July Book Review!

So I read A LOT this month! 

Something about the summer months just makes me want to crack open a good book and relax after a long day. I also enjoy reading while working out on the elliptical or treadmill. It's the perfect distraction for that workout boredom.

This month I read a few really good ones and some okay. Fortunately, no duds this month! Here's a look at what I read in July.

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(To see the complete list of books read so far in 2016, click here. To see the complete list of books read in 2015, click here.)

If you are interested in following me on Goodreads, you can find my page here.

New reviews and books posted monthly!

Wild and Free

I really loved this book! For all the fullness of God available to His daughters, we often feel limited by two defining insecurities: “I am too much,” and “I am not enough.” Co-authors and best friends Jess Connolly and Hayley Morgan have felt the same, until one essential question turned the tables on it all: If God is wild and free and he created women, what does this mean for us today? Wild and Free is an anthem and an invitation in equal parts to find freedom from the cultural captivity that holds us back, and freedom to step into the wild and holy call of God in our lives

Let's All Be Brave

I've mentioned before that I really love Annie Downs. As a young woman, writer, speaker, and blogger, Annie shares her journey toward bravery with honesty and humor. Using wonderful stories from her own life, contemporary real-life examples, and fascinating historical and biblical references, Annie makes me want to just go out and be a better version of me.

Silver Girl

The best Elin Hilderbrand book I've read yet! Meredith Martin Delinn just lost everything: her friends, her homes, her social standing - because her husband Freddy cheated rich investors out of billions of dollars. Desperate and facing homelessness, Meredith receives a call from her old best friend, Constance Flute. Connie's had recent worries of her own, and the two depart for a summer on Nantucket in an attempt to heal. I really need to see this Nantucket for myself one of these days!

Bread and Wine

Bread & Wine is a collection of essays about family relationships, friendships, and the meals that bring us together. I picked up this book after reading raving reviews, and while I love Shauna Niequist, I don't love food and the industry of food enough to warrant reading a book about it. However, she does a great job of telling stories, and she includes some great recipes. You foodies might really want to check this one out!

The Battle Plan for Prayer

The Battle Plan for Prayer begins with prayer’s core purpose, its biblical design, and its impact throughout history. I read this one as part of my daily quiet time, and really enjoyed the fundamentals of how effective prayer works and how it encouraged me towards a closer, more intimate relationship with God, and shown how to develop specific prayer strategies for each area of life.

It's Not Okay

Andi Dorfman, star of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, talks candidly about what it’s like to be courted by handsome, single men in this juicy, insider’s peek at dating—and breaking up—on national TV. The book is full of entertaining and heartfelt stories about her fellow Bachelor alums—many of whom are still close friends, and reflects on her personal challenges and uplifting experiences in love. I've read a lot of former Bachelor books, and this one is in the top 3!

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What have you been reading this month? I'm always looking for new suggestions!

Be sure to stop back by tomorrow for...

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June Book Review!

Hey, friends! It's time for another book review!

I read several good books this month and couldn't wait to share them with you. There's a good mix of fiction, Christian inspo, and one on entrepreneurial success. When you're a blogger, you love to find those little nuggets of info that can help you succeed in your own business as well. 

First up...

Dear Mr. Knightley

I stumbled across this one in the bargain section of Lifeway and thought I would give it a try. It read in a series of letters to a Mr. Knightly and told of an orphan's journalistic success in college and beyond. It was such a fun and light read. I highly recommend it!

Wherever the River Runs: How a Forgotten People Renewed My Hope in the Gospel

I loved this story. Kelly Minter is one of my favorite Bible study writers and in this book she shares her stories of traveling to the Amazon of Brazil. She reminds us that the gospel is what we are truly here for and nothing else quite compares.

I Don't Wait Anymore: Letting Go of Expectations and Grasping God's Adventure for You

I picked this one up on the spur of the moment and it turned out to be quite good. I related to Grace, the author, as she shared her struggles of being in her early 30s and still wondering what she should be doing and where she should be going. When all of her friends were married and having babies and living down the street from their parents, she longed for more. And she found out why. This is SO just like me.

Looking for Lovely: Collecting the Moments That Matter

I love Annie Downs and her writing! She is so relatable and easygoing. Her storytelling completely enraptures you and gives you the inspiration you need at the same time. I can't say enough good things about this book!

When Breath Becomes Air

I was looking forward to reading this book. It was very - intellectual. I'm kinda glad I've watched Grey's Anatomy all these years so I could understand some of the medical terminology flying around. The writer is in his 30s and in his final years of his surgical residency when he gets diagnosed with an incurable lung cancer. He dies while writing this book (that's not a spoiler - it's on the back!), and his wife finishes it for him. It was good once, but I doubt I reread it.




The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend

This was a cute, fun, lighthearted read. If you're even remotely from the country you can relate. A young lady from Sweden travels to Iowa to meet her book-loving pen pal and falls in love with more than just books. If you're a lover of books, you'll love this book!

The Glitter Plan

I read this one for fun and encouragement on how to build my brand as a writer and speaker. I love me some Juicy Couture, so it was fun having the creators as mentors for me as well. I wouldn't recommend this to read if you aren't looking for business inspo, but if you are...absolutely!

 

Pretty Little Liars Book 11                       Pretty Little Liars Book 12

And last, but not least, I'm still working my way through the Pretty Little Liars series. I'm getting closer and closer to the end.


What have you been reading lately? Do you have any suggestions for me?

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May Book Review!

It's book review time!

For those of you that love to read, you're like...

And the rest of you are like...

But I love you all!

This month I read some really good ones. It's nice to finally be out of school and be able to read just for fun. I love to read the Bible, but some of those Seminary textbooks would have me on the pillow next to Peanut in the picture above!

Here's what I've read lately:

Me Before You

This is another one of those that is coming to theaters in 2016 that I wanted to read first. It was a slow start, but a sweet story. A girl named Louisa takes a badly needed job working for a guy named Will, who is wheelchair bound after an accident. Will has always lived an adventurous life, but no longer wants to live the way he is. 

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The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry

I loved this one! The story that started out is not the one that ended. The book developed that much! AJ lives alone above his bookstore when a very rare package is delivered that changed his life forever. A must read!

Fabulously Fashionable

This is a quick and quirky chick-lit if you're looking for some light mindless summer reading. A novelist up and decides she wants to be a fashion designer even though she knows nothing about fashion except shopping. 

Balancing in Heels

I've always liked Kristin Cavallari from her Laguna Beach and The Hills days, so of course I wanted to read her book. It's more of a "coffee table read" as opposed to a biopic of her life. There's a lot of emphasis on health and whole foods and includes a lot of recipes. Kristin does share some anecdotes from her life and her time on reality television, but if you're expecting an in depth memoir, this is not it. 

If You Have to Cry Go Outside

I was also first introduced to Kelly Cutrone on The Hills and The City and instantly related to her high intensity work ethic and the public relations industry. She's just one tough chic, and I really enjoyed reading this book, It's not for everyone, but for a career girl or #girlboss, you would definitely get a kick out of her stories!

     

                      Twisted (Pretty Little Liars Book 9)  Ruthless (Pretty Little Liars Book 10)                                      

And last but not least, I'm still working my way through the Pretty Little Liars series finishing both books 9 and 10 this month. They are always intriguing and addicting. Very little is like the show, so you truly don't know what's going to happen next!


What have you been reading this month? I'd love to hear from you in the comments!


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April Book Review!

Hello, everyone!

I'm so happy to be back on here today! I've been busy with a special project that's very near and dear to my heart. I can't share what it is exactly at this moment, but it is something that I've touched on before and asked you to prayer for. I'm thrilled and terrified with this project, but it is exactly what God wants me to be working on.

Who's ready for a book review?!

I read some great books this month y'all. Seriously! I've been sharing them on both Instagram and Facebook as I finished them, and I couldn't wait to share them on here, too!




When I first saw this image on Pinterest, I knew I needed to start reading faster. There's nothing more irritating than reading the book after the movie. I started with...

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

I knew my friend Laura had this one, so I asked to borrow it. At first I thought it was total wack, but y'all... it was so good! I couldn't put it down. I just had to keep going to figure out what was going to happen. Then it ended on a cliff hanger! Several Facebook friends have told me to read the next two books, and I may just have to do that.

I Said Yes

I loved Emily Maynard on The Bachelor and The Bachelorette. She's beautiful, Southern and Christian. She tells a sweet story of her childhood, her heartbreaking devastation and loss and of course the backstory of being on the infamous tv show. I read the whole thing, cover to cover, in one day. It's a great read for all of you fans.

The Catcher in the Rye

I'm trying to read more classics, at least one a month. I'm not the biggest fan of this one, but I pushed through. It's a classic coming of age story if that's your thing.

All Fall Down

I've always been a fan of Jennifer Weiner, and her newest one did not disappoint! This is the story of the typical modern woman/blogger/addict. I guess the addict is quite so typical. It's a great read!

Pretty Little Liars Books 5-8

I'm still working my way through my PLL collection and finished four more in this series!


Whoo! Eight books in a month! I'd love to have some of your suggestions for next month's reading. With summer approaching - aka no classes! - I'll have a little more free time to read!


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