What I’m Reading {September 2016}

Y’all, my book stack is HUGE. Seriously. But so many of my friends are writing so many great books … and I want to tell you all about all of them. But then all I’d be talking about is books and while I love books, I also have other things I want to share with you so these posts are my way of giving you information about what I’m reading and what books I think you’d love. {Also, that was seriously a crazy run-on sentence. ha!}

So, here the books I’m working my way through in September. {The links below may be affiliate links which means if you purchase through them you are supporting my not-cheap book habit and my husband is thankful for you!}

Looking for a good read? Check out this list from Teri Lynne Underwood ... fiction, nonfiction, and even a couple of books for teenage girls.

First up, how about some fiction!

I think I’ve mentioned before that I always read fiction before bed … and I always read fiction I’ve previously read before bed because if I don’t, I’ll end up staying up all night to finish the story. Truth. So, right now I’m reading The Hunger Games for the bajillionth time.

But I also read a couple of other fiction books this month during the daytime hours.

The Things We Wish Were True || Mary Beth Whalen

This was on the Kindle First list for Amazon Prime members and I had to grab it. Mary Beth used to be with Proverbs 31 ministries and her session at the 2010 She Speaks conference was super helpful in terms of learning to manage the demands of family and ministry.  Anyway, she left P31 to focus on writing and this is her most recent work. It was great! I think it would be perfect for all you moms who are trying to snatch a few minutes of reading in the car line.

Sewn with Joy || Tricia Goyer and Sherry Gore

The third installment of the Pinecraft Pie Shop series is just as fun and uplifting as the first two. Joy, the third of the Miller sisters, has always wanted to be a wife and mom. She loves the Amish lifestyle and its simplicity. But when a production crew arrives in town to film a series about the Amish, Joy is faced with a dilemma. I loved this book, in fact, I think it is my favorite so far of the series. Another fun read … and this one would also be a great read aloud book with girls as a way of discussing relationships, expectations, etc.

On to the massive pile of nonfiction.

I’m still slowly making my way through A Sweet & Bitter Providence by John Piper and The Happiness Dare by Jennifer Dukes Lee. I wrote a blog post recently after reading one chapter of the Piper book. If you have struggled with understanding how God is at work for your good even in the difficult seasons of life, you might be encouraged by reading it.

Here are the other books I’ve started —

Uninvited: Living Loved When You Feel Less Than, Left Out, and Lonely || Lysa TerKeurst

This may be another one I have to take slowly. I think I’ve underlined two-thirds of the first three chapters.

Rocking Ordinary || Lea Ann Garfias

Y’all, this book is my love language! Truly. Normal, ordinary, and boring are pretty much how I describe my life … and sometimes I start to feel as though I’m not doing anything that really matters.  Lea Ann’s witty and winsome writing has met me right where I am and reminded me that what I’m doing in this season matters!

Looking for a good book? Here's what's in my stack for September ... fiction for the car line, Bible studies for busy women, encouragement for all of us and even some great books for teenage girls! This one is sort of like Ragu spaghetti sauce, "It's in there!"

Also in my stack …

Fresh Out of Amazing || Stacey Thacker

This book officially releases September 1st. I was privileged to be an endorser for the book. Here is what I said, “Stacey is the friend you call when you are at the end of yourself and you need someone to speak equal parts truth and grace over you. Within these pages you will find a kind companion who knows the heartache life can bring. Stacey is a generous guide who uses Scripture and story to point us back to the God who captures our tears and draws us near.” And yes, you can expect to hear (read) a lot more about this book over the next few weeks. Because if I could give every woman I know a copy, I would. It’s that good.

Everyday Peace || Katie Orr

This is the fourth in Katie’s FOCUSed 15 Bible study series and I think it’s my favorite. Katie takes you step-by-step through studying Philippians 4:1-13 using her FOCUS method. And, the best part, this is real inductive Bible study in 15 minutes a day! Katie is a pastor’s wife with three young children — she knows how precious our minutes are!

Word Writers: Philippians and Ephesians || Denise J. Hughes

Y’all, I really do have the smartest friends. Denise also has a new series of Bible studies which are just as fabulous as Katie’s. The Word Writer studies can also be done in about 15-20 minutes a day.  Denise truly loves the Word of God and is an excellent teacher. Each day’s reading and meditation will strengthen your understanding of the Word. What makes Word Writers unique is the emphasis placed on actually writing out the Word of God. By the time you finish the 30-day study, you will also have written out in your own handwriting whichever book of the Bible you are studying. It is truly an incredibly meaningful thing.

And, how about a few books for teenage girls, since I have one!

Teen to Teen: 365 Daily Devotions by Teen Girls for Teen Girls || compiled by Patti M. Hummel

Casiday and I have been meeting at 7 a.m. every morning in my office where she reads her devotion for the day while I am doing my own Bible study/quiet time. We started this when school resumed a few weeks ago and it has been a great way to connect since I am no longer driving her to school.  I ordered her this devotional last spring because she just wasn’t finding any of the ones she had to be very encouraging. She loves this one! Each devo is written by a teenage girl … so she’s relating to what they say.

The Chase || Kelsey and Kyle Kupecky

Last spring Casiday and I went to a live event with Karen Kingsbury as well as Kelsey and Kyle. Since then, Casiday has become a fan of this sweet young couple with the adorable baby Hudson. {And she told me if I wrote fiction like Karen Kingsbury she would read my books … however, she hasn’t read any of Karen’s books so I’m not so sure about that!} At any rate, she is slowly reading through Kelsey and Kyle’s book about the process of finding a spouse.  She said she really likes it because they both share their experiences.

Liked: Whose Approval Are You Living For? || Kari Kampakis

We haven’t started this one yet but I received an advance reader copy from Kari and both Casiday and I are looking forward to reading it before it’s official release in November. Kari is a fellow Alabamaian and has four daughters so she definitely speaks girl. While we have not read her previous book, 10 Ultimate Truths Girls Should Know, it is on the list of books to get and I’ve heard incredibly positive things about it.

So, there you go … that’s what in my reading pile. Tell me, what’s in yours?

xoxo,

Teri Lynne

P.S. If you are not an Amazon Prime member, can I just tell you it is soooo worth it! The free Kindle book every month, free two-day shipping, and AMAZING customer service are definitely worth the $99 a year. And you can also do a free 30-day trial. We’ve been Prime members for over 6 years and I highly recommend it.

Read the Psalms this summer with Scripture Dig!

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