My Five Summer Book Recommendations! ♥

Hello dear "Lilies"! Can you tell that I'm a bookworm yet? This is only my third article, and it is already my second book-related post! I hope you enjoy reading as much as I do, because today I have put together a list of five books that I love and cherish and think you should read! Even if you aren't a bookworm though, these are still amazing books, and if you took a chance, you might actually find that you enjoy reading!

Before I start this list though, I would like to point out that every family is different and every parent has different rules. So, please run these books by your parents before getting them and just make sure you're on the same page (no pun intended...), because what my parents might be comfortable with me reading, your parents might have different views on, and that's totally okay and respectable! ♥ Alright, back to the list!

1. Ransom's Mark by Wendy Lawton

   This book was such a wonderful read, and I highly recommend it! It is based on the true story of Olive Oatman, a pioneer girl from the 1800s. During an Indian attack in which her family is killed, her and her little sister are taken captive and are eventually traded over to another Indian tribe, where they are cared for and nurtured as if they had been born Native-American. The girls are even tattooed with the Mohave tattoo, which marks them as belonging to the tribe. Through all this pain, Olive begins to see God's faithfulness and love for His children. It is truly a story worth reading, learning from, and treasuring.

2. The Top 10 Distinctions Between Winners and Whiners by Keith Cameron Smith

   Although not necessarily from a Christian perspective, this book is very helpful to read through, either with your parents or by yourself. It helped me to fix my mindset and see where I could improve in my life, for the glory of God.

3. Blood on the River by Elisa Carbone

   A historical fiction following Samuel Collier's journey to the "New World". He came from a life as an orphan with nothing and on the brink of living as a street kid in the alleys of London. He learns the ropes of his new role as the page of Captain John Smith and the adventure is thrilling. Now, if I continued on, I would most likely spoil the whole book for you, so I shall stop now.

4. The Art of the Handwritten Note by Margaret Shepherd

   For years letters have been a way in which to communicate, but with the rise of iPhones, social media, and chats, the handwritten world is fading away. There is an art to it though, and even if quickly typing up a text message is way easier to do, a note is endearing and special. It adds a hidden message that says, I care for you and I took the time to write you this, because you mean very much to me. So, like all arts, it must be taught, which is exactly what this book does. When I first read this, I grew more confident in my handwritten letters and notes, and I hope you will too!

5. Hearts of Fire by The Voice of the Martyrs

   I have saved the best for last, my dear "Lilies"! If you have not heard of or already read "Hearts of Fire", then you are surely missing out! This book tells the true stories of eight women around the world who have been persecuted for their faith, and some are even still being persecuted. It is an eye-opening read and, in more ways than one, very humbling. I highly recommend reading it if you have not! (And even if you already have, you could always read it again! I plan to re-read "Hearts of Fire" as soon as I finish the current novel I'm working through called, "The Healer" by Dee Henderson.)

So, there you have it, my "Lilies"! Five books for you to add to your "To Read" list! I hope you try some of these books out, and after you do, I would love to hear what you thought of them! You can send me a message with what you enjoyed most about the books by filling out a contact form on my website! ♥

With much love and prayer,

~ Jaycee ♡