Read All the Books.

Here is my first ever "Summer Reading Guide"! I mean really, it doesn't need to be used in Summer, I just liked the idea. I have enjoyed the "summer reading guides" put out by others, so I thought why not put one of my own together!

Grab your notebook (or your Good Read's App!) and start adding to your summer reading list today! If you're anything like me, I usually try my local library first (paper and e-books) unless it's a book I know KNOW I MUST own a paper copy of!

With each book I listed a few things I enjoyed or appreciated about it, something I would tell a friend if they asked. These are not summaries or synopsis', just a little piece of info to help peak your interest.

Grace for the Trenches Summer Reading Guide 2021:

Most Recent Summer Themed Summer Read: 28 Summers by Elin Hilderbrand

• Elin Hilderbrand's books can be hit or miss for me, but when I find one I like, I REALLY like it! I really enjoyed the main characters in 28 Summers and it definitely felt like a perfect vacation read. If you enjoy it, I hear there's a short sequel being released this summer!

Best New Release Recommendation: The Rose Code by Kate Quinn

• If you're looking for a book that's set during the war, but doesn't involve scenes from the war, this one is it. My first introduction to Kate Quinn was "The Alice Network". Of course it was amazing, but it was a lot to handle. The Rose Code isn't gruesome, but it's 100% a page turner and it gripped me the entire read.

A Love Story Set In World War I Narrated by Greek Gods (See, I've peaked your interest already!): Lovely War by Juile Berry

• Interesting perspective to read a book narrated by Greek Gods, on four different story lines that overlapped. I truly enjoyed this read (even though there is some war) and it made me (almost) cry and cheer in the end. Set during the War so clearly it's a major scene but not gruesome.

One Book I Could Read Over and Over Every Summer: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Annie Barrows

• I have read this book 4, maybe 5 times, and always in the summer. The first time I read it on a rock on a cliff in Italy (not relevant to the story, just wanted to reminisce), and I finished it in two days. I fell in love with the characters! This book is written entirely in letter form, but don't let that turn you off, its what makes it so enthralling! (PS- the movie is a bit different, but I would ALMOST venture to say- it was as good as the book).

A Romantic Comedy That Won't Make You Gag (although it may frustrate you a bit- why can't they just get it together?!): The First Time I Saw You by Emma Cooper

• I find the phrase "Chick Lit" such a turn off, so I prefer "Romantic Comedy". It's not my usual genre because its so hard to find one without the racy scenes. I came across this book while searching my Good Read's App and I thoroughly enjoyed. It would make a good movie! It took me a Chapter or two to get into it but then I was all in. It may appear light at first but there are a few heavier themes.

For Lovers of Little Woman: Jo and Laurie by Margaret Stohl and Melissa de la Cruz

• If you want a good laugh, check out some of the feisty Good Read's Reviews on this one. Some fans of Little Woman are LIVID that someone would dare to continue on the story of Jo and Laurie. Despite the angry mobs chanting "leave Jo alone", I decided to read the book anyways. I mean it was worth a shot since I love Little Women. I honestly felt the authors did a great job staying true to the original characters. And I definitely preferred this ending to the March girl's chapters than the original ;)

Kept Me Guessing To the Last Page: The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton

• How have I not read any Kate Morton till 2021? She is definitely my favourite author I have discovered this year. The Secret Keeper is my second favourite of hers, with a twist or two that changes the entire story (I even had to re-read a few pages to make sure I read it right!).

A Book To Help You Get To Know Yourself: The Road Back To You by Ian Morgan Cron

• The Enneagram has been all the rage for the past few years, but aside from the hype, I would say this tool has helped me get to know myself and WHY I see/ act/ feel a certain way more than any other "personality" assessment. It has helped me in my relationship with myself, in my marriage, my parenting, and in my understanding of how to lead others including staff and volunteers.

A Book To Help you Grow in Your Relationship with God: Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzero

• A book EVERY Christian could benefit from reading. The premise of this book is that you can't be spiritually mature while remaining emotionally IMMATURE. It gives tools for emotional health and approaches discipleship from a holistic perspective that made a lasting impact on my approach to Christianity.

Made Me Laugh (and the movie was cute too!): Where'd You Go Bernadette by Maria Semple

• If you need a light summer read that's not full of fluff, this one has some good laughs and a multi-dimensional main character that will keep you intrigued. As always, read the book first, but also a cute summer movie to watch as well!

The Writing Style That Grabbed My Attention from the First Line: The House At Riverton by Kate Morton

• As I already mentioned, I am new to Kate Morton. This was my first book of hers and I loved her writing from the first line (literally). It was reccomended to me as a book for those who enjoy Downton Abby. So if you are having withdrawal from your favourite Downton characters, then try this one (it definitely comes with a few more twists and drama too!)

If You Are Pregnant or Had a Baby in the Past Three Years: The Post Natal Depletion Cure by Dr. Oscar Serrallach

• I'm going to start buying this one as a baby shower gift! (It may not be as cute as a baby romper with frills on the butt but it will be 1000% more useful!). Not all of this book was relevant to me, but the parts that were, were 100% worth the read (you can skim any sections you don't feel apply). At the very least, it will describe the phsyical, emotional and hormonal rollercoaster your body has just been on while pregnant and postpartum (especially if you have had MULTIPLE children!), and give you some tools to address it.

Want to Organize Your Life? First, Learn Your "Habits Style" First With: Better Than Before by Gretchen Rubin

• Better than Before is all about "mastering the habits of your every day life". HOWEVER, its NOT your average habits teaching that leaves you feeling like a failure because you can't stick to waking up at 5am to workout! I find a lot of habits teachings have a "one size fits all" approach- and this book presents the opposite. What I loved most about this book is that it describes certain habits "personalities" or as Rubin calls them, "tendencies". It was freeing AND so helpful!

Best "New To Me" Author I Have Read So Far This Year: This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger

• This book was recommended to me as "a book for fans of Where the Crawdads Sing". It did not disappoint. I am not able to read anything about children getting hurt, so there were a few moments I wasn't sure if this book could be for me, but it ended up being a bit lighter than anticipated and I was able to handle it. The writing style was beautiful, the children were wonderful characters, and the story line was very engaging.( I would caution anyone with a trigger warning for treatment of native children and residential schools- this will show up in one of the story lines.)

Favourite Book of All Time (incase you haven't read it yet!): A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith

• What kind of reading guide author would I be if I didn't include my "favourite book of all time"! A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, originally published in 1943, is a story of adolescent Francie Nolan growing up in an impoverished family in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. I love any good story set in New York City, but this one is top of the list. Fun story: I first read this book on my honeymoon in Maui almost 13 years ago. My mother in law gave it to me before we left for the airport. Funny thing is I loved the book so much my husband felt a bit ahem, neglected, since all I wanted to do was read the first few days ;)

Happy Summer reading to all you lovely readers. If you have any questions or some suggestions to share with me, please feel fre