What I'm Reading Lately

Here are the next 6 faith-based or uplifting/inspiring books I have read over the last little while. It's been a minute since I picked a book like this and out of nowhere, I read 5 in over two months! I really enjoyed these books and I hope that you see one that maybe you haven't read before!

---

Even This: Getting to the Place Where You Can Trust God with Anything by Emily Belle Freeman - This book is really good! I'm definitely going to revisit this book which is something I don't do often. I felt like Emily really got me.... she understood where I was coming from and even though our trials aren't the same, our pleadings and our yearning for God were the same. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Own Your Everyday: Overcome the Pressure to Prove and Show Up for What You're Made to Do by Jordan Lee Dooley — I really liked this book! It was kind of like having a conversation with your girlfriends and just talking about life and trying to be your best self! She had awesome tips. What she had to say was kind and genuine and didn't make me feel bad at all about how I've been trying to find my purpose in life. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Continuous Atonement by Brad Wilcox — This book was fantastic! I loved all of the real-life experiences shared and the words that caused me to think deeply about how I use the Atonement in my life each day. The Atonement isn't a one-and-done deal.. it is continuous in our lives. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Continuous Conversion by Brady Wilcox — I really enjoyed this book! Chapter 6 was my favorite. It definitely spoke to me in regards to now matter how low you feel in life, the love of Christ is always there to lift you up and you CAN find your way back to Him. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Christmas Jars by Jason F. Wright — This is definitely a new favorite Christmas book! I really loved this story. So sweet and the full circle that played out before me. I definitely want to start my own Christmas Jar now!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Heavens Are Open by Wendy W. Nelson — I'm kind of shocked that I wasn't more blown away by this book. Is that rude? I loved what Sister Nelson shared and a few insights had me pondering during my day but I didn't feel completely moved by this book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

---

Have you read any of these books? Comment your thoughts below!

What I'm Reading Lately

---

• Glorious Truths about Mary, Mother of Jesus by Susan Easton Black — Good book. I loved reading about Mary around Christmas time! I only gave it three stars because it didn't JUMP OUT at me while listening to the audio as something that just absolutely blew my mind. It wasn't terrible but it was fine! ⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Silent Souls Weeping: Depression—Sharing Stories, Finding Hope by Jane Clayson Johnson — Wow… I'm going to have to write a blog post review. This book deserves all 5 stars. It was amazing and I felt so understood. I believe that EVERY member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints should read this book, especially those in leadership/teacher callings. But most importantly, the experiences shared are really so helpful. I just can't say enough good things about this book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• A Case for the Book of Mormon by Tad R. Callister — I really enjoyed this book. The Book of Mormon has had many attacks and many people trying to prove that it was made up and that Joseph Smith wasn't a prophet and didn't translate anything. What I really appreciate about this book, is that a leader in The Church gives examples of proof that it wasn't made up, that Joseph Smith DID translate the Book of Mormon and how we can use the power of that knowledge to increase our testimony and live our lives faithfully. I really really liked this book! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Insights from a Prophet’s Life: Russell M. Nelson by Sheri Dew — I really enjoyed getting to know the Prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I really knew nothing about him when he was called to serve as our new prophet this last year. He is so amazing and a wonderful example!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Live Up to Our Privileges: Women, Power, and Priesthood by Wendy Ulrich — This book was good. Something to pass the time. I really enjoyed chapter 7! ⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Holy As You Are: Seeking Divine Moments in Your Ordinary Extraordinary Life by Christie Gardiner — I really enjoyed this book. Chapter 7 was really great and what I needed to hear but Chapter 8 really took the cake. I'm grateful for inspired people who write books filled with words that I need to read. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Consider the Blessings by Thomas S. Monson — This was a happy and uplifting book! Every story President Monson shares always had a happy ending! Not only was this book a good reminder to never postpone a prompting, but it was also proof that there is good in every day and good in every experience and we are blessed though we may not always see it. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

---

If you enjoyed any of these books, comment down below what you thought of them!

What I'm Reading Lately

This post contains affiliate links. I make a small profit off of purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you. All opinions are my own. 

I read all of these books really fast! I'm so proud of myself. I have a goal to read 50 books by the end of the year, and as of today, I'm at 43 books! I'm running a bit behind schedule but that's alright! :) My original goal was 20 books so I'd say reading 23 books over that is pretty great!!

I have been listening to 90% of these books on audio. I never really liked audiobooks because I always found myself getting distracted and having missed the last minute or so of the book. But I'm allowed to listen to them at work so I just squeeze them in when I can and it's been so nice!

I've been using the Deseret Bookshelf PLUS app on my iPod (the one on my cell phone isn't working right now) and I think they're beta-testing a desktop app! It will be so awesome! Anyway, I really love this app. Having access to these books for only $6.99 a month is really a deal!

---

• Finding Inner Peace by Brent L. Top, Wendy C. Top — This was a fantastic read! Short book. I loved the consistent reminder that I don't have to be perfect. I just need to keep doing my best. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Joy In the Covenant by Julie B. Beck — Wow! What an amazing book!! I really loved chapter 8. It was so good! I will probably read this again (which is something I never do) just because it was full of so much that I want to listen to again. I really loved how Sister Beck threw in life examples and experiences but she would always return the focus onto the covenants we make and their importance in our lives. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Saints: The Standard Truth by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, LDS Church History Department — Wow! This book was phenomenal!! I loved every single page. I really liked they added events like when plural marriage was introduced and the surrounding events. I feel like this really opens up the opportunity to learn about church history events that many people believe The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hid from its members. I don't believe that. I can't wait for volume 2!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• The Holy Invitation: Understanding Your Sacred Endowment by Anthony Sweat — This is one of the books that everyone needs to have a copy of on their bookshelf. I really enjoy learning about the Temple Endowment even though I was endowed five years ago. I love the scriptural references as well as modern-day references. Quick read! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Led By Divine Design by Ronald A. Rasband — Great book! My favorite quote, "Not all that the Lord ask of us is a result of how strong we are, how faithful we are, or what we may know." - It's a great book and shares insight on the plan that God has for us and how things don't just happen in our lives, but that we are led by God. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Faith Is Not Blind by Bruce C. Hafen and Marie K. Hafen — WOW!!!! Just wow…. this is one of the most amazing books I've ever read. This is definitely for someone who is struggling with their faith or may know someone who is. It's even for those who aren't struggling with their faith. It has so many amazing points and I just simply cannot put into words how incredible this book is. I feel like it brought me comfort for the struggles even I have as an active member and all I could think about were those that could benefit from this book. I listened to the audio through Deseret Bookshelf PLUS and it was a quick read too!! Oh so incredible. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

---

If you enjoyed any of these books, comment down below what you thought of them!

What I'm Reading Lately

I thought I would start sharing the faith-based books I've recently read and/or currently reading to blog posts every now and then. I like to mix these type of books in with fiction books to kind of mix up my serious and not so serious reading.

---

Dear Jane by Rachel Ward

⭐⭐⭐⭐

I really enjoyed this book. I thought it was a pretty cute love story. I’m a sucker for romance and when books include missionaries and waiting for them and stuff, I have to read them.

My favorite part was this at the very end: “I knew that the gospel was true, but it wasn’t a band-aid. It wasn’t a magical wall that would keep me safe from the bad stuff. It’s faith and it’s strength, and it’s a little, tiny light in the darkness that keeps me going.” ←← So good!!

Be Happy by Hank Smith

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I really enjoyed this book! Brother Smith was my seminary teacher in my senior year of high school. He really influenced my life as a youth and I was so excited to see that he had written a book on happiness.

This isn’t your typical “7 things to do to be happy,” but more of an explanation of happiness, things to back up the explanations and so forth. He does have a chapter based solely on depression which is brilliant. All it does is explain depression and how it can physically keep people from making the choice to be happy each day. I thought it was well written and suggest this book to everyone!

---

I'm not currently reading any faith-based books but I will update you next time if I am!

If you enjoyed either of these books, comment down below what you thought of them!