Happy Easter weekend! It’s that time again for my annual book review! 📚 As always, I love a good mix of books throughout the year–self-help, novels, devotional, or biography/autobiography. Topics ranging from fashion, business, spiritual, travel, and romance! The 2019 line-up didn’t disappoint, I hope you find a few that you enjoy too ⬇️
Be Our Guest
Ahh I love all things Disney and the magic that it brings! The intricate intentionality that the wonderful world of Disney creates to give everyone the best experience is👌🏼 If you’ve been, you know what I’m talking about. They don’t miss the smallest detail! At Walt Disney World, you’ll see it in the planning that goes into the intervals between trash cans–the park’s designers figured out exactly how far an average person would carry a piece of trash before pitching it (about 27′) and then factored that into crowd densities. Take a quick survey of those trash cans as you move from one area of the Magic Kingdom to another. You will also see that their design changes to reflect each area’s theme. They truly are in a league of their own exceeding guests’ expectations! This book was so fun to read and learn a few of their “secrets”–both business and everyday life could be applied! Such a great read❤️
Esther: It’s Tough Being a Woman
My first study by Beth Moore and I learned so much! I did this study as a devotional–only completing the study guide portion but it is designed for group studies with more content, video, etc! Either way she packs this study full of truth as we look to the book of Esther “For such a time as this.” (Esther 4:14)
“If reading Scripture has been more like law than life to you, you are twice the candidate for the study of Esther. You’re about to find out about mixing business and pleasure on the pages of the world’s most sacred text.”
Forgotten God
This was a game changer! A favorite from the book was when Francis Chan says, “For some of you, reading this book could be a form of noise that keeps you from Him. Maybe you already hear lots of sermons & read plenty of books. What you need is direct communion with him to hear directly from Him and speak directly to Him. Rather than reading my words, listen to His.” I know for me at that time, it was perfect to hear and has been a great reminder since. Instead of getting caught up in seeking Him in other books/sermons why not get back to where He really wants us to be–in His Word! 🙌🏼
The Art of Southern Charm
Patricia😍 If you haven’t seen the show Southern Charm you may not fully understand Patricia Altschul’s take on life in Charleston but still well worth the read. All of her preferences served on a silver platter! From her distaste of french mani/pedis, a few favorite recipes–one being her well known Gin Martini (no one does it quite like her), and all of the details inside her Charleston mansion! Such a fun read🍸
Unglued
A quick but powerful read from Lysa Terkeurst! Lysa’s way of telling her story and giving suggestions for what’s worked is phenomenal as always. “What kind of unglued am I?”
1. Exploder that blames others
2. Exploder that shames herself
3. Stuffer that builds barriers
4. Stuffer that collects retaliation rocks
I’ll just leave that there for you to ponder until you want to grab it and find out more!
The Rumor
Have you heard… the rumor might be worse than the truth! Summer on Nantucket is heating up with this read and you seriously won’t be able to put it down once you dive in! Will Madeline & Grace be best friends after it’s all over? A ruggedly handsome landscape architect is helping Grace transform her backyard to be the envy of the island. Madeline has writer’s block and is in need of a good topic. What will she do? Elin Hildenbrand does it again with another great novel!
Girl Wash Your Face
This book as been flying off the shelves for like ever–I just never thought it was one I wanted to read. Then my sister recommended it and so why not?! Come to find out, don’t judge a book by it’s cover! I loved this. Rachel is transparent about struggles in her life shedding light on often, not so talked about topics. A favorite quote from the book:
“Moving doesn’t change who you are. It only changes the view outside your window. You must choose to be happy, grateful, and fulfilled. If you make the choice every single day, regardless of where you are or what’s happening you will be happy.”
This might just be perfect for our quarantined time!👌🏼
Risen Motherhood
Thanks to another sister for gifting me this book! Seriously amazing❤️ If you are a mama and haven’t read this, you should!! The beginning was enough to captivate my attention and wonder… “If motherhood is supposed to be so wonderful–one of life’s biggest blessings–why do we feel stressed, tired, dissatisfied, and overcommitted?”
I was intrigued to find that I’ve been lost in a cultural message that if we have the right systems in place we can always be the best version of ourselves.
Winter Storms & The Winter Solstice
Ahh yes, if it isn’t my favorite series to read around the holidays! #allthefeels These are the final two books in this Nantucket series of four. My favorite was The Winter Solstice and how it unknowingly tied in loose ends from The Rumor that I read earlier in the year! Either way they are great with all of the holiday feels 🎄
Or for a winter vacation read😉
Hidden Christmas
Unwrapping hidden truths about The Christmas Story was super meaningful for the holiday season and all year through! This is a recommended read for sure!
“Matthew’s Gospel account of the birth of Jesus starts not with the well-known events of the nativity itself- star, shepherds, manger. It begins in the midst of even more ancient times, providing a long, seemingly tedious genealogy. It is easy to lose patience with these verses and let your eyes skim down the page until you get to some real action. However, Christmas is not simply about a birth but about a coming.”
“Jesus was born in the cold and dark stable, but it was only a foreshadowing. At the end of his life, Jesus will cry out, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me? On the cross he was thrown out into the spiritual darkness so that we could be brought into the warmth and light of God’s presence.“
Settle My Soul: 100 Quiet Moments to Meet With Jesus
If you are looking for a new devotional, here you go! I happen to run across it at She Speaks last summer and found it to be a great addition to my morning devotions! No matter where you are or what your profession we need rest. We can find that by connecting with God’s heart, centering our thoughts on Him & His Word and this daily devotional will assist you in doing just that! The follow-up and application questions are great for putting into action what you just read.
Shine: Stepping Into the Role You Were Made for
As we wrap up our 2019 reads, I will leave you with this inspiring book. Allison shares her story of performing in the spotlight in a variety of avenues.
• “I believe God is looking for modern day Pauls–people who boast, in Christ’s strength made strong in weakness.”
• “Watch what happens when my strength is perfected in the weakest place you’ve got.”
There is ample content in this self-help book, whether you are on a literal stage or not I’m sure it will speak to wherever God has you! “In the end, it’s not the show that matters it’s the showing up!”
Read a few of Grayson & Gentry’s books that have been on repeat here📚
