July 14, 2014

5 books on my future reading list

Finally Alive

I love the way John Piper writes. There is such joy in it. I've learnt a lot from him and how to enjoy God and all he has made.

This particular book is about being born again.

Here's a quote from the author:

"When Jesus said to Nicodemus, "You must be born again" (John 3:7), he was not sharing interesting and unimportant information. 

He was leading him to eternal life... If he does that for you (or if he already has), then you are (or you will be) truly, invincibly, finally alive." 



The Queen's Handmaid

Tracy Higley is becoming one of my favorite Christian fiction writers. Her stories are powerful and gospel-filled. They take us back in history and don't shy away from spiritual warfare that is part of our world.

Goodreads describes this book here:

"Alexandria, Egypt 39 BC

Orphaned at birth, Lydia was raised as a servant in Cleopatra's palace, working hard to please while keeping everyone at arm's length. She's been rejected and left with a broken heart too many times in her short life.

But then her dying mentor entrusts her with secret writings of the prophet Daniel and charges her to deliver this vital information to those watching for the promised King of Israel. Lydia must leave the nearest thing she’s had to family and flee to Jerusalem. Once in the Holy City, she attaches herself to the newly appointed king, Herod the Great, as handmaid to Queen Mariamme.

Trapped among the scheming women of Herod’s political family—his sister, his wife, and their mothers—and forced to serve in the palace to protect her treasure, Lydia must deliver the scrolls before dark forces warring against the truth destroy all hope of the coming Messiah.
"



Introverts in the Church

I've had this book on my shelf for awhile and being an introvert, I'm looking forward to reading what the author has to say about introverts in the church.

Amazon says here: 

"Introverts are called and gifted by God. But many churches tend to be extroverted places where introverts are marginalized. Some Christians end up feeling like it's not as faithful to be an introvert.

Adam McHugh shows how introverts can live and minister in ways consistent with their personalities. He explains how introverts and extroverts process information and approach relationships differently and how introverts can practice Christian spirituality in ways that fit who they are...
Discover God's call and empowering to thrive as an introvert, for the sake of the church and kingdom."

*Note - I have since read this book and you can read my thoughts HERE 


Mist of Midnight

I loved Sandra Byrd's 'Ladies in Waiting' series,which tell the fictional stories of the ladies in waiting of Anne Boleyn, Kathryn Parr and Elizabeth I, while also telling the true stories of these queens.

This new series is described here on Sandra's website:

"In the first of a brand new series set in Victorian England, a young woman returns home from India after the death of her family to discover her identity and inheritance are challenged by the man who holds her future in his hands...

...A captivating Gothic love story set against a backdrop of intrigue and danger, Mist of Midnight will leave you breathless."

This novel comes out in March of 2015.


Elizabeth the Queen: The Life of a Modern Monarch

I started this book awhile ago but only got a couple chapters in. I really want to get into it now and finish it.

I love British history, it's one of my favorites to read about. I think it's because my mom is from England, and so it's history is personal to me.


Goodreads says here of this biography:


"From the moment of her ascension to the throne in 1952 at the age of twenty-five, Queen Elizabeth II has been the object of unparalleled scrutiny. But through the fog of glamour and gossip, how well do we really know the world’s most famous monarch? 

Drawing on numerous interviews and never-before-revealed documents, acclaimed biographer Sally Bedell Smith pulls back the curtain to show in intimate detail the public and private lives of Queen Elizabeth II, who has led her country and Commonwealth through the wars and upheavals of the last sixty years with unparalleled composure, intelligence, and grace...
  
...Compulsively readable and scrupulously researched, Elizabeth the Queen is a close-up view of a woman we’ve known only from a distance, illuminating the lively personality, sense of humor, and canny intelligence with which she meets the most demanding work and family obligations. It is also a fascinating window into life at the center of the last great monarchy."


45 comments:

  1. These all look good.
    I think I would especially be interested in Sandra Byrd's new series.
    Thanks for sharing.

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    1. I've really enjoyed Sandra's books. I'm looking forward to this new Gothic series too!

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  2. Summer is such a fun time for reading.

    Fondly,
    Glenda

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    1. Thanks for stopping by Glenda, I agree summer is a great time for reading. : )

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  3. Thanks so much for these recommendations-- I am an avid reader (or at least when my tiny human allows me to be!) and I will definitely add a couple of these books to my list too! Stopping by from SDG sisterhood link up-- and so glad I did :-)

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    1. Hope you enjoy whatever you read next! Thanks for stopping by Sharita. : )

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  4. Being an introvert myself, I'd like to read Introverts in the Church too. I read the sample awhile back and really liked it.

    Thanks for reminding me again of Finally Alive. I did read that one a couple years ago and was surprised at how much I loved it (although I do love almost all of John Piper's books so I shouldn't have been surprised). I need to get it back out again soon and re-read it.

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    1. Glad you loved 'Finally Alive.' Can't wait to start it soon!

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  5. I've started reading Introverts in the Church. It is really good, and I need to get back to it (I had put it down to read something else!)

    Coming by from Titus 2sDay Link up. :-)

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    1. Thanks for stopping by Becky! I just started it too. Hoping to get through it soon so I can write about it!

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  6. Thanks for sharing these Cathy! "Introverts in the Church", now there's a title that grabs you. :)

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    1. Yes, it certainly grabbed me, being an introvert in church! Thanks for stopping by Gwen. : )

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  7. I'm such an introvert and am so happy to see Introverts in the Church on your great list of books. I have never heard of that one, but will definitely be checking it out. Thanks for the recommendation!

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    1. Just started it and finding it very relateable. Thanks for stopping by Candace. : )

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  8. I definitely want to read The Queen's Handmade! Plus, I have #6 for you that's right along those lines - The Advocate by Randy Singer. I just wrote a review here: http://www.lisalewiskoster.com/2014/07/the-advocate-by-randy-singer.html

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    1. Thanks for the recommendation Lisa. I'll have to look that one up. I haven't read anything by Randy Singer before.

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  9. As always, thanks for the reading recommendations. I have yet to read a John Piper book really want to. Blessings to you.

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    1. Hi Beth, you have to read John Piper!! I've read a few of his books and he is such a joy to read, always uplifting and gospel-centered. : )

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  10. Glad I stopped by from Jennifer's link up. I love to read, and will definitely check out Tracy Higley. I love Christian fiction! Thanks for the wonderful list!

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    1. Hi Leah, glad you stopped by! Tracy's books are wonderful, hope you enjoy this one.

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  11. Hi Cathy, I also have a pile of books that I have to get through. I love reading. I love your selection here too and will definitely take a look at them for future reading. Thanks for linking up on Winsome Wednesday, much appreciated
    God bless
    Tracy

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    1. Tracy, glad these books piqued your interest. I'm hoping they are all good. Thanks for stopping by and for the opportunity to link-up at your blog. : )

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  12. Oh, I see several books on here that I will need to add to my reading list. Wonderful!

    I followed your link-up from Three Word Wednesday.

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    1. Hope you enjoy them! Thanks for stopping by Elizabeth. : )

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  13. I need to read Introverts in the Church! I hadn't heard of it yet.

    I enjoyed Sandra's books so much, I've been keeping a watch for her next one. I'm SO excited to finally have one on the way. :D

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    1. Doesn't Sandra's new book sound good! I can't wait to read it. Just started 'Introverts in the Church' and it's really interesting so far. Glad you stopped by. : )

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  14. I'm an introvert, too, and really liked Introverts in the Church - gave me more hope that even introverts can serve and be involved in ministry. Our unique gifts have their places and benefits. You might also like "Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking" by Susan Cain. I really loved this book - gave me insight into how I 'tick' better than I've ever understood myself.

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    1. I've read 'Quiet' and loved it too. Made me feel normal. : ) It's actually how I heard about the book, 'Introverts in the Church.'

      Thanks for stopping by and sharing Kathryn! : )

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    1. I think so too! Glad you stopped by Dawn. : )

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  16. The book about introverts in the church really piques my curiosity. I will look it up!
    Very nice to read your choices, Cathy :) I wanted to also invite you to my new blog. Please feel free to drop by anytime and to leave as many comments as you want -- EVERYONE is welcome to do so as a matter of fact :-)

    http://revesbleus.blogspot.ca/

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    1. Hi Ganise!! I will definitely come by your new blog. Thanks for the invite! : )

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  17. Thanks for this list of books. I'm not familiar with any of them but I'm excited to read The Queen's Handmaid, as I've been looking for some good fiction lately. Thanks so much!

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    1. Hi LeeAnn, you are guaranteed to enjoy anything by Tracy Higley. She writes great fiction. Hope you enjoy 'The Queen's Handmaid.'

      Thanks for stopping by!

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  18. "The Queen's Handmaiden" is on my future to read list too as well as Sandra Byrd's! I read her novel "Roses Have Thorns" and absolutely loved her writing! Thanks for sharing at Booknificent Thursday! :)

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    1. I really enjoyed Sandra's 'Ladies in Waiting' series! Thanks for stopping by and following Laura! : )

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  19. All of these look so interesting. I definitely want to read the Introverts in the Church. The title intrigues me. I love seeing what others are reading. ~Pamela

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    1. I love seeing what others are reading too. Always gives me more books to add to my TBR pile! : )

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  20. Stopping by from the Weekend Brew link up. Introverts in the Church is one of my all-time favorites. Excellent choice!

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  21. Loved The Queen's Handmaid!
    http://harvestlanecottage.blogspot.com/2014/04/review-queens-handmaid-tracy-l-higley.html

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    1. I'll check your review out Laura. Glad you loved the book. : )

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  22. That list has me wanting to read a few of those along with you! I'm next to you at Janis' link up this weekend.

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  23. It looks like you have some nice reading up ahead. Thanks for linking on my weekend blog hop, Amanda's Books and More. Blessings, Tina

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  24. I hadn't seen the books by Piper or Sandra Byrd yet, and they both look great! I just finished Sandra Byrd's French Twist trilogy this week and really enjoyed them. Thanks so much for being a part of Booknificent Thursday this week!
    Tina

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Feel free to leave your own thoughts in the comments. I try to respond to all of them by the end of the week. : )