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!

RAGGED
Gretchen Ronnevik

This is the best book I've read so far this year. 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!

THE READ-ALOUD FAMILY
Sarah Mackenzie

This book has been the single most motivating book in my reading-mom life. I was encouraged AND equipped to read to my kids - all through the lens of connecting with them. I actually listened to this on audio, which was delightful (I found myself doing more laundry so I didn't have to turn it off!), but would recommend a physical copy for the book lists!

THE TECH-WISE FAMILY
Andy Crouch

For any family navigating tech use in the home, this is a fantastic read. Full of practical advice and the research to back it up, you'll love this fresh approach to purposeful technology use. While we don't use every suggestion in this book we've found it a perfect place to start. (A great companion to this would be Molly DeFrank's new book Digital Detox!)

FULL

Asheritah Ciuciu

If you're looking for a little help in your approach to food, this book will be right up your alley. Asheritah dives right into the link between faith and food, and gets to the root of any food issues we might have. I was both convicted and encouraged by this excellent book.

ANOTHER GOSPEL?

Alisa Childers

I love the way Alisa Childers is not afraid to approach the important questions facing us as Christians today. This book takes a look at progressive Christianity and how it's affecting the way many Christians approach their own faith today. Grounded in Scripture and rich in truth, this is a must-read for any Christian navigating today's post-Christian culture.

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!

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!

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!

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.)

ADVENTURES WITH WAFFLES
Maria Parr

Both of my kids loved this book, always asking for another chapter. The adventures of these kids beautifully meshed risk and imagination with tough, real-life experiences. This was one of those books that opened up a lot of great discussion between my kids and me, giving us space to talk about hard things we might not have brought up in another context. When I asked my kids what books they have loved reading this year, this one was the first out of both of their mouths!

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!