It’s been awhile since I’ve shared what’s on my nightstand and on my Kindle.  No need to keep repeating that . . .

It’s been awhile since I’ve shared what’s on my nightstand and on my Kindle. No need to keep repeating that . . .

I love to read and I usually have several books going at the same time.  I like to have both fiction and personal growth books within reach.  I love to be lost in a story with characters and mystery while I’m trying to work through the mystery of my own life in a thought out slow paced kind of way (the way I read personal growth, self-help, and faith based books).

Here are a few that I’ve finished over the past few months that I would recommend:

Wild in the Hollow  / I wanted to read this book the moment it came out and held off.  I had heard, from several people, that Amber Haines writing was poetic and gorgeous.  A few months ago, I met Amber and as we talked, like old friends, we found our stories to be so different and so the same.  I knew it was time to read her words.  And, when I did, I couldn’t put it down.  Her story was heartbreaking and whole.  And, her writing, as good as I had heard.  This lovely lady can write.  Her honesty and truth telling is compelling.   And, like me, I think you’ll find her story so different and so the same.  Read this book!!!!

Coming Clean / I wrote about this book last week.  The author of the book, Seth Haines, happens to be the husband of Amber Haines, author of the book I just mentioned, Wild in the Hollow. Yes, husband and wife authors.  And, yes, he is an excellent writer too.  The kind were you stop and pause and think, wow that was a fantastic sentence.  When I met Amber she gave me this book.  I couldn’t decide who’s to read first?  Husband or wife?  I was on a plane and picked up Sean’s out of my bag and it was just meant to be that way.  While I couldn’t put Amber’s down….and felt the same way about Sean’s…I read his book a little more slowly.  There were things in this book I had to spend a few days pondering on, like forgiveness.  Sean’s book is a journaling of his days of coming clean.  The first 90 days of his sobriety.  Yes, it’s about addiction, but it’s about so much more.  It’s about what we use to cover our pain.  While it might not be alcohol for you, it’s not for me, we all can be found using something to mask or avoid pain.  There is healing and hope found in this personal story of learning to walk into the pain, rather than away from it.

The Girl on The Train / Everyone loved this book, and there is a reason.  It is a page turner.  And, a good one.  If you love mystery… this is your book.  A little bit like Gone Girl only I liked it much better.  It’s not as dark.  I wanted to put that one down many times, but had to know what happened.

Yoga Girl / I loved this book.  I thought I’d like it just for the photos, recipes, and yoga tips, but I loved the story telling.  Rachel Brathen tells you more than tips…she tells you her very personal story. She tells it like it is and doesn’t try to make it all shiny and perfect.  This is why she is so loved on social media.  I loved learning about her journey.

The Lake House / Kate Morton is my fave fiction author and this is her latest book.  All of her books are about some sort of secret – a mystery- and tend to be in England, about family secrets, and centered around home.  Homes that aren’t just where the characters reside, but almost a character in themselves.  My favorite themes, really.  All of her books are good.

Switch On Your Brain /  This book is really eye opening in breaking down how are brains work and how they affect every other part of our body.

Sage Living / I always have to have a visually stimulating book in the mix.  I couldn’t wait for this one to come out.  Anne started blogging around the same time I did.  I’ve met her on a few occasions and she is a lovely soul.  I love cheering others on and watching them succeed.  Anne has a beautiful aesthetic and great design tips, but she is also a very lovely writer.

Healing for Damaged Emotions / A very dear and special person sent this to me.  I opened the package not knowing what book was inside and was like, “ohhhhh, I don’t need this.”  I started reading because I knew the dear sender would ask me about it and about 2 pages in, I knew this book was very much for me and probably everyone in the whole world.  Our memories affect us way more then we are aware and sometimes in order to go forward we must first go back.

The Body Doesn’t Lie / I got this book, when I was very ill, and trying to figure things out.  While medication was the culprit in getting sick, I came to the conclusion that my body was at a really weak point.  Through this book, a couple listed above, as well as a few others, and by a few other ways, I came to the conclusion that emotional issues will eventually come out physically in our bodies.  While I didn’t or haven’t incorporated Vicky’s entire plan, I’ve gained a lot of insight into how our bodies work, some great stress relieving techniques and practices to incorporate into my life.

What are you reading this days?  Any books you’d recommend?  I’ve been working my way through some heavier books and would love a few more light hearted ones to add into the mix.

Other books I’ve read and recommend here.

 

A few other books I’ve read recently :

 

And, a few on my waiting list: