For the past few years, I’ve been keeping track of most of the books I read throughout the year. (You can see my lists for 2011 and 2012.) I bought an eBook bundle in the spring, so that’s how I got a hold of so many wonderful eBooks this year! I still read quite a few “real” books as well, but this is the first year my list of eBooks outweighs physical books!
I’ll try to keep my reviews to just a sentence, but if you want more info on any of these books, let me know in the comments.
In no particular order…
Fit to Burst by Rachel Jankovic
I love reading Rachel’s blog, and I thoroughly enjoyed her first book (Loving the Little Years), so it was no surprise that I liked this book on motherhood too, and found it both challenging and inspiring!
Better than a Box: How to Transform Processed Food Recipes into Whole Foods Favorites by Katie Kimball
If you’re new to the journey from processed food to real food, this book (a guide book as much as a cookbook) will help you adapt family favorites to a new, healthier way of eating.
1 & 2 Peter (MacArthur Bible Studies) by John MacArthur
Our ladies’ Bible study did this study this year and we were challenged to remain steadfast in the faith in the midst of trials and persecutions.
Practicing Hospitality: the Joy of Serving Others by Pat Ennis and Lisa Tatlock
This was a great book on the biblical basis for showing hospitality and it also contained recipes and menu ideas!
The Art of Hospitality by Yvonne G. Baker (out of print)
This is an intensely practical book with so many fantastic ideas for showing hospitality to others, including meal plan ideas and recipes as well.
Bread & Wine: A Love Letter to Life Around the Table with Recipes by Shauna Niequist
While I don’t endorse everything in this book, I loved it overall and was so inspired to show hospitality after reading it (and I’ve made 12+ recipes from the book already…all delicious)!
The Church Planting Wife: Help and Hope for Her Heart by Christine Hoover
Christine’s blog is fresh and inspiring, so it’s no wonder that her book was excellent as well, and I really learned a lot from her wise perspective.
Embracing Beauty by Trina Holden
This is a super-practical guide to dressing in a becoming and stylish way during any season of womanhood/motherhood!
Frumps to Pumps by Sarah Mae
I really liked this book motivating moms to get dressed every day and look nice for their husbands and families!
Desperate: Hope for the Mom Who Needs to Breathe by Sarah Mae and Sally Clarkson
By far the best book I read this year, Desperate gave me the encouragement I needed to press on in the challenging role of motherhood.
The Christian Homemaker’s Handbook edited by Pat Ennis and Dorothy Kelley Patterson
This is a “reference” book in a lot of ways, so I didn’t read every word of it this year, but I gleaned a lot from it and will definitely refer back to it for years to come!
How to Blog for Profit Without Selling Your Soul by Ruth Soukup
Of all the books on blogging I read this year, this was the most helpful and included the most practical advice for monetizing a blog and driving new traffic.
How to Feed a Family of 4 or More for Less Than $200 a Month by Melissa “Liss” Burnell
I was already doing most of the tips listed in this book, but it could be a good resource for some.
You, Your Family, and the Internet by David Clark
This was a helpful, biblical perspective to your internet usage.
Honoring the Rhythm of Rest by Daniele Evans
I was challenged by this book to prioritize rest in my life.
Plan a Fabulous Party by Mary Carver
I love party planning, and this book had some great ideas and tips!
Handmade Walls by Jamin and Ashley Mills
This is a gorgeous book that is filled with tons of DIY ideas for frames/art for your home.
Not a DIY Diva: How to Create an Authentically-Inspired Life in a Pinterest World by Melissa Michaels
This is an inspiring book about being content with your home when surrounded by so much “perfection” on blogs and Pinterest.
Pulling Yourself Together by Becky of Clean Mama
If you’ve never implemented a home cleaning routine, this book is very helpful in getting started.
4 Moms of 35+ Kids Answer Your Parenting Questions
This book made me laugh out loud at times, but provided great practical help in some mothering issues I was struggling with (keeping children in worship, etc.).
That Works for Me! compiled by Welch and DeGroot
Lots of tips on homemaking taken from her popular blog.
Unbound Birth: How to Have a Natural Birth in the Hospital by Jennifer Yarbrough
This is a GREAT resource filled with practical ideas for anyone who desires to have a natural birth in a traditional hospital setting – which I’ve been blessed to have three times now!
How to Grow Your Blog and Manage Your Home by Jacinda Vandenberg
This is a great book on balancing blogging with homemaking, including tips on prioritizing and creating great content.
How to Have Your Cake and Eat it, Too by Mandi Ehman
This is another book on balancing blogging with family life, and I learned a few tips from it (even though I don’t see my blog heading in the direction of “business” at this point).
Reuse, Refresh, Repurpose by The Frugal Girl
This had a few simple ideas for repurposing old garments into new projects.
Simple Blogging by Rachel Meeks
This had some great advice on time management and blogging.
Your Grocery Budget Toolbox by Anne Simpson
I’m not sure whether to be encouraged or discouraged that I was already doing most of the money-saving tips in this book, but it was very practical and would be a great resource for you in economizing while feeding your family in a healthy way.
101 Days of Christmas by Mandi Ehman
This is a compilation of some of the best ideas from her blog, and there are a lot of good recipes, projects, and gift ideas here.
The No-Brainer Wardrobe by Hayley Morgan
This book has lots of good advice on putting together a capsule (mix and match) wardrobe, shopping thrift stores, and using Pinterest to find outfit inspiration.
A Woman’s Wisdom: How the Book of Proverbs Speaks to Everything by Lydia Brownback
Our ladies’ Bible study also went through this book this year and we all benefited from the practical advice and from the emphasis on Christ as our wisdom.
I’m reading a few more books currently, but I didn’t finish them before midnight last night, so they’ll have to wait for 2014’s list!
What was the best book you read in 2013?
Disclosure: a few of these are affiliate links, but I only give honest opinions about the books listed here.
WAY TO GO, sweet girl!! That many books read even while taking excellent care of your hubby, kiddos and home….impressive!! I can see how these wonderful books ARE influencing you! Keep it up!! You challenge all of us to a higher standard in reading! Love you! <3 mom
WAY TO GO, sweet girl!! That many books read even while taking excellent care of your hubby, kiddos and home….impressive!! I can see how these wonderful books ARE influencing you! Keep it up!! You challenge all of us to a higher standard in reading! Love you! <3 mom
i was just thinking this morning that i really want to read more books this year! You read a ton of awesome ones it looks like. I’m going to have to remember a bunch of this and try to read some! thanks for sharing your list 🙂 Happy new year!