It’s always fun to compile a short book-related bucket list – with “short” being the operative word here, else I could go on and on. Here’s just a few books that I hope to read before summer’s end . . .
By Amy Clipston
Emily Curtis is used to dealing with her problems while under the hood of an old Chevy, but when her mom dies, Emily's world seems shaken beyond repair. Driven from home by hospital bills they can't pay, Emily and her dad move in with his wealthy sister, who intends to make her niece more feminine---in other words, just like Whitney, Emily's perfect cousin. But when Emily hears the engine of a 1970 Dodge Challenger, and sees the cute gearhead, Zander, next door, things seem to be looking up.
But even working alongside Zander can't completely fix the hole in Emily's life. Ever since her mom died, Emily hasn't been able to pray, and no one---not even Zander---seems to understand. But sometimes the help you need can come from the person you least expect.
Note: I’ve greatly enjoyed Amy Clipston’s Amish fiction, and also wanted to read her YA fiction for some time now. Roadside Assistance is the first of three books, the others being Destination Unknown and Miles from Nowhere. Lindsey Zimpel, a passionate and honest reviewer who blogs at Books for Christian Girls, was gracious to share her thoughts and video with me …
“The Roadside Assistance trilogy is a top favorite of mine in the Young Adult fiction category! I hardly ever read a book twice, but I’ve read each of these books three times. I love seeing Emily, Whitney, Chelsea, and their stories come to life on these pages. I talk about this series so often on all my social media sites that I’m pretty sure the majority of my followers have picked them up or added them to their TBR! I’ve given away so many copies of the trilogy on my blog and also as birthday gifts to friends. How Miss Amy Clipston does it, I’m still not quite sure! Whenever I read her books they always have me exclaiming, sighing, or running around the room while hugging the book, all in a wonderful mood! I am always waiting for her next book—YA or Amish.”
~Lindsey Zimpel, Books for Christian Girls
By Mindy Starns Clark & Leslie Gould
Virginia, 1864 – Therese Jennings cannot abide the thought of her family owning slaves. When her wealthy grandfather dies during the Civil War, leaving his slaves and estate to Therese's widowed mother, Therese flees to Richmond. There she works as a tutor by day and a nurse by night. But when trouble befalls her family, how can she reconcile her duty and beliefs? And where does James Talbot—a long-time family friend—fit in her broken world?
Virginia, present day – After years of substance abuse, Nicole Talbot's life is back on track. She's found work at an equestrian therapy center and returned to college with the help of her wealthy grandmother—but that help comes at a price. Nicole must decide between honoring her bargain and doing what she knows is right, even if that could mean losing her new start, her family's trust, and a future with her handsome boss.
Note: It’s been years since I’ve read anything by Mindy Starns Clark, but she is an excellent writer and storyteller. My Daughter’s Legacy sounds like a wonderful relationship drama in the women’s fiction style that I love. Dual storylines also appeal to me when they are done well, and I expect nothing less from the Clark/Gould writing team.
By Suzanne Woods Fisher
Beautiful and winsome, Betsy Zook never questioned her family's rigid expectations, nor those of devoted Hans, but then she never had to. Not until the night when she's taken captive in a surprise Indian raid. During her captivity, Betsy faces brutality and hardship, but also unexpected kindness. She draws strength from native Caleb, who encourages her to find God in all circumstances. She finds herself torn between her pious upbringing and the intense new feelings this compelling man awakens within her.
Handsome and complex, Hans is greatly anguished by Betsy's captivity and turns to Tessa Bauer for comfort. Eagerly, Tessa responds, overlooking troubling signs of Hans's hunger for revenge. When Betsy is finally restored to the Amish, have things gone too far between Hans and Tessa?
Inspired by true events, this deeply layered novel gives a glimpse into the tumultuous days of prerevolutionary Pennsylvania through the eyes of two young, determined, and faith-filled women.
Note: The Return is book #3 in Amish Beginnings series and I have enjoyed the previous two books. Suzanne Woods Fisher has a unique gift for rich characterization and bringing English characters into her stories, giving them a wide appeal. The adventure and spiritual themes of The Return make me eager to continue this series.
By Kay Warren
Life as a pastor's wife offers meaningful opportunities to play a significant part in God's work, to witness and participate in the beauty of changed lives. Yet it also carries the potential for deep wounds and great conflict that can drain the joy out of service. Is it worth it? Oh, yes, says Kay Warren, wife of Pastor Rick Warren and cofounder of Saddleback Church. It is more than worth the risk--it's a sacred privilege.
Drawing on more than forty years in ministry in every possible size church, Kay provides encouraging principles and life lessons, along with intimate personal stories, that will give readers the confidence needed to lead and live well.
Note: Whether through church planting, preaching, or The Purpose-Driven Life, I’ve long admired the ministry outreach of Rick Warren and am eager to read Kay Warren’s thoughts. No man could be this effective without strong support and working as a team with his wife. They have also dealt with personal tragedy in the public eye, so this promises to be an intriguing book.
What summer reading goals do you have?
All of these look really good!
ReplyDeleteI can add these to my TBR list.