I absolutely loved reading during the summer when I was little. I loved being able to pick out any book I wanted to see what would happen. Looking through the Summer 2017 books that are coming out, there's 10 that have stood out that I really want in my personal library or at least to read. I absolutely love the endless adventures and possibilities waiting for you with each book.

Coming in June + Ready for Preorder (Or Just Out This Week!)

June 6 - Praying with Eyes Wide Open: A Life-Changing Way to Talk with God by Kevin G. Harney and Sherry HarneyGrowing up, prayer was something that was defined to a set time - mealtime, bedtime, church time, etc. I love how the Harney's are opening up prayer to permeate every aspect of life rather than just those moments that seem to be 'prayer times'. I'm really excited to see how this book can take my prayer life to the next level.June 6 - The Turquoise Table: Finding Community and Connection in Your Own Front Yard by Kristin SchellI joined Jamie Ivey's Book Club a few weeks ago and was ecstatic to see this was the first on our list to read. Focused around community and your own neighborhood, this is an easy read and may I say GORGEOUS book. I can't wait for this to show up in my mailbox!June 20 - My Year in Paris: My Day-to-Day Adventures in the Most Romantic City in the World by Janis MacLeodWhen I lived in Costa Rica, I read an entire series on a life in Paris. Ever since that summer, I've been increasingly more interested in both baking and France. This day to day journey of a memoir is exactly what I want since my summer travels don't include a trip to Paris. One day...June 30 - When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya MenonWhat is summer without some summer romance? This unexpected novel quickly caught my attention. If you know me, you know I'm a fan of cultures around the world. I love reading about them and I love experiencing them. This novel combines that with a look at how two Indian-American's look at arranged marriages as they navigate both their relationship as well as their relationships with their parents.

Coming in July + Ready for Preorder

July 1 - Exalting Jesus in Acts (A Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary) by Tony MeridaIt may be a little weird that I am adding a commentary to this list. Y'all, these commentaries are so cool. They're one of my favorite additions to look at next to the scriptures. Acts is a book that I've longed to read for a while now. Since I've loved the other Christ-Centered Exposition Commentaries, I will definitely be using this one to pair with my reading of Acts. If you're in any type of teaching the word of God, I'd highly recommend this series of commentaries.July 4 - Fearless Parenting: How to Raise Faithful Kids in a Secular Culture by George Barna and Jimmy MyersI am not a parent. I have spent a lot of hours working in youth ministry with teenagers though. Researcher George Barna's has teamed up with counselor Jimmy Myers to create a book steaming with insights of what it looks like to raise faithful kids in today's world. Even though I'm not a parent yet, I believe the insights of these two are worth reading for anyone who works with kids or students.July 4 - Doing Busy Better: by Enjoying God's Gifts of Work and Rest by Glynnis WhitwerBusy. Overcommited. Exhausted. These three words often define me, and maybe you too. Glynnis Whitwer breaks down our habits that we've built for ourselves and shows us how live our lives better as we work a new rhythm of rest into it.July 25 - Lucky in Love by Kasie WestThis romantic tale seems like a fun story for you to get lost in. Both the main characters work at the zoo which is one of my dream places to work so that makes me both excited and intrigued about this tale. How fun would it be to say that your coworker is a tiger? Okay, this may not be so much about the animals as it is a secret, a dramatic life change, two zoo co-workers and love. I'll still love it anyway.

Coming in August + Ready for Preorder

August 1 - Steal Away Home: Charles Spurgeon and Thomas Johnson, Unlike Friends on the Passage to Freedom by Matt Carter + Aaron IveyThis tale unites the lives of Charles Spurgeon and Thomas Johnson as it shows us their individual lives as their journeys cross paths and they become friends. I'm not sure if it's historical fiction or an accurate historical account. Either way, I do believe the juxtaposition of their tales will make for an interesting read.August 8 - Of Mess and Moxie: Wrangling Delight Out of this Wild and Glorious Life by Jen HatmakerJen has a way of utilizing her wit and insight to draw you closer to Christ. Her past books have made me reflect on many things that I've never really drawn a parallel with in my life with Christ. I'm very excited about this read, plus I love saying the word 'moxie'.

+ Some Spring 2017 New Releases I'm Still Super Excited About

Chasing Slow: Courage to Journey off the Beaten Path by Erin LoechnerThis call to slow down is meant for the busyness that we allow to invade our lives, but let's face it, I doubt we left our busy tendencies behind when summer started.Love Lives Here by Maria GoffThis is one of the few books that made it onto my 2017 Reading List. Maria Goff infuses her life and home with love. In this book, she has provided us insight on her secrets on how to do that in our own lives. It's a must read for me after falling in love with her husband, Bob Goff's book, Love Does.Never Unfriended: The Secret to Finding and Keeping Lasting Friendships by Lisa-Jo BakerFriendships can be so, so hard. I've heard a tonSweeter Than Honey: A Coloring Book To Nourish The Soul by Lindsay SherbondyLindsay Sherbondy has beautiful work - calligraphy, sayings and this coloring book is icing on the cake as she invites you to join her in the creation.At Home in the World: Reflections on Belonging While Wandering the Globe by Tsh OxenreiderI listened to another podcast the other day with this author and each time I get even more excited about this book, her travels and the amazing stories and revelations she had in her 9 months abroad. This one will give you wanderlust for sure.Lucky Few by Heather AvisI am in love with Heather's story about how God took all her plans and wrecked them for his. She's an adoptive mama of 3 kids, two of which have down syndrome. I follow Heather on instagram and absolutely love watching her journey.Hopefully this makes choosing your summer reading picks a bit easier. What's on your summer reading list?