Last summer I was blown away by the storytelling abilities of debut author Rachel Fordham, as her book “The Hope of Azure Springs” was a delightful historical romance that captivated me from the first page. This summer her second novel was released from Revell, and is just as sweet and memorable as the first. Continuing in the setting of Azure Springs, “Yours Truly, Thomas” introduces new protagonists while continuing the stories of all the secondary characters we grew to love in the last book. Continue reading
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I just finished one of the most beautiful, memorable, and breathtaking books I’ve read yet this year (and I’ve read some pretty great books so far in 2019!). Rachel Hauck’s “The Memory House” was published by Thomas Nelson this past spring, and I simply didn’t want this enthralling saga to end. The vivid characters, the sweeping plot, the heart-wrenching themes, the two different time periods combining into one beautifully tangled tale of love and loss and forgiveness. . . It was captivating, to say the least! 
Whenever I finish reading the latest (and always much-anticipated) “Hope Harbor” novel, I close the book feeling refreshed. . . As though I just spent a vacation in a favorite place, a place where you know everybody’s story, and where the words “Come home to Hope Harbor – Where hearts heal . . . and love blooms” ring so true. Irene Hannon’s newest installment of the beloved “Hope Harbor” series (now numbering at five, and with more to come!!) is entitled “Driftwood Bay”. This sweet novel of healing and new beginnings tells an original tale with all new characters, though cameo appearances by many of our old friends are regular occurrences, too. 
If you only read a single non-fiction book this year (aside from the Bible), I suggest that it be Jennie Allen’s new release from Thomas Nelson Publishers. Yes, it was THAT good. “Made For This: 40 Days to Living Your Purpose” is the first book I’ve read by this incredible author, but now I want to get my hands on everything she’s written! “Made For This” is not just a regular book, rather it is “a 40-day interactive journey, a step-by-step process to guide you in answering life’s ultimate question.” In a workbook-style format with daily reading followed by exercises, journaling questions, Scripture reading, and more, this book is unique and powerful. If you let it, it can also be life-changing. 
If you have ever wondered about biblical prophecy, even if it was just a passing question that stirred your interest, I highly recommend reading a new release from Harvest House Publishers. Written and illustrated by Todd Hampson, “The Non- Prophet’s Guide to the End Times: Biblical Prophecy for Everyone” is an engaging and understandable book that is overflowing with down-to-earth information, helping us understand the ins and outs of the important element of prophecy in the Bible. Todd Hampson promises this book will a) cut through the complexity and confusion of his topic, b) be entertaining and user-friendly, and c) be full of fascinating visuals, timelines, and charts – and this book more than delivers on every promise. 
If you are a Christian girl who: is hoping to be married one day; is already in a relationship and would like to honor God through the process; or is engaged and desiring to use this time as a foundation for a Christ-centered marriage. . .Well, this is the guidebook you’ve been waiting for! 
“What label are you wearing?” While it may seem simple or even a bit strange, this question can bring up so many potentially life-changing ideas if we understand the context behind it. “Tailor Made: Discover the Secret to Who God Created You to Be” was written by Alex Seeley and published by Thomas Nelson. It is a wonderful guide to learning how to effectively ask this question, and so many others, in ways that help us really begin to understand who we were created to be, and how to be set free to live out that truth… (Hint: it is NOT who the Enemy says we are, which is often so ingrained into us that we consider his lies to be truth). 
Every once in a while, a book comes along that impacts your life in ways both beautiful and altogether transformative. A book like this reaches deep into your heart and stirs to life parts of your soul that have long been hidden, all while challenging and inspiring your thoughts and ideas. “Dreaming with God: A Bold Call to Step Out and Follow God’s Lead” by Sarah Beth Marr is just such a book for me, and I know without a doubt that I am not the only one who will be tremendously blessed by its precious messages. Published by Baker Books and released in February of 2018, “Dreaming with God” is truly the type of book that will remain with you long after you reach the end. 
Have you ever had an experience where it feels like God sends you a gift at just the right moment in your life, when He knows you need it most? I’ve had this happen to me several times recently… “This I Know: Trusting Your Unknown Future to a Known God” is a 6-Week Bible study written by Laura Dingman, and is part of the Bible Studies for Women series from Moody Publishers. I haven’t quite finished the study yet, but so far nearly every lesson has felt like a special message from God to me. 
You know you’ve discovered an author to watch when her debut novel is captivating, haunting, and truly holds you in frightened suspense from the first page to the last. “The House on Foster Hill”, written by Jaime Jo Wright and published by Bethany House, is just such a debut novel. Written with a spellbinding, dual-time storyline structure and filled with secrets and surprises that will keep you guessing, this story will live on in your imagination long after you’ve reached the final pages. 