By: Rachel Held Evans

Her books are not always easy to swallow and I don’t always agree with what she says but this book truly is inspiring. It makes you rethink bible stories in a new way.

By: Jen Wilkin

She describes the attributes of God in the most beautiful way and this is a book I pull out again and again.

By: Emily P. Freeman

She offers simple advice for decision making and you will turn her words over in your mind for years to come.

By: Kendra Adachi

If you don’t have time to organize yourself or get your mess together, let her do it for you!

By: Lysa Terkeurst

All her books are wonderful and her words cut straight to the heart. If your world feels like it’s falling apart, pick this one up immediately.

By: Kate Bowler & Jessica Richie

I read this one every night before bed and it was so refreshing. Each devotional is relatable and I adore the way these ladies write what is on their hearts.

By: Madeleine L’Engle

If you have not read Madeleine L’Engle before you are missing out on so much beauty and truth. This book is full of snippets of her writings and is the perfect way to get you’re toes wet.

By: Trina Mcneily

This is a “lovely” perspective shifter in so many ways and a reminder to look for the beauty where YOU see it, not necessarily where others see it.

By: Max Lucado

These words truly are a salve for the anxious soul. I read this right after having Jones while dealing with post-partum anxiety. I keep it on my phone to pull up anytime I need certain reminders.

By: Jo Piazza

Okay, this one is not my typical pick but following Jo around while she explores the way other cultures handle marriage was truly fascinating. There are definitely a few tips stored in my brain from this one.

By: Jodi Picoult

The first Jodi book I ever read and it still rings in my ears. This story is hard to read, especially in these times but it introduced me to reading about hard topics and allowing my heart to sift through the feelings.

By: John Greene

I know, I know, everyone has read this one. But ask yourself, why? Because it is SO DANG GOOD! If you haven’t read it, order it. You will be in tears and soak up every word.

By: Delia Owens

Breathtaking storytelling and heartbreaking circumstances keep you turning the pages of this book that so many love… I could not put it down.

By: Elin Hilderbrand

Another author I read and have picked up her books over and over. This one is the first I one I read and fell in love with. The way I would describe Elin’s books are “beach reads that have a dark side.” You might cry, you will definitely laugh, and you will fall in love with every character.

By: Jeff Zentner

Discovered this one earlier this year and added it to my all time faves immediately. It is just wonderfully written and my copy is now full of highlighted phrases (yes, I am the person who highlights fiction books). If you love a good young adult fiction book every now and then, pick this one up.

By: Kathryn Stockett

I adore this book. It’s just such a good story and so easy to get lost in the characters. Set in the 1960’s, it follows around women of different classes and how their stories intertwine with one another.

By: Sara Gruen

This was the last book my grandfather read before he passed away… his love of reading passed through generations to me. So I took this book from his bedroom and devoured it. It’s beautiful and heartbreaking… and just posting it here makes me want to re-read it.

By: Anthony Doerr

This wartime story is one of the few historical fiction books that truly captured my heart. Marie-Laure (one of the main characters) is still engrained in my mind… as a 12 year old little girl who is blind and navigating the world during WWII.

By: Peter Heller

This is not the typical story I would pick up but I could not put it down. Two best friends set our on a camping trip down a river in Canada and their lazy days are interrupted with a wild fire and an odd encounter with an unhappy couple. It’s intense but really good!

By: Gillian Flynn

Suspenseful, insane, unhinged… just a few words to describe this thriller. I know you have heard of this one… and if you have only seen the movie, you missing out. This one is a must read in your lifetime!

By: Emily Winfield Martin

My favorite book to give for baby showers. It’s precious and loving.

By: Mathew Paul Turner

Lovingly takes your child through all of the things God created… ending with the unique people we all are.

By: Alice Schertle

I am sure many of you have this in your library at home but it had to make our list. We own so many in this series and read it almost every night to Steele

By: Jory John

Another series, our household loves! This one is especially good to read with little ones who feel the need to prove their “goodness.”

By: Amy Webb

A precious way to introduce the topic of inclusion to your children. This book will help you talk with your little ones about being okay with asking questions and understanding others who may be different than them.

By: Yuval Zommer

If you have animal/nature lovers The Big Book Series by Yuval Zommer is for you. Beautifully illustrated and offers easy to understand snippets about their favorite animals.

By: Chris Van Dussen

This a silly and fun read for kids of all ages! If is perfect for summer as you go on a wild camping trip with Mr. Magee and his little dog Dee.

By: Jo Witek

A perfect way to introduce all the feelings your little people hold in their hearts. Jones comes back to this one time and time again.

By: Jo Witek

Another Jo Witek book we love as it focuses on having courage and being brave. Perfect when your little one needs a confidence boost or is facing something scary.

By: Rebecca Colby

This one is too cute as it talks about all how animals, no matter how spikey, smelly, or creepy they are… need love and affection. It ends the story talking about how children, no matter how irritating, loud, or naughty they are need love too!

By: Dashka Slater

This little snail is so endearing as he talks to you throughout the book and tries to convince you that snails really can be your favorite animal!

By: Dan Brown

Each precious poem about an animal speaks to the wonderful qualities we all possess and at the end they all come together for a fun surprise.

By: Tammi Sauer

We all know that person who loves to talk but can’t quite get the listening thing down… well meet Wordy Birdy… and see how her friends teach her to open her ears!

By: Kathryn Cristaldi

This one gets me every time I read it. The perfect bedtime story to snuggle up with your little bug and read.

By: Rebecca Colby

An “I Spy” book that is actually pretty to look at and put on display. Jones still loves this one after two years