Tree Swing Reading

Favorites of 2013

It's time again for my favorite books from the last year.  I'm not saying these books were published in 2013, only that of all the books I read in 2013, these are my favorites.

These are in no particular order.

The King by Steven James (review coming soon)

The Last Plea Bargain by Randy Singer

Stones for Bread by Christa Parrish (review coming soon)

 

Undeniably Yours by Becky Wade

 Invisible by Ginny Yttrup

 Wish You Were Here by Beth K. Vogt

 

Cuts Like a Knife and Every Breath You Take by M.K. Gilroy

 

Proof and Poison by Jordyn Redwoood

If We Survive by Andrew Klavan

And my favorite non-fiction from 2013

Anything by Jennie Allen

 

 

 

 

50 Must-Read Books for This Summer: Christian Fiction [To pick and choose from]

Some of you have been in "summer mode" for a while now, but for us, summer starts now!  My kids are both finally done with school and ready to blast into summer, though I am hoping to float into summer like I'm on a raft on a lazy river.

And what's summer without books? 

For me, it's the best time to read, whether poolside, on the treeswing in our backyard or in the air conditioning in our reading corner when it's too hot or buggy to be outside. I feel like I can pick up a book while my kids swim, play with friends, or are reading on their own with me.

Just in case you need any help finding great Christian fiction to read this summer, think of me as your personal librarian, offering up a great list of the newest releases in whatever genre is your favorite!

So, here is my 2013 Guide to Summer Reading: Fiction Edition! Not that I'm reading all of these this summer--but I'd sure like to!

I've broken them down by category. Click on the book title below the image to read more about each book.

Suspense (my favorite!)

1. When a Secret Kills by Lynette Eason

2. Unholy Hunger by Heather James

3. The Living Room by Robert Whitlow (coming in July)

4. Fear Has a Name by Creston Mapes

5. When Mockingbirds Sing by Billy Coffey

6. A Plain Scandal by Amanda Flowers

7. Stress Test by Richard Mabry, MD

8. The Judgment Stone by Robert Liparulo

9. Memory's Door by James Rubart (coming in July)

10. Afloat by Erin Healy

11. Talon by Ronie Kendig

12. Truth-Stained Lies by Terri Blackstock

13. An Open Heart by Harry Kraus

14. The King by Steven James (coming in July)

15. Fearless by Mike Delosso

16. Congo Dawn by Janette Windle

17. Dead Lawyers Tell No Tales by Randy Singer

18. Poison by Jordyn Redwood

 

HISTORICAL

19. Grave Consequences by Lisa T. Bergren

20. Widow of Gettysbury by Jocelyn Green

21. Sweet Dreams by Carla Stewart

22. Stealing the Preacher by Karen Witemeyer

23. Snow on the Tulips by Liz Tolsma (coming in July)

24. Unrivaled by Siri Mitchel

25. Sweet Mercy by Ann Tatlock

26. The Quarryman's Bride by Tracie Peterson

27. On Distant Shores by Sarah Sundin (coming in July)

 

ROMANCE

28. Wishing on Willows by Katie Ganshert

29. Picture Perfect by Janice Thompson

30. If the Shoe Fits by Sandra D. Bricker

31. Undeniably Yours by Becky Wade

32. Catch a Falling Star by Beth Vogt

33. Once Upon a Prince by Rachel Hauck

34. Barefoot Summer by Denise Hunter (coming in late June)

35. The House That Love Built by Beth Webb Hart

36. Take a Chance on Me by Susan May Warren

37. Rosemary Cottage by Colleen Coble (coming in July)

 

CONTEMPORARY

38. In Broken Places by Michele Phoenix

39. The Offering by Angela Hunt

40. The Sky Beneath My Feet by Lisa Samson

41. Sleeping in Eden by Nicole Baart

42. Lock, Stock, and Over a Barrel by Melody Carlson

43. Unwritten by Charles Martin

44. The Wishing Tree by Marybeth Whalen

45. Welcome to Last Chance by Cathleen Armstrong (coming in July)

46. When the Morning Glory Blooms by Cynthia Ruchti

47. Pretty is as Pretty Does by Debby Mayne

48. Gone South by Meg Moseley

49. Grounded by Neta and Dave Jackson

50. Invisible by Ginny Yttrup

 

I'm sure there's way more great books that I'm missing, but these are a good start!

 

 

New Release from Beth Vogt: Catch a Falling Star

One of my new favorite authors!  I really enjoyed Beth Vogt's last book, so I am super excited to add this one to my summer reading list!

Title: Catch a Falling Star

Author: Beth Vogt

Released:

May 2013

Publisher: Howard Books

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Series: no

Publisher's Description

 Is life about accomplishing plans . . . or wishes coming true . . . or something more?

Dr. Kendall Haynes’s plans to have it all—a career, a husband, a family—are eluding her. Now that she’s thirty-six, she needs to stop wishing upon a star and face reality: Some dreams just never come true.

Air Force pilot Griffin Walker prefers flying solo in the air and on the ground—until a dangerous choice ejects him from the cockpit. His life becomes even more complicated after the sudden death of his parents makes him the guardian of his sixteen-year-old brother. There’s no way his life will ever get back on course now.

When their lives collide during a near tragedy, Kendall and Griffin must decide if they can embrace the unexpected changes God has waiting for them.

To find out more about Beth Vogt, check out her website.

Review of "Wish You Were Here" by Beth Vogt

Description:

Allison Denman is supposed to get married in five days, but everything is all wrong. The huge wedding. The frothy dress. And the groom.

Still, kissing the groom's brother in an unguarded moment is decidedly not the right thing to do. How could she have made such a mistake? It seems Allison's life is nothing but mistakes at this point. And pulling a "Runaway Bride" complete with stealing, er, borrowing her best friend's car doesn't seem to solve her problems.

Can Allison find her way out of this mess? Maybe she just needs to stop orchestrating everything. Allison prefers being the one in control, and giving it up is not going to be easy. But to find her way again, she will have to believe that God has a plan for her and find the strength to let Him lead.

My Thoughts:

Another fantastic new author! I loved it!  I enjoy the humor of the story combined with the deeper aspects of Allison and her relationships with Seth, Daniel, her aunt, and her Dad. I loved Allison and found myself cheering for her and her growth and also aching for her and the decisions she had to make.  I can't imagine how difficult it would be to call off a wedding!  I know what it's like to get caught up in a decision because it feels like the "right" one and because it's the "easy" one.  I loved seeing how she overcame the pain of facing that decision and how she learns to "be" with God and not always just "be with a guy." 

Plus, I loved the hero saving her in the avalanche too.  Because who doesn't love a hero saving the day?

Another author for my 100 to watch list.  Awesome!

Book Bullets:

• My rating: 5 out of 5 stars
• Genre: Contemporary Romance Fiction
• Part of a Series: No
  
• Publication year: 2012
• Publisher: Howard Books