What Should I Read in 2019?

I have always loved to read and I enjoy suggestions from good friends. I thought I’d share a few of favorite books that you might want to consider for your reading list this year.

Women’s Group or Book Club

If you are looking for something for a women’s group or book club, I would suggest Strong Women, Soft Hearts and Better Than My Dreams by seasoned counselor, Paula Rhinehart. Strong Women will allow you to look at different areas of your life like trust, vulnerability, and control. Better Than My Dreams talks about how life often doesn’t go how we thought but that God’s good plans just might surprise you along the way. Rhinehart shares her own life and stories of those she has counseled over the years to bring truths straight to your heart. She also provides study guides that will help your group discussion to go to a deeper level. Don’t miss out!

You most certainly will get a lot out of either one of these books on your own as well. You can answer the questions in a journal or just to yourself. If you feel a bit lost in next steps for your life, run now and get Better than My Dreams! If you want to explore your own heart, be sure to read one of my favorite books ever, Strong Women, Soft Hearts.

For Those Grieving

If you or someone you know is in a season of grief or pain, I have several different books that helped me in different ways after losing my precious son. I recently finished a dear friend’s memoir about her daughter’s life and her own journey with loss. September Vaudrey does an amazing job in Colors of Goodbye of sharing real-life emotions coupled with deep truths as she shares honestly the ripple effects of grief. You will not be disappointed by spending time with September’s words and you will likely walk away feeling like someone put salve on an open wound.

A Grace Disguised by Jerry Sittser is one of the very best resources for anyone walking through the loss of someone they love.  Sittser is well acquainted with grief as he lost his wife, daughter, and mother on the same day.  This book helped me approach my grief head-on and saved me from years of bitterness.

The Hardest Peace: Expecting Grace in the Midst of Life’s Hard by Kara Tippets is a must read no matter what you are walking through today.  Tippets was a mother of four and wrote as she fought cancer.  In the midst of the worst life can offer, she writes words that are uplifting and full of real hope.  As I read her words, my son was critically sick in the hospital and I asked for faith like Tippets.  No doubt you will be encouraged beyond what you are facing today.

Here are a few others that I love and I hope you will love and enjoy them just as much.

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Your turn.

What are some of your favorites? I am still building my 2019 book list. I’d love to include something that has meant something to your life. Share your fave books below in the comments.

Lastly, I am excited to start 2019 with The Louder Song by my new friend, Aubrey Sampson. It is about listening for hope in hard seasons. I’ll let you know more when I finish it. From what I already know, it is going to be great and just what I need.