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What's On My Shelf (Jan 2021)

Writer: Amber ThiessenAmber Thiessen

Updated: Sep 26, 2023


Have you set any reading goals for 2021?


Looking back on 2020, there was definitely an increase in available time to read, for me at least. I found the books that were most impactful for me were the ones that taught me, challenged me, and related with me (See my top 10 from 2020). As I've prayed, and discerned areas in my life to grow, I try to plan some of my reading around these topics.


"As with most areas of life, success requires planning. Having a clear purpose for why you read will ensure that the few books you choose will be the books most likely to benefit your life." - Tony Reinke


I'm planning to pick up a few more longer titles this year, to help me sit back a little more and soak it in, particularly "The Warmth of Other Suns" by Isabel Wilkerson and "Providence" by John Piper. I also want to read a classic novel, maybe "The Hobbit" or the Lord of the Rings series. I also want to pick up a few more biographies this year, "Susie: The Life and Legacy of Susannah Spurgeon" by Ray Rhodes and "Fierce Convictions: The Extraordinary Life of Hanna Moore-Poet, Reformer, Abolitionist" by Karen Swallow Prior.


So, there are a few ideas. I usually go through Tim Challies' VT Reading Challenge, to help frame my reading, to ensure that I'm getting in a variety of genres as I read, you might find it helpful too. I love that there's ideas, even for the light reader to broaden their reading.


Here are some titles that crossed my shelf this month, hope you enjoy. As always, I love recommendations, so let me know in the comments! Happy Reading.

This book is relevant for every woman trying to navigate a biblical perspective of getting older. There are new challenges, transitions and parts of our identity to reconcile with what Scripture teaches us. 5 stars! Read my full review here.

Written by a pastor's wife, this title caught my eye (naturally). It's a comforting read to the wife who has a husband in ministry, with a lot of stories common to the ministry experience. I loved how she directs the reader to engage in discussion with her spouse, to share potential struggles and improve communication. This book is a great encouragement for the wife in ministry!

This is written by a friend of mine! There's 29 short chapters with friendly, relevant, and helpful advice for moms. Check out her blog for some free resources to help you plan and organize.

I started the year with this, just to orientate myself on the why and how of practicing spiritual disciplines. I found this one very encouraging and practical. Read my full review here. 5 stars!


If you find yourself struggling to narrow down your priorities, or saying no to yet one more thing, this is a helpful book to help remind how pursuing less, enhances your values and your productivity.

This is the second book in the 'Hope and Glory' series, featuring Caroline, and her role in the White House as secretary to the First Lady. During this time in history, security surrounding the White House and President McKinley was slim, so the Secret Service begins to introduce a presence as the election begins. It's an enjoyable historical fiction!

If you enjoy dual timelines, Jaime Jo Wright's books are really good. There's an eeriness surrounding an old abandoned house, significant to Kaine Prescott's family history. She's hunted by a stalker, grieving the death of her husband and undertakes a renovation project of the old home, only to discover an unsolved mystery and present danger.


I really enjoyed this book on writing. I usually try to read one every year. He was witty and helpful in his advice. Recommend for all the writers out there!


This is the grand finale of the Tox Files series and it does not disappoint! If you enjoy suspense with a smattering of sci-fi, this is perfect for you. Personally, the sci-fi aspects weren't my favourite, but it makes reading a suspense novel more interesting than what you'd normally get.


What's a good book you've read lately?

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All Content © Amber Thiessen, 2017-2024 | All Rights Reserved. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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