Welcome to my reading Nook!
I believe stories have a way of reaching us right where we are—offering hope, healing, and sometimes a holy pause to reflect. Whether it’s a powerful testimony or a fictional journey with deeper meaning, I love finding books that stir something in the soul. Here, I share the stories that have spoken to me, encouraged my walk, or simply made me laugh when I needed it most.
This space is my way of honoring the authors whose words have blessed me and inviting fellow readers into the joy of discovery. I pray these book spotlights inspire meaningful conversations, new favorites for your shelf, and a growing community rooted in faith, creativity, and a love for good storytelling.
Dr. AJ Swoboda — Subversive Sabbath: The suprising power of rest in a nonstop world
Dr. AJ Swoboda sits us down to question our work rhythms and help us enter into the holy rest of God.
The praise on the back of this book suggests it will radically change your life. Well, it did that for me and more. I highly recommend this book as it slowly unraveled my doctrines of rest and ways that I’ve operated outside of the Lord’s will regarding the sabbath.
Brief Summary
This book is a loving rebuke of our nonstop busy world. AJ uses countless resources on rest, and his own experience, to show us the wisdom of taking the time to rest with our heavenly father. He delves deeply into how our habits have affected our health, our relationships, but most importantly our relationship with God.
What Stood Out
I leaned in when when Dr. Swoboda explained Adam and Eve were created on the sixth day and God strategically placed rest on the seventh allowing them to enjoy the first of many days of rest with God the father.
Also, the chapter on Sabbath and Worship was striking as the Holy Spirit began to unveil how Jesus was, is, and will be heaven on earth. The truth of Jesus patiently waiting and resting with the father until his return left hope in my heart for this restless, chaotic world.
Overall Thoughts
This book ushered me into a new season of redefining what my life looks like as I have chosen busyness over resting with the father. It will challenge the very foundational truths about what you understand in the bible as AJ calls us up to a higher life with God and a slower pace with man. Read this if you are looking to transform your life!
Dr. Keidra Hobley — Launch Out Into the Deep
Taking the leap never looked so good.
This story is close to my heart — a bold reminder that sometimes the greatest growth comes when we leave the safety of the shore. “Launch Out Into the Deep” is a joyful, honest, and refreshingly real exploration of what it means to take risks, trust God, and step into the unknown with faith.
Brief Summary
This book is part storytelling, part soul-stirring wake-up call. It follows a deeply personal journey filled with heartfelt moments, surprising revelations, and the kind of encouragement we all need when stepping into something new. “Launch Out Into the Deep” reminds us that growth begins where comfort ends — and that God is already in the unknown, waiting.
What Stood Out
What really stuck with me was the honesty. This wasn’t just another feel-good book — it was rich with truth and written with so much heart. I found myself pausing to highlight sentences, not because they were perfect, but because they were real. It’s the kind of book that speaks directly to where you are, no matter what season you’re in.
Overall Thoughts
If you’ve ever wrestled with fear, doubt, or simply wondered if you’re “too late” to launch — this book is for you. I walked away feeling braver, lighter, and a little more seen. It’s equal parts encouragement and challenge, and it left me grateful for the deep places that grow our faith.
Neta Jackson — The Yada Yada Prayer Group
A beautifully mismatched prayer group discovers real faith and friendship.
Neta Jackson (writing with her husband, Dave) weaves heartfelt, real-life stories about faith, diversity, and community. In The Yada Yada Prayer Group, she introduces a lovable cast of church friends whose honest conversations and prayers reflect our own messy journeys of grace.
Brief Summary
When a former inmate, a college student, a realtor, a mom, and more end up in the same prayer group, sparks fly—in the best possible way. Their weekly meetings at the Chicago Women’s Conference turn into genuine friendship, offering each other hope and healing through honest conversation and real grace.
What Stood Out
Neta’s characters felt like people I know—flawed, funny, and faithful. Those “aha” moments of shared faith woven into everyday struggles really hit home and gave the story an emotional heartbeat.
Overall Thoughts
This book left me feeling uplifted and understood. It’s Christ‑centered without being preachy, heartfelt without being heavy. A perfect reminder that community can be found in the unlikeliest of places.