SOMETHING TO READ!!!!

Maria emailed me last week and asked if I would put together a post that compiled book suggestion in one place. She said as I offer reviews and other book suggestions throughout the year, sometimes she thinks oh, that would make a nice gift, come Christmas...and now Christmas is coming and she has forgotten what books she particularly liked out of the bunch of them.

Sooooo, if you're working on your Christmas shopping list, and you need some suggestions, allow me to offer you a list of ideas. Some of are books I've reviewed, so in those cases, I will link back the post that contains my review, so you can see it again if you want. Others are books I might not have written about, but I'll include a quick idea of who the book might fit. Happy shopping and happy reading!

For Single Friends
* The Dating Manifesto by Lisa Anderson. {This is geared a bit more toward singles in their 20's but is also a great read for parents of teens or college students - or anyone who works with that age group.}
* Passion and Purity by Elisabeth Elliot. {This is not a new book, but it's a classic. I received it in high school and STILL refer to it for quotes. It's a wonderful, timeless book on balancing a life of passion and purity. PS - there are updated editions with added material by Josh Harris. I am confident anything he added would be good, because I respect his viewpoint, but the link here reflects the copy I have and read.}
* When Love Ends and the Ice Cream Carton is Empty by Jackie M. Johnson. {Haven't blogged about it before, but this book was especially helpful to me after my breakup with Isaac. Very helpful insights about grieving and starting over.}

Memoir
* Wild in the Hollow by Amber C. Haines. {A raw and vulnerable book with a very lyrical feel to it.}
* In the Footsteps of Jesus by Bruce Marchiano. {A compelling and faith-changing look back at Bruce's journey of portraying Jesus in the film "The Gospel According to Matthew."}
* One Light Still Shines by Marie Monville. {Marie's husband was the the man who entered an Amish schoolhouse in Pennsylvania several years ago and killed several girls. This book is the story of his family and how God redeemed their brokenness.
* Nobody's Cuter than You by Melanie Shankle. {A funny memoir on friendship. Melanie also wrote a memoir on motherhood called Sparkly Green Earrings and one on marriage called Antelope in the Living Room.}
* The Road to Becoming by Jenny Simmons. {A truly dynamic read on how to learn and grow in moments of muddling through.}


Inspirational Reading
* Let's All Be Brave by Annie F. Downs. {I did not write a review on this book but interviewed Annie about it when I worked at WBCL. The interview has been removed from the internet - sadness!!! - but the book has tremendous insights on bravery, which shows up in places you might not expect!}
* Girl Meets Change by Kristen Strong. {FABULOUS read on learning from and embracing changes in your life - perfect for ANYONE going through any kind of change. I served on the book launch team for this one and remain ridiculously proud of Kristen for her words and her vulnerability in sharing!}
* The Hardest Peace by Kara Tippetts. {You know how I loved the words of Kara Tippetts and this book was so motivational and so honest - about learning to allow Jesus to meet you in your hard.}
* Just Show Up by Kara Tippetts and Jill Lynn Buteyn. {A book published after Kara went to Heaven - but a powerful and practical guide on walking alongside those in difficult seasons.}

Spiritual Growth
* Loving God with All Your Mind by Elizabeth George. {A powerful book on learning to bring your thoughts into line with God's thoughts so you can love Him more fully.}
* Your Sacred Yes by Susie Larson. {I cannot possibly say enough about how much I love this book and how much every over-committed person should read it.}
*Just Give Me Jesus by Anne Graham Lotz. {I read this book years ago when our Sunday School class studied it, and it absolutely revolutionized the way I read Scripture and thought about Jesus.

Fiction
* Last Chance Hero by Cathleen Armstong. {Contemporary fiction, the fourth in a series, about a tiny New Mexico town named Last Chance. Loved it so much I plan to get the whole series.}
* Five Brides by Eva Marie Everson. {Set back in the fifties, this book tells the stories about five young women making their lives in the heart of Chicago, and the wedding dress they pool their money to purchase.
* Murder at the Courthouse by A.H. Gabhart. {Murder mystery meets Mayberry Jr. It's got all the charm of a small town with a good batch of suspense. I can't wait for the next book in the series!}
* Hope Harbor by Irene Hannon. {Another small town delight...an easy read but characters that are so lovable!}
* Vendetta by Lisa Harris. {A good action book that lovers of TV crime shows would enjoy - and it has a faith base...BONUS!}

Kids' Books
* The Gingerbrood by Brent Vernon. {The adventures of a batch of freshly baked gingerbread cookies who escape Mrs. Claus's kitchen.}
* The Audrey Amaka Books by Brent Vernon. {A children's trilogy about Audrey Amaka, the neckless giraffe, and her adventures.}

**** Gotta brag on my friend Brent, who wrote the books in my recommended kids' reading. I don't have kids, so I don't know much about children's books, but I know that his are fabulous and fun. He writes AND illustrates them himself, and I can't recommend them ENOUGH.