If you’ve hung around here very long or tuned into my podcast, you know that I am an avid reader. I make reading goals and lists like this through the year. But I took a lot of time off this Summer to slow down, relax, and oh yeah, launch our new online training academy.

It was a weird mix of a super relaxing and quiet summer and a mad dash of opening our academy. But now I’m getting back into regular weekly routines again and with a two week vacation at the lake, I’m jumping back into my reading goals!

So here’s what I’m reading this Fall! And yes, I am a busy wife, mom, and homemaker and so it’s really tough sometimes to fit in reading time, but I also know how important it is. You can hop on over and see how I find the time to read with some practical suggestions. If you want more inspiration and ideas for good books to read, check out:

• 3 Classics Every Christian Should Read
• My Favorite Christian Fiction Books for All Ages
• One of the Best Books I Read All Year
• Fall 2015 Reading List
• Bonus: Check out my comprehensive resource list for ALL of my recommendations

My Fall Reading List

Idols of the Heart by Elyse Fitzpatrick

If you have not read this one yet, go add it to the top of your reading list!! It’s been on my list forever and I’m just finally getting to it. I’m only a few chapters in but it’s absolutely fantastic!! The tagline is: Learning to Long for God Alone and boy of boy is that what it helps you to do. It’s a powerful and convicting book, go get it!

From Good to Grace by Christine Hoover

I took a peak at a few pages and this seems like it’s going to be a good one! “So many of us feel as if we do not do enough and, in fact, are not enough. We try hard to be good–a good friend, mom, wife, Christian, employee, or ministry leader–hoping for that “atta-girl” from God, some heavenly assertion that we matter. In the process, we find ourselves living by a lesser gospel: the gospel of goodness. It’s a gospel without grace, and in the end, it’s good for nothing.

With compelling illustrations from her own life and from Scripture, Christine Hoover helps you start asking, “What does God want for me?” before asking, “What does God want from me?” You’ll find yourself breathing a sigh of relief at this powerful message of freedom and hope. Rather than serving God out of obligation or duty, you’ll be compelled to love and serve God with great joy.”

A Hobbit, A Wardrobe, and a Great War by Joseph Loconte

“How J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis rediscovered faith, friendship, and herosim in the catalysm of 1914-1918.” My husband got this book because he’s a huge Tolkien and Lewis (as am I) and decided to start reading it. It’s a FANTASTIC read – it gives so much insight into the authors world and what surprised me, is that it gave me so much hope and encouaragement in the Gospel and God for our modern world and the issues we face. I highly recommend this book, especially if you are interested in biographies and/or these authors. I’m about halfway through the book and can’t wait to finish.

Everyday Grace by Jessica Thompson

I’m about halfway through this one it’s not actually my favorite book. I thought the tagline and the idea of the book was amazing, but there’s just something I’m not connecting with the author. But it’s got some good truths in it so I’ll finish it and let you know what I think. If you are looking for a grace-filled guide to relationships, you might want to check it out!

A Quest for Godliness by J.I. Packer

I can’t wait to dive into this one!! It’s a big hefty book that will take a while to get through, but I’m really excited for this one. “A Quest for Godliness explores the depth and breadth of Puritan spiritual life. Drawing on a lifetime of study, Packer surveys the lives and teachings of great Puritan leaders such as John Owen, Richard Baxter, and Jonathan Edwards. He examines the Puritan view of the Bible, spiritual gifts, the Sabbath, worship, social action, and the family. The Puritans’ faith, Packer argues, stands in marked contrast with the superficiality of modern western Christianity.”

Leisure and Spirituality by Paul Heintzman

Biblical, historical, and contemporary perspectives. I’m about 80% of the way through this book and I was really excited for the concept of this book. But like the author says in the opening of the book, it’s based off of his doctorate thesis. And unfortunately, it reads like a thesis. There are some really good thoughts buried in this book, but it’s a tough, long read. If you are looking for encouragement and an easy read, this is not the book for you.

God in the Whirlwind by David E. Wells

How the Holy-love of God reorients our world. I’ve only just started this book but it’s fantastic so far! It started off a little dry (it’s a loooong book), but it has been amazing. Wells explores how God is both holy and loving and how this informs our outlook and view on life.

Peacemaking Women by Tara Barthel and Judy Dabler

Biblical Hope for Resolving Conflict. I can’t wait to dive into this one!! This book looks like a powerful guide for helping to identify and resolve conflict within our days in a Biblical manner. “Women have a strong desire for relational connections. Relationships between women can be especially enriching, but when conflict arises, they also can be especially damaging. Too many women approach conflict as if they were unbelieverswith gossip, spiteful actions, bitterness, and even hatred. In Peacemaking Women, Tara Klena Barthel and Judy Dabler offer a meaningful, lasting message to lead women out of conflict to a state of peace where they can live as representatives of Christ to one another and well as unbelievers. With advice that is firmly rooted in Scripture, the authors bring sound, practical help for women who want to know what the Bible says about conflict resolution and how to achieve peace in their relationships with God, self, and others.”