This book would make a beautiful gift — it’s encouraging, uplifting, and joy-filled on every page. There are short writings that would be perfect for a daily devotional reading, and spaces for reflection and responses throughout. The themes build well over the book, from “Made to Be Happy” to “Holiness is Happiness” and “Healthy-Happy-Whole” and more. If you’ve read Alli’s work before, you’ll love this collection of more of her thoughts and heart, and if you haven’t read anything by her before, this is a great place to start! I loved her book Breaking Busy and think this goes hand-in-hand with its message, so I’d definitely suggest grabbing this one if you struggle with contentment and happiness in a chaotic and wild world!

This one is relatable and helpful, wise and gentle, convicting and calming, and a great tool for all (especially geared toward Christians) who don’t want to be controlled by their emotions. It’s a helpful companion for anyone on a journey toward personal growth, healing, and freedom (and echoed many things my counselor and I have been working on in my therapy sessions). I found it honest and not overbearing, purposeful but not overly preachy, and challenging but not condescending. If you read and enjoyed the original Boundaries book by Cloud and Townsend, this would be a great next read! (Thanks for sending me this one to review, @booklookbloggers!)

I have had this one from @tyndalehouse for FOREVER and finally got to it... blown away by this story. I knew this iconic photo of the girl fleeing the napalm attacks in Vietnam, but had no idea about her story, and it is POWERFUL. This memoir was beautifully written and an incredibly moving story of forgiveness, faith, family, and healing... I couldn’t put it down and am in awe of her bravery and graciousness toward her enemies.

There was so much about this time period and the war that I was unaware of since it was before my time, and while this wasn't a comprehensive historical account, Kim did a great job of sharing important details and information that helped set the stage for her personal account. Her voice shines through every page here-- it wasn't a stuffy history book, but instead a vibrant and compelling story of horrific trauma, resiliency, and incredible recovery and faith. I found it beautiful and moving on every page, and was so in awe of her strength.

Phew, what a great read.

This essay collection from @patricegopo is beautifully crafted — all about identity, race, culture, labels and how to live well in a world where so much overlaps and isn’t clear. One of my favorite things about my #radreadswomenandpocgoal this year is how I’ve been able to step into the shoes of people whose life experiences have been vastly different from my own— I’ve learned so much, found myself empathizing and understanding better, and embraced a wider circle of stories and wisdom that has added so much to my own life. I’m grateful for honest and brave voices like Patrice’s. (I received this one from #booklookbloggers in exchange for my review!)

Confession: I never really understood all the hype around A Wrinkle in Time. It just never grabbed me, as a kid or as an adult. Walking on Water, though, I resonated with and loved. I was curious to know more about the author of them both, and was excited to see this book come on my radar! Madeleine is a fascinating woman with remarkable talent and beautiful faith, and I loved reading more about her story, her influences, her decisions, her family life, and more. If you like author biographies, this would be a great one to grab next! I especially loved the parallels (and the highlighted differences) to C.S. Lewis (my fave!). Can’t wait to keep reading L’Engle books and learning from her lasting legacy!

Thanks, BookLook Bloggers, for sending me this one to review.

In these divided, heated, tense political times, this book from @tgowdysc and @senatortimscott was a refreshing reminder that love is truly over all. I was encouraged by their story of unlikely friendship in politics, their thoughts on racial reconciliation, and the way they emphasized one on one interactions as a powerful tool for empathy and progress. This one reminded me that there are still good, wholesome, influential people in politics worth admiring, and that people are working for the glory of God and the good of all people in every sphere.

Thanks to @tyndalehouse for this one!

I was glad to finally get to this new one from RHE— it wasn’t what I expected to read from her, but was really rich and challenging. I think it wasn’t the best season for me to read this one in, as I’m not currently really wrestling with doubts about Scripture, but I’m so glad it exists for those who are (and for me to return to when I am). The way she tells the big story of the Bible and highlights so many themes and threads throughout Scripture was stunning and encouraging, and reminded me how magical and mysterious and mighty the Word of God is. Always grateful for the way Evans challenges my worldview and prompts me to deepen my faith!

I have long followed @gungormusic, loved their songs, and appreciated their journey of deconstructing and exploring faith. This book from @lisagungor tells the story beautifully— her voice is a lovely one and her journey relatable and real. There were times the stories felt scattered and the thread hard to follow, and I honestly wanted to hear so much more about her unraveling and rebuilding, but I read this in one sitting all the same. If you’re wondering where you fit in the faith world, if you’ve had a life event radically alter everything about who you are, if you just love the band Gungor, and if you love stories of family and humanity and belief, grab this one! (Comes out June 26!)

This devotional is perfect for every woman (and I really mean that)— whether you feel inadequate or overwhelming, exhausted or overflowing, confident or questioning, there are words in here that will speak to your soul, encourage your heart, and light a fire in your spirit. I read through so many of these over the last few weeks (couldn’t stop after just one a day!) and can’t wait to keep soaking them up. Jess and Hayley are the best of the best.

Ida Keeling amazes me. I had never heard of her before, but I’m so glad I read this memoir/autobiography from her— her life was filled with challenges and grief and obstacles to overcome, yet here she is at over 100 years old chasing her passion of running (and setting records doing it)! This was a fun one to read and it gave me such great insight into what it was like for a Black woman to grow up over the last 100 years, facing opposition and resistance on so many fronts, yet constantly overcoming. So uplifting! (Thanks BookLook Bloggers for this one.)