It’s Week 4 of the “Joy to The Soul Summer” series! We’ve discovered the simple and sacred joys of the season. We’ve de-stressed over entertaining and received a purposeful lesson from a butterfly. But there’s plenty of summer left.

This week, I'm delighted to have Christina Patterson share five book reviews to consider for summer reading. Christina is an avid reader and awesome Bible teacher who loves sharing her passion for God's word (on belovedwomen.org). Whether you're a book lover or just looking for a good read, pick your new favorite as she shares her top five picks for this summer. Thanks Christina!

We’re at the end of July, and my summer is already filled with a slower pace at work, trips to the pool, and my favorite: reading. If you also enjoy a good read on the porch, by the pool, or at the beach like me, here are a few suggestions to add to your list.
1. Awaken: 90 Days With the God Who Speaks by Priscilla Shirer
This newest devotional from Priscilla Shirer provides 90 days of short yet powerful readings perfect for your quiet time with God. Each day gives readers a focus scripture, thought-provoking message, and writing space to jot down your personal reflections. This is a great book to help you stay consistent in God’s presence this summer.
2. Promises of God Series by Kim Cash Tate
The Promises of God Series is the best Christian fiction series I’ve ever read. I’m currently on book two and Kim does a great job of incorporating the everlasting truths of God’s Word with an entertaining plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

These stories follow the lives of friends and family as they navigate the challenges of everyday life while trying to trust God through it all. From a Christian perspective, Kim covers topics such as marriage challenges, unwanted pregnancy, loss and more. You’ll find this series relatable and inspiring at the same time.

3. She’s Still There by Chrystal Evans Hurst
She’s Still There is about becoming the woman you were meant to be, while accepting the woman you are today. Chrystal uses personal examples from her own life to share how she’s drifted off course, how God has guided her all along, and how He can and will do the same for us.

I think this book is essential for women. It touches on topics such as emotional wellness, reaching your goals, overcoming heartache, guilt and shame. Overall, it helps us learn how to appreciate life as it is, even as we work towards growth.

If you’re drowning in a day-to-day monotony or have given up on your God-given dreams, Chrystal teaches how to coach yourself out of that dangerous cycle.

This book generates excitement long after you’ve done reading. It offers practical daily strategies that will have a lasting impact on our lives.

4. Audacious by Beth Moore
Beth Moore is one of the most dynamic Bible teachers of our day. Her book Audacious is a collection of wisdom from her life covering topics such as marriage, ministry, parenting, hearing from God, and more. Of course, she interweaves Biblical examples for support, but mainly offers real-life personal stories that keeps her readers wanting more.

This book reveals sides of Beth Moore that we might not normally hear in her Bible teachings. Her writing is down to earth, like you’re at a coffee shop chatting with her one-on-one. Moore is very honest about her personal struggles and allows readers the privilege to learn from her mistakes and success in life, family, and ministry.

5. How to Fix a Broken Record by Amena Brown
In How to Fix a Broken Record, speaker and poet Amena Brown shares her thoughts on life, love, faith — and of course natural hair — by pouring out her story to us. She shares stories of heartbreak in dating, the joys of marriage, disappointment with infertility, and even the tension of being an entrepreneur and creative.

It is through these vulnerable personal stories where Amena helps us to recognize our own harmful thought and behavioral patterns that can play like a broken record in our stories too. But then like a really good friend, she leads readers on a path of healing, truth, and love.

Reading this book was like sitting on the couch, in your sweats, with your best sista-friend and talking about anything and everything. I laughed and cried, but most importantly I grew because of the invaluable life lessons Amena shares. If you’re spinning in circles and need a new rhythm to dance to, this may be the book for you.

Wow Christina, this is quite a list! I just started reading She's Still There and I look forward to reading the other titles mentioned. If you're intrigued by Christina's list too, which title(s) grabbed your attention? Maybe you're reading something you'd add to the list.

I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comment section.

Christina Patterson is a wife and stay-at-home mom with a passion to encourage women in the love of Jesus Christ and the truth of God’s Word. When she is not folding laundry or playing blocks you will find her with her head deep in her Bible or a commentary.

She holds her masters in Theology from Liberty University and is the founder of Beloved Women, a non-profit providing resources and community for women to truly know who they are in Christ: His Beloved. Learn more at belovedwomen.org. You can also connect with Christina on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube or Pinterest!

CLICK HERE to discover more of the “Joy to the Soul Summer” series!