We LOVE to read here at Anchored Women! If you're looking for a few great books to add to your TBR stack this summer, we've got you covered! Click the button below for the section you want to explore first, or take a look at all the sections!

Our Favorite Fiction
Books That Encourage
Listen On-The-Go
Dive Into A Series
Getting Stuff Done
To Read Together

Fiction is my all-time favorite, and summer is the perfect time to escape into a good book! Below you'll find our some of the best stand-alone novels we've read in the last few years - perfect to add to your summer stack! (Love a good series? You'll find a section on those a few sections down!)


HELLO, STRANGER

Katherine Center

One of my very favorite fiction reads of the year! Katherine Center is absolutely a favorite author of mine - she has a gift for writing characters you end up really loving, and also digging deep into a profession, or a diagnosis, or some kind of issue where I actually end up learning something too. This book was about the real condition of face blindness (did you know that was a thing?!) and how a portrait artist copes with it and learns a new way of looking at life. I loved this book!!

Click here to see on Amazon!

MEET ME IN THE MARGINS

Melissa Ferguson

I loved this sweet story of a writer who works for a small publishing house, and gets her manuscript edited by a mystery editor. It was funny, light, and romantic - but totally clean. If you need a fun summer read, this is it!

We're reading it in book club this summer too, so snag it for yourself and read along with us! Join us here! >>


THE LAST BOOKSHOP IN LONDON

Madeline Martin

This book easily makes it into my top 10 favorite books of all time. It was SO GOOD. World War II came to life for me for the first time in my 38 years of life, and I was completely swept into the storyline of this book. A single woman, new to London, finds herself working in a bookshop as WWII begins. Through it, she finds a love for books, and a purpose of her own. If you like books about books and page-turning fiction, you will love this one! I cried through the end - it was a truly beautiful book!


FRAGILE DESIGNS

Colleen Coble

I am a huge Colleen Coble fan, so when this book came out, I immediately grabbed it! Her clean mysteries always keep me turning the pages, and this book was no different. It involves a generations-old mystery about a faberge egg, and I really loved the two main characters. This was a great, quick read, and one I'm sure I will read again!

(All her books are great - I recommend more down below in the "Series" section!)


ONCE UPON A WARDROBE

Patti Callahan

This book was a bit of a slow start for me, but once it took hold, I was completely sucked in. The beautiful story of a brother and sister, intertwined with the life of C.S. Lewis, is both compelling and emotional fiction that will make your heart swell the whole way through. If you love Narnia, Oxford, or simply the power of stories (I fall into all 3 categories!), you will fall in love with this book, too.



THE PRINTED LETTER BOOKSHOP
Katherine Reay

This modern story of friendship + home centers around a small town bookshop, and that was all it took for me to fall in love with this book. Throw in the fact that it's written by one of my favorite authors ever, and this book is a total win.

(If you love this one, don't miss the sequel - Of Literature and Lattes!)


WHAT ALICE FORGOT
Liane Moriarty

I cannot get enough of Liane Moriarty's writing. She weaves a story in a way that is completely artistic, dropping in surprise facts here and there that eventually tie the entire plot together. This story about a middle-aged woman who forgets everything about her current life and is taken back to her mindset as a newlywed is both a page-turner and a tear-jerker, in the best way.

Not a faith-based book. Use your own discretion.


THE FIFTH AVENUE SOCIETY

Rachel Hauck

This book introduces you to a rag-tag group of strangers, and brings them together in a mysterious way. You get to know each of them, their backgrounds, their present, and the issues they are facing - ones that the others in the group seem to be able to help with. If you love books about books, and strangers coming together, this is for you.

(There were some parts of this book that I didn't love - I thought she wrote the spiritual aspects in a strange way - but overall, it's a really fun read.)


THE CROSS-COUNTRY SERIES

Courtney Walsh

I started this series with A Cross-Country Christmas (as you should, too!), and it was so delightful that I think I read it in 24 hours flat. Full disclosure, these are cheesy, light-hearted novels, so if you're looking for something serious, these might not be for you. The second book took me a minute to get into, but once I did it was just as fun as the first! Forget that it's summer - start with the Christmas one and you won't regret it!

Covering many different aspects of life, these non-fiction reads were a solid encouragement to me. There's something special about a book that will encourage you to grow while still reminding you that Christ has already done the saving work in your life. I hope these encourage you, too!


THE GIFT OF LIMITATIONS
Sara Hagerty

I have long loved Sara's writing, and this book is now one of my favorites. (So is her first book, Every Bitter Thing is Sweet) Honestly, it's the kind of book I'd like to write some day. Sara is so honest and vulnerable and relatable in every story she tells, and her approach to limitations is a grace-filled, hope-filled one. If you've ever thought that the grass just might be greener on the other side, this is the book for you.


ALL WHO ARE WEARY
Sarah Hauser

One of my best reads of 2023. I really related to the author (she lost her mom, too), and how she explained how grief and weariness are intertwined. She continually points to Jesus as the answer to our weariness, and I was so encouraged by this book. I think you will be too - especially if you're feeling weary right now.

Note: We are reading this together in Book Club this fall! Join us! >>


HE IS STRONG

Emily Jensen

This devotional is one I've been reading through slowly, and loving every single page. It's based on the real lyrics to the song "Jesus Loves Me", and focuses on God's strength in the midst of our weakness. It's for women everywhere, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.


BECOMING FREE INDEED

Jinger Duggar Vuolo

I really, really loved this book. Jinger tells her story without throwing her family under the bus, and I respected that so much. She uses the term "disentangling" her faith, instead of deconstructing it - simply removing the lies from the truth, and still clinging to the truth. This book was full of Scripture and solid theology, and I thought it was very well-done! I listened to this on audio, and it was great in that version, too.

Note: We are reading this together in Book Club this summer! Join us! >>


KEEP A QUIET HEART

Elisabeth Elliot

This book is one I come back to over and over again. It's a collection of essays on all kinds of different topics - usually practical life advice for the Christian woman. I'm so grateful for the wisdom of Elisabeth Elliot in my own life - she's grounded in Scripture and not ashamed of it! And her blunt, matter-of-fact writing style is my very favorite. Tell it like it is!


RAGGED
Gretchen Ronnevik

This is the best book I've read in a long time. Gretchen gives a completely new approach to spiritual disciplines, uncovering how can bring us freedom instead of just being one more thing on our spiritual to-do list. I'll be re-reading this book at the beginning of every year!

These books are FABULOUS to listen to as audiobooks! If you're on-the-go too often to sit down and read a book, listening to one of these books is an easy substitute! (And yes, listening to an audiobook totally counts as reading a book!)


THE WORRY-FREE PARENT
Sissy Goff

I haven't read this book yet - it's on my TBR for this summer, too! But everything I've read or listened to by Sissy Goff has been incredible practical and encouraging. I struggle with anxiety and so does one of my kids, so I'm really looking forward to listening to this book, gleaning from her wisdom, and being able to make some changes accordingly!


STEAL LIKE AN ARTIST
Austin Kleon

This book will be a re-listen for me every year. If you're a creative in any way - a writer, an artist, a designer, anything - you'll be inspired and encouraged by this book. It's all about real-life inspiration, and common sense creativity, and I flat-out loved it.


FOOD SAVED ME
Danielle Walker

I really enjoyed listening to this book on audio. Danielle tells her story of celiac disease, and how she came to the gluten-free life. I appreciated hearing how she got to where she is today, and why she became passionate about cooking the way she does. I love her recipes, and I was also really encouraged in my own health journey through this book!


MAMA BEAR APOLOGETICS
Hillary Morgan Ferrer

You probably have caught on by now that I like to listen to books that will teach me something. (I save my page-turning fiction for book forms where I can actually turn a page!) This book is one I will re-listen to more than once. It's an incredible resources for moms who want to raise kids who are grounded in faith and can stand strong against culture. Highly recommend!


TALKING BACK TO PURITY CULTURE
Rachel Joy Welcher

This book...rocked me a bit. My faith background is a little eclectic, but I absolutely grew up smack dab in the middle of purity culture. This book broke down some of the well-intentioned lies we were told as teens, and gave a much more balanced perspective. I don't think this book is for everyone, but it made for fantastic conversations with my husband, and I really, really loved it. (I didn't agree with every single point, but most of it was spot on.)

There's nothing I love better than a good fiction series! I get so excited about finishing a good book ONLY TO FIND that there are a handful more in the same series! Below you'll find a few of my very favorite series of all time. Enjoy diving into these delightful escapes!


THE O'MALLEY SERIES
Dee Henderson

I can't even count how many times I've read and re-read this series! I love a good series based on siblings, and this one does not disappoint. Each book is about a different sibling, rich in mystery and faith-based without being too cheesy. (I mean, I do love a good cheesy novel, but this isn't too much.) I loved learning the backstory of each sibling, and watching them solve their mystery and find a future full of hope!


THE BAXTERS
Karen Kingsbury

Another series about siblings!! And another that I've re-read multiples times. These books are a modern, faith-based take on family and relationships. Co-authored by Gary Smalley, this series takes on serious issues like infidelity, abuse, doubting faith, and impossible medical diagnoses. If you're looking for a series that hits you in the feels, this one is it. (Bonus: This series leads into a collection of series that continue the story of the Baxters. There are literally dozens of Baxter books - even a series for kids, which my 11-year-old loves!)



THE PELICAN HARBOR SERIES
Colleen Coble

Last year I fell down the Colleen Coble series hole. And it was delightful! If you like a good suspense novel, written from a faith-based perspective, these books will be totally up your alley. These three are her most recent, and my favorites of her books. You've got an independent female lead, a strained father-daughter relationship, and an unfolding history of their life in the cult they escaped from - this is a page-turning series for sure.


THE LAVENDER TIDES SERIES
Colleen Coble

Another Colleen Coble series! The landscape of this series is just as much of a character as the characters themselves, and the small-town vibe will charm you right from the beginning. What's neat about this series (and the rest of CC's books) is that characters from all of her different series show up in other series! Everything is intertwined, which gives a richness to all of her books. I highly suggest reading them in publishing order, if you're going to dive in like I did! (Though I will say, the ones I've shared here are certainly better than the others.)


ANYTHING BY KATHERINE REAY
Katherine Reay

I know I've mentioned Katherine Reay already, but I'm telling you - her books are the ones I pre-order and make sure I don't miss! These modern takes on Austen classics are a delight to read, and will captivate you whether or not you're an Austen fan yourself! (Don't hate me but I've never finished an Austen book, and I absolutely loved these.) If you need a feel-good novel (or 5) that's written with excellence and an incredible understanding of humanity, you'll love anything by Katherine Reay!


THE HARRY POTTER SERIES
J.K. Rowling

I re-read the Harry Potter series about once a year. I just love these books - the story sucks you in right from the beginning, and that's my favorite kind of book! And the fight of good vs. evil reflects themes of Scripture, and brings up so many good conversations. We have enjoyed these new illustrated versions of this series lately - they aren't all out yet, but we've been collecting them as they release. The illustrations are gorgeous and really bring the story to life!

This could also be a GREAT series to read together with the whole family - especially the illustrated versions!

Want to use your summer to boost your productivity? These are some of my favorite books for amping up my motivation to get things done!


ESSENTIALISM
Greg McKeown

This is one of my favorite books on productivity because it's not about doing more things, it's about focusing in on the few essential things that really matter. If you feel like you always have too much on your plate to actually make progress on anything, this book will help you find a clear path forward. It's a winner!


EFFORTLESS
Greg McKeown

I was so excited to read the next book from Greg McKeown! And it did not disappoint. I loved how this book took the stance that we often overcomplicate things - and it's okay to simply make things easier instead. With a common sense approach, this book gives great advice on simplifying life in a way that feels purposeful without feeling overwhelming.


HAPPIER HOUR
Cassie Holmes

I listened to this one on audible, and I really enjoyed it! It's a simple look at how our most precious resource is not money - it's actually TIME. This is an encouraging and practical book with insights you can put into practice right away!


WHAT'S BEST NEXT?
Matt Perman

This book focuses on productivity in light of the gospel. I really loved how the author let the Bible inform his advice, and the way he approaches getting things done. This is a great one to sit down and read OR listen to as you're doing dishes or laundry. If you're looking for a faith-based approach to productivity, you'll love this book, too.


THE LAZY GENIUS WAY
Kendra Adachi

I love Kendra's practical approach to figuring out what exactly even needs to get done! She gets laser focused on strategies to help you name what's important in your own life and family, and then implement simple ways to keep those things a priority. Her writing voice is fun and friendly, and this is both a helpful AND enjoyable book to read! (Definitely recommend getting a physical copy because you'll want to highlight it up!)


ATOMIC HABITS
James Clear

I've been listening to this one, and I love it because he approaches habits in a similar way to how we approach them here at Anchored Women - anchoring habits to something you're already doing, breaking new habits down into manageable pieces, etc. If you need a kick in your pants to get some habits established in your own life, this book will do that for you!


THE PUMPKIN PLAN
Mike Michalowicz

This is specifically a business productivity book - and one of the best ones I've ever read. Even though my business is different from the author's, his strategies on how to focus in on the one most important thing and make that AWESOME has been so helpful for me. I've appreciated the wise insight I've gained from this book, and have added all his others to my TBR list!

These are some of our favorite books to read-aloud together as a family, no matter the ages of your kids! Summer is a GREAT time to establish a read-aloud habit together!


CHRONICLES OF NARNIA
C.S. Lewis

We are listening to this series together as a family every time we drive somewhere - whether that's the grocery store, or on a road trip! My kids are at the perfect age to get lost in the world of Narnia, and to be honest, I am too. This is a classic series we are ALL enjoying, and will read again and again.


THE FUDGE SERIES
Judy Blume

I don't know if I've ever had more fun with my kids than I did when we were reading through all of the Fudge books by Judy Blume! I remembered them from my own childhood, but listening to them with my kids had us laughing out loud all. the. time! Honestly, this was the series that got us hooked on audiobooks. If you're looking for a fun, light series to read through or listen to with your kids this summer - look no further. Start here!


THE LITTLE HOUSE SERIES
Laura Ingalls Wilder

I'll be honest - I wasn't sure my son would like these books about three girls growing up on the prairie...but he loved them! And so did my daughter. The simple, beautifully told stories are full of pioneering adventure, and my kids loved every moment. These books are a "just one more chapter!" sort of read, so be prepared for that!


THE GREEN EMBER SERIES
S.D. Smith

These books are full of Adventure and excitement from the very first page! We actually listened to these on audiobook as a family - it's a great series for car rides! You'll love Heather and Pickett, and so will your kids. Great messages of courage and sacrifice throughout these books - there's a reason they are beloved!



WHERE THE SIDEWALK ENDS
Shel Silverstein

I wish I was that mom who paired poetry with tea and fanciness, but to be honest, our family really needs our poetry to be funny. Shel Silverstein never fails to deliver, and my kids eat all of his books up! They have been bringing them in the car and reading them to me while I drive. Not only is it entertaining for all of us, it also gives each of them a chance to practice reading out loud! (Without them realizing it.)


THE WINGFEATHER SAGA
Andrew Peterson

Full disclosure: I have not read these quite yet. This series is actually on my TBR list for the summer! I can't wait to read it with the kids - I've heard so many great reviews of this series. Many have likened it to Chronicles of Narnia, which we already love, so we'll see!


FRINDLE
Andrew Clements

We are reading this book right now, and it's made both of my kids look forward to bedtime. (A TRUE MIRACLE!!) This is my first Andrew Clements book, and I'm hooked - and so are my kiddos. He writes in such a relatable way that both my 8 year old and 11 year old can see themselves in the characters. This is one that they both keep begging for another chapter in - it's been a huge hit with my kids, and I've been enjoying it too!

I hope you find something in these recommendations that both you and your family will love! Want to go look at one of the sections again? Click the links below to take you straight there.

Books That Encourage