If you want to know how long it takes to write a book, the answer {for me at least} is—the whole series of “West Wing.”

No joke, I started writing with the first season as my background noise because Aaron Sorkin’s writing is genius. And yesterday I hit send on the email to my editor with manuscript attached just as President Bartlet said, “Tomorrow” in the final episode.

#BarletForAmerica, y’all.

In other news, today is National Authors’ Day and since it’s been two months since I shared what I’m reading {mostly because I’ve been writing and not reading}, let’s combine the two and celebrate some of the authors whose books I am looking forward to diving into between now and the time I get my manuscript back for edits.

[Note: The links below are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I will receive a small commission which, as always, I will use to buy more books. #truth]

What I’m Reading

Let me preface this by saying, I’m meandering through these books. Stopping to take in the fullness of the words and that said, some {most?} of these will not be finished this month.

Earth Psalms || Francine Rivers

Okay, let me just say, the Lineage of Grace series is hands down my favorite fiction by Francine Rivers. But, Earth Psalms isn’t fiction. It’s a collection of gorgeous photos and beautiful words designed to help us see again the glory of God in nature. With 52 devotions, I am savoring one each Sunday afternoon. And, if you are looking for a lovely book to set on your coffee table so you can pick it up when you finally sit down each night, this is it!

She Reads Truth || Amanda Bible Williams and Raechel Myers

This was not what I was expecting but it is a well-written account of how both Rachael and Amanda were drawn into Scripture. Honestly, I didn’t read the book’s description before I ordered it or I would have known what it was going to be. It’s no secret how much I love the She Reads Truth Bible studies and I was expecting more of that than a memoir.  At any rate, the writing is superb and if you have ever felt disconnected to the Word, their stories will both inspire and encourage you to keep at it.

The Broken Way || Ann Voskamp

I haven’t had a chance to start this one yet but I feel sure I will love Ann’s message. Her heart is beautiful and she is one of the most gentle and humble people I have ever had the privilege to meet.

Come, Lord Jesus || Kris Camealy

Kris is a dear friend and a beautiful soul. She weaves words in the most incredible way. This book is her latest, an Advent invitation to embrace the waiting of the season and listen for the whispers of God. I am looking forward to savoring this lovely book {with a gorgeous cover!} in December.

(w)hole || Lisa Whittle

I ordered this one because the Amazon description had this line: “But what if you discovered that the holes in your life are really the things that will ultimately make you . . . well, whole?” One of the incredible parts of writing a book is the way God uses His Word to impact both your words and your heart. I knew I needed something to challenge me to embrace what God began to show me as I was writing and as soon as I read that sentence, I just knew I needed this book. I’m about two chapters in and finding Lisa’s words encouraging as I continue to ask God to open up the holes in me so He can make me whole in Him.  {Note: this is not a new book. It’s from 2011. I have no idea how I’d never seen it before but I know God was in the details of me finding it exactly when I most needed it.} {Another note: Have you read this post by Lisa? I read it yesterday and my exact tweet was, “If the internet breaks today, I hope it’s because of this post.” }

Full reviews coming this month:

Liked: Whose approval are you living for? || Kari Kampakis

Kari is a fellow Alabamian and a girl mom. She has four daughters {wow!} and this book is designed for teenage girls. I am hoping Casiday and I will be able to do a joint review for Prayers for Girls but if not, I’ll be sharing from my perspective why I think this is a must read not just for girls but for moms who want to understand more about how girls think in this social media obsessed world.

Rocking Ordinary || Lea Ann Garfias

If I’m 100% honest, I totally wish I had thought of this title! I love this book and it slides in so nicely with the whole concept of Lopsided Living. If you loved those posts, you’ll love this book.  I’ll be reviewing it later this month.

66 Ways God Loves You || Jennifer Rothschild

Oh y’all! Buy this one. Right now. My full review will be next week but, trust me, if you don’t have it after you read the review, you’ll be sad you have to wait to start reading.

And one other little piece of news, yesterday we celebrated Prayers for Girls first birthday! So exciting … and also my book, Praying for Girls, is already available for pre-order on Amazon. What?? Last week my friend Sandra texted me and asked if I knew {I didn’t}. And so I basically spent a whole day falling in love all over again with the cover.  In case you haven’t seen it, here it is:

So, that’s what going on around here. I’m exercising my creative muscles in a direction besides writing this week. My friend Marguerite and I are going to paint my bedroom furniture. Keep up with that on Instagram. I feel like it could be full of laughable moments.

xoxo,

Teri Lynne

What are you reading? Or looking forward to reading? Anything you think I need to pick up?

P.S. I *heart* those Dayspring people. Do you shop there? You really should … and how about getting $20 off your $60 purchase? Use code SHINEHISLIGHT at checkout.