewart

Book Bio from Amazon: “Are you a gifted child looking for special opportunities?” Dozens of children respond to this peculiar newspaper ad and are then put through a series of mind-bending tests, which readers take along with them. Only four children—two boys and two girls—succeed. Their challenge: to go on a secret mission that only the most intelligent and inventive children could complete. To accomplish it, they will have to go undercover at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, where the only rule is that there are no rules. But what they’ll find in the hidden underground tunnels of the school is more than your average school supplies. So, if you’re gifted, creative, or happen to know Morse Code, they could probably use your help.

My Review: Utterly quirky and enchanting! Sometimes you need a light and fun read and that is what this book was for me. It is written for a younger audience, but I will make note that there are some scary elements such as kidnapping and mind control. Overall, it was an engaging story that kept me on the edge of my seat!

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Marmee

by: 

Sarah Miller

Book Bio from Amazon: In 1861, war is raging in the South, but in Concord, Massachusetts, Margaret March has her own battles to fight. With her husband serving as an army chaplain, the comfort and security of Margaret’s four daughters— Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—now rest on her shoulders alone. Money is tight and every month, her husband sends less and less of his salary with no explanation. Worst of all, Margaret harbors the secret that these financial hardships are largely her fault, thanks to a disastrous mistake made over a decade ago which wiped out her family’s fortune and snatched away her daughters’ chances for the education they deserve. 
Yet even with all that weighs upon her, Margaret longs to do more—for the war effort, for the poor, for the cause of abolition, and most of all, for her daughters. Living by her watchwords, “Hope and keep busy,” she fills her days with humdrum charity work to keep her worries at bay. All of that is interrupted when Margaret receives a telegram from the War Department, summoning her to her husband’s bedside in Washington, D.C. While she is away, her daughter Beth falls dangerously ill, forcing Margaret to confront the possibility that the price of her own generosity toward others may be her daughter’s life.
A stunning portrait of the paragon of virtue known as Marmee, a wife left behind, a mother pushed to the brink, a woman with secrets.

My Review: I wasn’t a huge fan of this book. While it did give some beautiful insight into the relationship between Marmee and Laurie and Marmee and Aunt March, other aspects really detracted from the novel. Marmee’s character reflected tenants of modern feminism. Some of that was true to it’s time, like women desiring the same educational rights as men, but I feel like the author took it too far in Marmee’s resentment and bitterness towards being treated different because she was a woman. It was also wishy-washy on the aspect of fatih, which I felt did a disservice to the strong undercurrents of faith in the original Little Women. It also painted Mr. March in a negative light- always taking care of the poor to the neglect of his family. Not really a book I’d recommend which is disappointing. The Marmee in Little Women might be my favorite literary character!

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Parenting

by: 

Paul David Tripp

Book Bio from Amazon: Sometimes parents wish there was a guaranteed formula for raising good kids―a certain list of rules to follow to ensure they’d have obedient children. But if moms and dads view their role through the lens of God’s grace, they will see that the gospel must first shape how they parent before they can effectively shape their children.
In the bestselling book Parenting, Paul David Tripp unfolds a more biblical perspective on parenting than merely adhering to a list of rules. He lays out 14 gospel-centered principles that will radically change the way parents think about what it means to raise up a child, informing everything they do as a parent. This edition includes a section of engaging study questions for every chapter, helping individuals and groups reflect on each topic in greater depth. 

My Review: One of the top best parenting books I’ve read- and I’ve read many! This is one I could read again and again. I read it a year or two ago, but Simeon and I read through it together this time. It provided much food for thoughts as we seek to raise our children in accordance with God’s Word. A must-read for every parent!

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Island of the Blue Dolphins

by: 

Scott O’Dell

Book Bio from Amazon: Scott O’Dell’s Newbery Medal-winning classic is a gripping tale of survival, strength, and courage. Based on the true story of a Nicoleo Indian girl living alone on an island off the coast of California, Island of the Blue Dolphins has captivated readers for generations.On San Nicolas Island, dolphins flash in the surrounding blue waters, sea otter play in the vast kelp beds, and sea elephants loll on the stony beaches. Here, in the early 1800s, a girl named Karana spent eighteen years alone.Karana had to contend with the ferocious pack of wild dogs that killed her younger brother, constantly guard against Aleutian sea otter hunters, and maintain a precarious food supply. Her courage, self-reliance, and grit has inspired millions of readers in this breathtaking adventure.As Smithsonian magazine put it: “For kids all over the country, reading the book in language arts classes, Karana is a powerful symbol of their growing independence. Through her, they can imagine themselves making their way in the world alone–and thriving.”

My Review: A story of overcoming danger, isolation, the elements, and more. My children were fascinated by the main characters resilience and ingenuity to survive alone on an island. I wish we would have known before reading the book that it was based on a true story. That would have made it even more incredible!

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The Princess and The Goblin

by: 

George MacDonald

Book Bio from Amazon: Princess Irene lives in a castle in a wild and lonely mountainous region. One day she discovers a steep and winding stairway leading to a bewildering labyrinth of unused passages with closed doors – and a further stairway. What lies at the top? Can the ring the princess is given protect her against the lurking menace of the boglins from under the mountain?

My Review: I know that in the read-aloud community, this book is a golden child. But we didn’t love it. It was ok, and some elements (like the goblin queen!) were quite funny. Overall, it didn’t hold our attention. I also felt like some elements such as the mysterious grandmother were not resolved well. Who was she exactly? And why did she have magical powers??

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Taking Charge of Your Fertility

by: 

Toni Weschler

Book Bio from Amazon: Since the publication of Taking Charge of your Fertility two decades ago, Toni Weschler has taught a whole new generation of women how to become pregnant, avoid pregnancy naturally and gain better control of their gynecological and sexual health by taking just a couple minutes a day using the proven Fertility Awareness Method.
Clear and comprehensive, yet warm and approachable, Taking Charge of Your Fertility is one of the most universally lauded health books on the market today. It is an essential reference for every woman of reproductive age.

My Review: I do not agree with everything the author wrote in this book, but overall, it is an very well done resources on reading and charting your fertility signs. I love that the author took very scientific facts and discussed them in an easy-to-understand way! This is a LARGE book, but I found it to be a very easy read!

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The Christmas Doll

by: 

Elvira Woodruff

Book Bio from Amazon: Lucy and Glory are orphaned sisters with no real place to call home. Only their memories of a beautiful doll named Morning Glory brighten their bleak lives. When a deadly fever sweeps through the workhouse where the girls live, Lucy and Glory flee to the mean streets of London.
One day the girls find an old battered doll that Glory senses is their beloved Morning Glory. But Morning Glory is no ordinary doll–the girls learn that she has magical powers that will change their lives in amazing ways.. With the help of the doll, the sisters discover the true meaning of the Christmas spirit.

My Review: Such a beautiful Christmas story! It does not shy away from the tragedies and terrors orphans faced on the streets of England, but the redemptive end shines the brighter for it. Walk with Lucy and Glory through the hard times, and you will be rewarded with a most enchanting ending!

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Little Christmas Carol

by: 

Joe Sutphin

Book Bio from Amazon: In 1843, Charles Dickens penned a story—a classic Christmas tale full of ghosts and the endearing humbug Ebenezer Scrooge. That story—which has captivated readers for over 150 years—is now accompanied by the delightful illustrations of Joe Sutphin. With charming woodland characters and settings that families will adore, readers will be transformed by Little Christmas Carol.  A tale of greed, regret, loneliness, reflection, compassion, hope, and a joyfully changed life, this beautifully illustrated edition will enliven the timeless classic for readers young and old.
For the perfect family read-aloud, make Little Christmas Carol a part of your family’s Christmas tradition. This new edition makes a wonderful gift.
It is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas, when its mighty Founder was a child himself. —Charles Dickens

My Review: Beautifully redone by Joe Sutphin, master behind Little Pilgrim’s Progress. This quickly became part of our Christmas celebrations. Each evening leading up to Christmas, we turned on the tree lights and piled on the couch to hear Daddy read this aloud to us. It is one I see us revisiting in Christmases to come! The illustrations are beautifully done, and the story holds very true to Dickens classic.

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Gentle and Lowly

by: 

Dane Ortlund

Book Bio from Amazon: Christians know what Jesus Christ has done—but who is he? What is his deepest heart for his people, weary and faltering on their journey toward heaven? Jesus said he is “gentle and lowly in heart.” This book reflects on these words, opening up a neglected yet central truth about who he is for sinners and sufferers today.

My Review: This is my second time reading through this book, and what depth! I come away from each chapter being amazed at God’s love for me, and falling more in love with Him because of it! A must-read! It will encourage your walk with the Lord.

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Ben Carson: A Chance at Life

by: 

Geoff & Janet Benge

Book Bio from Amazon: As a child growing up in Detroit, Ben Carson had a dream of becoming a physician, a dream that rose out of struggles with poverty, racism, and poor grades. As Ben persevered and strove for academic excellence, his life became one of compassion and service.Today, Benjamin Carson, MD, is known as the American neurosurgeon with gifted hands. The first surgeon to successfully separate twins joined at the head, he directed pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital for over a quarter of a century. His life continues to be a model of what it means to care deeply, serve brilliantly, and lead courageously (1951-).

My Review: Ben Carson! What a man! His “rags to riches” story has been spurring people towards greatness for decades. Our entire family was captivated by his life’s story. My favorite part about the book is the emphasis he put on linking his success and overcoming poverty to turning off the TV and reading books! His love and respect for the Lord in his life also shone through. It was a good opportunity for us to introduce our children to a great man who was also a great Christian!

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There are many places where you can purchase or borrow books! Some of my favorites for getting books on a budget are thrift stores, Hoopla, Libby, or your local library. If you watch for sales, you can often find deals on Amazon Audible or on physical books on Amazon. I use this option often when I know it’s a book that I want to add to our home library.

Should you choose to purchase these books through the Amazon links I have provided, thank you! They are affiliate links which gives a little back to our family at no extra cost to you!

These are a few things that have helped me when I find myself in a reading slump:

Choose a Captivating Book

If you are trying to get back into the habit of reading, you don’t want to pick up War and Peace by Tolstoy. Leave that one for another day. Choose something that will catch your interest and reignite that passion for a good story.

My usual genre of choice would be non-fiction. But at times when I’m trying to get back into the habit of reading, historical fiction is often my go-to. When I am reminded of the thrill that comes from a book that you can’t put down, I am thrust back into making room in my life for reading.

Put It Down If It’s Not Something You Love

If you’ve been trying for months to finish a book before you move on, but that is what’s caused you to “fall out of love” with reading, put it down. You can always return to it later. Or you have my permission to never revisit it again!

As a girl who believes in finishing what I start, that was a hard lesson to let myself accept. But several of my reading slumps were caused by me trying to trudge through a book that I did not care about. When I allowed myself the freedom to move on, the love for books returned.

Make Time for Reading

Sometimes the slump comes because time for reading gets crowded out of our busy schedules. That happens, and it’s ok! Different seasons call for different things. God did design our bodies and minds to need rest though. Even in busy seasons, most of us find some time to unwind. It is tempting to give that time to scrolling or watching TV. Before you know it, and hour is gone, and you walk away without feeling relaxed. I know I am guilty of this from time to time. Reading does for my body and mind what the glow of a screen will never accomplish.

I am a busy wife, mama, and so much more. I have learned throughout the past decade of marriage and family life, that I need to have times of rejuvenation for myself. Carving out even a few moments in the day to read fills me up more than most other hobbies.

Read Shorter Books

We all like the feeling of accomplishment. There is joy in reading the final page of a book, closing its cover, and saying goodbye (or until next time!) When you are in a reading slump, maybe you just need to choose a shorter, more digestible book to give yourself that feeling. Then when you find yourself back in the habit, you can tackle the longer reads.

This happened to me once when I was working through a VERY long book with lots of information. I was finding myself reading less and less because I felt that I would never finish the book. I decided to commit to reading one portion of that book each day, and then moving onto a shorter book. That helped me so much! Seeing progress made on my reading goal and ticking books off my to-read list gave me the desire to keep reading as a habit. Slowly but surely, I worked through the long book and finished it! I’m glad I didn’t wait until I had to start reading something else!

Commit to a Chapter A Day

Often, we need to set a goal to give ourselves the motivation to act on something we desire for ourselves. Committing to read one chapter each day can help kick-start the habit. This doesn’t take a large amount of time and energy. You can read one chapter in 10 minutes or less! It does set you on a path back to where you desire to be. One day, your one chapter might become two. A week later, you might find yourself looking forward to as many chapters as you can fit in!

This is a helpful tip for me, especially when I am working through a book that isn’t quite as captivating as others. I might have a fun fiction read that I’m loving, but I make myself read one chapter from the book that isn’t as interesting first.

Organize Your Bookshelf

Something as simple as organizing your bookshelf can be a reminder of all the wonderful books you have that you have yet to read!

I recently did this, and now I have a stack of books sitting on my office desk that I can’t wait to read! I have determined to wrap up a few others before I plunge into this new stack, but I can hardly wait! That keeps me focused on working through my current reads.

Utilize Audiobooks

Audiobooks can be a wonderful option for those who desire to read yet find themselves in a busy season. Audiobooks are still books!

I tend to be more old-school. I would much prefer a printed book to an audiobook, or even to an e-Book. But there have been times when audiobooks better fit the demands I had in that season of life. Reading books that way still allowed me to keep up with my reading goals and enjoy good books.

If you’ve known me for long, you’ll know how passionate I am about books and reading! But even I have times where reading is not something I want to do. These tips have been helpful to get me back on track! I hope they will be for you.

Do you have any advice to add? What helps you when you are in a reading slump? Email me at nohighercallingpodcast@gmail.com and let me know! I might add your tip to the list!

Bucket List Family Travel

by: 

Jessica Gee

Be warned! This book will give you the travel bug! Most of the places and experiences mentioned will never be in our budget, but it’s free to dream! It felt like we had a tour of the world just flipping through the many gorgeous photos throughout this book. I enjoyed this read so much!

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Simulated

by: 

Nova McBee

This is the second book in the series. I really enoyed the first book (mentioned in last quarter’s blog post), but I didn’t enjoy this one nearly as much. It felt very “young adult” in it’s themes. There was a lot of boy drama, etc. It also lacked the intrigue element that the first book had.

*Discalimer: I wouldn’t recommed this book because of the strong young adult drama elements throughout.

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The Silver Chair

by: 

C. S. Lewis

Our family has been working through the Narnia series during our read-aloud time. While Eustace and Jill aren’t our favorite human characters, we loved Puddleglum!

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Love Without Borders

by: 

Angela Braniff

I started out really enjoying the author’s adoption stories, but I wound up not like this book much. Several reasons- 1. I was so disappointed in the author’s (a professing Christian) use of curse words. 2. I disagree on the author’s moral stance regarding IVF. 3. As the book went along, it seemed as though the family was very wife-led. She says that God would speak to her, she would inform her husband, and then she’d move forward on a decision and kind of pull him along behind. While I feel that a wife definitely has a say in decisions, and in many cases a husband leaves certain decisions soley to the wife, there were major, life-altering decisions that she was leading in.

*Disclaimer: I wouldn’t recommend reading this book for the above-mentioned reasons.

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Little Women

by: 

Louisa May Alcott

There are no words! Why did it take me 32 years to read this classic? I fell in love with this story, and it might be my favorite book ever! My oldest daughter and I listsened to it on audio. We laughed with the March girls, and we cried with them. We watched as they transformed from little girls to little women. We learned from the struggles and growing pains that came along with that transition. These provided beautiful opportunities for me to speak into the heart of my little woman. I plan to read this with all my girls again and again!

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Family Driven Faith

by: 

Voddie Baucham

Simeon and I listened to this book on Audible a few years back and gleaned so much from it. I decided to buy a hard copy so I could read it again and highlight and take notes. Baucham provides biblical insight into the crisis of coming generations leaving the faith and how we, as parents, can stand in the gap and fight for the souls of our children.

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Mere Motherhood

by: 

Cindy Rollins

There were parts of this book that I really enjoyed. I loved the author’s reflections and wisdom regarding “morning time.” This was a time when she would gather all her children, and they would begin their school day with the Bible, hymns, and read-alouds. Overall though, it was an average book.

Disclaimer: I was disappointed with the author’s use of a curse word or two.

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Twelve Extraordinary Women

by: 

John MacArthur

I have studied women of the Bible for over a decade, and yet God always has more to learn from these women’s example. Some teach us through their faith, others teach us from their mistakes. Again and again we see God’s redemptive power through the lives or ordinary women who He used to do extraordinary things!

*Disclaimer: I DO NOT agree with John MacArthur’s beliefs regarding calvinism and reformed theology.

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*Amazon links are afflilate links. As an Amazon influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you!!

*Review on the books below are coming soon!

Son of Hamas

by: 

Mosab Hassan Yousef

Simeon and I read this together as our book for the quarter. It was unlike most other books I read as it delved deep into the politics and terrorism of Hamas. It provides a broader understanding of the conflict in the Middle East.

*Spoiler: The author (son of the leader of Hamas) comes to know Christ. His salvation testimony seemed a bit more “osmosis” as he was gently introduced to Christianity. I do wish it had been more clear on his conversion.

This was definitely outside of my normal genre! If this kind of account intrigues you, you’ll enjoy this gripping account. If not, you might want to choose a different read.

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The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

by: 

C. S. Lewis

We are continuing on in our family read-aloud through the Chronicles of Narnia. My 5 year old son really loved this book! Dragons, ships, mystery, and more keep the reader/listener enchanted as you follow the Dawn Treader to the end of the earth!

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When Your Child is 6 to 12

by: 

John M. Drescher

This is a fantastic read for any parent who has a child in this age range! It challenges you to make the most of these “middle years”. Your child is becoming more independent and developing more of their own uniqueness as they leave the preschool years behind. They are also free from the emotional and hormonal challenges that come with the teen years. Drescher encourages parents to take this opportunity to lean into their relationship with their child and establish a foundation that will serve you both well as you walk into puberty and the teenage years.

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Really Very Crunch

by: 

Emily Morrow

A fun, delightful read! I enjoy following Emily Morrow on Instagram @reallyverycrunchy. She provides a wealth of information while staying lighthearted. This book is a great introduction to living a natural lifestyle and limiting toxic exposure.

While I really enjoyed the book, it wasn’t my first introduction to these concepts. I feel like this book was great for beginners as it covered areas like food, air, water, etc. But I hope Emily writes a companion book in the future delving deeper!

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How Can I Feel Productive as a Mom?

by: 

Esther Engelsma

This booklet was so good that I recorded an entire podcast episode sharing what I learned! You can listen to that here: Productivity and Motherhood

If you struggle with balancing all your responsibilities as a mama, this read is for you! You will be challenged to align your priorities with God’s and to pursue being a present mama over a perfect mama. This book was a timely help for me.

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Be Your Child’s Pediatrician

by: 

Rachel Weaver

This is a valuable resource for every parent! It discusses MANY childhood illnesses and symptoms and gives natural, holistic treatment options (that you can safely do from home!). It is meant to be a companion to Be Your Own Doctor. I would recommend either getting both books, or getting Be Your Own Doctor first. Rachel Weaver references quite a few things in this book that she wrote about in her first book.

Covid shook many people’s confidence in our healthcare system. While I am thankful for modern medicine when it is needed, I think there are many times where it is more harmful than helpful. If I can educate myself and treat minor issues myself, I have found that is the best option for our family.

*She has a lengthy section discussing the vaccine debate. It is worth the read! She encourages parents to be informed and well-researched on this topic. When you look at the scientific data, it does raise alarm to question the status quo!

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A Lifelong Love

by: 

Gary Thomas

Gary Thomas is one of my favorite marriage authors! His content on marriage and his heart to see couples thrive in their love for each other and for the Lord is refreshing! This book challenges you to cultivate a love that will stand the test of time. Highly recommend!

*Discliamer: Gary Thomas states his personal and theological view on alchol in this book (it’s a side note that has nothing do to with the marriage content. I wish he would’ve left it out!) I want to state that I DO NOT agree with his conclusions! Long answer cut short, I believe that Christians should have nothing to do with alcohol consumption.

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Mind the Gap

by: 

Terrie Chappell

Expectations. We all have them don’t we? And they are usually set pretty high. What happens when our expectations aren’t met? This booklet explores those questions and seeks to give biblical answers.

Terrie Chappell uses the story of Martha and Mary to teach us truth on expectations.

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Heartfelt Hospitality

by: 

Terrie Chappell

This was a beautiful reflection on years of extending hospitality! Terrie Chappell shares lessons she has learned along the way as she has sought to obey God’s command to be “given to hospitality.” The second half of the book shares tried-and-true recipes from Terrie’s kitchen!

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The Railway Children

by: 

E. Nesbit

“Don’t you think it’s rather nice to think that we’re in a book that God’s writing? If I were writing the book, I might make mistakes. But God knows how to make the story end just right- in the way that’s best for us.”

This is a delightful story of a family who has their world is turned upside down by injustice. Roberta, Peter, and Phyllis mysteriously lose their Daddy making them have to leave their comfortable English home and move to the countryside. Though this change comes as quite the shock, the children adapt quickly and make many new friends, one of which is a rail line and a steam engine. Many exciting adventures ensue as they fall in love with the railway.

*The picture shown is of the copy that we have. I can’t seem to find this version anymore, I the link below is for the same story, but with different cover design and illustrator.

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Calcualted

by: 

Nova McBee

A captivating book about a girl who possess an incredible gift to calcuate numbers. This gift causes her to be ripped from her life in Seattle and thrust into the criminal underworld in Shanghai. As the plot unfolds, you’ll be swept up in myster. Follow Madame, King, Phoenix, Red, and more as character histories and purposes intertwine to reveal an evil plot to overthrow China’s economy.

*Disclalimer: There are a few uses of h***. Criminal themes run throughout the book such as kidnapping, human trafficking, smuggling, etc.

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Until the Streetlights Come On

by: 

Ginny Yurich

This book was the perfect way to kick off a new year’s reading challenge. We took the 1000 hours outside challenge last year and hit our goal! This book encouraged me to take the challenge again this year. Ginny shares about the importance of nature and play impact they have on the development of a child.

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The Watchmaker’s Daughter

by: 

Larry Loftis

Corrie Ten Boom’s story has always inspired me. I’ve read several books about her life, but this book shed light on details I had not read about before.
The reader always comes away from Corrie’s story challenged by the complete forgiveness and love found in Jesus Christ.

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Raising a Modern-Day Knight

by: 

Robert Lewis

This book is written to fathers, but I gleaned from it as well! (Sim and I read it together). I really enjoyed the first half of the book which dealt with qualities that boys should develop to become godly men. The second half of the book was more centered on celebrations of manhood which were a bit much for our personal taste.

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The Brave Learner

by: 

Julie Bogart

“The best education we can give our children is the one that says” There are unlimited ways to get to where you want to go; I’m here to help you find your way.” Julie Bogart gives advice on how to move away from boring school norms to an enchanting life of learning.
This was not a favorite homeschooling book of mine, but it did have some good nuggets of wisdom from an experienced homeschool mama.

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The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe

by: 

C. S. Lewis

I have dreamed of introducting my children to Aslan, the children, and the world of Narnia since they were born! It is a story that has endeared itself to the heart of this literature lover, and I wanted it to be a part of my kids childhood. I was not disappointed! My kids were captivated by the story from the lamp post all the way to Cair Paravel! A must-read for every family!

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Help for the Hungry Soul

by: 

Kristen Wetherell

“You were made to desire and hunger for your Creator.” You’ll walk away from this with an excitement and a renewed desire to spend time in God’s Word.

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Educating the Wholehearted Child

by: 

Clay & Sally Clarkson

The ultimate manual on home education! This book was PACKED with wisdom and advice from seasoned homeschool parents. They cover so many parenting/discipleship/education/home education topics. Some of the info is a bit outdated, but I would recommened this to every homeschool family!

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Ember Rising

by: 

S. D. Smith

Eden and I have been listening to this series on audiobook (Joel Clarkson does a fabulous joy reading the book aloud!) I’ll be honest, we lost interest a bit in book #2, but interest was rekindled with this book! And by the last chapter, Eden was begging for me to get book #4.
Heather and Pickett find themselves separated and both fighting against Morbin in their own way. Will they be victorious? Will they even survive? Does rabbitkind have hope of a mended wood? Be ready to be captivated by this moving tale.

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Breaking Free From Broke

by: 

George Kamel

An enlightening read! I came to our marriage having zero personal finance knowledge or skills. Thankfully, this is an area Simeon is great in! This book breaks down all the big terms like mortgage, ROTH IRA, etc, and explains them in easy-to-understand terms. It gives solid advice and a secure, workable path to getting out of debt and getting on track to not just having money, but freeing yourself to give away money!

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Mothering by the Book

by: 

Jennifer Pepito

This was such a unique book. She addressed common motherood fears by sharing her own battle with them and how books encouraged her to face her fears. Having God’s Word as your strong foundation and literary characters as your mentor, you glean wisdom in denouncing fears and living in truth.

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Running on Empty

by: 

Barbara Bancroft

This book is written to encourage the weary ministry woman. While there were some great takeaways, it was not a favorite on this topic.

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The Horse and His Boy

by: 

C. S. Lewis

We delighted in joining Shasta, Aravis, Bree, and Hwin as they journeyed to the enchanted land of Narnia. They encountered perils along the way, but they overcame and restored a long-lost tragedy.

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Creative Counterpart

by: 

Linda Dillow

“A creative counterpart is a woman, who, having chosen the vocation of wife and mother, decides to learn and grow in all the areas of this role and work as though she were aiming for the presidency of a corporation.”
I loved this book on marriage and left encouraged to love my husband deeper.

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Ember’s End

by: 

S. D. Smith

This final installment of the Green Ember series will have you on the edge of your seat! We cried together and celebrated together as the story came to a riveting end.

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Teatime Discipleship for Mothers & Daughters

by: 

Sally Clarkson

This is a beautiful keepsake book! Sally emphasizes the important role of discipleship in the relationship between moms and their daughters. I loved the priority she put on a mother passing her faith on to the next generation. It also includes fun teatime ideas, yummy recipes, and lovely photos! Every mama will want this on her bookshelf.

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You Carried Me

by: 

Melissa Ohden

This is a captivating true story of an abortion survivor. Through the book, you follow the author heartwrenching journey of discovering the details surroudning her unwanted birth, her fight with her emotions as she comes to terms with her story, and her triump as she finds forgivness and purpose in Christ! A must-read on the pro-life vs pro-choice debate.

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Prince Caspian

by: 

C. S. Lewis

The Narnia tale continues! Prince Caspian flees his castle and throne when his uncle, Miraz, has a son. Knowing his life is in grave danger, he runs to the forest which is believed to be inhabited by mystical remnants of Narnia. Caspian joins forces with the Narnians to reclaim their kingdom, yet they cannot do this alone! With the aid of Queen Susan’s magical horn, Peter, Susan, Edmond, and Lucy are called to Narnia once again to help in the battle.

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The Golden Goblet

by: 

Eloise Jarvis McGraw

Eden and I enjoyed learning more about Egypt and the life of the people during ancienct times. This story kept us drawn in as we awaited a great mystery to be solved.
*Note: There were many references to Egyptian gods and religion, especially as pertains to the afterlife.

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My Side of the Mountain

by: 

Jean Craighead George

Follow Sam Gribley into the Catskill Mountains in New York. This 12-year-old boy sets off on a journey to survive all alone in these mountains. His ingenuity as you watch him meet man’s basic needs is incredible. He finds shelter, food, and water. He makes his own clothes from deer skin. He looks for companionship in the forest befriending a falcon named Frightful, The Baron weasel, Jessie Coon James, and others. You’ll love watching Sam grow in his abilities and tenacity as he survives over a year in the wilderness.

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Hard Is Not the Same Thing as Bad

by: 

Abbie Halberstadt

“When you begin to see struggles as a necessary part of God’s plan for your spiritual growth, you can discover supernatural peace and purpose, even when you’re down in the deepest trenches of motherhood.”

Abbie shares Scriptural wisdom in addressing a difficult topic. Hard is not the same thing as bad. Does that make it any less hard? No! But God uses hard things to sanctify us and make us more like Christ. The challenge is to lean in instead run from. Let God use the hard in your life for growth.

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*Amazon links are afflilate links. As an Amazon influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you!!

Sophie Mouse

by: 

Poppy Green

Age Recommendation: 5-8

Explore Silverlake Forest with Sophie Mouse and her friends as they go back to school, go hunting for berries, learn to swim, and much more! With easy-to-read language and illustrations on almost every page, The Adventures of Sophie Mouse chapter books are perfect for beginning readers.

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Heartwood Hotel

by: 

Kallie George

Age Recommendation: 5-10

When Mona the Mouse stumbles across the wondrous world of the Heartwood Hotel in the middle of a storm, she desperately hopes they’ll let her stay. As it turns out, Mona is precisely the maid they need at the grandest hotel in Fernwood Forest.

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The Great Mouse Detective Collection

by: 

Eve Titus

Age Recommendation: 6-9

Basil—the detective mastermind of the mouse world—lives in the cellar of Sherlock Holmes’s house. A devoted admirer of the great detective, he has learned his craft by listening at the feet of Holmes himself. Join Basil and his friend, Dr. Dawson, they solve some of their most baffling cases in this collectible boxed set!

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Grandma’s Attic Series

by: 

Arletta Richardson

Age Recommendation: 8-12

Arleta Richardson weaves tales of a simpler time, stories that have touched more than two million lives. A young girl’s discovery of her grandmother’s keepsakes inspires heartwarming tales of her grandmother’s childhood and the lessons learned on a nineteenth-century farm. The set In Grandma’s Attic, More Stories From Grandma’s Attic, Still More Stories From Grandma’s Attic, and Treasures from Grandma’s Attic.

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Ten Girls Series

by: 

Irene Howat

Age Recommendation: 7-12

The stories of Helen Roseveare, Corrie Ten Boom, Joni Eareckson and many others are brought to life by award–winning author Irene Howat. Each book contains the stories of ten girls who grew up to be used by God in amazing ways. Readers will not only be amazed at the bravery, cleverness and faith of these girls, but will be inspired to look to the God who worked through each of them.
 
The books contain ten easy to read chapters of equal length. Each character’s chapter begins with an incident or memory from their childhood, reminding the reader that people who grew up to do amazing things were once children just like them.

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The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls

by: 

M. J. Thomas

Age Recommendation: 6-9

The series follows siblings Peter and Mary and their dog, Hank, as they discover ancient scrolls that transport them back to key moments in biblical history. There they find a world filled with wonder, adventure, and danger. They must search for clues to solve the secret of the scrolls . . . or they will be stuck in time forever.
The books include a rich cast of supporting characters, including Great-Uncle Solomon, the eccentric archaeologist who discovered the scrolls; the angel Michael, who guides the children on their quests; and key figures from the Bible stories. 

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*Amazon links are afflilate links. As an Amazon influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you!!

I always get a broad spectrum of responses when I share my goal. Some people read WAY more than I do! Other people can’t imagine how I could possibly read so many books. (I share in this post how I fit in time to read as a busy mama.) Let’s not compare ourselves to others. Look at your life and assess your personal goals! How much did you read last year? Are you content with your reading habits? If so, then great! Keep your goal the same! (That’s where I’m at). Did you aim too high and now you feel discouraged for not even coming close? Lower the goal! Something is better than nothing! Would you like to read much more than you did the year before? Set an achievable goal and break it into bite-size pieces.

One goal I love to share for those seeking to increase their reading is read a chapter a day. Depending on the book, this often takes 10 minutes or less. Everyone could commit to that, right? Most books range from 10-15 chapters in length. Do you know what that means? Reading 1 chapter every day puts you projecting to read around 2 books per month- which comes out to 24 books in a year!

When it comes to goal setting, I like to assess different areas of my life, and if I find that I am not where I want to be in an area, I ask “how can I push myself a bit more in this area?” Don’t go from reading nothing to setting a goal of 50 books in a year! But if you read 12 books last year, could you increase your goal to 15?

Types of Goals

The type of reading goal you choose can vary depending on what works best for your current season and what motivates you most. Here are some ideas to get you thinking creatively.

1. A specific number of books
2. A certain amount of time spent reading each day
3. A certain number of chapters read each day
4. A specific number of books in a variety of genres

Tracking Your Goal

I have found GoodReads to be the easiest way to keep track of my reading challenge. They have a yearly reading challenge feature on their app/website where you can plug in how many books you desire to read. Then as you read books, you mark them as “read”, and it adds it to your count. It is fun to look at the end of the year as it shows you your goal completion, pages read, books read, and more.

Follow me on GoodReads

What to Read?

A question I get asked often is, “How do you find books that you want to read?” Well, I have a to-read list that is probably 100 books long, and I add to it more than I subract! My favorite way to find book suggestions is by recommendations from friends. That is why I love incorproating what I have read into the podcast/blog/Instagram. I tend to follow like-minded women, so when they recommend a good book, I often enjoy it as well. Hopefully, I pass that along to you!

Every quarter, I release a podcast episode with a corresponding blog post sharing the books that I have read. You can find that on the No Higher Calling podcast and throughout past blog posts. You can also find highlight reels on my Instagram.

A favorite friend to get book recommmendations from is Sarah at Faithful and Flourishing.

One other thing to note here, if you start a book and don’t like it, this is your persmission to stop immediately! There are too many wonerful books out there to waste time on things you don’t enjoy.

Ways to Read

Physical book, audio book, e-books- there are many different ways to read these days! Do what works best for you. I tend to be a physical book kind of girl. I love holding the book in my hands with highlighter ready. But in this season of motherhood, I have found that audiobooks have their place as well. I enjoy listneing while doing chores in the evening or while on a walk. I listen to audiobooks with my kids while we eat lunch. We listen to audiobooks as a family while riding in the car.

Keep Things Interesting

If you struggle to stay interested in reading, adding variety can keep you moving towards your goal. A suggestion is to change things up every month or quarter.

1. Read a particular author each month/quarter
2. Read a particular genre each month/quarter (ex. classic, mystery, historical fiction, nonfiction, biography, etc)
3. Read a particulat topic each month/quarter (ex. parenting, healthy living, marriage, etc)

Read with a Friend

When goal setting, it is often recommened that you have an accountability partner. Having this outside check keeps you moving forward. This can be achieved in many different ways.

1. Set a reading goal with your spouse (make it extra fun if you set a challenge to see who reads the most in a year!)
2. Read with a friend (you and your bestie read the same book at the same time and enjoy ingiting conversations together!)
3. Read with your children (“Mama, can we pleeeaaasse listen to our audiobook?!” Of course, thanks for the reminder!)
4. Join a book club (in person or online)
5. Post on social media (share what you’re reading on IG and let others follow along on your reading venture)

These are some thoughts on setting a reading goal that have stemmed from questions I get from others. What do you think? Have I covered everything, or did I miss something? If so, leave your question in the comments! I’d also love to hear what your reading goal for the year is!

If you enjoyed this post, check out my post Setting a Reading Goal for Kids!

A question I get asked ALL the time is, “How do you read so many books?” To be honest, I don’t feel like I do! I have friends that read WAY more than I do, and I know how many times I choose other things over reading. But I have formed habits that allow me to keep moving forward towards achieving my book goals. I’ve set a reading challenge over the past few years, and 50 books a year seems to be my sweet spot. This presents enough of a challenge all while giving me wiggle room for life.

“50 books?!” you ask in wonder. Yes, 50 (and I secretly have a goal to blow way past that!) How do I make it happen? In the midst of ministry life, mothering 5 littles, homeschooling, and more, how do I carve out the time to devote to something I love? If we get to the most foundational part of this answer, it is because I truly do LOVE reading. I make it a priority (more on that in a bit). Now, I have other priorities that come long before reading. But when the day draws to a close, and I find myself with a few minutes to myself, reading is what I choose.

Here are several ways I, as a busy wife and mama, have made time for reading:

Create a Habit

“The seed of every habit is a single, tiny decision.” -James Clear, Atomic Habits

If you desire to create a new habit, you simply need to start! Make a decision that you are going to commit to reading more. This is a commitment you might have to renew, or at least remind yourself of, often. The more you work to make reading a habitual rhythm of your life, the more it will weave itself into the fabric of your days.

James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, says the best way to form a new habit is to habit stack. That means if you are wanting to make something new a habit, attach it to a habit you already have established in your life. This will look different for every person and every schedule. My reading times are often connected to my devotional time or my quiet afternoon time. My husband and I have also created a habit of wrapping up all loose ends with work and home by 9pm, then we spend the rest of the evening together. Sometimes, this time is spent playing a board game, but it is often spent reading. We enjoy reading a book aloud together as well as individually reading and sharing key quotes and thoughts as we do.

Set an Attainable Goal

There are a million different ways you can set a reading goal. My favorite is challenge myself to read a chapter each day. You are always welcome to read more than that, but one chapter each day lets you read about 30 chapters each month. Most books range from 10-15 chapters. That puts you reading 2-3 books each month which comes to 24-36 books in a year!

Use Pockets of Time Wisely

When you analyze your day, you’ll find that there are pockets of time scattered all throughout! At least I found that to be true. In a busy culture that avoids boredom at all costs, I’ve found sometimes it is good to just be. But there are other times where I can use the empty pockets for something worthwhile.

Some empty pockets I found as I examined my days…

-When I’m taking a shower (turn your phones volume up and listen to an audiobook)

-When I’m waiting at an appointment- hair, doctor, chiropractor. (tip: always have a book in your purse/diaper bag!)

-When I’m waiting on my grocery pick up order

-When I’m driving in the car (audiobook here, not physical! Be safe!)

-When I’m blow drying my hair (pop in an ear bud and listen to an audiobook)

Make Reading a Priority

“We make time for what we feel is important to us. If you haven’t made time for it, it’s because you haven’t convinced yourself that it’s important enough.”

This can be tough to acknowledge, but it is true. We make time for what is important to us. If your marriage is a priority, you’ll make time to connect with your spouse. If your relationship with God is a priority, you’ll make time to spend reading His Word and praying. If reading is a priority, you’ll give up _______________ (insert social media, TV, etc) to make time for books.

Reading isn’t a priority for everyone, and that’s ok! (I mean, I’ll try to understand that choice, but my personality will make it difficult. Wink!) If you do find it a priority, find the time. It doesn’t have to be a top priority; it shouldn’t be! Many things come before this area of my life. But it is much higher on the list than other things, so high that it is often some part of my day.

Audiobooks

A blessing to the life of a busy woman who wants to read more are audiobooks! I mentioned above several times throughout the day when I try to use pockets of time wisely by listening to audiobooks. Below are a few other times when I utilize audiobooks.

-While I’m preparing dinner

-While I’m tidying the house after the kids go to bed

-While doing evening chores

My oldest, Eden, LOVES when I let her stay up late and listen to an audiobook with me while we do chores together. She thinks it’s great because she gets to stay up late. I think it’s great because I get bonding time with her all while teaching her how to take care of the home and family. It’s an added bonus that we get inside conversations and jokes from the books we read together!)

-During afternoon quiet time

From 1:30-3:00pm, we have quiet time at our house. The little ones take a nap while the older ones read or do a quiet activity. If I have homemaking tasks to catch up on, I turn on my audiobook. Sometimes, Eden and I will relax together and get in a few more chapters of the book we are listening to together.

These are a few different ways I have found time to read as a busy mom. Even implementing one of these things will give you more margin to make reading a part of your life! I would love to hear from you. How do you find time to read? Which of these ideas was most helpful?

Happy reading, friends!

It’s a new year and many of us are setting reading goals for 2024! Don’t forget to get your little readers in on the excitement!

My 7 year old is excited to set a yearly reading goal for the first time~ 90 books in 2024.

Here are some tips for encouraging your kids to set a reading goal:

1. Let Them Set Their Goal

Yes, you’ll want to encourage one that can actually be accomplished (I had to tell Eden 1000 books in a year might be a bit much lol), but let them set the bar for what they hope to achieve.

2. Track Reading in a Fun Way

There are so many ways to do this – Good reads, reading apps, printable reading trackers, etc. Find something that motivates your child. My daughter is an artist, and she loves visually seeing her goals being met. So a printable tracker works great for her to color in as she reads and see her progress!

*Here are some fun, free reading trackers: https://www.101planners.com/reading-log/

3. Let Them Choose What They Read

As gatekeepers, Sim and I carefully vet everything that comes into our home, but we try to have a broad variety of books for our children to choose from. Often, my daughter and I look through book lists from sources I trust, and she chooses her next reads.

*Booklists I trust:

https://readaloudrevival.com/recommends/

https://faithfulandflourishing.org/book-movie-lists/

https://goodbookmom.com/reviews/

4. Enjoy Audiobooks Together

Whether it’s during the afternoon while the little ones are napping, in the car, or during an evening laundry folding party, we love listening to audiobooks together!

*Hoopla is our favorite way to get audiobooks!

5. Be a Read-Aloud Family

Read through books together as a family. This might be my favorite way we spend time together. Nothing connects hearts like reading a good book together.

6. Visit the Library Often

Make it a weekly visit. Bonus points if your visit coincides with weekly storytime! This keeps a steady flow of fresh reading material in our home. We own MANY books, but budget doesn’t allow for endless book purchases. And if you’re looking for something your library doesn’t have, request it! Almost everytime we’ve done this, they’ve purchased the books we requested!

7. Set the Example

If you want your children to love to read, you must show them that you love to read. Model this for them. Let them see you reading. While audiobooks, kindles, and such are great tools, let your kids see you reading from physical books as well. Share your reading goals with your kids. Have some fun competition as you both try to work towards your goals throughout the year.

8. Celebrate Their Success

What happens if your child reaches their goal? How will you celebrate their accomplishment? And what if they don’t reach it, but they tried hard and came close? We all love to be rewarded for a job well done. Decide on a spcial way to celebrate all their hard work, and do it in a way that speaks to their personality and love language. I know my Eden. She would love if we celebrated with ice cream and a new book to kick of next year’s reading challenge!

What would you add to the list? Do your kids have a 2024 reading goal? How will you celebrate their success?

I’d love to hear in the comments!

Hear me share the book reviews on the No Higher Calling podcast!

Parenting

by: 

Paul David Tripp

This might be the best, most Gospel-centric book I’ve read on parenting. I could not recommend it more! It was such an encouragment to me and it helped me realign my thinking to focusing on what God’s Word has to say about child-rearing, discipline, and discipleship.

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Raising Amazing

by: 

Monica Swanson

We’d all love to get through the parenting years and come out on the other side with amazing kids, right?! Monica Swanson offers very practical insight on what parents can do right now to encourage their children towards excellence and strong moral character.

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The First Songs of Christmas

by: 

Nancy Wolgemuth

A beautiful advent devotional that focuses on the songs of worship sung by Elizabeth, Mary, Zechariah, the Angels, and Simeon. It was a great way to focus on the depth and richness of the message of Christmas.

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Anne of Green Gables

by: 

Lucy Maud Montgomery

You can’t help but fall in love with Anne! I read this to my children, and we could barely put it down. Even months after fininshing the book, we are still talking about it, and they are playing “Anne, Gilbert, and Diana”. A classic must-read for families!

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Serving Well

by: 

Elizabeth & Jonathan Trotter

This book was recommened to me by a missionary friend, and it is gold! I would recommened it to anyone who is preparing to serve abroad (or anyone who already is!) Quite a bit did not pertain to me just because of the country God has called us to serve in, but I still gleaned so much that I will continue to draw from throughout our ministry on a foreign field.

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The Wind in the Willows

by: 

Kenneth Grahame

Toady is quite the character! He had our entire family rolling with laughter. It also brought up some good conversations on foolish choices, selfishness, friendship, pride, and more.
But it was probably a 3 out of 5 star for me. There were several parts of the book that were very slow, and we struggled to pay attention. There are also many uses of a**.

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Habits of the Household

by: 

Justin Whitmel Earley

I love the author’s emphasis on bringing God into every aspect of even the most mundane parts of home and family. I believe that is exactly where God wants to be- woven into the very fabric that makes up your family! There are many practical takeaways. I have read much on this topic, and this wasn’t in my top favorites, but it still has good truth to glean from.

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The Hobbit

by: 

J. R. R. Tolkien

My husband and I read a book together every quarter, and this was his choice for quarter 4. I’ll be honest, I’m more of a Narnia fan, but it’s always good to read a classic literary work.

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Trusting God

by: 

Jerry Bridges

This book hits a nerve. How can we trust God? How can God be good, just, and soverign all at the same time? Why do bad things happen to good people? Many of these questions are ones we wrestle with throughout life. Author Jerry Bridges takes us to the Bible and shows us that God is trustworthy! No matter the circumstances or heartaches- He can be trusted!

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Before Your Tween Daughter Becomes a Woman

by: 

Robin Jones Gunn

Every mother with a daughter should read this book! Robin does a beautiful job of presenting the transition from girlhood to womanhood with grace and beauty. God’s incredible design for a woman’s body is highlighted and celebrated. She gives many practical ways that a mother can pass this message to her blossoming daughter. I hope to put many things I learned into practice in the coming years with my girls.

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Amazon

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Ember Falls

by: 

S. D. Smith

Eden and I are enjoying listening to this series on audiobook. Joel Clarkson reads it, and does a fantastic job of making the story come to life! We’ve loved following Heather and Pickett’s journey and seeing their characters develop through various complicated situations.

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Amazon

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The Magician’s Nephew

by: 

C. S. Lewis

It has been magical introducing our kids to The Chronicles of Narnia. They were so captivated by Digory and Polly’s adventures in other worlds. Every chapter left us begging Daddy to read “just one more!”

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Teacher of Good Things

by: 

Francie Taylor

Francie is a beautiful example of a Titus 2 mentor! I felt as though I was sitting at her table gleaning truth from God’s Word and her life expereinces. My heart was challenged to become more of the Christlike woman God desires for me to be, and to encourage others coming along behind me.
“The choices that you make today could become the pattern of someone’s tomorrow.”

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Amazon

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White-Knucked Mothering

by: 

Hannah Unger

Hannah is mother of 4 boys 8 and under. She shares raw, real-life stories while always bringing the perspective of motherhood struggles back to an eternal focus.

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Disclaimer: Just because I share a book that I have read does not mean that I endorse every word, ideal, and belief of the author. I seek to vet books before I read them, and I love recommending books that have been a blessing to me. That said, I would always encourage you to read with a “biblica lens” reading everything in light of God’s truth.

*Amazon links are afflilate links. As an Amazon influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you!!