Michelle's Top Books

Non-Fiction

“Paperdoll” (Natalie Lloyd)

This book is fantastic! Natalie talks about real issues girls in our culture today are struggling with, like the pressure to be perfect, loneliness, betrayal, self-image, and placing our worth in guys. Then she parallels them to the story of the Women at the Well in John 4 and shows how similar we really are to her. And just like Jesus reached out to her in her time of grief and need, He reaches out to us each and every day. A perfect book for a girl’s small group or for personal study.

“The Fitting Room” (Kelly Minter)

Join Kelly Minter as she dissects Colossians 3:12. She gives a new meaning to each of the virtues listed in the book and gives meaningful and practical advice as well as insight for applying them to our own lives. Another great book for a small group or personal study.

“Dreaming of Dior” (Charlotte Smith) Charlotte Smith had already owned more than enough fabulous dresses in her lifetime. She had lived life to the fullest in London, Paris, and New York, something I can only dream about. Then she found out she had inherited a priceless collection of vintage clothing from her godmother. “But when she unearthed her godmother’s book of stories, the true value of what she had been given hit home. This wasn’t merely a collection of beautiful things; it was a collection of lives.”

Classics

“Sense and Sensibility” (Jane Austen) Immerse yourself in Jane Austen’s brilliant tale of two sisters searching for love. One is ruled by sense and doing the best for herself and family even when it might be hard. The other, governed by her heart, allows it to lead her on a journey that will change her life. Join them as they struggle through poverty, betrayal and hurt.

“To Kill a Mockingbird” (Harper Lee)

A seeming simple story of a girl growing up in a small town in Alabama, this book will truly capture your heart. When Atticus Finch’s wife died he was left with two children to raise. Grow up with Scout and Jem, and let the lessons they learn and the struggles they encounter, touch your life as well.

“Christy” (Catherine Mitchell)

After hearing a missionary speak at her church about the dire need for volunteers in the Smoky Mountains, Christy signs herself up, not fully aware of what she has just gotten herself into. But when she leaves her fancy home to live in a “cabin in the woods,” she believes it’s to teach to children. But she soon finds out, God sent her there to be taught some lessons the best school in the country couldn’t teach.

Teen Fiction

“The Katie Weldon Series” (Robin Jones Gunn) Did you read the Christy Miller series? Ever wonder what happened to Christy’s best friend, Katie? Well here’s your chance to find out: Katie struggles with discovering God will for her life regarding her college major and the wonderful relationship she’s currently in. Join Katie on the up and downs of college life and the seemingly unnecessary drama each of us seems to encounter everyday of our lives.

“The Maya Davis Series” (Erynn Mangum)

The brilliant second series from Erynn Mangum, this one is just as amazing as the first. Maya’s life seems to be going just dandy, that is until her roommate starts dating her high school roommate, her rival brother moves back to town with his perfect wife, and her best friend, Jack, starts acting strange around her. Maya has to return to God for the guidance and direction she needs, along with the strength to deal with struggles everyday life.

“Brides of Webster County” (Wanda E. Brunstetter)

There are four books in this series and each one as great as the next. Wanda E. Brunstetter introduces new concepts in Amish books, and brings the variety that I find many of them are lacking these days. You will love her heart-felt portrayal of family, love and following God’s leading in your life.

Historical Fiction

“Daughters of Boston Series” (Julie Lessman)

Set in the early 1900’s, Julie Lessman takes you on a journey from Boston to Ireland and back several times. Filled with intriguing twists and turns, you will be plunged into a wonderful story of longing, trust, betrayal and the importance of family.

“Roses for Mama” (Janette Oke) When both her mother and father die, fourteen year old Angela Peterson and her older brother Thomas, are left to raise the younger ones. But as the children grow, the questions and challenges intensify, and at times feel overwhelming. She does not know a bigger challenge is yet to come.

“She Walks in Beauty” (Siri Mitchell)

Clara Carter lives in New York City in the 1890's during the Gilded Age. As a young lady, just about to make her "debut," her days are filled with what most girls would love: dress fitting, shopping, dancing lessons, and suitor. But Clara is different. She doesn't find pleasure in all the balls and operas, but just feels stress. Stress to be the most beautiful, the most accomplished, and the one everyone is taken with. Pressured by her father and aunt to acquire the most-eligible bachelor in the city, also to deny her best friend, Clara feels pulled in every direction. Will Clara give up the only man she ever loved and her one true friend, just to please family?

Fantasy

“The Mysterious Benedict Society” (Trenton Lee Stewart)

“Princess Academy” (Shannon Hale) When the royal officials come to Miri’s village on the rocky slopes of Mount Eskel, Miri was not prepared for what they were going to announce. A somewhat modern-day version of the story of Esther, Miri is taken down to the valley, along with all other girls in her village, to partake in a season of training; training to be the next princess. Miri finds herself confronting the bitter rivalry among the girls and her conflicting desires to be chosen as the next princess. But when danger comes to the academy, it is Miri who must find a way to save her classmates – and the future of their beloved village.

“A Wrinkle in Time” (Madeleine L’Engle) On a dark and stormy night a stranger comes to the Murray house and beckons Meg, her Charles Wallace and their friend Calvin O’Keefe on a “most dangerous and extraordinary adventure – one that will threaten their lives and our universe.”

Did you know that Michelle loves vintage jewelry?!