The beginning of the year is the time when we all make our book lists, right? All that healthy optimism about how much we’re going to read. Ha! I rarely reach my reading goals, but I always make my lists!

Today I’m sharing the BEST 4 books I read in 2020, in case you want to add them to your 2021 lists. And then I’ll share the books on my own list for 2021, too!

Best Non-Fiction Read of 2020

Suffering is Never for Nothing, Elisabeth Elliot

I read this book with a highlighter in hand. And then I went back and read it again. This isn’t actually a book that Elisabeth Elliot wrote – it’s a series of talks she gave at a conference once, that the publisher put together because it was just. so. good. And I absolutely agree. No matter how you’ve suffered in 2020, or in the years before – and we all have, I cannot recommend this book highly enough. She speaks of suffering with honesty and common sense and gospel truth, and honestly this might now be my favorite book of all time. Go get it ASAP.

Best Fiction Read of 2020

What You Wish For, Katherine Center

I’ve really enjoyed all the books I’ve read from Katherine Center, and this was no exception! She makes her characters believable and likable, and takes us on the journey with them. Her books are ones I can pick up and be sucked right into the story from page 1, which is something I really appreciate about any book.

*I don’t think there are any questionable scenes in this one, but don’t hold me to that. I tend to flip past parts I don’t want to read, so it’s possible that happened. I just remember it being one of my favorite books of the year!

Favorite Audio Listens of 2020

Both of these books are about our identity in Christ, and I loved each one. Both are pretty blunt and honest, and both are focused on God’s Word as truth. I loved them so much on audio that I want to go back, read the actual books, and highlight them up!

You, Who?, Rachel Jankovic

You’re Not Enough, and That’s Okay, Allie Beth Stuckey

MY BOOK LIST FOR 2021

A lot of you have told me that you had trouble reading anything in 2020, and I did too. I had a really hard time getting into anything with all the distraction of what’s been going on in the world.

I did NOT, however, have trouble buying books. 🤦🏼‍♀️

So, my list of books for 2021 consists of things I have already bought and are taking up that prime real estate on my bookshelf! Here’s what I’m the most excited about reading in 2021.

Non-Fiction Reads

CHRISTIAN LIFE

• The Weight of Glory, C.S. Lewis
• Worthy, Elyse Fitzpatrick
• A Lamp Unto My Feet, Elisabeth Elliot
• Another Gospel, Alisa Childers
• Chasing Perfect, Aisha Illian

PRODUCTIVITY

• A Better Life, Rebecca Smith
• The Joy of Missing Out, Tonya Dalton

PARENTING/HOMESCHOOL

• Raising Worry-Free Girls, Sissy Goff
• The Call of the Wild + Free, Ainsley Arment
• The Brave Learner, Julie Bogart
• Awaking Wonder, Sally Clarkson
• Adventuring Together, Greta Eskridge

Fiction Reads

• Tending Roses, Lisa Wingate
• Firefly Lane, Kristin Hannah
• When We Were Young + Brave, Hazel Gaynor
• The Star-Crossed Sisters of Tuscany, Lori Nelson Spielman (BOTM*)
• This Time Next Year, Sophie Cousens (BOTM*)
• Anxious People, Fredrik Backman (BOTM*)

*I get a lot of books from Book of the Month! I love it because BOTM introduces me to books + authors I wouldn’t have heard of otherwise. I highly recommend it! If you want to try it out yourself, you can join here!

Also? We’re reading a few of these books TOGETHER this year in our 2021 Anchored Women Book Club! Click here to join us!

That’s it for me, friends! I’d love to hear what’s on YOUR reading lists for 2021! Share in the comments below!