Forever Beloved - Faith, Love & Truth

Today’s prompt: The 5 books that have impacted your life the most.

I’m a reader, and adore every single thing about books. So today’s prompt was right up my alley. If you’ve followed my blog, you know that I routinely do book reviews. But boy, to only choose 5 books was hard! But here are my top 5, in no particular order.

Divorce-Proof Your Marriage:

6 Secrets to a Forever Marriage

by Gary and Barbara Rosberg

I read this book during a very difficult time in my life, during my separation. I absolutely contribute our reconciliation to God’s complete grace and this book.

There was so, so much knowledge and advice in this book and tremendously helped our marriage. Things I just never would have thought of. Nine years later there are still times I go back and pull that book out to read over a chapter.

You can purchase this book HERE.

Intimacy Ignited:

Conversations Couple to Couple

by Dr. Joseph and Linda Dillow and Dr. Peter and Lorraine Pintus

I read this book a few years ago and I loved it. You can read my review HERE. I honestly never anticipated it would be one of my favorite books, and one I seriously couldn’t put down.

This book gives a verse-by-verse exploration of the Song of Solomon and shows that the secret to great sex in marriage begins with a servant heart. To become servant lovers is something the authors are reminding us over and over throughout the entire book. Even giving specific traits what servant lovers do compared to what selfish lovers do, and what we can do towards that goal of becoming one.

You can purchase this book HERE.

How to Pick Up a Stripper and Other Acts of Kindness:

Serving People Just as They Are

by Todd Stevens and Erin Stevens

Let me start out by saying this…I knew within the first 3 pages of this book that God was going to use it to change my life. You can read my entire review HERE.

If you are like me and you want to know how to reach your neighborhood with the love of Jesus, this book is for you. If you feel God is telling you to just go love on people right where they are, then this book is for you. If you feel like we need to SHOW people Jesus love rather than just telling them {although telling them is important too}, then this book is for you.

Time and time again I found myself saying “Shut up, I’ve felt this same way!”. I would read a page, get super excited and tell Joe he HAD to read it. My mind would fill with tons of ideas and my mouth would ramble on and on. So many ideas that I will be putting into effect.

You can purchae this book HERE.

The Unveiled Wife:

Embracing Intimacy with God and Your Husband

by Jennifer Smith

I have been reading the Unveiled Wife blog for quite a while now, so I was ridiculously excited to be chosen to be on Jennifers book launch team! You can read my full review HERE.

As I began reading the book, I was blown away by how much I could relate. I wish I could put into words how this book spoke directly to my heart. I absolutely couldn’t put it down, I felt as if I was reading my own story.

So many times I had to cry with her. The feelings she experienced and the situations they were in, I could relate to. Her insecurities created so many other problems in her marriage, my oh my could I relate to that! She so bravely opens up and allows you see the heart change that she allowed God to do in her. How wonderful to know if we allow Him, He can do the same in us!

You can purchase the book HERE.

One Light Still Shines:

My Life Beyond the Shadow of the Amish Schoolhouse Shooting

by Marie Monville

If I could sum up this book in one word it would be AMAZ-WOW-RIFFIC! Y’all, I could not put this book down once I started it. And when I wasn’t reading it, I couldn’t wait until I finished my chores so I could get straight back to reading it. You can read my full review HERE.

Marie revealed her heart through her book and shared her struggles as she began to pick up the pieces and move on after the tragedy. She reflected on God’s love surrounding her and the support of her family and friends as each day passed.

You can purchase this book HERE.

Thank You, Lord, For Everything

By P.J. Lyons

About the book:

A new padded board book with cheerful and upbeat rhymes that teaches children to be thankful.

A comfortable and relaxing rhyme tells the story of God’s great blessings in this padded cover board book. P.J. Lyons’ engaging text and Tim Warnes’ playful illustrations remind readers how much they have to be thankful for.

Love surrounds you, beauty, too. Notice how God blesses you! Clap your hands, shout and sing: Thank you, Lord, for everything.

Thank You, Lord, For Everything, is a sweet and gentle rhyme-perfect for bedtime, quiet time, and anytime in between.

Oh my lanta, this book is the cutest. The illustrations by Tim Warnes make the book extra special and oh so cute. The sweet little bear gives thanks throughout his day in every situation. This is a wonderful book to teach children to give thanks for every little thing that happens along their day. The pictures and rhyme captivate their interest and will quickly make it a favorite. I can’t wait to read this to the littles in my class!

This book was provided to me free of charge by Book Look in return for my honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

P J Lyons received a Master’s Degree in Writing for Children at Vermont College and is the author of The Little Lion’s Bible (Zondervan 2012), The Little Lamb’s Bible (Zondervan 2012), and The Wonderful World That God Made (Kregel 2004). She currently resides in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

FOURTEEN | BOOKS

THIRTEEN | SEASON OF LIFE

Thank You, Lord, For Everything {Book Review}