Article By: Sarah Koontz, Founder of Living by Design Ministries
It’s no secret, I love to read.
The written word is my respite, my strength, my passion.
Sometimes I analyze the sentences, other times I question the author’s logic or process, but most often I simply drink it all in.
I’ve been an avid reader as long as I can remember. In fact, I used to sleep through lectures in High School because I’d rather be taught by the words in my books than by my teachers.
They definitely did not understand or appreciate my logic, but my test scores left them no room for recourse.
Reading is a way of life for me, especially now that I am pursuing a career as a writer.
Although I’ve put my book ideas on the back burner in order to launch this non-profit ministry, make no mistake, I will be a published author one day.
I’ve got my first two books outlined and ready to go, just as soon as I get the green light from God!
I hope to write memoir, inspirational non-fiction, and Bible study books. And If I can figure out how to do so artfully, I’d like to write books that are a beautiful mixture of all three simultaneously.
In the meantime, I’m content to read the work of others and continue to develop my own writing skills through my blog posts and free online Bible studies.
I did the math at the beginning of the year, and I estimate that I will write approximately 100,000 words for “public consumption” this year. That’s a lot of words!
And when I’m not busy writing, I’m reading.
Devouring.
Savoring.
Because readers are always searching for their next favorite book, I like to take the time each year to put together a list of all the best books I’ve read to share on the blog.
It’s my way of giving back to the reading community at large!
Because what’s not to love about a good ole’ summer reading list for Christian women?!?
And if the books in this list don’t strike your fancy, check out all the books our Instagram friends recommend here.
I must warn you, this list is heavily skewed to my own reading preferences.
I haven’t set out to make a reading list for the ages, I’ve simply compiled all the books I’ve loved to read (and longed to read) into one place.
I’ll be sharing three Christian historical fiction authors I’m currently loving and four must-read non-fiction titles of 2018.
Once we get through all that, you’ll get exclusive access to my totally free *no strings attached* downloadable Sumer Reading List for Christian Women (my top 36 picks).
So much fun!
Sarah Koontz is sharing her three favorite Christian historical fiction authors + four must-read Christian non-fiction titles AND a free printable Summer Reading list!
My Three Current FAVORITE Christian Historical Fiction Authors
For the past few years, I’ve read an average of one novel per weekend. Because I almost exclusively read Christian historical fiction, I’m constantly searching for new authors to love and read.
Here are three authors I discovered in the past year who are definitely worth sharing with friends!
Here are three Christian historical fiction authors who are definitely worth sharing with the #booklovers in your life: @RoseannaMWhite @KristiAnnHunter and Elizabeth Camden
# 1 – Roseanna M. White
Every time I stop at my local library, I check the “New Releases” shelf at the front. That’s where I stumbled on Roseanna’s work. The first book of hers I read was “A Song Unheard,” and it was a captivating enough story to send me to her website looking for more of her books.
I’ve since read the entire “Ladies of the Manor” series (like, I just finished the third book this weekend…so good!), and I’m planning on devouring the rest of her books by the pool this summer. Her characters are complex and her stories are captivating; she is a truly talented writer. I plan on finishing the “Shadows over England” series next and then diving into the “Culper Ring” series next. Click here to visit Roseanna’s website and see all her books!
#2 – Kristi Ann Hunter
I blazed through the first three books of Kristi’s “Hawthorne House” series in a couple of weeks. It was so good! I especially enjoyed A Noble Masquerade. The characters were endearing, the plot-twists were engaging, and the story left me longing to read more of her work. Thus the three-books-in-two-weeks scenario I described above. But I haven’t read book #4 yet!
So, obviously, my next read from Kristi will be her most recent release, titled, An Inconvenient Beauty. And I’m looking forward to her upcoming release called, A Defense of Honor, due out in June 2018. Click here to learn more about Kristi and her books.
#3 – Elizabeth Camden
I had so much fun reading these three books by Elizabeth Camden. They are each engaging and thrilling in their own right, but I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the characters in Until the Dawn. It was one of those books that took a few chapters to hook me, but I’m really glad I hung on because the ending was worth the read!
I’ve also read a few others by Elizabeth in the past, and I love how each of her stories is so unique. They aren’t quite as predictable as most of what I read, and I appreciate the variety. I’m looking forward to another new release from Campden this June, titled, A daring Venture. To learn more about Elizabeth and her work, visit her website here.
Four “Must-Read” Non-Fiction Titles for Christian Women
Before I get to this list of non-fiction titles, I have a confession to make. I had the privilege of helping each of these ladies launch their debut books into the world this past year, and I am heavily biased toward loving them and their work.
I want to share my personal reviews of these titles with you because each one touched my heart in a special way, and it is possible you’ve not heard of them yet. And they are totally worth hearing about!
Four must-read books for Christian Women from debut authors @MrsMicahMaddox @Gingharrington @shaunaletellier and @TiffanyBluhm. Click here to read reviews+ download a free Summer Reading List.#1 – Holy in the Moment by Ginger Harrington
I don’t normally give 5-star reviews to first-time authors, but my goodness, this was a well-written book! I was completely hooked when the author said, “branches don’t need a three-step formula or a five-step plan to abide in the vine.” What a simple, yet profound statement.
If I had to sum up the message of this book in one word, it would be “surrender.” When we choose holiness in the moment, we discover a better way of living. A more restful, peaceful, purposeful way of living. Reading this book was akin to taking a “Holiness 101” course in college. The author inspired me to choose holy over busy, stressed, and empty.
There was a wealth of biblical wisdom packed into a practical manual for holy living – penetrating spiritual truths followed by helpful practical advice. I would definitely recommend this book to my friends! Looking forward to reading more books from Ginger in the future.
Click here to read a sample chapter on Ginger Harrington’s website.
#2 – Remarkable Faith by Shauna Letellier
REMARKABLE FAITH reintroduces us to some of the most skimmed over characters in Scripture and invites us to experience Jesus through their eyes. God often uses the unremarkable things of this world –the lily of the field, the raven of the air, the unnamed character of the Bible –to teach us the most remarkable lessons. Shauna Letellier’s creative writing reminds us that the people who walked and talked with Jesus did not live on the black and white pages of our Bible. They lived in a messy, Technicolor world—just like you and me.
These real people with real fears, insecurities, and problems chose to put their faith in Jesus of Nazareth and were anything but disappointed. Just like an artist’s sketch comes to life with carefully layered paints, Remarkable Faith brings life and color to the outline given to us in Scripture, igniting our imagination and revealing the beauty of small, tentative steps of faith.
Click here to visit Shauna’s website and watch the book trailer.
#3 – Never Alone by Tiffany Bluhm
This was a great read. The story drew me in and held me captive all the way to the final page. I have cousins who were adopted from India and I feel like I gained so much insight into the unique challenges international adoptees face as they acclimate to life in America.
I just loved the authenticity and vulnerability on every page of this book. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to read it, and I’ve already passed my copy along to one of my cousins. I really think this book could be a life-changing read for her, and I highly recommend it to anyone who has a child or loved one who is an international adoptee! Click here to learn more about Tiffany’s book and complimentary Bible study.
# 4 – Anchored In by Micah Maddox
Woven into Micah’s story are threads of hurt and hope, pain and peace, devastation and deliverance. Her life has not been easy, but through it all, she’s found safety and security in God’s promise to walk through the storms with her.
I am so grateful for brave women like Micah. Women who, in moments of brokenness and pain, resist the urge to blame God for their problems. Instead of shaking her fist at God in anger, she reaches her hand up to God in desperation. And He faithfully cared for her wounded heart, empowered her to fight for victory in her mind, and showed her how to live according to His design. And He is ready and willing to do the same for you and me!
Sometimes God allows violent storms to ravage our lives. We may never know exactly why, but when we choose faith over fear, when we make the brave decision to Anchor our lives in His truth, we discover no earthly storm has the power to destroy us.
I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for hope, strength, and purpose in the midst of the raging storms of life. Click here to read what other people are saying about Micah’s book.
{Don’t forget to pin this image for future reference!}
Free Printable Summer Reading List for Christian Women
Now that you know if our reading personalities are compatible, you’re ready for my *totally free no strings attached* printable summer reading list for Christian women.
I’ve read all the fiction titles and nearly all the non-fiction (a few are still on my nightstand!). The books I’ve not yet read come highly recommended by other bookish folks I love, trust, and respect.
I hope you spend many hours this summer relaxing and enjoying these books that have brought so much joy to my life.
I hope you spend many hours this summer relaxing and enjoying these books that have brought so much joy to my life.
