I’ve always been a big reader! And this year was no exception. It was full of so much goodness. I started the year reading one of my absolute fave books ever; Let’s All Be Brave” by Annie F. Downs (I cannot wait until her new book comes out.) This book fit so well with my word for the year “brave!” This book is so dog eared and underlined and highlighted. Check out my post here: The Book That Is Wrecking my Soul
Bread and Wine–Shauna Niequest
Oh how I loved this book. The recipes weren’t necessary but they are an added bonus. Love that this book reminds us how to break bread at the table and be hospitable. I’ve gifted so many copies of this book.
The Greatest Gift and One Thousand Gifts–Ann Voskamp
This was my second read through of the book The Greatest Gift. Such a great Advent book. One Thousand Gifts was wonderful. I downloaded the app and have been keeping track of my own gifts. It helps us keep stock of our blessings.
Searching for Sunday–Rachel Held Evans
Working at a church, this book spoke to me in so many ways. Reading what individuals are searching for etc. Too many have been hurt by the church and I truly think this is a book that might help individuals heal.
Orphan Train–Christina Baker Kline
Sadly I didn’t read many fiction books this year. But this was such a good read.
On Being A Writer–Charity Singleton Craig and Ann Kroeker
This is the book that truly made me realize I’m a writer. I participated in a six week course on this book. So so good! I love that the authors interacted and commented on our blog posts. They also have some great podcasts.
It’s Simply Tuesday–Emily P. Freeman
Another book that I loved. Emily helps us all take time to breath and bask in our simply Tuesday’s. After reading this book, I don’t dread Tuesdays like perhaps I did before.
For the Love–Jen Hatmaker
This book is so fun…it made me laugh in so many places. But in other places, as a single woman, I couldn’t always identify with Jens stories. But overall, I truly enjoyed this book.
Wild in the Hollow–Amber Haines
Another fantastic read! Loved this book!
Oh so much goodness! In 2016, I need to finish Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg, Accidental Saints by Nadia Bolz-Weber, The Bridge by Karen Kingsbury (Thanks Katie M. Reid) and Beautiful Uncertainty by Mandy Hales (Thanks Susan Shipe) Beautiful Uncertainty doesn’t come out until 2016 but I was gifted a prerelease copy. As a single woman myself, this book is PURE GOLD!
Last but certainly not least, I’m currently reading “Notes on the Journey: Living with Sarcoma and Hope” by Laura A. Koppenhoefer. The book is a compilation of Laura’s CarePages from approx Sept 2011-Spring 2014. Laura lost her cancer battle on Nov 30th of this year. I’m thankful for a friend who is loaning me her copy of Laura’s book. I’m reading through slowly and savoring my dear friend’s words!
So special that Laura's words have been kept and compiled like that! Thanks for sharing your books, and for linking up! We have a lot of overlap in our lists. 🙂 Happy New Year to you!
It really is special to have Laura's words. She came up with the idea and raised $20000 for sarcoma research. We do have a lot of overlap in our lists. Happy New Year!
Some fantastic looking books here. I will be looking up the Bread and Wine one as I wrote a 31 Day Challenge about incorporating communion back into our daily lives and the blessings in that.
I think you'll love Bread and Wine, Lizzy!
I don't know when you updated your blog, but it looks great! The books I have read on this list have been amazing, and there are a few more on my "to read!"
Thanks Melissa. The blog was updated a few months ago.
I love that we read so many of the same books! I am still waiting to get my hands on Searching for Sunday… love you friend! Here's to a Happy and Read-y New Year! 😉
I love that we read so many of the same books too. Love you right back. I could loan you my copy. Just let me know. Happy and Read-Y New Year indeed!
Searching for Sunday was an eye opener for me. I don't agree with all of Evans' theological points, but she describes a sentiment that is evident in a new generation of believers. I've seen way too many God fearing people leave church for the same reasons Evans stated in her book. She's an excellent writer and her book was intriguing to say the least!
I think it will be an eye opener for so many.
You've got some great recommendations here, Tara! Several people have mentioned Writing Down the Bones–I'm starting to think I need to buy that one :).
I'm not far in but enjoying it. I am reading it because so many recommended it to me.
what a wonderful, inspiring list! Maybe you noticed we're not exactly the only ones who loved "Let's All Be Brave?!" Thanks for mentioning Annie has a new book; I need to read that one, too. Happy New year 2016!
Thanks Leah! Annie's new book comes out in April. It is called "Looking for Lovely!" Happy New Year to you too!
thanks for the title! I'll add it to my amazon wish list.
You're welcome!