Recent Reads

I’ve been reading a lot lately. Maybe more than I ought. But it seems like every book I’ve picked up in the past few weeks has been really, really good. Exactly what I needed on several different fronts.  I already told you in a previous post about Jennie Allen’s Restless. Here are a few more of note that I’ve finished:

 

 

FICTION

Lost and Found by Ginny Yttrup

I have loved all of Ginny Yttrup’s novels. They are deep and thoughtful and convicting. They are the kinds of novels that cause me to examine myself. My motivations. My relationships. Especially my relationship with the Lord. All housed in a compelling story of contemporary fiction. If you haven’t read any of Ginny’s work, I suggest you do. Doesn’t matter which one. They are all awesome.

Return to Me by Lynn Austin

I love the Old Testament, and I love Old Testament Biblical fiction. Lynn Austin does an amazing joy bringing to life the days of Zechariah and Haggai, when the first wave of Israelites returned to Jerusalem from Babylon to rebuild the temple. I’ve always thought that would have been a difficult time in which to live, a difficult choice between the understanding of God’s commands and the open door to return to the promised land and yet most knowing only life in Babylon. Lynn Austin captures this tension so very well and brings to life the prophets and their prophecies in the midst of the daily life of the Israelites, surrounded by pagan nations and trying to rebuild the life God had promised them. Can’t wait to read the second book in this series!

Here to Stay by Melissa Tagg

I love, love, love Melissa’s voice in her novels. They are poignant and funny, crazily creative, and so reminiscent of the feel of the classic Hollywood rom-coms that she loves. (I love them, too!) This is her second novel, and while I loved the first one, I think I loved this one even more! Which means I’m looking forward to the next one. This was one of those books I had to ration because I loved it so much that I didn’t want to finish it too quickly. I wanted to savor.

NON FICTION

   

 Mini Habits by Stephen Guise

This one was recommended by Laura McClellan on her The Productive Woman podcast. It’s a short ebook–and so very fascinating! To be honest, I found that I have naturally created “mini habits” in several areas of my life, and it works. But I never did it intentionally and it helps to know what I did that worked. I also realized that I hadn’t been applying this concept to some areas of my life that I needed to. If you are struggling with habits you know you need to have but can’t quite figure out how to get there, I highly recommend this book. Not only does he explain the concept and system of mini habits, he explains the science that confirms why it works. And while you are at it, check out The Productive Woman podcast. Great information and encouragement there as well.

Idea Sparking by Michelle Lim

 

If you aren’t a writer, you might not care too much about this one. If you are and struggle with conflict and getting past your first, often cliche or predictable, story ideas, this book is for you. I have already gone back to my highlights several times as she gives hints for brainstorming ways to keep the story moving and to keep the reader interested and intrigued, surprised and satisfied.

 

 

So there you go. Those are the books that have grabbed my attention lately. How about you? Got any good reading recommendations?