Charlotte

A Light So Lovely by Sarah Arthur

A Light So Lovely tells the story of author Madeleine L’Engle’s (A Wrinkle in Time) spiritual journey as she desired to redefine the understanding of what was “secular” and what was “spiritual”. This biography goes through all aspects of her life, private and public, to give testimony to a woman whose life work was to prove that God has made all things and that we are not so different from one another as we think. In an age where it seems like everyone has to take a side and vehemently oppose the other, L’Engle life proves that this does not need to be the case. She is a great example of how we can live out and declare the truth of the Gospel without sequestering ourselves off in a corner. As someone who grew up on A Wrinkle in Time, I have loved learning more about this spiritual role model in my life and her life story. It has given me a great deal of hope, especially in recent months.

To-Read: Becoming Gertrude  by Janice Peterson; Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling

Leela

The Alice Network by Kate Quinn

I am not a huge fan of historical fiction but recently picked up The Alice Network after hearing many recommendations on the book. Set in the times of World War I and World War II, The Alice Network begins with the story of Charlie St. Clair, a young, unmarried American girl who has found herself pregnant. To cover up their shame, her family sends her off to Europe for the time being. She hopes to find her long-lost cousin while she is away and seeks the help of a peculiar woman named Eve Gardiner. The stories of these two women collide as they journey together. I am eager to delve further into this novel!

To-Read: When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi

Chloe

The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver

The Poisonwood Bible is a story told by the wife and four daughters of Nathan Price, a fierce, evangelical Baptist who takes his family and mission to the Belgian Congo in 1959. Each chapter is told from the perspective of one of these women as they wrestle with the incongruity of their husband/father’s violent, aggressive manner and his single-minded goal of winning Congolese souls. Readers are allowed into the hearts and minds of the Price women as they discover themselves, and what it means to be Christians and a family in such a foreign land. The Poisonwood Bible has challenged the way I think about missions and evangelism as it highlights the harm of not understanding the needs of people you seek to serve. If you like character-driven narratives centering on relationships, this is a story for you.

To-Read: The Secret History by Donna Tart; Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien

Abbi

Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis

This is a great book about addressing lies we believe and then truths that dispel the lies. This is a great book for motivating you to be the best you that you can be. Rachel is a driven woman, and her drive can make you feel like you are capable of a whole lot more than you think.  I wouldn’t say that everything in this book is a hard and true Biblical truth, but most truths are Biblically based. This is a great book group read!

To-Read: The Crescent Stone by Matt Mikalatos; The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver

Bethany

Oath of the Brotherhood by C. E. Laureano

Oath of the Brotherhood follows the plight of Conor Mac Nir whose father, the king, has shown little interest in him for his entire 17 years . . . that is, until recently. After being sent by his father to a neighboring kingdom as a hostage in a fragile negotiation, Conor finds himself growing fond of the rival king’s sister, and the situation becomes increasingly dire as the concealment of his forbidden faith heightens the stakes. As I read on deeper into the narrative, I keep being delighted by C. E. Laureano’s charming plot of ancient magic through music, insidious beings, vibrant characters, and enigmatic intrigue. If you’re looking to indulge your latest fantasy craving, this is it. Dive in and let the adventure whisk you away!

To-Read: Beneath the Forsaken City by C. E. Laureano; Robot Wars: Counterattack by Sigmund Brouwer

 Tell us, what are you currently reading? What’s on your To-Read Pile?