6 Books for Summer


 Summer,
time to finally sit down and read a good book!
Here are some good reads for those lazy summer days, trips to the beach or time at the lake.
Summer also means, school is out and we get our English/Reading teaching sister, Erika, to guest post some of her favorite book picks for moms and teens! (with a couple of our own thrown in!)



Dear Mr. Knightly by Katherine Reay
I must admit, I can't resist a good Jane Austin inspired story. Sam grew up in the foster care system and now has the chance to go to college with a scholarship offered by an anonymous benefactor.  The catch, she must write him letters detailing her progress.  The story is told entirely through her letters--a refreshing way to tell a story (It does take a little getting used to at first) .  You see her grow as a person in the book. develop her self worth, overcome her past and how her experiences allow her to influence others.  A couple of unexpected twists, insights into the foster care system and will she ever meet Mr. Knightly?



Global Mom by Melissa Dalton-Bradford

Our family had the privilege of knowing the Bradfords while living in Germany. The Bradford family is inspiring on so many levels and Melissa's book will encourage and uplift you. You will be transported to Norway, Paris, Germany, Singapore and Switzerland as you read about their family's living abroad experiences. You will laugh over their struggles to navigate new cultures and languages and you will cry over the family's grief when their eldest child, Parker, dies unexpectedly. This memoir will inspire you to tighten your own family ties as you journey through life together.


Mama's Bank Account by Kathryn Forbes
This is the story  of a poor Norwegian immigrant family living in San Francisco in the 1900’s.  Narrated by a young girl, the focus is on memories of her mother.  Mama’s  strength and wisdom guided her family in a new country and through difficult times.  This book will leave you feeling strong and loving your family all the more.



Hazardous Duty by Christy Barritt
This is the first in a series about a young woman who works as a crime scene cleaner.  It is a wacky, fun romance with the series titled “Squeaky Clean Mysteries.”  It lives up to the claim and is just an entertaining ride.



At Home in Mitford: The Mitford Years Book 1 by Jan Karon
A middle-aged Episcopal priest moves to a small town to care for a little flock of quirky and eccentric people.  His efforts to serve the people are unexpectedly helped by a giant dog and an attractive new neighbor.  The characters of this novel are well developed and have aspects that will make you smile as you recognize people you know in them.  This is a great series that just makes you feel good about life. 



The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics by Daniel James Brown
This is a historical biography of these men and their efforts to win gold, but it begins years before the race following one of the rowers through a difficult childhood and the path that led him to become a part of the crew.  His life was both tragic and inspiring.  Full of lessons from the Great Depression, the book taught me how often the only choice is to work hard and do your best.  Amazing things can come from that simple truth.


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