Bookshelf

It’s my own personal library!

Check out what I recommend, what I’ve read in 2019, and what is coming out soon. 

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Need help fitting in your much desired reading time? This post shares all my favorite tips for sneaking in reading throughout the day. A page at a time adds up!

Here’s how I get books for free or almost free.

And my favorite reads from 2018.

I’m using Kindle Unlimited for a good portion of my reading through February. Here’s my review of the program.



2019 Reading List

Fiction

Disillusioned by Christy Barritt

This is actually book two in a three book series and I read it out of order. Whoops! Thankfully it’s a series where the setting is in the same area and characters from each of the books make brief appearances. It’s not completely necessary to read them in order to understand plots.

This book centers around a brother and sister that are on the run from both the US Government and a Columbian terrorist organization. The government thinks the siblings are working with the terrorists and the terrorists are the real bad buys… but will the siblings ever be able to convince the government they are innocent before anything awful happens?

Squeaky Clean Series by Christy Barritt

This series is so fun! Gabby St.Clair is a crime scene cleaner turned amateur detective. She’s spunky, sassy, and incredibly easy to relate to. I would absolutely be friends with her! I have found myself talking to Micah about her as if she’s a real person.

The Sierra Files by Christy Barritt

Sierra is Gabby’s best friend and has a few adventures of her own. It’s not necessary to read them in the correct timeline of the Squeaky Clean books, but I’m doing my best to keep everything chronological while I read through the Squeaky Clean Universe.

Holly Anna Paladin Mysteries by Christy Barritt

Gabby St.Clair meets Holly Anna while working in another city on a mystery so of course there are off shoot books about Holly Anna! Again, these completely stand on their own and don’t need to be read within the Squeaky Clean timeline, but it’s fun to try.

American Omens by Travis Thrasher

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for a review. This book takes place in the near future, but most of what we know as life now has changed. Christianity is virtually outlawed and those that profess faith tend to disappear.

I’m having a bit of a struggle with this book because it does require more attention to details than most other books I read. It has lots of characters and story lines to follow which means I can’t easily pick it up and put it down in short spurts. I’m hoping to finish this book soon so I can give a more accurate review.

Lantern Beach PD by Christy Barritt

This is the newest series from Christy Barritt and the second book just released in February 2019. Because my Kindle Unlimited membership was going to expire at the end of February I wanted to fit these books in beforehand and I did it!

These books are a spin-off from the Lantern Beach Mysteries that I read last year. It focuses on the same characters so it’s like returning to catch up with old friends.

Non-Fiction

Mended: Restoring the Hearts of Mothers and Daughters by Dr. Helen McIntosh and Blythe Daniel

Mended is due out on April 9th but don’t let that stop you from diving in early! You can download the first chapter here. This book wants to help bring mothers and daughters closer to God so they can draw closer to each other. It offers healing and hope for broken relationships as well as the ability to keep your relationship strong.


Pre-Order by April 1 and receive the following as companion resources to the book:

  • Making It Personal Note Cards
  • Mended Verse Cards

Also, the first 150 to pre-order Mended will receive one copy of Beautiful Now: 90 Days of Experiencing God’s Dreams for You by Stasi Eldredge as a BONUS gift! Click here to claim your pre-order gifts.

Have More Fun: How to Be Remarkable, Stop Feeling Stuck, and Start Enjoying Life by Mandy Arioto

I’m only a few chapters into this book but oh, my, goodness! I am completely on board with this book and it resonates with me so much. If you are feeling stuck, stressed, burnt out, or lacking joy in your life – grab this book. It’s inspiring me to look for opportunities to inject more fun into my life – especially as a parent.

Have More Fun releases on April 9th so pre-order your copy today!


Parenting Beyond the Rules: Raising Teens with Confidence and Joy by Connie Albers

I might not have a teen yet, but our oldest turns 11 this year so I want to fill my toolbox now, before I’m deep in the trenches. Connie is a mom of five and after 30 years of parenting and 20 years of working with teens, she has quite a bit of experience in this area! This book is filled with practical help as well as gospel truths for raising teens based on his or her personality, talents, and strengths, all while building a stronger relationship with him or her.

I’m several chapters in and have already busted out my highlighter on nearly every page! I have a feeling I’ll be coming back to this book over and over again in future years.

Parenting Beyond the Rules comes out on April 2nd and you can pre-order a copy here.


More books coming soon!