Hi There!
Following up on Jessica’s summer reading list last week, I am sharing mine today! I love reading just like Jessica. But my love for books always had to be something I actually wanted to read, so I didn’t really excel in the English department when I was required to read certain books. However, now that I can choose what I want to read, and those choices can nurture and stir my soul, I can easily start and finish a book in a weekend.
What started as a love for fiction, from one of my favorite authors Nicholas Sparks whose books I have read almost every one published, has now more evolved into books that can truly speak to and change my heart and soul for the better with each page that I dive deeper into. I do still love Sparks’ books, don’t get me wrong, but as I grow further in my relationship with the Lord I have realized I need more “meat” in my books, and essentially in the time that I spend reading them. I have become quite fond of the Christian living section at Barnes and Noble and it’s the first place I head straight for when entering! A couple of favorite Christian authors are Craig Groeschel and Jen Hatmaker.
So let’s get to my new list for the summer!
Tamara’s Spiritual Read:
Find Spiritual Whitespace: Awakening Your Soul To Rest
Synopsis:
“Move beyond Coping and Surviving to a Rejuvenating Place of Soul Rest
How many of us find ourselves exhausted, running on empty with no time for rest, no time for ourselves, no time for God? Bonnie Gray knows exactly what that’s like. On the brink of fulfilling a lifelong dream, Bonnie’s plans suddenly went off script. Her life shattered into a debilitating journey through anxiety, panic attacks, and insomnia. But as she struggled to make sense of it all, she made an important discovery: we all need “spiritual whitespace.” (goodreads.com)
Tamara’s Tea Pairing: Tazo’s Organic Vanilla Rooibos Parfait
I’ve actually only recently become a fan of hot tea. (Now iced, I’m pretty sure I was born with a sweet iced tea in hand, but that’s another story.) However, I had tried various types of hot tea, but never cared for it, until I tried “one last time” at Starbucks one day when coffee just didn’t sound that appealing. I asked the girl her favorite and she pointed me in the direction of this Vanilla goodness. Thus, a new love of hot tea was born. This is a soft, soothing tea which fits perfectly while reading a soul-soothing book.
Tamara’s Personal and Professional Growth:
168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think
Synopsis:
“It’s an unquestioned truth of modern life: we are starved for time. With the rise of two-income families, extreme jobs, and 24/7 connectivity, life is so frenzied we can barely find time to breathe. We tell ourselves we’d like to read more, get to the gym regularly, try new hobbies, and accomplish all kinds of goals. But then we give up because there just aren’t enough hours to do it all. Or else, if we don’t make excuses, we make sacrifices. To get ahead at work we spend less time with our spouses. To carve out more family time, we put off getting in shape. To train for a marathon, we cut back on sleep. There has to be a better way-and Laura Vanderkam has found one.” (goodreads.com)
Tamara’s Tea Pairing: Tazo’s Organic Peach Cobbler
It had me at “peach cobbler”. I found this at our local grocery store. With it’s jazzy name, its the perfect tea to enjoy while learning that I really do have time to enjoy life.
Tamara’s Poolside/Beach Read:
Happy Wives Club
Synopsis: “One woman undertakes a worldwide search to learn the secrets of a great marriage–and finds one foundational truth that could change everything…Happy Wives Club” is Fawn’s journey across the world to meet her friends and discover what makes their marriages great. Join her on this exciting, exotic trip across six continents and through more than eighteen cities…Along the way, you will meet everyday women whose marriage secrets span cultures. You will hear their stories, witness their love, and be inspired by the proof that happy, healthy marriages do exist–and yours can be one of them!” (goodreads.com)
Tamara’s Tea Pairing: Tazo’s Cocoa Mint Mate`
The smell of this tea is incredible! It’s smell just like it sounds, if I could eat the tea bag I would, no joke. It tastes just as good as it smells y’all! This book warms my heart and soul for marriage, and since chocolate does the same (even the smell!) this is the perfect tea to pair with such an uplifting and joyful book!
So that’s it, what’s on your summer reading list?!
Until next time lovelies!
xoxo, Tamara