What I Read in February and March
I’ve been busy reading. OK, the truth is that I’ve read some, and I’ve listened to many audio books. Here is what I’ve read over the last couple of months. Lots of great reads!
The Waiting by Catchy LaGrow with Cindy Coloma
I read this pre-released book for endorsement. Cindy is a dear friend of mine, and I loved it!
My endorsement: The Waiting is a story of life . . . LIFE! A life conceived from one horrible act and a mother’s love that chose the best for her daughter, only to discover a family that was greater than she every imagined, filled to the brim. The beauty of this story is that it’s about an ordinary life, yet an extraordinary love. As someone who met my own birth father at age twenty-eight—and who has adopted three children—I couldn’t stop the tears from flowing. Families are created in different ways, but The Waiting reminds us that love conquers heartache and the smallest flame of hope can lead to answered prayers. I highly recommend this book!
The story: An unforgettable true story that will touch your heart and make you believe in love’s enduring legacy, and in the power of prayer.
In 1928, 16-year-old Minka was on a picnic in the woods when she was assaulted and raped. And suddenly this innocent farm girl—who still thought the stork brought babies—was pregnant. The baby was secretly born, named Betty Jane, and given up for adoption. For decades, Minka wrote letters trying to get news of her daughter; she kept loving and praying for her, even though she never dared believe they would meet again. Until nearly eighty years later, when Minka whispered her secret, impossible prayer for the first time:Lord, I’d like to see Betty Jane before I die. I promise I won’t bother her or interrupt her life. I just want to lay eyes on her. Unbeknownst to Minka, that very same day, a judge was releasing the sealed adoption records to her 77-year-old daughter. And soon, Minka’s phone would ring. Written by Cathy LaGrow (Minka’s granddaughter), The Waiting brings three generations of this most unusual family together over the course of a century to tell a story of faith that triumphs, forgiveness that sets us free, and love that never forgets. Releases May 6!
Non-fiction:
Soulprint: Discovering Your Diving Destiny by Mark Batterson
The book: In Soulprint, Mark pours the contagious energy he’s known for into helping you experience the joy of discovering who you are . . . and the freedom of discovering who you’re not. The wonderful fact is that your uniqueness is God’s gift to you, and it’s also your gift to God.
My thoughts: I love this book! I read it last year and returned to it again. I love to read books that talk about what happens when we take HUGE leaps of faith. Mark Batterson does just that. He reminds us that we can walk in faith when we understand our uniqueness and trust God has good things for us to do! Read it!
Grace Happens Here by Max Lucado
The book: Max Lucado looks at grace from all directions and reveals that no matter which way you look at it, God’s grace is always there, ready to do wonders in your life.
My thoughts: Who doesn’t love Max Lucado? This is a collection of quotes, Scriptures, and stories. It reminded me how amazing grace is. This book made me fall in love with Jesus all over again.
When I Lay My Isaac Down: Unshakable Faith in Unthinkable Circumstances by Carol Kent
The book: When the phone call came at 12:35 a.m., a bleary-eyed Kent listened as her husband passed on the unbelievable news that their son, a United States Naval Academy graduate and Navy lieutenant, had shot and killed his wife’s ex-husband. During those first few hours after receiving the harrowing news, major decisions, both legal and financial, needed to be made quickly. So began the Kents’ two-and-a-half-year journey that led to the trial, conviction, and sentencing of their son for first-degree murder.
My thoughts: One of my best friends is dealing with a very hard situation with her son, and I suggested we read this book together. Carol Kent faces something that no mother should have to face. It’s a book that reminds us how God shows up even in the darkest places. It’s a wonderful book if you’re walking through the darkness or know someone who is.
The Wilder Life: My Adventures in the Lost World of Little House on the Prairie by Wendy McClure
The book: Obsessed with Laura Ingalls Wilder and her Little House books about an 1880s pioneer family, children’s book editor and memoirist McClure attempts to recapture her childhood vision of “Laura World.” Her wacky quest includes hand-grinding wheat for bread, buying an authentic churn, and traveling to sites where the Ingalls family attempted to wrest a living from the prairie.
My thoughts: I’ve been a fan of Laura Ingalls Wilder for as long as I remember. I loved finding a like-hearted Laura fan in Wendy McClure. I haven’t been to all the places that Wendy did in her quest for “Laura World,” but I felt as if I have now! It makes me excited about returning to Rocky Ridge, where the books were penned by Laura, which isn’t far from my home! If you love Laura, you’ll love this book!
Standing Strong: How to Resist the Enemy of Your Soul by John MacArthur
The book: Spiritual warfare is a divisive subject for today’s church. Some Christians focus solely on the immediate world around them, living as if there’s no spiritual opposition to God’s people and His kingdom. Others take an aggressive stance, where confronting the enemy becomes a constant pursuit in their lives.
My thoughts: John MacArthur isn’t a quick or easy read, but this book was so good. I love God’s Word. I love being part of God’s family. I love doing His work, yet sometimes I wonder if I’m not doing enough. Should I be praying certain prayers or going through certain rituals to keep the enemy away? I’m thankful for this book. The one message that I took away is: the best way to protect ourselves is through holy living.
The Antelope in the Living Room by Melanie Shankle
The book: Marriage is simultaneously the biggest blessing and the greatest challenge two people can ever take on. It is the joy of knowing there is someone to share in your joys and sorrows, and the challenge of living with someone who thinks it’s a good idea to hang a giant antelope head on your living room wall.
My thoughts: I had a chance to listen to Melanie speak at Allume. I also interviewed Melanie on my radio show, Living Inspired (March 20th). Melanie is like your funny friend—the one you love hanging around with. The book was fun, but insightful, too. I loved the audiobook because Melanie narrated it, and you get her quirky personality with the story. Fun!
The Truest Thing About You: Identity, Desire, and Why it All Matters by David Lomas
The book: David Lomas invites you to discover and live out the truth of who God created you to be: You are loved, you are accepted, and you are made in God’s image. It’s time to move beyond the lesser voices and discover why everything changes when you become who you really are.
My thoughts: This is an important book. It gets to the heart of our identity. What we believe about ourselves changes everything, and David Lomas shares the message of understanding that the truest thing about us is what God thinks of us. Love that!
One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are by Ann Voskamp
The book: In One Thousand Gifts, Ann invites you to embrace everyday blessings and embark on the transformative spiritual discipline of chronicling God’s gifts. It’s only in this expressing of gratitude for the life we already have, we discover the life we’ve always wanted—a life we can take, give thanks for, and break for others.
My thoughts: I started to read this book years ago, but life got in the way. I’m so thankful that I returned to this book. Ann’s writing is beautiful and the reminder to be thankful in all things is a reminder I need often! I started my own gratitude journal. A truly amazing book.
What books has @TriciaGoyer been #reading?
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Fiction:
Once Upon a Prince by Rachel Hauck
The story: When Prince Nathaniel comes to Susanna’s aid under the fabled Lover’s Oak, he is blindsided by love.
Their lives are worlds apart. He’s a royal prince. She’s an ordinary girl. But everything changes when Susanna receives an invitation to Nathaniel’s coronation.
My thoughts: Rachel Hauck never fails to write an amazing story. I fell in love with Susanna and Nathaniel. I love spending time with royals, even if they were fictional!
Princess Ever After by Rachel Hauck
The story: Regina Beswick was born to be a princess. But she’s content to be a small-town girl, running a classic auto restoration shop, unaware a secret destiny awaits her. One that will leap from the pages of her grandmother’s hand-painted book of fairytales. Tanner Burkhardt is the stoic Minister of Culture for the Grand Duchy of Hessenberg. When he is tasked to retrieve the long-lost princess, he must overcome his fear of failure in order to secure his nation’s future—and his own.
My thoughts: I started Princess Ever After the very day that I finished Once Upon a Prince. Regina is a FUN character! And Tanner is a hero who you can’t help to root for. There was a bit more “fairytale” in this book than the prior one, but I was happily carried along. So good.
The Rose of Winslow Street by Elizabeth Camden
The story: Romanian Michael Dobrescu acted swiftly to save his sister, Mirela, and now he and his small entourage occupy the Massachusetts home willed to him years ago. Professor Sawyer, a perfectionist inventor, and his daughter, Libby, are vacationing at their summer beach house when they receive word first that gypsies have moved into their house and then that there is some doubt as to their ownership.
My thoughts: This was the first book I read by Elizabeth Camden, and I wasn’t disappointed. I love the Romanian characters. Their story opened up a whole new world to me. There was a bit of “steampunk” with the father’s inventions, and that added another layer of fun. I was fully satisfied with this story.
An Amish Garden by Beth Wiseman, Vannetta Chapman, Kathleen Fuller and me
The stories: ”This is a perfect selection of stories that will lift your heart, inspire your faith, and encourage your green thumb.” —CBA Retailers+Resources
My thoughts: I was blessed when I was able to write this book with Beth, Vannetta, and Kathy. Each of us wrote a stand-alone novella. We brainstormed the stories together, but I hadn’t read the other ones until they were published. I listened to them via audiobook, and it was fun listening to my story, too. I enjoyed all of them! It was fun to see how each of us handled the stories and “romances” differently. I was honored to be part of this project!
What I’m currently reading:
God’s Smuggler by Brother Andrew
Made to Crave: Satisfying Your Deepest Desire with God, Not Food by Lysa TerKeurst
What are you reading? What books do you recommend?
What books have YOU been #reading? Share with @TriciaGoyer:
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I have a few books on sale right now! The Swiss Courier and Chasing Mona Lisa are only $1.99! The Promise Box is only $3.99! And Generation NeXt Marriage is $2.99. You can also get my four World War II novels in the Liberators Series for $13.99.
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