This isn't my typical fashion and beauty post, but I thought we'd switch things up.

I've always loved a good recommendation, especially when it's a book that actually changes the way you think. These are five books I've read this year that have helped me grow, challenged some of my assumptions, and stayed with me long after I finished the last page.

freedom, healing, generational patterns, surrender, identity in Christ

1. Soul Care

Soul Care was introduced to me through my church, and it's one I've returned to several times. This isn't the kind of book you casually read from beginning to end and place back on the shelf. It asks you to do the work.

The book helps readers navigate generational patterns, wounds, soul ties, and areas of bondage, all within the context of biblical community and healing. It's deeply practical and requires honesty, reflection, and prayer. I've even had the opportunity to help lead small groups through it because I've seen firsthand how powerful it can be when people commit to the process.

Freedom isn't usually found in a single moment. Sometimes it's found in repeatedly surrendering the same places to God. This is one of those books you'll likely come back to again and again.

biblical view of relationships, covenant, wisdom in dating and marriage

2. Single, Dating, Engaged, Married by Ben Stuart

Whether you're single, dating, engaged, married, widowed, or divorced, relationships touch every part of our lives.

Single, Dating, Engaged, Married by Ben Stuart has been recommended by countless pastors, mentors, and leaders both inside and outside the church, and after reading it, I understand why.

In a culture that often treats commitment as optional and encourages us to redefine relationships however we please, this book offers a refreshing biblical perspective without feeling outdated or disconnected from real life. It provides wisdom, clarity, and practical guidance for every season of relationships.

You may think you already know what healthy relationships look like, but often we don't know what we don't know. This is one I'd encourage everyone to pick up, regardless of where you are in life.

emotional maturity, self-awareness, slowing down, growing into spiritual adulthood

3. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzero

Another book that has stayed with me is Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzero.

If Soul Care helps uncover what's beneath the surface, this book helps you understand why emotional and spiritual maturity cannot be separated. Scazzero challenges the idea that we can grow spiritually while ignoring our emotional health, and I found that incredibly convicting.

I appreciated how clearly he explains the process of becoming emotionally, mentally, and spiritually healthy while giving practical steps toward healing and restoration. It's thoughtful without feeling overwhelming.

This is one of the few books I own both as a physical copy and as an audiobook because it's worth revisiting.

friendship, grief, forgiveness, second chances

4. The Five-Star Weekend by Elin Hilderbrand

For something a little lighter, I picked up The Five-Star Weekend by Elin Hilderbrand.

I'm not usually a fiction reader, but I decided to give novels another chance this year, and I'm so glad I did.

The story beautifully weaves together grief, friendship, forgiveness, family dynamics, and the complexity of starting over. It felt like more than just an entertaining beach read. It offered thoughtful reflections on the relationships that shape us throughout different seasons of life.

Apparently there's now a Peacock adaptation starring Jennifer Garner. I haven't watched it yet, but it's definitely on my list.

patience, fundamentals, humility, lifelong learning.

5. Harvey Penick's Little Red Book by Harvey Penick

Some of you know I picked up golf earlier this summer. Like any new hobby, I quickly realized there was a lot more to learn than simply how to swing a club.

That's where Harvey Penick's Little Red Book came in. I listened to the audiobook while driving, and what surprised me most was that it isn't really just a golf book.

Yes, it's full of timeless advice about the game, but it's also about patience, humility, discipline, and remembering that improvement rarely happens overnight. Penick has a way of making simple lessons feel profound. You almost forget he's talking about golf because so much of it applies to life.

One of my favorite takeaways is that you don't have to force greatness. You simply keep showing up, practicing the fundamentals, and trusting that consistency compounds over time.

Honestly, that feels like a lesson worth carrying far beyond the golf course.

These books all taught me something different. Some invited healing. Some challenged my thinking. One simply reminded me to enjoy a good story. Another made me a slightly better golfer, or at least a more patient one.

If you've read any of these, I'd love to know what stood out to you. And if you have a book that's changed your life recently, send it my way. I'm always looking for my next great read.

Full List

Soul Care By Dr.Rob reimer
Single, Dating, Engaged, Married by Ben Stuart
Emotionally Healthy Spirituality By Perter Scazzero
The five star weekend by Elin Hilderbrand
harvey penick little red book by Harvey Penick

5 Books I’ve Enjoyed Reading in 2026