Books in Review: Top 5 Books I Read in 2016

As this year draws to a close, I wished I had more time to write. Between having a few small jobs and other commitments, finding time to write just proved to be very difficult this year. However, one of the things I find write about more this year is books. I have essential become primarily a book blogger. It’s something that became bigger than I realized, and something I did not initially imagine myself doing when I started blogging. My first year of this blog (2015), I reviewed only two books, and they were books I reviewed because of my involvement in their book teams. This year, I have reviewed over a dozen books, only two of which were because of book teams. I have found so much joy in getting to summarize such great books so that I recommend them to others.
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When it comes to reviewing books, I have three ways a review comes about: 1) I write a review of a book I know so well, I don’t have to reread it. 2) I remember some of a book, but I choose to reread it in order to properly review it. 3) I heard great things about a book I’ve not have the chance to read and I write my review just after I finish it for the first time. This post will give you the list of the best books from this third category that I’ve reviewed over the course of this year. I enjoyed all of these books immensely, so it was really hard to rank them. But in the end, I went the messages that made of the greatest impact on my life over the last year. Here it goes:

5) 21 Myths (Even Good) Girls Believe About Sex by Jennifer Strickland

​An incredible book that clarifies so many of the myths about sex that have been added to by our culture over the years. Addresses a wide variety of topics, this is a great resource for any young woman or for anyone counseling young women. I was honored and blessed to be asked to review this book. For my full review of this book, click here 

4) Surprised By the Healer by Linda Dillow and Juli Slattery

​A collection of stories about women who faced sexual brokenness, but through their trials found healing from the God who heals, Jehovah Rapha. Another great resource for anyone who have faced sexual brokenness or those wanted to counsel someone through sexual brokenness. I was blessed to be part of this book's launch team. For my full review, click here. 

3) Love Does by Bob Goff

​A collection of stories that tells the incredible life lessons from the author, Bob Goff. It will propel into living an incredible life that turns love into action. This book is a must read for everyone in my generation. For my full review, click here.

2) Through the Eyes of A Lion by Levi Lusko

​A powerful reflection from a father who lost his 5 year old daughter, this book is an incredible guide through facing pain and suffering. This book shows a wisdom beyond the years of its author. It is definitely a must read, especially if you are facing pain and suffering. For my full review, click here.

1) Girl Defined by Bethany Baird and Kristen Clark

A powerful book for women about how to live out our feminine design in a culture that is selling us methods that won’t fulfill us. This book made such a powerful impact on me, I even led a Bible study through the book this fall. This is a must read for every young women of this generation. For my full review, click here.

​There you have it. I have many other books, both I haven’t read before and books I have read previously, that I look forward to reviewing over the next year. Many next year I can get 2 dozen books! Anyway, if any of you have a favorite among this list, or if you read some great books this year, I’ve love to hear about it in the comments. I hope that you all have a Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year!