One of my favorite things to do growing up was to read. I read all of the American Girl stories that corresponded with each doll, every Harry Potter book, and the entire Little House on Prairie collection (I was even in a monthly book club!). I remember hiding under the covers many nights reading Nancy Drew with a flashlight, and spending countless summer days laying out in the grass with a good book. Even now, my beach bag isn’t fully packed until I throw in the latest story that has captured my attention.

As one of my goals for this year was to invest in a little more self-care, I decided that I wanted to spend more time reading, rather than in front of the TV or on the internet. I’ve come up with a list of books to start with, and I thought it would be fun to share with you as well. These books range from juicy dramas, to self-help, to faith-based books of encouragement. I hope to have a well-rounded list of books that I’ve read by the end of the year. I decided to start my list at 12, with a goal of one a month, but I would love to add to this list. I already have a couple of these and I’m eager to dig in!

• A Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines || This book has been on my to-read book for quite some time. Especially with my favorite “Fixer Upper” HGTV series coming to an end soon, I need my favorite shiplap couple in my life more than ever.
• Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman’s Soul by John and Stasi Eldredge || I picked up a copy of this book almost a year ago and still have yet to read it. I’ve tried to pick it up a couple of times, but it is a little deeper than your average beach read. This books shows women about setting their hearts free so that she can grow to be all that she aspires to be.
• Wild and Free by Hayley Morgan and Jess Connolly || Many faith-driven women that I look up to have read and suggested this book, which is all about learning how to let go of our insecurities to fully respond to God’s desire for us. This is perfect for any Christian woman who feels like she is too much and yet, not enough.
• Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman || Jody and I have both actually read this book before, but it is filled with so much good truth about loving your spouse that I’m reading this again this year as a reminder of how to love my husband well. Engaged couples and newlyweds, I highly recommend this one!
• A Simplified Life by Emily Ley || Y’all know I love me some Emily Ley and I have been so anxious to get my hands on this book since it came out last November. Especially in a year where I am eager to simply areas of my daily routine, I’m excited to dig in to this one.
• Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris || I came across this book when I was scouring the internet looking for some “must-reads” for this list. This is like a thriller movie in a book. Just the summary on the back cover has me anxious to find out how this story ends. I may I have to read this one next!
• Truly Madly Guilty by Liane Moriarty || By the same author of Big Little Lies, this piece of fiction tells the story of a barbecue and how it unleashed a fury of lies and  betrayal for a normal couple trying to find the balance between work and family. Fun fact: Shortly after this book was released, Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman received the film rights to it, which means we may have an adapted version coming to TV soon!
• Still Me by Jojo Moyes || I have loved the entire Before You and After You series by Jojo Moyes, and I’m excited to read the next part of Lou’s story. I’m pretty sure I’m saving this for an easy summer read at the beach.
• Surprise Me by Sophie Kinsella|| Y’all, I honestly laughed out loud just reading the description of this book. This romantic comedy is sure to be a great read this spring all about keeping this couple’s marriage fresh and alive after panic sets in that they might still have sixty-eight years left together. I literally can’t wait to read this.
• Uninvited by Lysa TerKeurst || Originally, I wasn’t interested in reading this book, but after seeing it recommended by many different bloggers, I changed my mind. This book is all about feeling loved while dealing with rejection, loss and loneliness through God’s word and honest remarks.
• Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult || There hasn’t been a Jodi Picoult book that I haven’t loved. Easily my favorite author, I didn’t have to think twice about adding one of her books to my list. I’ve heard nothing but stellar reviews about this one and can’t wait to get lost in the mystery myself!

Do you have any books that are on your list to read this year? I’d love to hear what you plan to read, as well as some of your suggestions that I could possibly add to my list!