I read something the other day that I completely agree with–this year will be what you make of it. Don’t be defined by the things that happen in your life. Don’t let one bad thing erase a million good things. Take action–don’t sit around and wait for things to happen to you. Have a positive attitude, take action, take control of your year! On that note, today I want to share three inspirational books to read this year!
consider these inspirational books
One of the things I’m working on this year is to take better care of myself. That includes spending more time on me. Reading is something that I love but has taken the back seat lately. So I’m excited to be putting a focus on that again.Â
Today I’m sharing three books with you that I have read over the past couple of months. They are all inspirational, but in very different ways. I loved reading all of these and I truly think that if you haven’t read them yet, you really should! Some links contain affiliates, all opinions are completely my own.
The Magnolia Story
To be honest, I wasn’t really sure what to expect from this book. Of course I’ve heard a ton about Chip and Joanna and their obsession with shiplap. However, we don’t have any television other than our basic channels so I’d only seen snippets of Fixer Upper at other people’s houses. But after hearing how great The Magnolia Story was I decided to pick it up and I’m so glad.
This a fun read because it’s written from both of their perspectives. It also goes pretty quickly! I was a bit surprised by how inspired I was while reading the book, I definitely hadn’t expected that. From the way they are in their marriage, to how Joanna approaches motherhood. I also loved reading about how they’ve built their many businesses against all odds. I was left feeling inspired to be a more understanding wife, a more fun mother, and to reach higher for my dreams.
My Story
I remember well when the Elizabeth Smart abduction was unfolding. I’d been wanting to read My Story for awhile but I kept putting it off. I was just afraid that it would be too intense and I’d finish reading it feeling completely hollow and depressed. When I finally read it I was completely shocked at how uplifting and inspiring this book was. Not only was it written very well–painting a picture of what life was like for her without being too graphic–but I couldn’t put it down.
I read it cover to cover in less than 24 hours. The whole time I was just blown away by her never-ending faith and her knowledge that she is a child of God. Believe it or not, after I finished My Story I had a renewed faith that God loves us and never leaves us. This book was truly incredible.
In Due Time
In Due Time is a little bit different because it’s a 60-day devotional. Each day there is a focus for the day and gives a scripture and an action for you to apply each idea to your own life. I love how the author, Caroline Harries, weaves her own testimony in with scripture and doctrinal truths of God’s love for us. The short snippet for each day makes it perfect to read in the morning. Then you can review it again at the end of the day. I also chose to read two days at a time so I could complete the devotional in 30 days rather than 60.
Have you read any of these inspirational books yet?
You might also like these blog posts for book lovers:
Nostalgic Books Your Kids will LoveÂ
Find more books you’ll love on Pinterest!
25 Responses to 3 inspirational books to read this year
I think we all want to read or have read The Magnolia Story! It is a favorite!
So funny, the last blog I read talked about Magnolia Story, I’ve heard such great things about it, just need to remember to buy it next time I see it. My Story seems like a book I should pick up too, thanks for sharing! I need to read more books this year too.
One of my goals this year is to read a book a month. I’ll add these to my list! 🙂
I am always looking for great books to read! Thanks for the suggestions!
I’m always looking for new books to read. My goal this year is 50 books. Thanks for the information.
I am concentrating on reading more this year as well. I will have to add these to my list!
I have been wanting to read the Elizabeth Smart book so I will start there. Moving on to the other two you have suggested.
I absolutely cannot wait to read The Magnolia Story. I love Chip and JoAnna and their show. I’ve heard the book is really great. And now I am adding the Elizabeth Smart book to my list. I love those books you can’t put down and end up reading in a day or so. And Caroline’s Devotional is on my list too. We struggle with infertility too and are currently in the waiting. I know it will help carry me through this time!
Oh a good devotional is so important! I adore Chip and Joanna (along with everyone else lol) and am so happy for their successes.
I desperately want to read In Due Time!! It’s been on my to-read list for a while now!
I want to read more in 2017! Thanks for sharing 🙂
I have Magnolia Story and I cannot wait to read it! I definitely need to check out In Due Time!
I’m always looking for new books to read. I’ve been wanting to read The Magnolia Story so I may just have to start!
-Annie
http://www.discoveringyourhappy.com
yay! Love this so much! Thanks for sharing about #induetimedevotional
I cannot wait to check these out!
xo, L
livingincolorblog.com
I am always looking for inspirational books. Thank you for sharing. Right now I am working on finishing a romance novel I am reading and then I might try one of these!
I really want to read The Magnolia Story and hope to soon!
The Magnolia Story is on my list, and now so is the Elizabeth Smart book.
I have Magnolia story on my wait list right now since I have heard so many people talk about it. I always wanted to read the Elizabeth Smart story too. On another note, I LOVE to read and I had NO idea there was book linkups! I am so excited right now, it probably is not normal! ha!
Good choices! I also want to read the Magnolia story. I visited the market in Waco and it’s a really neat place!
In Due Time really caught my eye, the others look like something I’d enjoy too!! Going to add these to my “want” list!!
Adding these to my list. Thanks for the great suggestions! (and I’ve been seeing the Magnolia Story everywhere!!!)
I’m in dire need of some new reading material, and these look great! Thank you so much for sharing…can’t wait to check them out even more!
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