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    5 Best Books of 2013 - 2014-01-07 13:22:53-05

Every year, I share my favorite books of the past year. I’m running a little late this year, but here are my best books of 2013 . . . and a giveaway for one of them at the end of this post.

Click on any title or image to read more or grab your own copy.  Remember you can get FREE shipping from Amazon through Jan 10, 2014 by clicking here.

#1  Thorn in My Heart
by Liz Curtis Higgs

Two brothers fight to claim one father’s blessing.
Two sisters long to claim one man’s heart.

In the autumn of 1788, amid the moors and glens of the Scottish Lowlands, two brothers and two sisters each embark on a painful journey of discovery.

I wasn’t sure if I would like this book as I started reading.  The plot is similar to Esau & Jacob with Rachel & Leah.  Even though I knew the Biblical story, I became fascinated with this tale set in 18th century Scotland.

When I was finished reading, I immediately started the 2nd book in the series.

Why is this my favorite book of 2013?

When an author causes you to really, really “not like” a character, she has done a great job.  I won’t spoil the series, but there is one character in the book I really couldn’t stand because he was so evil. I was completely involved in these characters’ lives and thoroughly enjoyed all 4 book in the Lowlands of Scotland Series.

Other books in the series include:

Fair Is The Rose
Whence Came a Prince
Grace in Thine Eyes

#2  Let Them Eat Cake
by Sandra Byrd

A delicious read with Lexi Stuart at a crossroads in her life. Still living at home, not sure which direction her life will take, Lexi accepts a job offer that will eventually change her life.

I loved reading all 3 of the books in the French Twist series. They were fun, summer reading in 2013.  I’m usually not into Christian fiction, but this one challenged my own walk with the Lord & Bible reading.

Other books in the French Twist series:

Bon Apetit
Piece de Resistance

#3  Pursuit of God
by A. W. Tozer

Steve & I ate dinner with some college friends back in June. After dinner, our host read part of this books to us. We chuckled that this was required reading during our college years.  When I got home, I couldn’t find our copy so I ordered a new one.  Although I remember reading Knowledge of the Holy, by Tozer,  I really don’t remember reading this title in college.

Out of all the books I read this year, I was most challenged by Pursuit of God?  Do I really pursue God or do I simply include God in my everyday life?

As I write this, I am challenged again to pursue God over everything else in my life. What about you?  Are you pursuing God or just leaving room for Him?

#4  Limited Church, Unlimited Kingdom
by Rob Rienow

My dad recommended this book last spring, so I ordered a copy. When it arrived, I looked at it and wondered if I would really read it. From simply browsing, I didn’t want to read it. In fact, it sat on my bedside table for several months.

Finally, I read it and WOW! I’m so glad I did. Rob Rienow shared so many ideas that have been on my heart, when it comes to the family.  Rob was a former youth leader who spent more time with his youth than his own kids.  He shares his story, as well as God’s ideas of fulfilling the Great Commission through family & church.

One of my favorite aspects of Limited Church, Unlimited Kingdom is the Scripture used to back up his suggestions.  Rob even says, I’ll listen to other views, as long as you support your view with Scripture.

This is a great read that highly recommend for homeschool parents and leaders in your church.

#5  Table Life: Savoring the Hospitality of Jesus in Your Home
by Joanne Thompson

My sister-in-law gave this to me for Christmas last year. I started reading the first few chapter, but misplaced it.  I picked it up again recently and devoured it.

Joanne Thompson shares so many ideas near & dear to my heart, including the importance of family meals, time around the table, inviting others to your home for a meal.

I challenge all homeschool moms to read this book and make time around the table a high priority.

This Week’s Giveaway:

One lucky winner will receive one of the Best Books of 2013 listed above. It’s your choice which one! Just fill out the form below … you have several chances to win!

Question: What was your favorite book of 2013? You can leave a comment by clicking here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway