(and some, not-so-much)
The other day my memory was stirred by a Facebook friend in a post, in which was mentioned Susan Branch. I have always enjoyed Susan’s artwork and I have one of her early books. I was first introduced to her artwork in Country Living magazine, years ago. Her art is whimsical, colorful, and just plain likable! I said all of that just to say the banner shown above is her’s!!! This week I want to share my book list, thus far, of 2014.
Yes, it’s summertime and the blogging is relaxed and simplified! Here we go!
Reading in the hammock – well, snoozing AFTER I read!
The Overton Window by Glenn Beck. A political-toned thriller. I listened to the audio book on our way home from Florida this past January. Everyone was asleep in the car and this book kept me awake and on the edge of my seat (strong coffee helped too). 14 hours later I pulled into my daughter’s driveway as the story ended. (Fiction)
The Beauty of Broken by Elisa Morgan. Talk about a writer being transparent, Elisa gets real and keeps it real in this very helpful and healing book. (Non-fiction)
Killing Jesus by Bill O’Reilly. Not for the faint of heart. This is a history book NOT a “religious” book. My husband enjoys books on audio and this book was read out loud to him, by ME! So many facts and details, some will make you squirm. (I’m going to call this non-fiction because I believe every word was true.)
Good Tidings ~ Great Joy by Sarah Palin. A short read about the “war on Christmas,” with some good recipes included! It was enjoyable – I wasn’t spellbound, but entertained. (Non-fiction)
Ya Know What I’m Sayin’ by Kris Bridgman. I can’t say enough about both the book and the author! We are identical twins, born ten years apart, in different states, to different mothers and yet we are so alike!!! She is my Kentucky kindred spirit! The book is inspired by an idea-turned-ministry of handing out blankets to the homeless in Bowling Green KY. She, and her husband Keith, have been astonished as they watch God take this one little idea and blow it up beyond their expectations! A MUST READ! (Non-fiction)
Forgiving Others, Forgiving Me by Renee Fisher. I love Renee Fisher and this is her new book – (Finding Freedom in the Journey from Pain to Purpose). Check it out. (Non-fiction)
Eve of Awakening by Alisa Hope Wagner. This was a can’t-put-it-down read. No other way to describe it but Christian Sci-fi! I loved it! (Fiction)
Mercy Like Sunlight by Liz Curtis Higgs. What can I say? I like everything Lizzie writes! This is a delightful, fast, entertaining novella. (Fiction)
Divergent by Veronica Roth. I put this audio sci-fi thriller on my Kindle for a road trip to Ohio with my hubs. We really liked it and plan to listen to the entire trilogy sooner or later. (Fiction)
One Second After by William R Forstchen. Anything related to an EMP flips me out and absolutely fascinates me. This one will really open your eyes to what could happen on any given day. (Fiction)
Fried Green Tomatoes by Fannie Flagg. Why not? Fun, summer fare. (Fiction)
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows. Loved, loved, loved this book. A perfect summertime read. If you are looking for “lite summer fare”, this book is for you. Crawl in your hammock with a glass of tea or lemonade at the ready and be prepared to be swept away to post WW2, to the Channel Islands off England. (Fiction)
This summer I am allowing myself to only read books for my heart – I don’t want to “learn” anything, I want to be entertained with happy words and stories. The heavy, learning reading will be saved for Fall and Winter when the days are long and sunlight is scarce!
What are your eyes feasting upon this summertime season?
xo
Wednesday Linkup’s:
Love your list…………some I have read and some I haven’t…………..will be checking out some on the “haven’t list”. Love you!
Recognized a couple? Thanks for the recommendations!
I just finished The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton and it was fabulous.
Kristin, I may have to check that one out…sounds “summery”!!! Thank you!
What a blessing! And such a good looking group of books too! I may have to dive into a few 🙂
I loved your book and cannot wait for the sequel!!!! Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment!
I too love reading and I am trying to enjoy just some “light” reading this summer. I have to say Im a fan of Lynne Austin and Francine Rivers. I love a good fiction book!
Kortney, I do too!!! Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
Thank you honey, I will check some of these out. Oh How I love to travel, and in the books that I read I do. I’m reading one now, and I just can’t get into it.
Thanks for the list….
I understand “can’t get into” books – I normally lay those down and forget them.
Fried Green Tomatoes sounds like a great summer book to read. Thanks for sharing your reading list. Blessings top you, Susan.
Beth, it was a good book. Some language, but I’m able to read past the bad words!!!
Love this list and there are books on here that I haven’t read. My to-read pile grows ever bigger! Too many books and not enough time!
Holly, when 2014 dawned, I was determined to make it a year of reading and so far I’m doing well!!!! Now, to keep the momentum going.
Stopping by from Coffee for the Heart. Excellent reading suggestions for summer. I feel the same way about reading for pleasure b/c I am tired of learning. Now, I will have to hand a hammock in my backyard!
Nicole, by all means go get that hammock!!! God bless you!
I love to read and I can’t wait try your recommendations. I don’t have a hammock, but I sure have a porch swing!!
Porch swings work! Just be sure to have a pillow!
Great list, my friend! Going to have to check some of these out myself. Wishing I could lounge on a hammock for summer reading just like you, but since we don’t own one, my front porch swing will suffice. 🙂 It’s where I do my best summer reading anyhow.
I love these books! I will be using your list as my own. 🙂 We have similar tastes (no shock there). The Divergent series left me listless for days as I processed those lives. Wow!
Thanks for sharing! I have to get reading!
I read The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society a few years back and enjoyed it. I need to read the Fannie Flagg book.
Lyli, I really enjoyed that book – Fannie can get kind of “raw”, if you know what I mean!!! Thanks for stopping by.