10 books you should read this summer

Sneaking away to read a good book — especially during summer months – is a favorite pastime of mine. When I was young, I used to dive into my favorite Beverly Cleary book and read all about the adventures of Ramona Quimby. Back then, I thought Ramona was the coolest. Well, honestly, I still think she is. Nevertheless, Ramona and her adventures played a big part in the development of my love to curl up with a good book and read.

So here I am – a hip wife and mom and I still love to read. Even though I don’t get to read as often as I would like, it is still very much something I really enjoy doing. I typically read more than one book at a time. It’s time to stop binge watching Netflix, make a cup of tea and pick up one of the following gems.

~ The Best Yes by Lisa TerKeust — I just started this one and I am already three chapters in. I can already see myself in some of the situations that have been shared. I love when I can identify with something so early in a book. There is also a study guide to go with it. I don’t have it yet but will be getting it so that I can take my time journalling and reflecting on what God is speaking to me. You can check out the study guide here.

~ Lioness Arising by Lisa Bevere — Confession. I LOVE anything from Lisa Bevere. Having seen her in person several times, she is one of the most dynamic and prolific women’s ministry speakers out there. She shares the beautiful – and sometimes raw truth – directly from God’s heartbeat. I have been so blessed by her ministry for years and I am sure you will too. This is just one of my favorites from her.

~ Fervent by Priscilla Shirer — Priscilla is another one of my absolute favorites! I’m so excited about seeing her live at a ministry conference this fall. I can’t wait. I first saw her several years ago with Beth Moore and Kay Arthur at a conference and it was awesome. If you saw the movie War Room last year, then you already know how powerful this book is. One thing that I really like about this book is that there is also a companion book available for your husband by Steven Kendrick called The Battle Plan for Prayer. Steven and his brother Alex directed Courageous, another fantastic movie with a strong message. You can check that out here as well.

~ The Life-changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondo — Have you heard of this book? Oh my word! It has been a HUGE hit and makes the hearts of type A girls like me go pitter-pat. Lots of organzing, decluttering and breathing a sense of relief once you finally get rid of that stuff. Yes, that STUFF that you’ve been getting rid of all this time. (I’m talking to myself too.) It’s going to go out the door with no guilt AND NO LOOKING BACK! Insert feelings of gladness from being able to see all of the space that you didn’t think you had. Marie has so many great ideas. You will want to check this one out.

~ The Organized Homeschool Life by Dr. Melanie Wilson — Since I’m going all out with organizing, one area that I definitely want to focus on is my homeschool. As I just mentioned, I am a Type A girl. No, I’m not high strung but I do crave order and organization. It makes me happy. But even beyond that, I believe that an organized homeschool place will help my sons better adapt to the changes that will happen throughout the day. This book outlines short systems that can be implemented so that it doesn’t feel like a burden. I love that. The weekly challenges will make things easier and I can continue to enjoy teaching my children. That sounds like a win for all of us!

~ Hands Free Mama: A Guide to Putting Down the Phone, Burning the To-Do List, and Letting Go of Perfection to Grasp What Really Matters by Rachel Macy Stafford — This book helps recovering perfectionists like me to focus on what really matters — being present and available for my family. I will admit that it is very easy to get caught up in managing the day to day from that oh so convenient, fancy mobile phone. But you know what? At the end of the day, those are moments that I just can’t back. I’ve often said that I enjoy being present and enjoying the moment with those that I am around. Well, this book just upped the challenge and I am accepting it. Won’t you join me?

~ Breaking Busy by Alli Worthington — Have you ever felt like a failure as you struggled to find balance in your life? (Raising my hand) I know I have. There have been times in my life where I felt like I was juggling so many different responsibilities and I just couldn’t bring myself to stop and admit that I wasn’t doing anything well. In my opinion, to do so would have made me feel weak or inadequate rather than just facing the truth of me doing a lot of things that I just shouldn’t have been doing in the first place. OUCH. When I heard about this book earlier this year, I knew that Alli Worthington tackles the big questions about finding happiness and one’s God-given purpose.

~ Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers — This captivating read will keep you turning page after page. I don’t want to give too much of it away. A friend of mine recommended it to me a few years ago and it was absolutely awesome. Trust me on this one. Chances are you may have a friend that has read it and she will tell you the same thing.

~ Teaching from Rest: A Homeschooler’s Guide to Unshakeable Peace by Sarah MacKenzie — I recently heard about this book from a friend of mine and am learning just how popular it is. As a new homeschooling mom, I am already feeling the stress and pressure behind this decision to make sure I do everything “right.” From what I have seen of this book, it looks like it is a God send to affirm and encourage any mother who has made the decision to educate her children at home. I am looking forward to diving into this one.

~ How Every Woman Can Earn More and Make a Difference by Crystal Paine — Crystal is the founder of the wildly popular blog Money Saving Mom. I’ve been following her for several years and have really enjoyed her posts, courses and books. This book is her latest release and was actually my first giveaway on my blog. Her upbeat spirit, authenticity and transparency is refreshing. I got about half way through the book and a friend asked to borrow it. The book is currently making its rounds so it may be a while before it gets back in my hands but I definitely want to finish it.

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Angel Penn

Hey friend! I'm Angel - a deeply devoted follower of Jesus Christ, mom to three young men, a homeschooler & the founder of Beautiful In His Time Ministries, Inc.

It is my heart's desire to see women walk in their true power and authority in Jesus Christ. I get the honor of walking that out in my writing, speaking and everyday life.

With a cold latte in hand and my latest read under my arm, I'm usually seen going over math facts, checking out a new STEM project and studying God's Word. In my spare time, you will catch me spending time with family and friends, at live music festivals and on the hunt for a new favorite dessert.

www.angelpenn.com

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