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So many of us are looking for book recommendations — especially during the summer months when reading may be the only break we get. One of the most common questions (not kid-related) that I hear among moms is “What book should I read next?” Reading is something we want to do when we can find the time, but being “kid focused” 100% of the time, it’s hard to know what books to grab! We have limited time, so we don’t want to waste any with a book we don’t enjoy.
So we put together a list of 10 book suggestions for this summer! Some encourage mamas while others tell stories that take you away from that role for a bit.
1. The Broken Way
Ann Voskamp is a beautiful writer who wears her authentic and sincere heart on her sleeve. This book is described on Amazon as being “…for the lovers and the sufferers. For those whose hopes and dreams and love grew so large, it broke their willing hearts. This one’s for the busted ones who are ready to bust free, the ones ready to break molds, break chains, break measuring sticks, and break all this bad brokenness with an unlikely good brokenness. You could be one of the Beloveds who is broken — and still, lets yourself be loved.”
Brokenness doesn’t have to mean it’s over for you. Read this book to find encouragement and healing after a shattered heart.
2. The Magnolia Story
I have never met ANYONE who doesn’t love Chip and Joanna. I’m sure these types of people exist, but they are in the minority! I was so excited to see that this couple came out with a book about their story. They are a couple that holds strongly to commitment and faith within their marriage and have used their fame for good. I guarantee that this book will bring a smile to your face in between episodes of Fixer Upper.
3. Into The Water
This literary novel is similar to The Girl On A Train in its suspense. Amazon said, “Paula Hawkins delivers an urgent, twisting, deeply satisfying read that hinges on the deceptiveness of emotion and memory, as well as the devastating ways that the past can reach a long arm into the present.”
4. The Magic Of Motherhood
“The Magic of Motherhood celebrates your life as a mom—the good stuff, the hard stuff, and everything in between.”
I can go on and on about this book. I’m always looking for stories of motherhood so I can say “me too” and feel less alone. This book is written by several authors from the Coffee + Crumbs blog — all with different experiences they share about motherhood. It’s real, raw, and supplies my daily encouragement with each story.
5. Long Days Of Small Things
All mamas can relate to the mundane, everyday tasks we have to do to stay afloat. Each day we are in survival mode — another meal prepared, dish cleaned, and nose wiped. We have a lot of long days of small things. This book is so relatable and changes a mother’s perspective on her role.
“God sees you. He designed this parenting journey, after all. He understands the chaos of motherhood. And he joins you in everything―whether you’re scrubbing the floor, nursing a fussy newborn, or driving to soccer practice. Catherine McNiel invites you to connect with God right here, in the sacred mundane of every mothering moment.”
6. Small Great Things
This is a story of racial injustice in America. An African American nurse is told by white supremacists she is not allowed to touch their child. After being alone with the child and hesitating to give CPR because of the parent’s instructions, the story spirals into one that challenges race and prejudice and dives into cultural differences.
“With incredible empathy, intelligence, and candor, Jodi Picoult tackles race, privilege, prejudice, justice, and compassion—and doesn’t offer easy answers.”
7. And Still, She Laughs
I first heard about this book through a podcast. Kate Merrick was telling the story of losing her daughter to cancer. It’s one of those stories you can’t imagine and you never forget. There isn’t much worse you could go through in life than losing a child. But through her faith, Kate has found a way to continue living with joy even among her brokenness.
“And Still She Laughs reveals the secret to finding hope in the midst of devastation. In the end, no matter what hardships we face, we can smile, cry, and come away full—laughing without fear and eagerly looking for what is to come.”
8. Present Over Perfect
Shauna Niequist was burned out and sick and tired of the busy, perfectionist lifestyle she was leading. She decided to dive into a life of being intentional and present. The author shares vulnerable stories within her writing that challenges the reader to a simpler life.
“Present Over Perfect is a hand reaching out, pulling you free from the constant pressure to perform faster, push harder, and produce more, all while maintaining an exhausting image of perfection.”
9. I Let You Go
I read this book on a vacation and can barely tell you about the vacation as I was so captivated by the story! I love the suspense and mystery found in this book. Oh, and be prepared for the twist at the end — I’ll stop now so I don’t give it away!!
10. Warrior Mamas
We had to throw in one of our own! This is the Life As Mama two-week devotional that’s a must-read for summer! If you made it through the defiant toddler years or even the rebellious teenage years, you know what it means to be a warrior mama! But what does it mean to be a warrior for Christ? Not because He needs you fighting for Him because I think we can all agree God is strong enough to handle Himself, I’m talking about being a warrior to protect yourself and your family from the spiritual darkness that wants to secretly seep into your life — making you question yourself as a woman and as a mother. Read for spiritual depth and substance and grab your armor to become a Warrior Mama.
Tell us in the comments what books we should add to our summer reading list!
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