Best of 2019

According to my Goodreads account, I read 84 books this year. These are my top reads out of those books. Not all of these were published this year. Coming in at #10 is...

10. Where the Fire Falls by Karen Barnett

The cover and setting were enough to make me want to read this book! This book is full of adventure and the descriptive writing whisks you away on a captivating journey. Karen Barnett is one of those writers who inspires and motivates with her storytelling.

9. The 40-Day Sugar Fast by Wendy Speake

This is not your normal everyday weight loss book. It's so much more. Wendy Speake teaches her readers to stop replacing Jesus with bad habits and addictions and rely on Him fully in all circumstances. (A community wide sugar fast with Wendy starts on January 6, 2020! Sign up now at 40daysugarfast.com)

8. Finding Lady Enderly by Joanna Davidson Politano

I love Joanna's books. Her book, A Rumored Fortune, is one of my favorites so I was really excited to get my hands on this one. It's a great historical mystery that everyone will love! 

7. Master Organizer of Mayhem by Kristi Clover

Every mom should read this! It was just what I needed in my season of life. Kristi's practical tips for organizing your household are ones that you really will be able to apply to your life.

6. Shelter of the Most High by Connilyn Cossette

Connilyn's books never disappoint! She combines fiction with Biblical stories in a way that everyone can appreciate. This is some of her best work.

5. Aly's Fight by Aly and Josh Taylor

I first fell in love with Aly and Josh's story on TLC's Rattled and then started following them on Facebook. If you want to hear a miraculous story, this is it!

4. Mending Fences by Suzanne Woods Fisher

I couldn't forget about this book this year. The theme of forgiveness is strong in this one which makes it one of my favorite books in 2019.

3. The Cranky Mom Fix by Becky Kopitzke

I can't say enough good things about this. I cried, I laughed, I LOVED this book!

2. Can't Make This Stuff Up! by Susannah B. Lewis

I have to admit, this book was at the top of my favorites list for months. I really thought this was going to be my number one for the year. This is another book that really appeals to the emotions, which is a win for me. Everyone needs a little "Whoa Susannah" in their life!

And now, for the top honor....my FAVORITE book of 2019...

1. The Way of the Brave by Susan May Warren

This book has all the feels! It's an action packed romance with an emphasis on my favorite Scripture--Romans 8:28. This book technically doesn't release until 2020, but I got an advance copy and could not put it down. This is a must read for the new year!

Well there you have it! My top 10 reads of 2019! Check out my blog for full reviews of these books and more. Thank you to the authors for using your spiritual gifts to inspire and change lives for Jesus. You are making a difference in my life as well as so many others. Thank you to the publishers for putting clean reads out there for us to enjoy. And if you made it to the end of this list, thank YOU for following and here's to happy reading in 2020!!!

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

Ever Faithful by Karen Barnett

She Laughs by Carolanne Miljavac

Stories Behind the Songs and Hymns About Heaven by Ace Collins

The Way of the Brave by Susan May Warren

Jenny Calhoun and her friends make a plan to climb a mountain every year to prove to themselves that they are stronger than the memories of their past that haunt them. This year that mountain is Denali in Alaska. When Jenny and her climbing crew run into trouble on the mountain, they lose hope of survival. Just when they're about to give up, they are rescued by knights in climbing gear. One of the heroic rescuers turns out to be Orion Starr -- a man that Jenny hasn't been able to forget since her chance encounter with him in Afghanistan years earlier. The climbers must fight for their lives as they try to descend the mountain and finally break free of the heartaches of their past.

This book is everything! I didn't want it to end. It is full of romance, adventure, and inspiration. The message that Susan May Warren delivers is so important. She uses scripture to show that we will experience terrible things in this life, but God is not against us. He is always working things out for good. This book is not one that I will forget and I look forward to reading the rest of this series. Thank you so much to the author and the publisher for the chance to read and review this book!

The 40-Day Sugar Fast by Wendy Speake

This book is more than just getting rid of the excess sugar in your diet. It's about building a better relationship with God and putting Him above all else. Wendy Speake has developed a wonderful tool for people who struggle with turning to bad habits instead of Jesus. Wendy offers practical advice in the form of short daily devotionals. She focuses on other addictions besides just problems with food. Whether you are struggling with excessive spending or too much time on social media or even neglecting God's word, this book can help you. While weight loss and better health are an advantage of committing to this 40 day sugar fast, the main goal is to open your heart and mind to God and His Word.

This is one of the best books I've read this year. I felt like the message was meant for me. It focuses on every one of my daily struggles. I feel like Wendy has provided practical and useful tips for getting rid of the things that are hindering us from an ultimate closeness with God. Wendy acknowledges that this journey won't be easy, but she offers the support and guidance to succeed by using this book and God's Word. I am excited to join this journey with Wendy in January and see the changes in my life. Thank you so much to Wendy Speake and BakerBooks for the chance to read and review this book!

Always Look Twice by Elizabeth Goddard

Always Look Twice is the second book in the Uncommon Justice series by Elizabeth Goddard. This action packed book can also be read as a standalone book without feeling like you are missing information from the previous book. Harper Reynolds is a crime scene photographer on a break from her highly stressful job. While trying to find some relaxation in the outdoors, Harper stumbles upon another crime. Luckily, she has her camera with her and she is able to capture a murder in progress. Harper is obviously shaken, but she is determined to solve this murder mystery. With the help of her childhood friend, Deputy Heath McKade, Harper finds out that there is much more to this mystery than she thought. Harper must fight to survive as she becomes a target in this suspenseful story.

Elizabeth Goddard takes her readers on a thrill ride in this exciting book. This story is very well written and it's the perfect blend of suspense and romance. The material is clean and inspirational. The character development and build of suspense is also well done. This was a page turner that kept me interested until the very end. I also thought the ending was very well written and a great conclusion to the book. I look forward to reading more books in this series. Thank you so much to the author and Revell for the chance to read and review this book!

The Coming Revolution in Church Economics by Mark Deymaz and Harry Li

This book offers up a new outlook on tithes and offerings. According to the authors, traditional tithes and offerings are not always enough to keep a church going and help it grow. The authors offer advice on how to generate funds within the church. Some of their ideas include starting businesses, creating multiple sources of income, and changing the way donations are collected. This subject is one that is often considered controversial so not everyone will agree with this book. Personally, I could not really relate to this book because I do not attend a "megachurch." I feel like this is the type of church that would benefit from this type of book. I attend a conservative Southern Baptist church so I cannot fully get on board with the advice given in this book. Furthermore, I found the multiple author viewpoint to be confusing as it varied back and forth. Nevertheless, the right audience may be able to better relate to this book and I am thankful for the opportunity to read and review this book.

God's Hostage by Andrew Brunson

In 2016, missionary Andrew Brunson was arrested and falsely accused of terrorism. He was imprisoned in Turkey for two years before he was finally released to freedom in the United States. Many people fought and prayed for Andrew's safe release even though his situation looked hopeless. Andrew reached the lowest of lows while he was held in prison and he had to completely give everything to God in order to survive. Andrew ultimately uses his experience for good as he shares his inspiring story in this powerful read.

Andrew's story is one that everyone should read. He had to deal with unimaginable circumstances during his years of imprisonment including depression, health issues, and separation from his family. Andrew's honest account of his experience is heartbreaking, yet necessary to reveal how God worked in his life. Andrew's story is one that will always be remembered and will spread the news of God's mercy and grace to so many. Thank you so much to Andrew and BakerBooks for sharing this story. I am honored to read and review this book.

Enjoying God by R. C. Sproul

God is oftentimes thought of as a magnificent mystery. Who is He? Can He hear me? Does He even care about me? These are just a few of the questions that cross our minds when we think of God. Though God seems so far away, He is always readily available.

R. C. Sproul began searching for answers about God after he lost his father.  Since then, he has written numerous books and has served the Lord in many wonderful ways. In Enjoying God, R. C. helps his readers "find hope in the attributes of God." R. C. asks and answers the deep questions and provides readers with an eye-opening experience. R. C. dives into the true characteristics of God and highlights scripture passages that he has applied to his life's journey.

This is the first of R. C.'s work that I have read, but I am eager to read more. His deep thinking challenged me and helped me with my spiritual growth and I know it will help other readers as well. Thank you so much to the author and BakerBooks for the chance to read and review this book!