My Favorite Books from 2012

It’s always hard choosing “favorite” books. These are ones I’d read again, starting today, if my to-read pile wasn’t huge. I tried to get different books from different genres. I read a lot more great books than these, but these made the top of the list.

1. Kisses from Katie by Katie Davis
This is my favorite book from 2012. I read it in January and immediately started praying about opening our home to adopting more kids. It turns out John was praying about the same thing. (We’ll keep you updated with what happens with that!)

2. Her Daughter’s Dream and Her Mother’s Hope by Francine Rivers
Francine Rivers is one of my favorite authors. I lumped these two books together because they’re the same story that continues on. I became so addicted to these books while I was reading them that I had a hardcover book, a Kindle copy, and an audiobook, and I’d switch between them depending on where I was and what I was doing.

3. Everything by Mary DeMuth
There are some books I start highlighting, and it turns out there are more highlighted than unhighlighted areas. This was one of these books. In this gentle and challenging book, Mary describes the process and the nuances that shape us to be more like Christ. Her words are clear, vulnerable, and thought-provoking, and every chapter is infused with Scripture.

4. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
Over a Skype call I happened to ask one of our Czech friends, Jordan, what he was reading. He mentioned this novel, and I told him I was going to down load and read it, too. (Yes, I said that even though I had no idea what the book was about.) Although not a Christian book, the the story was heart-wrenching and riveting. I have to say I cried as I read.

5. Heaven is Now by Andrew Farley
I downloaded this as a free Kindle book, and I loved it. It opened my eyes even more to God’s Grace and reminded me that I don’t have to wait for heaven to experience God’s great gifts.

6. I Once Was Lost by Don Everts and Doug Schaupp
I re-read this book for the fourth or fifth time. In fact, I read it again before any missions trip. This is the best book I know on reaching post-moderns with the gospel. I use the five transitions on mission trips, working with my teen moms, and in everyday life.

7. Forgotten God by Francis Chan
I’d been wanting to read this book for a while, and I’m so glad I did. My “word” for 2012 was “listen,” and the Holy Spirit is the one I’m listening to. We miss so much when we neglect the work and words of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

8. Made to Crave by Lysa Terkeust
Lysa is inspiring and transparent. She reminded me that God is able to help me in all areas of my life. I lost about twenty lbs in the last year (and am now a regular exerciser), and turning to God to satisfy my cravings has made a huge difference!

9. Beyond Our Selves by Catherine Marshall
Catherine Marshall is one of my favorite authors, even though she passed away when I was in elementary school. I feel as if she’s a mentor to me, and Beyond Our Selves is her spiritual memory. (And Alyssa’s middle name is Catherine. Hmmmm, I wonder why?) It really gave me a glimpse of how God works ALL things together for His good.

10. A Wreath of Snow by Liz Curtis Higgs
This is Liz’s first work of fiction that takes place in the Victorian era, and I hope she writes more! It’s a quick read that is full of interesting research, engaging characters, and a lot of heart. If you love Downton Abbey, you’ll adore this book.

Bonus! Two books I’m still reading I highly recommend:

21 Days to a More Disciplined Life by Crystal Paine: There are a lot of “to-do” books, but the way Crystal explains things works! I consider myself a pretty disciplined person, but Crystal helped me to work on some of my problem areas. So good!

When the Morning Glory Blooms by Cynthia Ruchti: Cynthia tackles one area that I’m passionate about in this novel told through the lives of three women. I’m done, and I’ve already found myself in tears more than once. She tackled a hard topic with truth and grace—I love it!
*Photo credit: Image courtesy of adamr / FreeDigitalPhotos.net