Book Review

You guys!!! I have the biggest BOOK REVIEW ever for you today! Now that I’m a stay at home mom, I have found a little more time to read. It has to be better for me than bingwatching Netflix all day. In the grand scheme of things, I only read three per month because hello, newborn!

On to the book review…I may have already read my favorite book of all 2019. It was definitely my favorite so far. In fact, out of all twelve books I’m reviewing for you today I would recommend eleven. I’ve sorted them by the month they were read. Grab a pen and paper because you are going to want to write these down!

To see the complete list of books read in 2018, click here.

To see the complete list of books read in 2017, click here.

To see the complete list of books read 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.

April

The Auschwitz Escape by Joel C. Rosenberg

I fell in love with Rosenberg’s writing during The Last Jihad series, so naturally I wanted to read more. You guys, this book was incredible! Easily my favorite book of the year so far and will probably be in my top three come December. A young German Jew finds himself as a member of the Jewish Resistance against the SS. A Protestant French pastor harbors and helps transport God’s people. Both men wind up in Auschwitz. What’s amazing about this novel is the way Rosenberg makes you feel like you are a prisioner too, waiting and praying for your freedom – and vegence – too.

 

It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover

I have read mixed reviews about Hoover on other blogs and on Amazon. Some of her books are loved, some are outright hated. This one seemed to be one of the favorites – and already on my shelf – so I gave it a read. I liked it! The main character Lily grows up in a home consumed with domestic abuse which gives her a heart to help others. She goes on to open her dream business  – and fall in love of course. But then her protector from her past reenters her life, and things get messy!

 

The Knockoff by Lucy Sykes and Jo Piazza

So the front cover of this one compares it to The Devil Wears Prada, but honestly, I like The Knockoff better! This book is much more relatable, and I love how modern it is. I guess you’ll have to read it to understand that statement better. Anyway, Editor in Chief Imogen returns to her magazine after a sabbatical with breast cancer. When she gets back in the office she realizes the magazine is way ahead of her. They have taken things to the technological age with apps and “buy it now” features (much of what we see in real life), and she has to figure out how to regain control and balance while fighting for her life. I highly recommend!

 

March

You and Me Forever by Francis Chan and Lisa Chan

I was a big fan of Chan’s Crazy Love (which is currently less than $5 on Amazon btw) when it came out awhile back. One of my so called “reading goals” this year is to pick up more books on Christian marriage. This book, however, took a different approach that what I expected. He talks evangelism and ministry before anything else. He is able to explain how marriage IS a ministry and the way to grow closer to your spouse is by serving God together. Chan’s wife writes several pages at the end of each chapter following up on what her husband shared. It’s definitely worth reading.

 

Sisters First by Jenna Bush Hager and Barbara Bush

I’ve had this book on my shelf for a couple of years. I always wanted to read it, but I kinda figured it wouldn’t keep me interested. I honestly enjoyed it. It is written as a memoir, stories of the twins’ childhood through adulthood but not in chronological order. I have to describe its chapters as short short stories. Does that make sense? Anyway, they seem to be as sweet as you picture them to be with very philanthropic hearts. The stories of 9-11 were the most touching though. Their dad was in the White House during that time, so how he handled it both as a president and a father are worth reading.

 

LA Candy by Lauren Conrad

This book was one of my rereads. I read the LA Candy trilogy several years ago, and I remember it being cute. Written by reality star turned businesswoman Conrad, this story follows the lives of four girls from different walks of life put on a reality show in LA. They have to fight for the spotlight – and to remember who they really are. This book is a super light, fun and quick read. I know you’ll like it too!

 

February

Love Does by Bob Goff

Okay, why have I not read this until now? Another that has been sitting on my shelf for awhile! This book was definitely my favorite of the month and will most likely be one of my favorites all year. Goff has such an interesting life. He’s not super rich or important or anything out of the ordinary, but he loves life. He managed to talk his way into law school after being rejected, talked his wife into a first date after being rejected and accidentally became the Ugandan consul! Such a sweet read. I highly recommend it!

 

Remember God by Annie F. Downs

I’ve mentioned my love for Annie Downs multiple times here on the blog. Her podcast is awesome and every book she writes resonates with me in some way. I have to say, this is her best book yet. I was one of those kids who only focused on the wrath of God and vengence. I understood the Holy Spirit’s role in allowing us to speak directly to the Father, but I never really looked at him as such. He was God – why would he want to have a relationship with little ole me? Annie reminds her readers that God IS good. And we need to get better at remembering who God is. Definitely one of my favorites of the year so far!

 

Staying Stylish by Candace Cameron Bure

I picked this one up on a whim when it hit the $5 sale at Lifeway. I don’t usually buy these kinds of books. Style/beauty is unique to all of us, but CCB knows how to keep it classy. I liked that she interwove photos of all her looks since her 80s Full House days. While trends come and go, you don’t have to follow them. You can be true to yourself. This book has a lot of great recommendations on what to stock your closet with and how to part with what just doesn’t work for you anymore.

 

January

It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way by Lysa TerKeurst

Wow, Lysa. This was definitely her deepest book yet. She’s been through the wringer the last few years, and she puts it all on the table. After experiencing gastric distress that resulted in surgery, cancer, and divorce I personally don’t know if I could have held it together. The best part is that the happy ending comes after the book. She wrote this from her dark place believing God to use her pain. She had no idea what was about to happen. I guess you’ll just have to read this one to find out!

 

Kind is the New Classy by Candace Cameron Bure

This was a wonderful book! I have all of CCB’s books now, but this one was the first I have read. (I know, I know. Hence the reason I’m trying to read more off my shelf this year.) Honestly, if you’re a girl, you need to read this one. It’s a memoir style appoach to a Christian-inspo and gives biblical truth through her celebrity voice. I love the role model she is for young ladies as well as her willingness to stand strong as a Christian in Hollywood.

 

Decluttering at the Speed of Life by Dana White

 

*****

I know that was a lot, but I hope you found something you’ll enjoy. As always, leave your recommendations in the comments! Have a great weekend!