The Ultimate Summer Reading List for Moms

Now that I made a list of books for the boys to read this summer I had to make one for myself also. My amazon wishlist is full of all the books I have been wanting to read. The only thing that has been keeping me from reading them all are two little things called time and money. I am also pretty sure that my mommy brain can only hold a limited amount of information at one time; no matter how good.

Lately I am just happy to read my Bible and the few blogs that I follow. If I didn't make reading my Bible a priority every day chances are I wouldn't read it as much as I should and I NEED it my life. It breathes life into me and renews my mind and spirit. It is the only book that is alive; Jesus made flesh!

I love how God can use ordinary people through all kinds of mediums to inspire and encourage me also. There are some books I have read that have deeply impacted my life. I might not remember everything I have read but there are some phrases and thoughts that have stayed with me long after I am done reading the book.

When I find a good book I can usually read it over and over again. It never gets old. My favorite books growing up had to be the Anne of Green Gable books.( You can get the kindle edition of all the Anne books for 99 cents! )Not only did I read all the Anne books but also all the other ones L.M. Montgomery wrote. I still have them and every couple of years I dust them off and read them again.

I have been writing more than reading lately but I know to be a good writer you should be a good reader also. So this summer I not only want to get encouraged and inspired but become a better writer also. I know I will have to be intentional with my time if I want to make this happen. Last summer I read two books that not only encouraged me but gave me some very practical advice that I have been able to use and apply daily.  I thought I would make a list of some of those books I have been wanting to read to motivate me to get reading them and possibly give you some ideas also if you are looking for a good read.

A few years ago my husband got me a kindle for my birthday and it has been great to download books without even leaving my house. I prefer paper books. I love holding a book in my hands and turning the pages but the convenience of the kindle is pretty awesome and you can use it in so many ways! All the books on my list have a kindle option too if you have a kindle also. They usually tend to be lower priced also.

I don't plan on reading all the books on my list this summer. Realistically I know that is impossible so I am setting a doable goal of three books. Hopefully I will get to read them all eventually. Most of these books I picked out when I was struggling with motherhood and needed some encouragement.

I love reading books by authors who are authentic and passionate about their walk with the Lord, the struggles they have gone through and the lessons they have learned. I want to read books that make me want to read the Bible more and make me search my heart and my motives. Of course I like books that I can just zone out in also and are purely entertaining. I put them in categories of Motherhood and Marriage, Homeschooling, Christian Life and Inspiring True Christian stories. I hope you find a book on this list that interests you; whatever season or position of life you are in!

MOTHERHOOD AND MARRIAGE

Women Living Well: Find Your Joy in God, Your Man, Your Kids, and Your Home 

I read this book last year. It was such great encouragement!!

The Mission of Motherhood



The Ministry of Motherhood



Desperate


Surprised by Motherhood


Treasuring Christ When Your Hands Are Full

I am half way through this and it is SO GOOD! If you are a mom you NEED to read it!

The Unwired Mom:Choosing to Live Free in an Internet Addicted World

Give Them Grace: Dazzling Your Kids with the Love of Jesus

Big Love: the practice of loving beyond your limits


The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts

This book has helped understand how I and other people receive love. Very eye opening!

Sacred Marriage: What If God Designed Marriage to Make Us Holy More Than to Make Us Happy


My husband and I read this before we were married. I really recommend this to newly weds. The title has still stuck with me all these years because it is true!

Created To Be His Help Meet 


I read this a couple years after we were married and it really rocked the way I viewed being a wife even though I knew all these things. I have to say that I took somethings with a grain of salt and didn't agree with all her views but if you want to be a Godly wife this book is a must read.


 HOMESCHOOLING

Homeschooling Day by Day 
(I read this book last year and it was such a great encouragement to me)

Simply Homeschool: Second Edition: Have Less Fluff and Bear More Fruit                                     
Teaching from Rest: A Homeschooler's Guide to Unshakable Peace

Secrets of a Successful Homeschool Mom: A Manifesto of Freedom and Joy in Home Learning
Called Home: Finding Joy in Letting God Lead Your Homeschool


CHRISTIAN LIFE

Unglued: Making Wise Choices in the Midst of Raw Emotions

The Best Yes: Making Wise Decisions in the Midst of Endless Demands


Be Still My Soul


The Hardest Peace: Expecting Grace in the Midst of Life's Hard


I have followed Kara's journey up until her death and was so impacted by her faith and the way she lived it out. My father died of cancer so I know the all too real hardness of suffering. I just started reading the book and it has already resonated with me and ministered to me in other areas of life that are hard for me. We will all encounter suffering of some kind in this life and Kara found the source of peace and strength through hers.

Own Your Life: Living with Deep Intention, Bold Faith, and Generous Love


The Pursuit of God


INSPIRING TRUE CHRISTIAN STORIES

Hiding in the Light: Why I Risked Everything to Leave Islam and Follow Jesus


The Hiding Place


I have read this book a number of times and it never ceases to bring me to tears and remind  me of what life is all about. The cross, forgiveness and hope.

Through Gates of Splendor


I read this book a couple of years ago and was brought to my knees by the raw faith of these martyrs and their wives. It is always good to have a reality check and be reminded what we are put here for and that our lives are not our own.

The White Umbrella: Walking with Survivors of Sex Trafficking


Unfortunately sex trafficking is so prevalent not only around the world but in our country. I think it's good to be aware of what is going on so that we can no how to help those who come into our paths.

After making this list I want to read them all!! I know I can't in one summer, so for now I am going to try to read  Treasuring Christ When Your Hands are Full, Teaching From Rest and The Hardest Peace. I am excited to get my nose in these books and be refreshed, inspired and encouraged!

Are you planning on reading any books this summer? If so which ones? 

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