I saw a meme about writing last week. The writer was wondering what year it was. I thought it true because I lose so much time in the process. To look at the calendar yesterday and realize it was the first of July was a shock, to say the least. LOL. Half the year has gone. So, I plan to take a couple of days off this month to spend time with Mr. Incredible and my kids. Hope you plan to take some time off to be with your family as well.

Here is a list of books I’ve read in the past months.

Summer Fiction Reading Recommendations

Rebecca Hoyt’s one constant was her dedication to her beloved students. Now, a rebellious child could cost her the job she loves. Without her teaching position, what would she do?

Detective Jesse Rand prides himself in protecting the people who ride the railroads. But, when his own sister and brother-in-law are killed by train robbers, the detective blames himself. Yet, another duty calls—he must venture to Riverton where his niece and nephews were left in the care of their beautiful and stubborn teacher, Rebecca Hoyt. They need to mourn and heal, but Jesse is determined to find his sister’s killers. Rebecca is willing to help care for the children, but she also fears getting too close to them—or their handsome uncle—knowing the day will come when he’ll take them back to Chicago.

Will Jesse and Rebecca find a way to open their hearts and work together? Or will they, along with the children, lose out on love?

Still reeling from tragic losses, Connie and Annabelle Cross face life with their signature humor and grace, until fresh hope arrives on their doorstep.

In early spring of 1955, Annabelle Cross and her daughter-in-law, Connie have nearly made it through the first winter on their own. Then the skies open up as West Tennessee and much of the south endures one of the worst floods in history. As many of their neighbors endure losses due to the flooding, Annabelle and Connie sit tight on dry ground.

As spring gives way to summer, Annabelle begins to dread Connie’s upcoming marriage and removal to Sutter’s Landing. Though she’s happy to note the growing affection between Alton Wade and her daughter-in-law, their marriage means Annabelle will be on her own for the first time in her life.

Connie’s doubts increase when Alton’s bigoted brother Jensen uses every opportunity to drive a wedge between them. Is she doing the right thing? Did she move too quickly? Unexpected summer visitors and anticipation of a new neighbor provide diversion and open possibilities for both Annabelle and Connie.

(Sutter’s Landing is going on sale next week.)

“With poetic prose, lyrical descriptions, and sensory details . . . this story dives into the Gulf Coast culture of pecan orchards and debutante balls, exposing layers of family secrets and sins. In the end comes redemption, grace, forgiveness, and faith. Bravo!” —Julie Cantrell, New York Times bestselling author

Wealth and etiquette can hide a lot of things in the South, as the esteemed Harlan family of sleepy Bay Spring, Alabama, knows. But behind the gentle facade of white pillared porches and acres of cultivated pecan orchards, family secrets smolder.

Young Anniston Harlan cares little for high society and the rigid rules and expectations of her grandmother, Princella. She finds solace working the orchards alongside her father and grandfather, and relief in the cool waters of Mobile Bay.

Anniston’s aunt, Comfort Harlan, has never quite lived up to the family name, or so her mother Princella’s ever-apparent scowl implies. When she gleefully accepts the proposal of her longtime boyfriend, Solly, a flood tide of tragedy ensues that strips Comfort of her innocence and unleashes generations of family secrets, changing the Harlan family forever.

While Comfort struggles to recover, Anniston discovers an unlikely new friend from the seedy part of town who helps her try to make sense of the chaos. Together, they and the whole town of Bay Spring discover how true love is a risk, but one worth taking.

Summer Non-fiction Reading Recommendations

For every woman who could use a life reno—anyone who’s ever had heart places that feel a little worn, torn, or tired—we have a God who loves to fix the broken.

Who doesn’t love to see a glorious before and after? A grand transformation? And who wouldn’t love to see her own life restored, refreshed, refurbished, revived, reclaimed—renovated? That’s exactly what’s awaiting us. If you’re ready to go higher—if you’re ready to get to a place where you feel less broken, more revitalized—you can find just what you’re looking for in a glorious, Jesus-empowered life-reno.
Get ready to strip off some old layers and that old way of existing. Lets get renovated!

There are few things more exciting in life than the nine months that lead up to the birth of a baby. God’s miracle of creation is happening less than a heartbeat away, and mommies are looking for encouragement and celebration at this joyous expecting time!
This daily devotional will lead you through the forty weeks of a full-term pregnancy, each week focusing on a specific topic/reminder: that you are accepted, called, treasured, renewed, strengthened, supported, and more. Each devotion is paired with a relevant Bible verse along with a prayer to help you focus on your relationship with God and growing baby. This devotional will leave you spiritually refreshed and reminded of your security in Christ.

Is prayer a mighty spiritual weapon or a waste of time? Is it something to be engaged in fiercely, as if wielding a weapon in the midst of a spiritual battle, or is it a just a personal practice to achieve a calmer, more focused and disciplined life? Does prayer really change anything?

Those questions and so many more are discussed inside the pages of this book. The book does not simply offer one writer’s perspective on the topic of prayer. Instead, it delves deep into scripture to see how prayer is presented in God’s word.

The book offers a thorough study of prayer from a Biblical perspective. Moving from Genesis to Revelation, this book looks at instances of prayer as recorded in the Bible, exploring the who, what, where, when, how, and why.

How did God respond to the prayers? What can be learned from these and how can that knowledge be applied to everyday life?

We pray readers of this book will gain a fresh perspective on prayer, too.

What are your plans for the summer?