Books to Add to Your Summer Reading List!

If you’re like me, you love reading but have trouble finding time for it. Summertime is a great opportunity for settling down with a good book – on a beach vacation, sitting by the local pool, or during a warm evening on the porch – while the kids are occupied! 

This spring, The Motherhood has been working with a great group of bloggers to feature and review brand-new titles from Tyndale House Publishers. Below, we’ve listed a few of the new book and audio titles we have learned about and are excited to share with you – so you can include them on your summer reading list, too!

 Surprised by Motherhood by Lisa-Jo Baker 

All moms know that there is no self-help book that can fully prepare someone for the wild ride that motherhood brings. Released just this spring, Surprised by Motherhood is Lisa-Jo’s story of becoming a mom, and what she learned through the unexpected journey. Lisa-Jo shares her experience of losing her mom at a young age, as well as being a mom herself, which helps paint the picture that motherhood can certainly be messy, but also joyful. The book will encourage readers to lose the idea of what perfect motherhood should look like, because no one lives out motherhood as they planned!

Jennifer, who blogs at The Simple Pen, reviewed the book and wrote, “Surprised by Motherhood gives us a glimpse into the struggles and joys of life as a mom. It’s a reminder that this is a journey full of wonder that should be soaked in rather than endured. It will make you laugh, make you cry, make you hug your kids tighter, and just encourage your mama heart.”

This would be a great Mother’s Day gift for a newer mom!

 Just 18 Summers by Michelle Cox and Rene Gutteridge

Another phenomenal Mother’s Day gift idea for all mothers is Just 18 Summers! This novel will pull its readers into a journey with four families who realize that they only have 18 summers together before their kids leave home. The story is about learning to overcome parent guilt and making the best memories you can with the time you have.

Julie, who blogs at A Year With Mom and Dad, had the opportunity to interview author Michelle Cox about the book – take a look at the interview here!

This story is in the process of becoming a movie, so be on the lookout for that soon!

No Greatness Without Goodness by Randy Lewis 

No Greatness Without Goodness is a unique, powerful story describing the way Randy Lewis was inspired, after parenting a son with autism, to successfully encourage one of America’s biggest corporations, Walgreens, to hire employees with disabilities. The story is a personal account of his endeavor to help create jobs for thousands of people living with disabilities. It’s an incredible reminder that no matter where you are, or what power you hold, you can make a difference!

Lisa from A Day in Our Shoes loved this book so much, she couldn’t put it down:

“We had a rainy day, so I opened the book and started reading. And reading and reading. The chapters are short and easy to read. I finished it in less than two days. It’s an ordinary and extraordinary story … it’s interesting enough that when you finish one chapter you want to know what happens next, so you keep going…. When you read this book, you will laugh, you will cry, you will become champions for some of the people he encounters. Most of all, my takeaway is that there is hope. This is a person with knowledge and power to make things happen … and he gets it. He gets it.”

Discovering Odyssey by Adventures in Odyssey

The Adventures in Odyssey programs are exciting audio stories that are packed with intriguing mysteries and lessons that help kids imagine, discover and grow in their faith as they develop their character. These programs are perfect for in the car with kids – especially any long road trips you might take this summer!

Rachel, who blogs at Yellow Tennessee, reviewed their newest title, Discovering Odyssey, and said, “What I love is that each story has a theme. My children are not only being entertained but they are learning some great lessons. Everything from being content to salvation, and even sacrifice. Each story is very well done, with great sound effects and actors that are really into their parts. These discs have become our go-to listening every time we are in the car.”

Rachel is giving away an Adventures in Odyssey prize package on her blog! Check it out here – her giveaway ends on Monday, May 5!

What’s on your summer reading list? Do these books sound interesting to you?