10 Must- Read Books

I am constantly asking for book recommendations and also giving out ideas of books to add to my friends' reading lists. So I thought I would round up some books that I've read in the last couple of years that I've absolutely LOVED. I've talked about some of these before and others are new to the list. All of them are great in their own special way. I have included a mix of historical fiction, a biography, nonfiction, and fiction. Hopefully there is something on this list that will intrigue you.

The Good Girl by Mary Kubica
Check out my book over-review here.

Cold Tangerines by Shauna Niequist
My friend Jen recommended this book to me last year and I just ate it up. I love the way Shauna writes and I've talked about that more in depth here.  It's super inspiring and just feels honest and raw. Shauna writes about how the most ordinary things in life can be extraordinary.

Secrets of a Charmed Life by Susan Meissner
Such a great book set in Europe during the London Blitz. It's heart-wrenching but sooo good! See my book over-review here.

Fearless by Eric Blehm
This is the incredible story of Adam Brown's life. I love what the Fearless website said, "This is a story of a man of extremes, whose determination was fueled by family, faith, and the love of a woman. It's about a man who waged war against his own impulses and persevered to reach the top of the U.S. military."  I feel like that really sums up his life story but the details in the book are definitely worth reading. I balled my eyes out reading this story and I already knew the outcome and most of his story. If you like military books at all, you will love this. Also, his story of his faith is pretty remarkable. It's a great reminder that God is constantly working in us even when we are at our weakest.

Unbroken by Laura Hildebrand
When I first read this book it actually happened by accident lol. I thought I was purchasing another book but once I started reading I couldn't stop. The movie has since come out but the book is a million times better. Check this one out asap!

Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah
This is one of my favorite books of all time. That's a pretty big statement right?? This book is about the rollercoaster of friendship through joy, jealousy, happiness, resentment, and many many tears. It covers a plethora of human emotions and you will find yourself identifying with their friendship and their fights. Watching their bond grow over a span of thirty years, you'll feel so connected to both Tully and Kate.  The end of the book came with me longing to read more and that's always a sign that you've read something great. There's a sequel to the book as well but the first is way better.

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
Oh man, this is sooo suspenseful and good! Read about it here.

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
I cried through most of this book but I couldn't put it down. One of my faves from last year! Read about it here.

The One & Only by Emily Giffin
I love Emily Giffin's books and I'm pretty sure I've read all of them. They are light reads but definitely page-turners. This one was a little different from her other books and I just loved it. It's a story about finding yourself in the midst of heartache and tragedy and picking up the pieces when you feel like you can't any more. This book will surprise you but also give you hope in the midst of sadness. Also, it will make you believe in second, third, and fourth chances. :)

The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
This is another tale of the book being WAY better than the movie. If you've seen the movie, do yourself a favor and read the book... you'll love it! This is an incredible love story of two people separated by time but are joined at random moments in their lives. They beat the odds and find a way to be together in a hopeless situation. This book will have you rooting for love in the most inopportune places.


I would love to hear your recommendations as well! :)