With the arrival of summer, there’s no better time to bask in the warmth of the sun and immerse yourself in a captivating book. Whether you’re lounging on the beach, relaxing in a hammock, or simply seeking a cozy nook indoors, the power of a great book can transport you to distant lands, ignite your imagination, and provide a much-needed escape from the demands of daily life. In this blog post, I’m sharing with you a big list of great books that I’m reading this summer. From delightful works of fiction to thought-provoking non-fiction, prepare to embark on a literary journey that will enrich your summer days and leave a lasting impression on your mind and soul.
So grab your sunglasses, find a comfortable spot, and let’s explore the pages of these remarkable books together.
Fiction Books I’m Enjoying This Summer
Jan Karon’s Mitford Series. Several years ago, I fell in love with a series of books written by Jan Karon about an Episcopal priest who ministers to his parish in a small town by the name of Mitford. Since I didn’t actually finish the series back then, I decided to start over. This summer, I’m reading Book 5 on my way to 14. I look forward to every moment of reading these delightful stories. Here’s a link to purchase the first five books on Amazon, and a link to purchase the whole set from the author.
Robert Morris’s House of Winslow Series. Another series I started several years ago and never finished is this wonderful historical fiction set. Although there are 40 books in total, it’s my goal to finish what I started – by the end of this year. Here’s a link to purchase the first five books in the series.
Nonfiction Books I’m Learning From This Summer
Charles Goodnight: Cowman and Plainsman. Every year, as part of my overall reading plan, I read some books about Texas and Texans! This year, I’m making my way through this fascinating book about Charles Goodnight. It’s a long read, but I’m enjoying what I’m learning.
Not a Tame Lion. This book about C. S. Lewis is filled with insightful nuggets from the life of one of the greatest Christian authors of all time. I’m not forcing myself to read it quickly, because there’s more than a lot of food for thought within the pages of this great book.
Christian Inspiration Books I’m Reading This Summer
Dark Clouds Deep Mercy. I picked up this book after it won a Christian book award. Because the topic is so intriguing, I’m enjoying this thoughtful read very much. Here’s how ChristianBook.com describes it. “Lament is how we bring our sorrow to God-but it is a neglected dimension of the Christian life for many Christians today. We need to recover the practice of honest spiritual struggle that gives us permission to vocalize our pain and wrestle with our sorrow. Lament avoids trite answers and quick solutions, progressively moving us toward deeper worship and trust.”
The Women of the Bible Speak. I’m almost finished with this book written by Shannon Bream. What I’ve enjoyed most is the fresh perspective the author brings to familiar stories of women in the Bible.
Business Books I’m Challenged By This Summer
The Elements of Style. Another category of books I read every year includes titles about business and writing. This one is a small volume with a big reputation, and I’m enjoying it very much.
Published: The Proven Path from Blank Page to 10,000 Copies Sold. Written by Chandler Bolt, entrepreneur and founder of Self-Publishing School, this book is approachable, challenging and motivating in every way. As a rookie writer, I’m eating it up, word by word.
What’s in Your Book Bag?
I’d love to hear what’s on your big list of great books you’re reading this summer. Please share in the comments!
Encouraging a lifetime filled with intentional adventure and book bags filled with great summer reads,
PS: Are you signed up to receive my newsletter? Click here to subscribe and receive a printable checklist of my Top 15 Texas Adventures!
Here are a few other posts you might enjoy.
20 Ways Empty Nesters Can Read More Books
