By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills
This week I want to share what I’m reading and recommending. All seasons offer enjoyable times to read. Sometimes those seasons are on the calendar, and other times seasons are what we are facing in life—celebrations, growing, learning, and entertainment. We have our favorite authors and genres, and I encourage you to try something new.
Fiction
Angel Heist by Andrews & Wilson
Rescuing a kidnapped little girl is more than a hero bargains for—with a supernatural twist.
Hope Rises by David Baldacci
Baldacci never fails to deliver a thrilling story. Revenge weaves a strong plot with an unpredictable outcome.
Serial Burn by Lynette Eason
Lynette is a good friend, and she always delivers on a rollercoaster ride of suspense.
All We Thought We Knew by Michelle Shocklee
Shocklee creates a historical masterpiece about two women who must face the truth, even if it isn’t what they want to know—or grow from accepting it.
Nonfiction
Bible
Read God’s word. Believe God’s word. Live God’s word. Breathe God’s word. Share God’s word.
Sacred Margins on the Spiritual Life of a Writer by Steve Laube
Laube wrote this spiritual insight for writers, but the book is for every Christian writer who has faced challenges in their personal, professional, and spiritual life. Bible-based wisdom and guidance.
Crafting Story Movement Techniques to Engage Readers and Drive Your Novel Forward by Kathryn Craft
Craft offers an in-depth study of the literary techniques that inspire writers to develop their skills with extraordinary examples.
Find Hope – A Devotional Journey to Trust in God’s Unfailing Love by Shaunti Feldhahn
Feldhahn’s scriptural insights helped me through a difficult time and challenged me to heal and grow spiritually.
Over the past months, I’ve read several books on grief. These aren’t listed here, but if you’d like to know the titles, email me at diann@diannmills.com.
I read these two books for endorsement— both are great suspenseful reads. Available for preorder from Kregel Publishing soon!
Rebel by Sara Davison
Dead File Whispers by Carrie Stuart Parks
What Am I Writing?
The January release of Point of Revenge has my attention. So excited! It’s available for preorder.
I recently completed the first book in a series of three standalone novels featuring paramedics.
Your—yes, your—Christmas short story is completed! This will be your gift in December. The title is The Christmas Redemption.
Edits are in the pile for a fun novella titled Not Retired, Just Undercover.
Tell me in the comments what book or books you’re reading. Let’s share!
Thanks as usual, DiAnn
Frances
I’m currently reading Joel Rosenberg’s novel “The Ezekiel Option”. It’s the 3rd book in his Jon Bennett series & I’m loving it.
I am reading Patient 7 by Sabrinna Wade. It’s about a psychiatrist who’s ex husband has gone missing. One of his off the books patients has the ability to predict murders, or he says he can, and they start to come true. it has some really good hooks and page turning events. Recommend it for sure.
Our AC is out and we are waiting for our repairman tomorrow afternoon. So far the temp in our bedroom has been hanging in at 79° or lower. The ceiling fans are still on. What better time to hole up in the bedroom and read! Today I finished Theo at Golden by Allen of Levi. Now I am reading assignments from Writing and Selling Your Memoir by Paula Balzer and The Truth of Memoir by Kerry Cohen. The last two are are for The Writers Digest University class, called Writing the Memoir: 101.
OMGoodness. Where do I start, my friend. Am finally getting settled in “The Haven” (my new little cabin in the woods) and have started reading again. I’m so far behind in my “To be Read” that I have a six-level rotating tower filled with TBRs. I’m about to finish “Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire” by Pastor Jim Cymbala of The Brooklynn Tabernacle. Just finished “Mourning Glories” by Ms. Marilyn Nutter, and “Walking with Kayden” by Mr. Brad Lee. Not a bad couple of weeks. I’ll pick up speed again and am so excited to start writing again. God’s blessings precious friend.
Thank you for your recommendations, DiAnn!
Love seeing what you’re reading! I’m re-reading Jamie Langston Turner’s novels and falling in love with her characters all over again.
Tame Your Thoughts- Max Lucado (great teaching!)
A Praying Life-Paul E Miller (came highly recommended as “the best book on prayer I’ve ever read.”
First thing ever morning, the Bible ♥️
I often read two books at a time, but right now that habit has somehow exploded. Give me grace, friends. 🙂
Eat to Beat Your Diet by Dr William Li (practical, science-based info on healthy eating)
Journal of a Novel – The East of Eden Letters by John Steinbeck
A Lady’s Handbook to Gadgets and Guile by Angela Bell (Whimsical steampunk and totally out of my usual genres)
The Case for America by Bret Baier
Author
Karen, that’s quite an eclectic list! Love it!
The Light Between Oceans, by M.L. Stedman. It’s a terrific book, published in 2012. I found it in an airport bookstore.
Author
Tim, you’re tempting me to read it. The Amazon book blurb is intriguing.
Congratulations on all the work you accomplish. The one book recommended to me lately is Eric Mataxas “Revolution.” I’ve been interested in early American history for a long time. Hoping to hear some interesting Christian involvement in this book.
Author
Warren, let me know your thoughts on it. Eric Mataxas is an incredible writer.
DiAnn,
I’m also reading Sacred Margins — in short bursts along with my devotions and Bible. You’ve inspired me to try a few on your list.
I’m so sorry for your loss and grief. We recently lost my brother-in-law and shared this book with our sister-in-law:
Take What You Need: Soft Words for Hard Days by Aundi Kolber https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D76S42TT?ref=fed_asin_title.
It seemed helpful and encouraging.
Hugs and prayers for you, my friend.
Author
Dianne, Sacred Margins not only showed my the value of my ministry but also helped me in the grief process. Thank you for the book recommendation. I’m on it now! Be blessed.
I’ve had little time for reading this year, but two books I did read (and finish!) are:
The Art Thief by Michael Finkel
Isola by Allegra Goodman
Author
Kay, I haven’t read either one! Now I can add to my list. Thanks
DiAnn, perhaps the best result of your book list is the inclusion of Crafting Story Movement because it demonstrates that ongoing learning is all important when a writer of your expertise and publishing history verifies a writer never reaches the point of knowing all there is to know about writing.
I recommend Choices We Make by Carol McClain, categorized as Christian Women’s Fiction and providing insight on traumatic brain injury, and its affect on others, in a non-academic fictional setting.
Author
Peggy, thank you for your kind words. Choices We Make sounds interesting. Thanks!
Great book list. Some I have read. I have read many of Carrie Stuart Parks books but not Dead File Whispers. I can’t find it. Is it new? What do you have new? I try to keep up with my favorite authors but miss some of their new work or what is about to be released.
Author
Donna, Dead File Whispers isn’t available yet. I’m reading for endorsement, and it is outstanding!
Thank you! I will be looking forward to it.
The Last Noel (anthology)
Twighlight Tactics (Lynette Eason)
And going to start soon a book by Dana Mentick.
Author
Elizabeth, you’re reading my favorite people!
Just finished The Vanishing Bookstore by Helen Phifer…. Entertaining but not a viewpoint I agree with for the most part. Currently reading Adorning the Dark & The Mobster in the Hollows ( Wingfeather Saga #3) by Andrew Peterson. Next to read How to Inhabit Time by James K.A. Smith. I’m really enjoying Andrew Peterson both musically & as a writer. Thanks for the recommendations. Blessings!
That is MONSTER, not MOBSTER…sorry
Author
Dave, you’ve raised my curiosity to read Andrew Peterson! Thanks!
Two fiction books that will make you wonder why Dr. David Jeremiah of Turning Point Ministries decided to put his pen down. “Vanished” and “Shattered” are books I cannot recommend enough. “Vanished” made it to #1 on NY Times best seller list. Both deal with end times subject matter. Not a sensationalized reading journey, but real and astonishing.
Two books equally as good are “Ishmael” and “Self-Raised by Lamp lighter Publishing. Very engaging. Compelling. Couldn’t put the books down for a moment. All books mentioned are wholesome entertainment.
Author
Dawn, I’m adding your book recommendations to my list! So many wonderful recommendations in all the comments.
South by Susan May Warren
Author
Judith, Susan is an excellent writer.
I am re-reading Lynette’s book ….Oath of Honor from the Blue Justice Series!
Author
Vondia, I love that you’re reading Lynette’s book. Trivia here – we share the same birthday.