When do you read? Do you have a rhythm that fits your season of life? I love learning from others’ routines and best practices!

Reading helps me relax at the end of the day and transition into a better night’s sleep, so it is a high priority for me. I see it pay other dividends, such as deepening conversation and enriching my life by giving my mind interesting thoughts to focus on, rather than my thoughts drifting to mindless matters. 

It doesn’t happen every night, but my goal is to read at least 10 minutes every evening, and I am shocked at how much material I can get through in a year with this tiny goal!

Reading can also reinforce lessons from Scripture. Here are a few verses these book recommendations model well:

Mark 12:30-31 (NIV)  Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

Proverbs 11:25 (NIV) A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.

Romans 12:2 (NIV) Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

I love getting book recommendations from friends, so please comment and share your current favorites! Last summer I asked if you needed Summer Reading Ideas and now I want to give you a few more fresh ideas. 

These are books I have recently enjoyed, so I hope you check them out. I will break them down by categories.

Parenting

Famous at Home: 7 Decisions to Put Your Family Center Stage in a World Competing for Your Time, Attention, and Identity by Dr. Josh and Christi Straub

Dr. Josh and Christi have young kids at home, so there is something special and relatable about reading words they penned between diaper changes and dinner prep. They were popular guests on episode 180 Becoming Famous at Home. 

For more ideas on parenting, don’t miss My Ten Favorite Parenting Books. 

Story

The Astronaut’s Wife: How Launching My Husband Into Outer Space Changed the Way I Live on Earth by Stacey Morgan 

Stacey is coming on The Savvy Sauce before the end of summer, so make sure you join Patreon to hear this lively conversation! Stacey is a masterful storyteller and I appreciated hearing her unique experiences, yet drawing helpful conclusions for my own life. 

Marriage

The Rhythm of Us: Create the Thriving Marriage You Long For by Chris and Jenni Graebe

This is such an easy read and a great way to invest in your marriage! Chris and Jenni were fun to host as we discussed Beneficial Rhythms in Marriage. 

Personal Growth

Are You Really OK?: Getting Real About Who You Are, How You’re Doing, and Why It Matters by Debra Fileta

Once I discovered Debra Fileta, I instantly invited her to be my guest to discuss Making Love in Marriage and Pursuing Health in Four Key Areas. She is a skilled therapist and her faith is at the core of all she does. Her wisdom is boiled down to actionable steps and reading this book is an inexpensive way to enjoy the benefits of therapy. 

Business and Leadership

I have three very talented friends who all wrote amazing business books that I devoured! Here are my three recommendations:

The Power of Customer Experience: 5 Elements To Make An Impact by Elizabeth Dixon

Elizabeth is an energetic and brilliant communicator. She has been a favorite, repeat guest on The Savvy Sauce. The episode that relates to her debut book is Leadership Training: Five Key Elements for Creating Customer Loyalty in Your Business with Elizabeth Dixon, but she also was a guest to discuss Being Intentional with our Health, Finances and Relationships with Elizabeth Dixon and Working Mom Wisdom (Released today on The Savvy Sauce Patreon Page).

Dream, Build, Grow: A Female’s Step-by-Step Guide for How to Start a Business by Francie Hinrichsen

Francie is an entrepreneur and she was a delightful guest on Pursuing Your God-Given Dream. Her book walks you through launching your own dream business and she cheers you on with energizing encouragement on every page!

Radical Business: From Ownership to Stewardship by Gary Ringger

Gary’s faith informs the way he does business and his mixture of lessons from Scripture and faith-fueled risks made this a fascinating read. Gary was joined by his wife, Marla, to discuss Radical Business and Radical Parenting. 

Generosity

The Generosity Factor: Discover the Joy of Giving Your Time, Talent, and Treasure by Ken Blanchard and S. Truett Cathy

This book rightly flips our idea of success upside down and offers a way to experience true and lasting joy with our finances. 

S. Truett Cathy is one of my heroes and he is now home with Jesus. As the founder of Chick-fil-A, he left quite a legacy and we devoted an entire week to this successful brand: 

The Inside Scoop on Chick-fil-A with Mark Dugger

How to Apply Successful Business Principles to Your Life with Dee Ann Turner

Managing Family, Career, and Health with Leslie Neslage

Simple Changes for Healthier Living with Leslie Sexton and Vasu Thorpe

Stewardship as the Daughter of Chick-fil-A Founders with Trudy Cathy White

I also enjoyed The Legacy Journey: A Radical View of Biblical Wealth and Generosity by Dave Ramsey.

If you are looking for an inspiring challenge in regards to your finances, read this book! Dave is a great teacher and this book altered the way Mark and I chose to steward our finances. 

Dave Ramsey’s Daughter came on the podcast to discuss Financial Heart Issues with Rachel Cruze.

Spiritual Growth

Unhindered Abundance: Restoring Our Souls in a Fragmented World by Ken Baugh

This book left me with many “aha” moments! I loved growing in my understanding of God while reading this book, but also having actionable steps laid out to impact my spiritual walk. 

Ken Baugh was a fascinating guest in both Brain Science and Spiritual Abundance and Theology and Discipleship (Patreon Only). 

Audiobook Option

The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg

It has been a few years since I listened to this audiobook, but the lessons still pay dividends! I loved listening to this book because it is full of stories and was easy to digest in small segments of time while I got ready in the morning or did a load of laundry in the afternoon. 

Purposeful Reading Ideas for Sharing with Your Children

Give Your Child the World: Raising Globally Minded Kids One Book at a Time by Jamie C. Martin

I value reading aloud with my children so much that I like to read books about what books to read with my kids! 

This resource gave me plenty of ideas for wonderful books to add to our home library. Jamie has curated an incredible list and we have gifted many of these books to our children over the years for special celebrations. Others we borrow from our local library.

In addition, if you want ten of my favorite children’s picture books to read aloud to kids ages 0-8, make sure you sign up for our email list to receive this freebie.

I’ve also included additional children’s book ideas in My Favorite Gift Ideas for Kids 0-8. 

And if you still want more recommendations, check out The Savvy Sauce list of resources or specifically look into Children’s Recommended Books.

Happy Reading!

Much love,

Laura