Reading Rec: Forever Faithful Trilogy

I haven't done an actual post dedicated solely to a reading recommendation in awhile, so I decided one was long overdue. Within the past couple months I have read all three books in the Forever Faithful Series by Karen Kingsbury. They were absolutely amazing and the underlying theme in all three books is that no matter what trials you are going through, God is faithful and will see you through. He will never leave you or forsake you. The Forever Faithful Trilogy also alludes heavily to Jeremiah 29:11, that God knows the perfect plans He has for each of our lives; and Lamentations 3, that His mercies are new every morning. In Book One, Waiting For Morning, Hannah Ryan's life changes in an instant when her husband and oldest daughter are killed by a drunk driver. She becomes bitter and turns away from God and devotes her life to making sure that the drunk driver who caused the wreck pays for what he did. Read it to find out what happens when God brings two very special people into Hannah's life who strive to prevent her from succumbing to the bitterness that is overtaking her life. Book Two, A Moment of Weakness, focuses on a new set of characters for the first part of the story but reintroduces characters from Waiting For Morning in the later part. The main story involves Jade and Tanner, two childhood friends who are reunited one summer when they are in their early twenties. However, in a "moment of weakness" they make a terrible mistake and fall prey to a web of lies that separates them again. Will they ever find their way back together again? Read it for yourself for a powerful story that illustrates how our God is a God of second chances. I can't really say much about the plot of the final book in the trilogy, Halfway to Forever, without revealing spoilers from the first two books. It involves the main characters from the first two books throughout the entire story. The characters experience some of their biggest trials and heartache thus far, but also experience great hope as they trust God in the midst of the storm. I suggest reading the three books in order, and especially make sure you've read both Book One and Book Two before reading Book Three. The Forever Faithful Series is some of Karen Kingsbury's earlier work-she wrote these three books in the late 1990s/early 2000s, before she wrote the popular Redemption Series.

Here are a few quotes from the series I especially love:

"No matter what else happens in life, you'll always have Jesus with you...I can't imagine life any other way."
-A Moment of Weakness

"I learned that that even in the darkest nights, morning eventually comes...It's God's promise." -Halfway to Forever

"Don't ever blame Jesus for the things that don't go as we plan, sweetheart. He's the only One who always knows what's best. Even if it isn't what we want."
-Halfway to Forever

Book One:

Waiting For Morning

Book Two:

A Moment of Weakness

Book Three:

Halfway to Forever

If you decide to read the Forever Faithful Trilogy then come back here and leave a comment on how you liked it! If you've already read it then let me know as well! Happy reading!

-L

xoxo

Reading Rec: Sunrise Series

Last month I read the four books in Karen Kingsbury's Sunrise Series, which is the third series of Baxter Family Drama. I loved it and highly recommend it! You can read and understand the Sunrise Series on its own, but I recommend reading the Redemption Series and Firstborn Series first. Those two series give a detailed background on characters and events in the Baxter family leading up to the Sunrise Series. The Sunrise Series continues the relationship saga between Hollywood actor Dayne Matthews and small town theater director Katy Hart, as they move into the next chapter of their lives and attempt to bridge their two different worlds: Hollywood and Bloomington. Members of Bloomington's Baxter family face new struggles including a crisis pregnancy, a struggling marriage, and uncertainties about the future. They also receive blessings of new births and new relationships. The Flanigan family of Bloomington plays a prominent role in the Sunrise Series as well, particularly Jim and Jenny's teenage daughter Bailey as she navigates the high school world of peer pressure and relationships while standing firm in her faith. And like all of Karen Kingsbury's novels, the Sunrise Series books will encourage and inspire you. The plot lines do a beautiful job of illustrating how God works all things to the good for those who love Him. This is a very bare description of the Sunrise Series-y'all will just have to read them for yourself to find out what happens! Here are the four books in the series-definitely read them in order:

Book 1:

Sunrise

Book 2:

Summer

Book 3:

Someday

Book 4:

Sunset

-L

xoxo

Karen Kingsbury Firstborn Series

I have recently read another great series of books by Karen Kingsbury- the Firstborn Series. This series is a spin-off of the Redemption Series that I read earlier. While you can definitely read the Firstborn Series on its own I recommend reading the Redemption Series first.
The Firstborn Series features Dayne Matthews, Hollywood's heart throb of the moment. The first time he lays eyes upon small-town girl Katy Hart, the director of Christian Kids Theater in Bloomington, Indiana, he is drawn to her and enthralled by her innocent beauty. Dayne then invites Katy to fly out to LA and audition for the lead female role in his latest movie. The five books of the Firstborn Series chronicle the feelings Dayne and Katy have for one another, and their struggles to make their relationship work despite the fact they live in two completely different worlds. Another huge obstacle in their relationship is that Dayne does not share Katy's strong faith in Christ. In addition to the Dayne/Katy relationship saga, Katy's trials and triumphs directing the Bloomington Christian Kids Theater are a central part of the Firstborn Series. Katy lives with the Flanigan family, who have two kids involved in the theater group (including Bailey from Karen Kingsbury's later Bailey Flanigan series.) The Flanigans introduce Katy to the well-known Baxter family (from the Redemption Series) and she develops a friendship with them. Throughout the Firstborn Series, Kingsbury gives readers updates on the lives of the Baxters, including the discovery of their connection with Dayne Matthews, which unfolds throughout the series. I can't fully explain the plot lines of the series without revealing spoilers, so you will just have to read them for yourself. Like other Karen Kingsbury books, the Firstborn Series has inspirational messages and references to Scripture that will encourage you and help grow you in your faith. Here are the five Firstborn Series books-definitely read them in order:

Book One:

Fame

Book Two:

Forgiven

Book Three:

Found

Book Four:

Family

Book Five:

Forever

Have you read the Firstborn Series or any other Karen Kingsbury books? I highly recommend anything by this amazing author!

-L

xoxo

Some More Recent Reads

Here are a few more books I've read recently that are worth checking out if you're looking for a good late-summer read:

In The Water They Can't See You Cry by Amanda Beard

I enjoyed this memoir by four-time Olympic swimmer Amanda Beard, who competed at her first Olympics in Atlanta 1996 when she was only 14 years old. She discusses her experiences in the pool as well as her courageous battles to overcome problems out of the water-including body image issues, an eating disorder, depression, and unhealthy relationships. I love reading books by athletes, and since I used to swim competitively (although nowhere near Amanda's level) I especially liked reading the memoir of a swimmer.

The Overnight Socialite by Bridie Clark

This light and entertaining read is a variation of the Pygmalion story. Lucy Jo Ellis is a plain and ordinary girl from the Midwest who dreams of making it big as a fashion designer in New York. After a chance encounter with Wyatt Hayes, a prominent figure in New York City society, her dream could potentially become a reality. Wyatt makes Lucy his personal project as he spends three months coaching her on how to hold her own amongst the top-notch NYC society ladies. What begins as a simple project becomes complicated as deeper feelings develop.

Unlocked by Karen Kingsbury

I highly recommend this stand-alone novel by Karen Kingsbury. It is the story of an unlikely friendship between two high school seniors: popular cheerleader Ella Reynolds-the lead in the school play, and autistic Holden Harris-the target of bullies. After noticing Holden's love for music, Ella convinces the drama teacher to let him observe rehearsals for the spring musical, Beauty and the Beast. Ella then discovers through old photo albums that she was best friends with Holden when they were really young, and becomes curious to learn more about the kind soul that is locked inside Holden's own private world. She also stands up for Holden when her former friends from the popular crowd make fun of him. As Ella spends more time with Holden and his family, she is drawn to their strong faith in Christ that has carried them through the trials related to Holden's autism. And as Holden spends more time in the drama room with Ella, miracles through a song begin to happen. I found Unlocked to be somewhat of a Christian fiction version of Disney's High School Musical, in that a school musical helps bridge gaps and bring members of different social cliques together.

Where We Belong by Emily Giffin

I just finished this newest novel by Emily Giffin, so I have now read all six of her books. Marian Caldwell is a rich and successful television producer in New York City and is dating rich and successful TV network bigwig Peter Standish. Late one evening 18 year-old Kirby Rose appears on Marian's doorstep, and she is forced to confront the one secret she has kept from everyone except her mom for the past 18 years: the summer after high school Marian got pregnant and gave her baby up for adoption. Marian had given the adoption agency her contact info, so that the daughter she gave up could contact her after her 18th birthday if she desired. However, Marian never expected she would see this daughter again, and life as she knows it is completely changed the minute Kirby shows up. Marian and Kirby begin to develop a friendship as they both embark on a journey of self-discovery and learn who they are and what they want.

Have you read any of these books? What did you think of them?

-L

xoxo

Karen Kingsbury Redemption Series

Karen Kingsbury is my newest favorite author, and earlier this summer I read and loved her Bailey Flanigan series. Today I finished the final book in another one of her must-read series: The Redemption Series. This series consists of five books: Redemption, Remember, Return, Rejoice, and Reunion and chronicles the fictional Baxter family over a period of about three years. John and Elizabeth Baxter have been happily married for over thirty years, and they have five adult children: Brooke, Kari, Ashley, Erin, and Luke. Faith and family are the two most important things to the close-knit Baxters, and the books in the Redemption Series take the reader on a page-turning journey through the both trials and triumphs they face. No matter whether the Baxters are in the middle of a tragedy or a celebration, their steadfast faith in God and trust in His perfect plan for their lives carries them through. I won't go into detail about the plot for each book because y'all need to read them for yourselves, but the issues various family members face include adultery, addiction, infertility, brain injury, unplanned pregnancy, broken relationships, and cancer. In addition, the tragedy of 9/11 takes place during the Redemption Series and the second book in particular details the impact that fateful event has on the entire Baxter family. Many happy moments such as weddings, births, and precious time making priceless memories with family also pervade the pages of the Redemption Series. Since the Baxters are minor characters in the Bailey Flanigan series (which was published approximately seven years after the Redemption Series) I was already familiar with the ultimate outcomes of certain situations the Baxters faced in the Redemption Series. However, that did not make reading this series any less enjoyable. It was fun to read about earlier events of the Baxter family in greater detail and there were still plenty of twists and surprises along the way. I look forward to reading the Firstborn Series next, followed by the Sunrise Series, which are both spin-offs of the Redemption Series that continue to follow the lives of the Baxters (as well as the Flanigan family, who was introduced in the final book of the Redemption Series). Here are the five books in the Redemption Series. I highly recommend reading them in order:

Book One:

 Redemption

Book Two:

Remember

Book Three:

Return

Book Four:

Rejoice

Book Five:

Reunion

Every book in the Redemption Series is amazing and will leave you inspired and encouraged in your faith! Who else is a Karen Kingsbury fan? Have any of y'all read the Redemption Series?

-L

xoxo

Amazing Must-Read Book Series!

My newest literary obsession is the Bailey Flanigan series by Karen Kingsbury, best-selling Christian fiction author. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I read Leaving-the first book in this series-during my week at the beach. In just the past week I have read the remaining three books in the series: Learning, Longing, and finally Loving. I won't share a whole lot about the plot synopsis of each book because a)they are so amazing it's hard to put into words how wonderful they are and b)the best way to find out is read them for yourself, which I highly recommend! They are so good you won't want to put them down and will fly right through them. I wanted to get through each book as quickly as possible while still absorbing the story so that I could move on to the next one and find out what happens next in Bailey's life. In short, the series chronicles Bailey Flanigan's life as she auditions for a role in Hairspray on Broadway, prepares to move to New York City to pursue a lifelong dream of dancing on Broadway, and learns lots of valuable lessons about God, life, and love as she journeys along in this next chapter of her life in New York City and beyond. At the center of the series are Bailey's conflicting feelings about her old friend and first love Cody Coleman and the new guy pursuing her-Brandon Paul. The series takes readers on multiple twists and turns regarding Bailey's relationship with both of these young men. That's all I'm going to say about plot-y'all will have to read them for yourself to find out who Bailey ends up with.
Karen Kingsbury has such a gift for writing and I am so glad one of my Bible Study leaders raved about how much she enjoys her books and how they help her grow in her faith. I love a sappy chick flick, gushy Nicholas Sparks novel, and Disney princess "happily ever after" just as much as the next girl. However, the love story told in the Bailey Flanigan series is a thousand times sweeter than all of those things combined because a love for Christ is at the center of the relationship.
There some earlier Karen Kingsbury series that include Bailey as a character and now I am definitely going to read those as well. However, while I recommend reading the four actual Bailey Flanigan series books in order, it does not matter whether or not you have read any of the earlier series with Bailey. If you are new to Karen Kingsbury books like me then you can definitely start out with the Bailey Flanigan series. Here are the four books:

Book One

Leaving

Book Two

Learning

Book Three

Longing

Book Four

Loving

Have you read any of the Bailey Flanigan series? Or any other Karen Kingsbury books? If so which ones? She is definitely one of my new favorite authors!

-L

xoxo

Beach Reading

As I mentioned in an earlier post, one of my favorite summer activities is spending hours on the beach with a good book. And last week, I was fortunate enough to be able to this about every day! During my week at the beach, I made it through four books and enjoyed them all. Here is what I read:

Off Balance by Dominique Moceanu. 

I loved this memoir of the darling of the 1996 Olympic gold medal winning USA gymnastics team. Dominique Moceanu is the daughter of Romanian immigrants and it was really interesting to read about how that influenced her childhood and gymnastics training. She also reveals what it was like to train under the legendary Bela Karolyi for four years, and her insider perspective unveils a drastically different picture than what the cameras portrayed at gymnastics meets. Moceanu describes the ups and downs of her personal and gymnastics life post-Atlanta 1996, including her comeback attempt in 2006, and the discovery of her long-lost biological sister in 2007. I highly recommend this and it will definitely get you in the mood for the upcoming Olympics!

Leaving by Karen Kingsbury (Book One of the Bailey Flanigan series)

After a couple friends gave me glowing recommendations for Karen Kingsbury's Christian fiction novels, I had to check them out for  myself! Leaving is the first in a series of four books. Main character Bailey Flanigan is 21 years old and is preparing to leave her close-knit family in Bloomington, Indiana to head to New York City to pursue a dream of singing and dancing on Broadway. She is also seeking God's will for a blossoming friendship with her co-star from her recent movie and coping with the pain from her first love Cody walking out of her life. The minor characters and subplots in Leaving are intriguing as well and I look forward to reading the next book in the series!

Thin Rich Pretty by Beth Harbison

This chick-lit novel chronicles three young women who originally met at summer camp when they were thirteen. Holly and Nicola have stayed in touch the past twenty years and remain best friends. One day Holly unexpectedly runs into Lexi, her and Nicola's arch-rival from Cabin Seven, and is shocked at how things have changed. She and Nicola then set out on an adventure to right a wrong that they committed all those years ago. The book alternates between the past at summer camp and the present-day.

Oceans Apart by Karen Kingsbury

This riveting stand-alone novel by Karen Kingsbury tells the story of Connor Evans, a pilot who is a happily married father of two. His world as he knows it is shaken apart when he gets a phone call and learns that the Hawaiian flight attendant he had an affair with one dark stormy night eight years ago has died in a plane crash and left behind her seven year old son Max who happens to be Connor's son as well. Max has no family and his late mother stated in her will that she wants her son to spend two weeks with his father before being turned over to the state. Connor must then confess to his wife about both the affair and the son he never knew he had. What follows is a powerful tale of forgiveness that is only possible through Christ. I was in tears at the end! You won't want to put this one down!

What books have y'all read and enjoyed lately? I'm always looking for more great ones to read!

-L

xoxo

Friday Favorites

Hope y'all have had a great week! Time for some Friday Favorites!

3/4 Sleeve Dress:

Lilly Pulitzer Balletta dress in Skye Blue Exbloomsion (from Resort 2010). The picture doesn't do this super cute and comfy dress justice. It looks great belted and unbelted. Even though the material is cotton jersey it looks nice and put-together for a variety of events (informal weddings, football tailgates, Sunday brunch, etc).

Tote Bag:

Vineyard Vines UNC Classic Tote. The canvas tote bag by VV is a preppy classic, and the Carolina blue silk trim with UNC logos makes it even better. It is the perfect size-holds a lot but not too overwhelmingly large to use as an everyday purse if you desire. Unfortunately Vineyard Vines currently only has a few schools available online in their Collegiate collection-they used to have a much larger selection. 

Cardigan:

Lilly Pulitzer Caroline Cardigan in Lagoon Green. This 3/4 sleeve cardigan is perfect for year-round wear. And since I am petite I love the fact that it hits me right at the waist. The green color is gorgeous and goes with so many items in my closet.

Dessert:

Breyers Blasts Oreo Birthday Blast. Breyers was on sale this week so I bought this treat to try and absolutely love it! It is a birthday cake flavored frozen dairy dessert with sprinkles and Oreo bits! Breyers Blasts are comparable in nutrition to low-fat ice cream. The Oreo Birthday Blast has 130 calories and 4.5 grams of fat per 1/2 cup serving.

Wall Plaque:

I love this wall plaque about the South that my best friend got me for my birthday a couple years ago. It's pretty self explanatory! Click on the picture so you can read it better. You can buy it at Swoozies.

Devotional Book:

Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. It is difficult to put into words just how amazing this devotional book is.  No matter what you are going through are what phase of life you're in each day's reading will speak to directly to you and bring you great encouragement and comfort.

Have a great weekend!

-L

xoxo

Summer Reading Recs!

My favorite summer past-time is relaxing on the beach or by the pool with a good book! In case you're looking for book ideas for an upcoming beach vacation or a lazy afternoon by the pool I have listed some recommendations below. I am a huge fan of the public library and highly recommend getting a library card wherever you live. It's usually free or a very minimal cost and gives you access to lots of books! Of course I do purchase books I especially enjoy or know for sure I will love because it is nice to have a personal book collection as well! For instance, I bought Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson's book the day it came out (featured in last week's Friday Favorites post). For a more detailed description or plot synopsis of each of these books you can click on the links I've included. Happy Reading!

Love The One You're With by Emily Giffin

Emily Giffin is one of my favorite authors, and this book is my favorite out of her five published chick-lit novels. I'm definitely looking forward to the release of her sixth book later this summer!

Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers

This is an amazing Christian fiction work based on the book of Hosea and set in a nineteenth century mining town. Don't let the length intimidate you-it is so incredibly good that you will keep turning the pages and finish in no time!

Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

This is a humorous read, the first installment of Kinsella's "Shopaholic" series. Reading about all the scrapes protagonist Becky Bloomwood finds herself in will keep you highly entertained! After you finish this one then read the rest of the series (there's about six books total).

Summer Rental by Mary Kay Andrews

Three childhood friends take a month-long beach trip together and encounter some unexpected twists and turns during their stay.

Shoe Addicts Anonymous by Beth Harbison

Four women from completely different walks of life bond over their common love of shoes and size 7.5 feet.

Chalked Up by Jennifer Sey

This riveting memoir by the 1986 national gymnastics champion shares some of the dark aspects of elite gymnastics, including her struggle with an eating disorder.

So Long, Insecurity by Beth Moore

I just read this book this past spring in a Bible study group and highly recommend it to every woman, because we all struggle with insecurity in some way, shape, or form whether or not we realize it!

Confessions of a Rebel Debutante by Anna Fields

This is a hilarious, entertaining memoir by a Southern girl trying to navigate Deb culture and be a proper Southern Belle. While I may not identify with the author now, it is definitely a must-read for anyone who has felt out of place or struggled to fit in at any point in their life.

Writing this post has made me want to re-read some of these books that I haven't read in at least a couple years! There are definitely many other books out there I have read and enjoyed. I might feature some of those in a future Friday Favorites post. As I read new books this summer I will be sure to share those that I especially love! Have y'all read any of the books I've included in this post? What are your favorite books and what books are you hoping to read this summer? I'd love to hear from y'all so comment away!

-L

xoxo

Friday Favorites

It's that time again-here are this week's Friday Favorites! Hope y'all have had a wonderful first week of June!

Shift Dress:

Lilly Pulitzer Dolly Dress Novelty Lace in Lemon Sorbet. This (from Spring 2011 collection) is one of my favorite Lilly dresses and I was lucky to grab it when it was on sale at the end of last summer. Whenever I wear this dress, I think of myself as a Lilly-fied Belle from "Beauty and the Beast." In addition to the gorgeous yellow color, I love the lace applique detail of this dress.

Camera Case:

Lilly Pulitzer Camera Case in Scarlet Begonias. I love to document my life in pictures and take my camera everywhere, so a cute compact camera case is essential. This Lilly case is perfect and the detachable wrist strap is a nice feature. And it's only $15!

Handbag:

Longchamp Le Pliage large tote. I carry a Longchamp Le Pliage of some sort as my purse at least 90% of the time. The large one can hold a lot of things without weighing you down, since the purse itself is lightweight and not bulky. If you live near a Saks Off Fifth outlet, be on the lookout for Longchamp Le Pliage bags-they frequently have discontinued colors at a reduced price!

Printed Top:

Lilly Pulitzer Cassie Top in Starry Blue Drama Queen. This three-quarter sleeve Lilly top from the Fall 2011 collection is one of the most versatile pieces in my closet because I can wear it year-round. It works with skinny jeans and cowgirl boots in the fall/winter and with shorts or white skinny jeans and Jack Rogers in the spring/summer. I love the cotton slub texture too!

Food:

Trader Joe's turkey corn dogs. I have been a fan of Trader Joe's frozen foods for awhile, and I recently tried out these turkey corn dogs. They are so delicious and one dog has just 150 calories and 4.5 grams of fat. With a side of oven-baked fries and a green salad, they make a reasonably healthy meal, one of my new faves.

Book:

Winning Balance by Shawn Johnson. I was never a gymnast, but have always loved watching gymnastics, especially in the Olympics. When Shawn Johnson, member of the 2008 USA Women's Gymnastics team, released her memoir this past Tuesday I had to read it ASAP. I just finished it today, and was not disappointed. I really enjoyed learning more about her start in gymnastics and training leading up to the Olympics, as well as her account of her experience at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. I especially loved that she openly talked about her faith throughout the book, and the importance it has played in the various stages of her life. I highly recommend reading it and adding to to your personal library!

Have a great weekend!

xoxo