Ahhh, two of my favourite things: summer and reading! Is there actually anything better than a book on a beach? I think not. As an author, reading is part of my job (no, I did not just make that up) and I glean a mixture of fiction to fuel my imagination and non-fiction to feed my mind. Both tend to nourish my soul in differing ways, such is the bookish life. So, friends, settle in for six superb suggestions to throw into your beach bag:
“Books are the plane, and the train, and the road. They are the destination, and the journey. They are home.” Anna Quindlen
We’re halfway through the year and I’ve already enjoyed some fantastic books—some hot off the press, some merely new to me. I’ve selected a few favourites, along with my Amazon affiliate links for you to pick up a copy if you so desire… (full disclosure here) which basically means I get a very tiny commission while you pay the regular awesome price. In fact, right now most of these are ON SALE, which is always a bonus! ?
THE MASTERPIECE by Francine Rivers
I’m a huge fan of Francine Rivers, and devoured The Masterpiece with relish! Roman Velasco is an unbelieving, wealthy, successful artist with a gigantic chip on his shoulder and a troubled past. Grace Moore, his new personal assistant, is a Christian single mother with her own heartbreaking story. Both try to fight the attraction they clearly have for one another, and neither intend to fall in love. Walls are erected and secrets are deeply hidden. But when Roman has an unforgettable encounter with the demons he is fighting, everything changes. A story of conviction, redemption, and forgiveness—aptly named The Masterpiece!
SIMPLY TUESDAY by Emily P. Freeman
“Our obsession with bigger and faster is spinning us out of control. We move through the week breathless and bustling, just trying to keep up while longing to slow down.” Emily is such a joy to read, like having a dear friend hold your hand and reassure you that all is well. God’s got this. Embracing smallness, remembering that God is moving mightily in the everyday, in the regular Tuesdays of life, Emily encourages us to take time to stop, watch, and listen to find the beautiful again. A lovely book I feel I will come back and revisit often!
CHURCH OF THE SMALL THINGS by Melanie Shankle
“Sometimes the biggest things God does start out in the smallest, most ordinary acts of daily faithfulness.” Any hot pink book with an elephant carrying a bird’s nest on the cover will grab my attention- and this one was an absolute treat! Melanie is now my best friend ❤️ (I’m pretty sure every reader comes away with this belief) and managed to pack a powerful punch while causing me to laugh out loud. That’s what happens when you write chapters like “The Glamorous Life of a Writer” and “Fish, Frogs, Crabs, and a Farm of Lies.” As she takes an honest, humorous look at friendship, parenthood, hospitality, courage, dogs, family, and life in general, we see God’s incredible faithfulness in the small things, the everyday, the mundane. Such an enjoyable, encouraging read!
THE GREAT ALONE by Kristin Hannah
“All this time, Dad had taught Leni how dangerous the outside world was. The truth was that the biggest danger of all was in her own home.” I always enjoy Kristin Hannah’s writing, and The Great Alone ticked all the boxes for me. Set in the 1970’s, the allure of a fresh start in Alaska draws the Allbright family to a brand new life. But for thirteen-year-old Leni, it’s the beginning of a nightmarish existence balancing her father’s rages as he battles the aftereffects of returning from war, with the brutal yet beautiful harsh realities of living in the wilds of Alaska. Raw emotions and unthinkable survival skills culminate in a riveting page-turner, not for the faint-hearted. Heartbreaking, always with a sliver of hope.
THE AMERICAN HEIRESS by Daisy Goodwin
If you are a Downton Abbey fan, then you’ll want to crack open a copy of The American Heiress, for sure! Daisy Goodwin, who also brought us the delightful Victoria TV series and novel, writes an intriguing tale about Cora Cash, a ridiculously wealthy young American beauty whose mother is set on her marrying into English nobility. Love, money, scandal, and high society with rich descriptions and engaging characters make this historical romance an absolute treat!
A WRINKLE IN TIME by Madeleine L’Engle
Somewhat embarrassed and horrified that I had never read this children’s book before, I was anxious to see for myself what all the fuss was about. I was not disappointed. What a beautiful, fanciful, engaging piece of literature! Meg’s quest to find her missing father, along with her little brother, Charles Wallace, and a new friend, Calvin, takes us on a journey spanning time and planets and possibilities. Heartwarming and colorful, this is a must-read!
Phew! That’s it. I hope you find something in there that inspires or intrigues you… please leave a comment if you’ve read any of the above— I’d love to hear your thoughts. If you have any suggestions for me, please go ahead. I’m always adding to my to-be-read list!
Also, if you know any girls ages 11+ who need some fiction books for the summer, may I suggest my Tears trilogy? You can check them out HERE!
HAPPY READING!
P.S. Want a FREE read? Subscribe to receive my FREE ebook devotional Diamond Devos 31 HERE!
Linking up with some fabulous encouragers! Check them out:
Good morning! My husband is a Francine Rivers fan and I’m going to get The Masterpiece for him. The first book he read of hers, Redeeming Love, he could not put down and read from start to finish one night! And Melanie – is a friend in real life! What a jewel!
Hi there, Lora! Oh, Redeeming Love is one of my all-time favourite books! I think he’ll enjoy The Masterpiece, too ? And how amazing that Melanie is a REAL LIFE friend… I’m quite jealous! Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by. Blessings to you!
Simply Tuesday and Church of the Small Things have both been on my radar so thanks for bringing them up again here, Laura. Ooh, a new Kristin Hannah book sounds good too! I recently re-read A Wrinkle in Time myself, prepping to see the movie (which I still haven’t seen!). 🙂
Hi Lisa— thanks for stopping by! Sounds like I’ve hit the mark with a few of these for you… (I loved them all!) Happy reading! ?
Always looking for a good book to read (too much trash out there these days!) appreciate the recommendations!
Thanks Karen— my pleasure to share the book love! I hope you find something wonderful in this little list… Blessings to you! ?
Church of the small things looks awesome, I just added it to my list, thanks for the recommendation!
Hi Aryn— that’s so great! I hope you enjoy Melanie’s writing— it’s so humorous and yet packs a punch (there was much underlining involved in the reading of this book!) Happy reading! ?
Great list! I’m adding these to my read list. Francine Rivers is one of my all time favorite authors. 🙂
Thanks so much, Sabrina! Glad you liked my picks… Francine is one of my favorites, too. Hope you love The Masterpiece ? Blessings to you!
Simply Tuesday and Church of the Small Things are two of my favorite books! 🙂
Hi Deborah— YAY! I loved both of these so much. Lots of wisdom right there… thanks so much for stopping by! Blessings!
Thanks for these wonderful suggestions. I’m always on the hunt for a great book. Church of the Small Things sounds like a perfect fit. Can’t wait to read it. Blessings!
Thank you so much— it’s always my pleasure to share the love of books! Oh yes, I hope you thoroughly enjoy Church of the Small Things… happy reading ? Blessings to you!
Love this list! I was on the launch for Simply Tuesday and it’s a winner. Francine Rivers’ new book has been on my list as well. Thanks for these recommendations!
Thanks so much, Lisa— I love that you were on Emily’s launch team! Hope you thoroughly enjoy The Masterpiece… I did! Blessings to you!
Thanks for these suggestions. They look great! Pinning for future reference!
Thanks so much, Charlie— and you are so welcome! I wish you many hours of happy reading! ? Blessings!
I have been wanting to read The Masterpiece because I love everything Francine Rivers has written! I enjoyed Church of the Small Things and A Wrinkle In Time
That’s great, Elena—sounds like we have similar reading tastes! I hope you enjoy The Masterpiece—you really can’t go wrong with a Francine Rivers book. Thanks for stopping by… blessings to you!