Lately I’ve been doing a deep dive into my library, and I have some great new books to share that I have been reading this summer. My last post referred to fun, non-fiction options, but this little list is a bit more hardcore including business strategies and biographies. Sometimes I just love a mental recharge through learning! (How nerdy) but seriously, there’s nothing like a new perspective from someone else’s insight or experience. Read on for details and summaries of these recent books 




This is the third book I have read by Robert Greene, and I am trying to be intentional about digesting them slowly as to not dissolve the lessons by devouring them too fast. This book dissects deep into the layers of people and social sciences. This is definitely not a “light read” but a valuable eye opener for those with an interest in their social game. 


Much like the one above, I love a book that presents takeaways from historical successful experiences. This book studies though expedious success stories to file away methods that help you work “smarter” not harder. Definitely a lighter read from the latter which I have enjoyed listening to on my morning walks! 

They say the best way to learn from the figures you look up to is to read their books! This biography has made me fall in love with one of my my long-time idols, Julie Andrews all over again. I have always known she was something special from the way she carries herself in her work, and getting an inside scoop of her life has created a deep connection in me towards her. I look forward to reading her second book as well. 

This is another wonderful biography I have read recently from a fellow (and wonderfully successful) blogger and now mother of two, Jacey Duprie of 

. I learned so much from her raw account of her experience in this new industry, but the more profound parts of the book were her deeper struggles which she so humbly shared with the reader and showed uncanny relatability to my own life. I think I came across this book at the perfect time and I am so glad she wrote it! 


Comment below any suggestions for biographies you have loved or what I should read next. Cheers xx

Reading Refresh 

There are a few different ways I choose to enjoy my reading. I try to find efficient ways to use the pockets of time I have to squeeze in a chapter or two like listening to an audio book while pushing the stroller around my neighborhood or while using the treadmill, or using the electric version of a book on my phone late at night or during nap time, or (my personal favorite) curled up in a chair or lounging in the sun clutching the good old fashion pages of a paper copy book! The last is undoubtedly the rarest option, but a summer vacation usually provides an opportunity! Here are my latest fictional suggestions to unwind in a captivating story while you soak in the warm and calm luxuries of summertime:

I read this over our honeymoon and on the plane rides. There was recently a film put out of this story, but they always say the book is better! This book mirrors a biblical romance and paints a raw picture of healing through the unconditional love of your partner.

This book is centered around a scandalous affair lasting for 27 years. Setting in the northeast and Nantucket, and revolving around the yearn for summer, it’s a perfect drama for your beachside entertainment.

This story hooked me at the start. The protagonist wakes up 5 years into her future the night after her engagement to find her life is nothing like she had planned. I thought the ending was a sweet thrift of perspective.

I couldn’t put this book down, I clawed through the pages of this scandalous story of affairs and scorned women! I spent the majority of this book with conflicting emotions about the main character, but the last few chapters had my jaw on the floor.

I am a new member to the bandwagon of this series! I am also not finished with the book yet, but I am thoroughly enjoying the fantasy of an American royal family and the inside view of drama and romantic tangles it might entail!

 has me in a chokehold and I’m barley halfway through! This book gives you rotating chapters from different characters points of view, which is so refreshing and unique and adds the the emotional suspense! 


What books are you loving? Or have you read any of these? Let me know in the comments! 


5 Fantastic Fictional Summer Reads 

I’m not going to ramble too long in this post because these books are truly best left to speak for themselves, but I must provide a spotlight to praise them for the positive impact they made on Michael and my marriage and faith. In fact, one could not exist without the other.

You and Me Forever by Francis and Lisa Chan.

This was the first book we ever read together. I forget what compelled us to do this, but surely we were encouraged by a friend, and completely fell into the message of this book. I can’t speak to Michael’s intentions, but I went into reading it like any woman would co-reading a relationship book with their partner: “Gee, I really hope HE learns a lot from this. I hope it makes HIM better for ME.” Right?

Now, this is why I love and respect this book so much. Like any seasoned, married couple, the authors (Francis and Lisa) clearly knew this would be the energy at least ONE side of a couple would be bringing. After all, why else would you be reading a relationship book if not to improve your believed existing grievances (most likely brought about by your opposite party)? So, the authors intentionally humble the reader throughout the book by shrinking the self and magnifying God, and the many heartaches of the world. How selfish are we to grieve our excessive expectations against those suffering so incredibly greater. Whatever your struggle may be, You and Me Forever gently helps to shift your focus in humility and thankfulness to your partner, the great opportunity ahead, and the great impact and success you might have as a marriage of one force for God's greater purpose.

This book was specifically recommended to Michael from a friend at our church. Apparently it had been read and raved about by many male members. So Michael began, and ended up reading the rest of it aloud to me to share the great wisdom and growth he was experiencing. This book was so validating to him as a man because the story follows an intimate perspective on the journey of manhood and the ways society falls short of providing the leadership and companionship found only in a relationship with God. Men have many expectations stacked on their shoulders from a young age, and sometimes are not left the opportunity to evaluate their philosophy of love or intentionality of fulfillment. This book is so eye-opening to the acceptance of ourselves, and being seen, and understood, and supported, and most of all LOVED by God. Michael grew incredibly as a man through the lessons of this book and it was a gift to watch and share in the blessings.

Like the previous, this book was an extension of her husband’s book; Wild at Heart, and written through the eyes of a woman, for women. When we get married, we bring the good and the bad of ourselves into the new life we will create together with our spouse. We are now a wife; we have a husband. Yet, we are not uncontrollably transformed into a new or better version of ourselves by a marriage ceremony alone, and certainly not by the stress of wedding planning. And, here we stand facing our partner during the come down of bliss, home from the honeymoon, and the real work begins. The laying down of the foundation of the life you will build for decades to come. As we consider the stones we will lay, we must leave behind our old perspectives unknowingly shaped by our experience of life and past hurts from before and even during your relationship. We must nip poisoned buds at the root as cracks will only grow in prominence over time. Healing. Loving yourselves and each other in a healthy way. Holding yourself up to the light at the mercy of Gods word and being willing to muster up the strength to follow Him in His different and victorious path. The book Captivating was an intimate, healing journey of my womanhood in relationship with God in order to let go and move forward into my new role with gratitude and strength towards myself. I would prioritize reading this book especially if you have ever been in a relationship or want to live life with intention and understanding.


The foundation of faith, love, and understanding towards each other, and strength towards outside circumstances has been built slowly and deliberately over time through deep self study and relationship with God. We redefined our identity and our values through Him, and he continues to bless us in every way! Marriage is a life long commitment in which you must acknowledge God and allow His hand to guide your steps. Wishing the best for you all! 


3 Books that Built Our Marriage 

It's crazy how much growing up we have to do after we graduate college. We may be accredited enough to qualify for a certain entry-level position in our careers, but there is still so much work to be done in our hearts and minds (and general adulting for that matter) that we don't learn during our education process. Some things we learn the hard way through life's experiences and many mistakes or even betrayals. Yet, we live in a time where endless information is accessible to us through the internet including written accounts and studies left behind from the great minds that came before us to pass along their wisdom in hopes that we could be all the better for it. Here are some of those books I picked up unknowing that they would increase the capacity of my adult mind more than my alma mater ever could. I have linked them at the end of this post or referenced where they can be found. Happy discovering!

Financial lessons from a successful businessman, and comparisons to the average person who never dares to step out and accumulate wealth. Lots of lessons you don't learn in your schools about how to invest and take a more unique route to create income.

Such an interesting read! This was the first book I read by this author, and now he is one of my if not my all-time favorite authors. He has dedicated his life to studying people and passing along his findings for s to absorb in an approachable way that can help us better navigate society to build the life we want. 

The 50th Law by Robert Greene and 50 Cent

Continuing my Robert Greene spree, I devoured this book. I loved that 50 Cent had been so enthralled by the 48 Laws that he requested an additional book based on his life story and how he navigated power in the drug, music, and ultimately the business world to rise to the top. A must-read!

I love to dive deeper into subjects that I am interested in or are a part of my regular routine. After having babies, I felt generally weak and began walking as a form of easy and gentle exercise. Well, walking quickly became running which unlocked a desire in me I never realized was possible. This book is special to me because it dives deeper into the passion and humanity of what it means to be a runner and pushes past the assumptions of what the human body is capable of to achieve personal greatness. Thanks to Krystal Scheigel for the recommendation!

This is an intimate read concerning the physiology of a woman's sexual being. I highly recommend this book for all women looking to be more at peace with the complicated interworkings of their sexual development. It is not easy being a woman! Lots of things happen to our bodies, and we are not always giving ourselves the grace we need to love ourselves the way we are, and society does not make this any better. This book will help you get to n=know yourself and have more acceptance of yourself than ever before!

Your Body's Many Cries for Water by F. Batmanghelidj, M.D.

Okay, bonus entry because I finally found this at walmart.com! This book was a game-changer for my health! The author holds a light up to the big pharma industry and makes some huge accusations that I couldn't help but make sense of it all! Being healthy is a lot more achievable than we think, and it all starts with hydration.

Please leave a message or comment your thoughts if you read or have read these! xx