When I was younger, I was obsessed with books. I’d read in the car, walking, laying in bed until 1 am, literally anywhere. Then I hit college. Where they force you to read text books. Meh. It made me resent books. I didn’t pick up a book for years after I graduated. Because I didn’t have to. Then I married Nick. He LOVES books. Always has 2-3 going at a time. He suggested a friendly competition. We each have to read 10 pages a day of any book of our choosing, and whoever completed the most days won a massage. My competitive self obviously had to win. So I crushed the challenge. Won the massage. And regained a love for books.
So here I am. Channeling my middle school love for books. I want you to experience this same love!! Whether you hate books, have just started your reading journey, or are already a bookie, I truly believe you’ll love these books. I say these books are for moms, but really they’re for anyone. I hope you enjoy!
(My favorite books to read are historical fiction, inspirational fiction, or self help books, just so you know what you’re getting into with my list).
1. The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel
I stayed up way too late reading this book. It’s historical fiction and takes place during WWII. It’s the captivating story told by 86 year old Eva Traube Abrams, flashing from her present day back to her past life as an identity document forger in WWII. Her and handsome Remy work closely together to create a code to preserve the children’s real names in The Book of Lost Names. This book gives you a realistic taste of how tedious and dangerous the document forging task was, as well as the tragedy of WWII tearing apart families – specifically for Jews. But the potential romance (and heartbreak) will definitely keep you turning the pages.
2. The Empowered Wife by Laura Doyle
This book honestly helped me to become a better wife. It’s a self help book for marriage, offering 6 practical steps to becoming an empowered wife. It’s so eye opening. The main idea is that rather than try and control your husband, focus on controlling yourself. Focus on your attitude, your desires, and making sure you’re bringing your best self to the table. And (the goal) in response, your husband will do the same. Don’t sass it before you try it!
3. A Girl Called Samson by Amy Harmon
I read this book for a book club and some of the girls LOVED it, while some thought it was meh. I’m a HUGE fan. I will say, it starts a teeny bit slow, but I was invested by the 3rd chapter. The book takes place during the Revolutionary War. It follows Deborah Samson who disguises herself as a BOY so she could enlist in the Continental Army. You get a little taste of the hardships and loss soldiers faced every day. AND romance. I’m always here for a little romance. And this book definitely did not disappoint. Samson’s character is so endearing and likeable and a little against the grain, I think you’ll love her.
4. Fire By Night by Lynn Austin
One of my most favorites. This book is apart of Lynn Austin’s Refiner Fire series. It follows the story of two very different girls during the Civil War. The first is beautiful Julia Hoffman who comes from a wealthy family and lives a cushy life, with many suitors. Until one day the opinion of the “man she loves” makes her question everything. Is she selfish? What is her true purpose in life? The other girl is Phoebe Bigelow. She describes herself as big, ugly, and undesirable, so decides pretending to be a boy and enlisting in the army is her best bet at a happy life. The book gives raw details of the lives of soldiers and nurses involved in the war. It speaks about the gospel throughout, and the characters’ personal journeys discovering Jesus. It also includes a little romance (my fav part).
5. A Light To My Path by Lynn Austin
This is another of Lynn Austin’s books in the Refiner’s Fire series. It takes place in the Civil War however offers a completely different perspective than Fire by Night. This story is told from the perspective of slaves, specifically Kitty and Grady. Both torn from their families at a young age and raised as slaves. Kitty is a house slave while Grady is experiences multiple slave owners, offering very different experiences for him. Their paths cross and they help each other view the world with fresh eyes. It’s interesting to experience the impact and power slave owners had over the quality of their slaves’ lives. This book was very eye opening, but also very engaging and I highly recommend!
6. With This Pledge by Tamera Alexander
This book is so engaging! It’s historical fiction and takes place during the Civil War. The Confederate army takes over the plantation of governess Elizabeth Clouston, and is turned into a Confederate hospital. Thrown into caring for Confederate soldiers (when she herself doesn’t support slavery at all), she takes quite a liking to her patients, one in particular. Which has her questioning her current engagement. Tamera does an amazing job of allowing you to feel the pain and struggle of soldiers losing their lives fighting for what they believe in. The best part about this story is it’s based on the ACTUAL love story of two real people – truly heartwarming.
7. The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris
The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris – This book is inspired by the actual life of Lale Sokolov, responsible for tattooing fellow prisoner’s forearms with identification numbers. He falls in love (obviously) with one of the prisoners he tattoos, Gita. The book brings humanity to the Jewish prisoners, and offers only a taste of the hardships and cruelty they experienced. It is somber and sad, while hopeful at the taste of romance and freedom. Truly a must read.
8. Control Girl by Shannon Popkin
This is crazy, but in Genesis 3:16 God tells Eve, “Your desire shall be contrary to your husband, but he shall rule over you.” So basically women want control, but are called to submit. This book is so helpful and so convicting to let go of control and trust that God is ultimately in control. It follows seven different “control girls” in the Bible, with lessons to learn from each. Honestly, I need to read this again.
9. The Mark of the Lion Series by Francine River (3 books)
The actual best series I’ve ever read. I couldn’t put it down. It’s the story of Hadassah, a Jewish slave girl for a Roman family. The book takes place in the first century, a time of Christian persecution. It follows Haddassah’s life of living out her Christian faith amidst many hardships, specifically from Julia, to whom she is a personal servant. Choosing her faith in Jesus over everything, even if it means not being with her true love. This series is inspiring, motivating, and convicting. It’s sure to suck you right in.
Ahhhh I literally want to read them all again. Seriously amazing books I’m confident you’ll love. I would love to hear your thoughts on my list, have you read any of them? What one are you most excited to read? ALSO, please comment below YOUR fav books!! I’m always here for recommendations! Can’t wait to hear from you!
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