Seriously, my day to day is so busy being able to cuddle up with a good book with my toes in the sand is my idea of relaxation or listen to an audiobook with my wireless earbuds without interruption is indeed a good thing.
I have been reading like crazy this year and it's because it's been a banner year for great books. Seriously, so many good books. Let's dive right in.
Dead Sea Rising by Jerry B. Jenkins. Nicole Berman is an archaeologist on the brink of a world-changing discovery. During her first dig in Jordan, she believes she has found concrete evidence of a biblical patriarch that could change history books forever. But someone doesn't want the truth revealed. While urgently trying to connect pieces of an ancient puzzle, a dangerous enemy is out to stop her.
This book intrigued me because I recently met an archaeologist. She's the first archaeologist I've ever met outside of a few visits to some of the state and national parks. We were talking and I told her I just started reading this book about an archaeologist. Love it when a book turns into a conversation starter.
Speaking of conversation starters, the Miss Universe pageant is underway and my pageant queens are probably glued to the tv as the ceremonies commence. I recently added a book by Kristen Wolfe, former Miss USA, to my reading list. So far so good, it's just an inspirational read.
The Sparkle Effect by former Miss USA, Kristen Dalton Wolfe
The world is waiting to experience the gifts of each and every daughter of the King. But how do you rise to your calling when so commonly burdened by insecurity, discouragement, or lack of self-belief? The Sparkle Effect is a guide to the total, positive identity transformation that is possible in Christ. It will empower you with the confidence to achieve your biggest dreams and live fulfilled like never before. Once you stop wasting your time trying to meet worldly standards of beauty and success, stop feeling unworthy, and stop hiding in the shadows of your life, you will be open to claim your divine destiny.
2018 has been a great year for books of faith and inspiration and You Are Enough by Mandy Hale is one I could totally relate to. Mandy seemed to have it all but something happened and her world came tumbling down. She candidly shares her story of how her faith helped her regain the strength to pull her up out of despair.
You Are Enough by Mandy Hale
After years of trying to prove she was enough in the world's eyes, even working alongside Oprah and hitting the New York Times bestseller list, Mandy hit rock bottom. But as it turned out, that very rock bottom became the most firm foundation she had ever planted her feet on. A foundation so solid, it finally provided the springboard she needed to outrun the taunting shadow of unworthiness that she'd tried to escape her whole life.
Now she wants readers to see that though life may not always be lighthearted and happy and shiny, each woman is deserving of the life she dreams of and hopes for. Nothing readers do can ever take away from their worthiness or enough-ness in God's eyes.
This book is for any woman who wants to overcome heartbreak, claim her healing and step into wholeness!
Another inspirational read I'm diving into AGAIN is Blessed Life by Kim Fields. Yes, that Kim Fields we've all seen on TV.
Blessed Life by Kim Fields
Kim Fields has lived most of her life with people thinking they know her, which is understandable. From her first job on a Mrs. Butterworth syrup commercial at age 7, she has spent 40 years in the public eye. There were 9 years as Dorothy "Tootie" Ramsey on the classic sitcom The Facts of Life, 5 more in her 20s starring as Regine Hunter on the seminal coming-of-age show Living Single, and most recently appearing as herself on Real Housewives of Atlanta and Dancing with the Stars.
While visiting friends in NWA (Northwest Arkansas), we stopped by this quaint little store called Euna Mae's. Being the avid cookbook collector that I am I had to pick up their cookbook. So many great recipes and stories of how food brings us together.
Love, Welcome, Serve by Amy Nelson Hannon of Euna Mae's in Northwest Arkansas.
Having been a preacher's wife in the South for more than twenty years, Amy Hannon's heart for hospitality was established, confirming her long-held belief that people who are cooked for feel cared for. Modeled after her grandmother, Euna Mae, Amy's big-hearted lifestyle has become noticed by a disconnected world that is drawn to her mission of using food to love, welcome, and serve those around her.
Amy encourages people to open their homes and their hearts, connecting with folks over food; and she offers home cooks simple, crowd-pleasing, comfort recipes, meals that can be prepared for whatever the hospitality affair. Recipes like Brown Sugar Chili over Cheese Grits, Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas, and Sam's Pulled Pork are perfect belly-fillers for gathering people in your home.
There you have it a few fab reads I'm indulging in over the next couple of weeks. What about you?
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