Gift Giving & Gift Ideas and Buying Guides

Summer Reading 2022

Disclaimer:  Beautiful Touches received copies of these titles in exchange for sharing them on our site.  No monetary compensation has been received.  All information and images come directly from the publishers /agents/ authors. 

Welcome one and all to our Summer Reading 2022 Page.  Hope you find some titles for your summer reading pleasure.

Great Reads for the Younger Set

A GARDEN FOR GRACE, By Ellen Mainville

A GARDEN FOR GRACE

About the Book:

“A Garden For Grace – an art-book quality book of poems and drawings, written and illustrated by Ellen Mainville. For children from five to ninety-five. 68 pages, 8.5×11, over 50 full-color illustrations.

Imagine a farm: Dad in the fields, Mom busy in the kitchen, and Grandma planting and weeding in her extensive flower beds. They are gardens she’s created through many years, in every available space of her domain. She now has the leisure to putter, “me” time she could only steal in snatches as a busy farm-wife and mother. But what are gardens and leisure time without someone to share them? Along comes a little girl for Grandma to watch and to care for: a girl who also learns to love and care for Grandma’s flowers—and who learns about life and love at the skilled hands of the wise old woman. The girl grows up, her parents retire, the farm is sold. The girl becomes a mother, then a grandmother herself. The descendants of Grandma’s plants still live, transplanted to her own gardens. Grandma’s lessons live too: in her memories, passed down to her own children, to grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends, and now to us all in her artwork and poems…”

About the Author:

Ellen Mainville

“Ellen Mainville (1955-2021) lived in Northern New York with her husband Mark and dog Coco, in a Victorian house with abundant flower gardens. Many of these flowers came originally from her grandmother Grace, on the farm where Ellen was raised. They were carefully transplanted from place to place, wherever she
moved—their origin, growing patterns, and propagation meticulously documented in her daily “garden book.” Ellen previously published All My Days (2017), an illustrated book of meditations, and was 98 percent finished with A Garden For Grace, when she became a casualty of the great pandemic of 2020-21: victim of an autoimmune disease combined with breakthrough Covid-19. Yet even at the end, as she knew her God was calling her home, she was giving instructions for the completion of her book. This is a gift of her heart to all who knew or will come to know her.

Ellen gave her son Andrew, himself an artist and poet, creative control of the final publication. Andrew tells of “a vision I had as a child, of my mother strolling in her garden in the early morning hours. A garden she poured her love into, to create and cultivate beauty within its borders that she had created at our old house in New York. I can still see the delight in her, a small smile ever-present upon her face, as she admired God’s gift of beauty on this earth. A vision that will never leave me, just as flowers will always remind me of her love.””

Published by ABCarlson Publishing

A LITTLE SPARK, By Chris Parsons

A LITTLE SPARK

About the Book:

“The ground-breaking and truly innovative title  A Little Spark” is redefining children’s literature by driving its overarching ‘be and do good’ message home with an immersive multi-sensory / multimedia approach. The holistic experience combines a compelling narrative and cast of identifiable characters with full color illustrations with a custom-scored  musical soundtrack of original songs like this accessible through QR Codes while reading the book; an audiobook featuring delightful performances; fun on-and-offline activities ; and invaluable life lessons that are highlighted throughout each chapter. It’s a heartening activity to enjoy with young children, grandchildren and even students as the new scholastic ‘Be That Spark’ elementary education lesson plan is starting to roll out in U.S. classrooms. 

The Book: A Little Spark: (160 pages) A Little Spark is a family read-along story. Literacy is one of the most important values you can impart to a child. This book also includes an audiobook and music soundtrack, as well as other interactive features to delight readers of all ages on many levels, and to encourage a love of music and the power of storytelling.

A Little Spark Activity Book: Featuring puzzles, coloring pages, and a whole host of other engaging activities, this book will provide hours of fun and will challenge the minds of young readers while creating a fun experience and encouraging critical thinking. 

The Parent’s Guide: We work hard to create an experience that goes beyond the normal children’s book, and so we’ve created a handy Parent’s Guide that walks the parent through all that the world of Be That Spark has to offer! Also includes music sheet and Audio sheet providing parents and kids with easy access to all the songs and the complete audiobook.”

About the Author:

Chris Parsons

“From a fishing village in Newfoundland to a global technology executive, Chris Parsons is now making his mark on children’s literature–and people are noticing. Parsons left his executive position at AT&T behind a few years ago to focus full time on his true passion and life mission of creating meaningful experiences for children.  He subsequently formed a publishing start-up called Zuroam Media and began assembling an amazing team of editors, illustrators, animators and musicians. His vision for “A Little Spark” was to create an experience incorporating a great story, fantastical illustrations with a music soundtrack and an audiobook adaption. In short, to make it an interactive experience for families and classes to read and listen to together, appealing to “kids from 2 to 82.” Parsons believed that, by utilizing engaging stories, reading and music, children can be encouraged to Be That Spark and do amazing things with their little lives.  Today, Chris Parsons lives in Dallas with his wife, Kathleen and their two children Kealan and Maggie where they share a love of all God’s creatures including their two Newfoundland Dogs, Bear and Abbey.”

OFFICIAL STORE / Zuroam Media

ONE HUNDRED PERCENT ME, By Renee Macalino Rutledge

ONE HUNDRED PERCENT ME

About the Book:

“A heartwarming story about the joys of multicultural families and being mixed race. One Hundred Percent Me takes readers (ages 4 to 8) along as a young girl explores and accepts her unique identity.

It can be confusing to be a child of mixed race. As the little girl moves through daily life in the big city, she hears some people say she looks more like her Puerto Rican dad, while others claim she takes after her Filipina mom. Should she favor one identity over the other? No! In fact, honoring every facet of her identity equally becomes the main character’s favorite affirmation. This beautifully illustrated book about celebrating differences, claiming our belonging, and acknowledging our heritage encourages all readers to embrace the fact that we are all 100% ourselves.”

About the Author:

Renee Macalino Rutledge

“Renee Macalino Rutledge was born in Manila, Philippines, and raised in California from the age of four. Her debut novel, The Hour of Daydreams, won an Institute for Immigration Research New American Voices Finalist award, Foreword INDIES Gold, and Powell’s Top Five Staff Pick. In addition to One Hundred Percent Me, she is also the author of the children’s book Buckley the Highland Cow & Ralphy the Goat, a story about overcoming hardship with the help of our friends, who are often very different from ourselves. Renee lives in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she reads books for a living, loves the outdoors, and is always on the lookout for new adventures with her husband and their two daughters. Find her at www.reneerutledge.com or connect with her on Instagram @renee_rutledge.”

Published by Ulysses Press; Bloom Books for Young Readers

FROM THE POCKET OF AN OVERCOAT, By Robert Vincent

FROM THE POCKET OF AN OVERCOAT

About the Book:

“From the Pocket of an Overcoat”  is based on the real-life story of a cat named Max adopted by Vincent’s son Matthew from a homeless woman in Dallas who found Max as a tiny kitten and had him in the pocket of her overcoat as she was trying to find him a home. The tale is about an affable cat, Max Buckles, and how he finds himself and his way to a new home – moving from the cozy overcoat pocket of Sally in the city, to the country with Farmer Buckles and his other animals, including four dogs – Sam, Tots, Scotty (who isn’t Scottish but is plaid), and Junior Buckles. Along the way, he discovers a true sense of belonging within his new family. As told through the journey of Max the cat, this is a story about self-identity, acceptance, and animal rescue and adoption.

“One of the best adventures of summer is diving into a fun story or book,” notes Vincent. “From kids to adults, the tale of Max Buckles is the type of story that can transport anyone to a place of joy and love!” 

“From the Pocket of an Overcoat” also has received rave reviews from across a wide spectrum of readers and critics. Reviews on Amazon note that, “This is a very sweet book with lovely illustrations,” “My kids loved all the characters and especially Max,” “Such a lovely story that appealed and delighted young children to adults,” and “We can’t wait to find out what happens next!”

The acclaimed children’s book will be on display at the American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference & Exhibition (Authors Solution booth) in Washington, D.C. from June 24 – 27. The ALA is the world’s largest library event with thousands of librarians and library staff, educators, authors, publishers, friends of libraries, trustees, special guests, and exhibitors who are looking for charming and educational titles for young readers, patrons or partner educators.

Readers and fans of Max Buckles can like and follow the book on Instagram and Facebook, and can also send an email to [email protected] with proof of purchase to get a special Thank You note from Max himself. In addition, a portion of each book sale will be donated to organizations that promote animal rescue and adoption – The Humane Society, Best Friends, and Alley Cat Allies.

To learn more, visit www.maxbuckles.com or explore the following hashtags: #maxbuckles, #maxbucklesbooks, #maxthecat, #readenjoysharemax and #fromthepocketofanovercoat.”

About the Author:

“Robert Vincent is a children’s book author and illustrator, as well as the author of a number of other literary works. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife Kathy. Robert and Kathy’s son Matthew is a violinist with the Oakland Symphony and Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera. In December 2009, Matthew adopted a lovable black cat named Max. The rest, as they say, is history.”

Published by Friendly Falls Press

WILL SOMEONE PLAY with BLUEY?, By Eileen Ivers

WILL SOMEONE PLAY BLUEY?

About the Book:

“All Bluey the violin wants …is to be played. So, why won’t the children play Bluey?

Is it because he looks different?

From the Grammy-awarded violinist and educator Eileen Ivers, known for her unique musical style and blue violin, comes this uplifting story of standing up for yourself.

Eileen’s Music School is a magical place. When the children go home, the instruments speak.

Why do Drake the drum, Finn the flute and the other instruments tease and bully Bluey?

Find out how his only true friend, Priscilla the piano, helps Bluey gain the confidence to show them how special he is …how we are all unique.

Will they all learn to be kind and respectful?

Join Bluey, the children and the other instruments at Eileen’s music school and see how they ultimately celebrate that …our differences are often our strengths.”

About the Author: 

Eileen Ivers

“Grammy-awarded recording artist, performer, composer, producer, educator and 9-time All-Ireland Fiddle Champion, Eileen Ivers is known for her unique musical style and her signature blue violin, “Bluey.””

Visit the Authors Website HERE

Great Reads for Adults

FOOD YOU LOVE: That Loves You Back, by Rorie Weisberg

FOOD YOU LOVE; That Loves You Back

About the Book:

“Food You Love transforms all your traditional favorites. Pancakes for breakfast, pizza for lunch, schnitzel for dinner. Brisket, kugel, and cholent for Shabbos, along with dips, enticing salads, and loads of veggie sides, topped off with chocolate mousse and cookie crumble. You’ll enjoy every bite and leave the table feeling full, energized, and confident that you’ve served and savored only the best.

In this book, you’ll find:

>> Over 200 recipes made with wholesome, easy-to-find ingredients. Many of the recipes are gluten-free.

>> Rorie’s tried and tested prep + menu planning tips and a list of kitchen essentials.

>> Scannable QR codes to watch Rorie shop, prep, and cook … and much more.”

About the Author:

“Since 2015, Rorie Weisberg, CHC, recipe developer, health columnist, and founder of Full ‘N Free, has been showing the kosher community how doable and delicious it is to enjoy the foods we love … with ingredients that love us back.”

Published by Mesorah Publications Ltd. (ArtScroll)

RAISING AND ENTREPRENEUR: How to Help Your Children Achieve Their Dreams – 99 Stories from Families Who Did, by Margot Machol Bisnow

Raising an Entrpreneur

About the Book:

“Learn how successful entrepreneurs were raised! Could your children start a company that disrupts existing industries? Or a non-profit that helps people around the world? Or follow their passion as an artist or activist? And most important, lead a life of joy and purpose, to be happy and fulfilled? Margot Machol Bisnow, mother of two thriving entrepreneurs, reveals how to raise creative, confident, resilient, fearless kids who achieve their dreams, through 99 stories of families who did it. Read stories from 70 families who raised true game changers. See family photos of these thriving entrepreneurs, both when they were young and today, and learn the secrets of how they were raised. The entrepreneurs include: film director Jon Chu; YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki; method products co-founder Eric Ryan; Kiva co-founder Jessica Jackley; Under Armour founder Kevin Plank; Chef Nyesha Arrington; Life is Good co-founder Bert Jacobs; TOMS founder Blake Mycoskie; actor Emmanuelle Chriqui; League of Legends gamemaker Thomas Vu; sweetgreen co-founder Jonathan Neman; Mama Hope founder Nyla Rodgers; Blue Bottle Coffee CEO Bryan Meehan; Grammy-winning songwriter Benny Blanco; Aviator Nation founder Paige Mycoskie; film director Unjoo Moon; charity:water founder Scott Harrison; supermodel Karolina Kurkova; Automattic founder Matt Mullenweg; Daybreaker co-founder Radha Agrawal; Union Heritage Capital CMO Nia Batts; breakthrough coach Quddus; Blue Man Group co-founder Chris Wink; FEED Projects co-founder Ellen Gustafson; Qey Capital co-founder Dhani Jones; TV host Tommy McFly; Hello Alice co-founder Elizabeth McGee Gore; Altimeter Capital founder Brad Gerstner; Modo Yoga co-founder Deena Robertson; designer Breegan Jane.”

About the Author:

Margot Machol Bisnow

“Margot Machol Bisnow is a writer, wife, and mom from Washington, DC. She has a BA in English and an MBA, both from Northwestern, and spent 20 years in government, including as an FTC Commissioner and in the White House as staff director of the President’s Council of Economic Advisers.

Margot and her husband Mark have two kids. Austin has written successful pop songs and started a popular LA-based band, Magic Giant. Elliott founded Summit, a noted international conference series for Millennial entrepreneurs, and led the purchase and development of the Powder Mountain ski resort in Utah as a permanent home for the Summit community.

In book talks around the country, Margot has been joined by entrepreneurs and parents featured in the book. They discuss how to  raise children who are confident, creative, resilient, and happy.

Her husband, Mark Bisnow, founded a national newsletter company, Bisnow Media, which was acquired in 2016.

Their dog is the only one in the family who gets enough sleep.”

Published by Book Baby

THE CHANGE GUIDEBOOK: How to Align Your Heart, Truths, and Energy to Find Success in All Areas of Your Life, by Elizabeth Hamiliton-Guarino

Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino

About the Book:

“Make Positive Life Changes Like a Pro

A must-read for anyone looking to be their best. The Change Guidebook’s principles and practices are simple, easy to learn, and the results you will achieve with them are extraordinary.” — Jack Canfield, Award-winning Author and Life Coach

Portland, ME, May 3, 2022 — Sometimes, it’s easy to recognize that changes are needed in life, but it’s much harder to actually take that first step. Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino, certified master coach and founder of The Best Ever You Network, has expert advice for those who feel a desire to move forward but find themselves stuck in neutral.

“Think with your heart,” Hamilton-Guarino said in a recent interview. “When your heart speaks, it’s really important to tune in and listen to what’s going on and use that as a beacon.”

In her newest book, The Change Guidebook: How to Align Your Heart, Truths, and Energy to Find Success in All Areas of Your Life, Hamilton-Guarino demystifies the concept of change and helps readers lean into the process of change with a sense of purpose and positivity. Her 10-point framework walks readers through a proven process for making changes for the better — or adapting to unforeseen circumstances when they arise.

“When you think with your heart, when you’re authentic, and you understand that you go where you place your energy, I really believe that anything is possible for you,” she said.

The Change Guidebook ends the search for self-help that works, serving as a life-long companion guide and resource. Hamilton-Guarino’s insights can empower readers to become change masters by using the provided solutions to change, grow and become their bravest and boldest selves. These points are a process that readers can engage in and turn to in times of need, crisis, or to alter their life’s course.

“I wrote this book from my heart, truths and energy to yours to help you feel and be your best,” she added. “As I share my own obstacles and victories in my life, I also welcome over 20 other contributors, who have also taken the time to share their stories with the world.”

By using the tools provided within this book, readers will experience the joy of living life as someone firmly grounded in values, anchored by a consistent moment-to-moment practice of gratitude. These principles have been widely used to achieve goals from changing careers to weight loss, becoming a college athlete, and more, and have been proven to change many lives.”

​About the Author:

Elizabeth Hamilton Guarino

“Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino is the founder of The Best Ever You Network and co-founder of Compliance4. Through these companies, she has helped individuals and organizations around the world be their best and achieve world-class excellence with gratitude-based behavior and belief systems. She is one of America’s foremost personal and corporate development consultants specializing in mindset, strategy, leadership and taking action. Elizabeth is also the author of the award-winning personal development book Percolate: Let Your Best Self Filter Through (Hay House) and multiple children’s books as a contributor and author. Elizabeth and her husband live in Maine with their four sons, two dogs and three rescued cats. Visit her website at besteveryou.com.”

Published by HCI Books,  The Life Issues Publisher

THE FUTURE YOU: How Artificial Intelligence Can Help You Get Healthier, Stress Less, and Live Longer, by Harry Glorikian

THE FUTURE YOU

About the Book:

“Need to lose a few pounds but struggle to maintain a healthy diet? Toss and turn at night with insomnia? Want a new exercise routine that will give you maximum results? Wonder about your risk of developing cancer or diabetes? Want to understand how to work with your doctor to tailor your care based on your own genetic makeup? Do you want to learn how you can shape the best and healthiest version of yourself and how artificial intelligence (AI) can be a powerful tool on that journey? 
AI is transforming healthcare, changing how doctors can monitor, diagnose, and treat disease. In the coming years, this transformation will reach a tipping point as the technology becomes more capable, sophisticated, and accessible—progressing to the point where it can signal the onset of diseases, point to optimal treatments, and ultimately save lives. This technology will be available to you, the patient, as well as to your doctor. This is not a futuristic fantasy; it’s a reality that many scientists, economists, and entrepreneurs have seen coming for years—and one that is already playing out with remarkable success in doctors’ offices, hospitals, and homes across the country. 
The Future You: How Artificial Intelligence (AI) Can Help You Get Healthier, Stress Less, and Live Longer explores how AI is disrupting healthcare and what you need to know to navigate the new medical paradigm and improve your health in monumental ways—starting today. You’ll learn how doctors are treating once-incurable diseases by rewriting our DNA, and how AI is helping them diagnose different cancers more precisely. You’ll see how people like you have used smartphone and smartwatch technology to reach your health and fitness goals, and sometimes to survive a health emergency. You’ll understand how scientists around the world used AI to develop COVID vaccines at record speed and repurpose existing drugs to fight the virus—and how AI will help us identify future outbreaks more rapidly.
There’s quite literally nothing about health and wellness that won’t be utterly transformed by the power of AI. The Future You will show you what’s coming—and what is already here.”

About the Author:

Harry Glorikian

“Harry Glorikian is a global business expert, healthcare entrepreneur, podcaster and author. For over three decades, he has built a breadth of successful ventures in the healthcare space, and he is well known for being at the forefront of helping invest in and grow innovative healthcare companies that are tackling groundbreaking areas of healthcare and biotechnology. A sought-after speaker, Glorikian is frequently quoted in the media and regularly asked to assess, influence, and be part of innovative concepts and trends. He holds four U.S. patents in telecommunications and has others pending.
Glorikian currently serves as a General Partner at Scientia Ventures, a VC firm focused on upleveling companies that have the potential to transform healthcare. Additionally, Glorikian serves on the boards of StageZero Life Sciences (TSX: SZLS), a publicly traded healthcare technology business dedicated to the early detection of cancer and multiple disease states through whole blood, and Drumroll Health, which develops AI technologies to foster closer partnerships between patients, healthcare professionals and healthcare companies.
He is also the author of MoneyBall Medicine: Thriving in the New Data-Driven Healthcare Market and the diagnostics textbook Commercializing Novel IVDs: A Comprehensive Manual for Success, and is the host of The Harry Glorikian Show podcast series.
Glorikian holds an MBA from Boston University and a bachelor’s degree from San Francisco State University. Harry has addressed the National Institutes of Health, Molecular Medicine Tri-Conference, World Theranostics Congress, and other audiences, worldwide.
Visit https://glorikian.com/ for more information, or follow the author on Twitter (@HGlorikian) or Instagram (harryglorikian)”
Published by Brick Tower Press

48 STATES, by Evette Davis

48 STATES

About the Book:

“A thrilling novel with compelling characters, 48 States explores the dangers of extremism and the power of love and forgiveness.

“In both Station Eleven and 48 States, readers will respond to the strength of our characters,” author Evette Davis said. “When reading Emily’s book, it inspired me to think of other ways to create a world where we’ve suspended civil liberties, life is off-kilter, and you have to wonder how to get back to a sense of normalcy. As authors, we are two women who are spinning a yarn, sitting around thinking about worst-case scenarios, and our books feel like we’ve predicted the future, in a sense.”

The year is 2042, and the United States is recovering from a series of terrorist attacks that uprooted the government, revoked civil liberties, and erased two states from the map.

Widow, single mother, and Army veteran Jennifer “River” Petersen drives trucks for a living in Energy Territory No. 1, formerly known as North Dakota. Forced to enlist after her father’s death, the lines of River’s life have been redrawn, much like the United States’ map has changed. Living in a motel room with nothing but her books and a Glock handgun for company, River is weeks away from returning home when an injured man standing in the middle of the highway upends her plans.

From the moment he encounters River, Finn Cunningham knows he must choose between concealing his identity as the son of the president of the United States or be left for dead. His deception draws him and River into a megalomaniac’s deadly conspiracy to ignite a civil war and overthrow the government.

If River and Finn are going to survive, they’ll have to learn to trust one another and themselves.”

About the Author:

Evette Davis

“Evette Davis is the novelist who created the “Dark Horse” trilogy, including novels Woman King and Dark Horse. The final installment will be published in 2023. Davis also co-owns BergDavis Public Affairs, a San Francisco-based public affairs firm. Before establishing her firm, Davis worked in Washington as a press secretary for a member of Congress and as a reporter for daily newspapers in the San Francisco Bay Area.

In 2014, she founded Flesh & Bone, an independent publishing imprint. In 2015, Dark Horse received honors at the San Francisco Book Festival. In 2017, Friends of the San Francisco Public Library named Davis a Library Laureate. Her work has been published in the San Francisco Chronicle and Book Country. In 2021, 48 States was honored in the San Francisco Writers Conference Writers Contest. Davis splits her time between San Francisco and Sun Valley, Idaho, with her husband, daughter, and their American Labrador retriever. For more information, visit evettedavis.com, or follow her on Pinterest (@evettedavis399), Instagram (@evette1364), Twitter (@SFEvette), Facebook (@evette1364) and Goodreads (@evettesf).”

Published by Flesh & Bone Publishing

DON’T WORRY BE HA-PEA: 100 Deliciously Clever Food Puns, by Marie Saba

DON'T WORRY BE HA-PEA

About the Book:

“Don’t Worry, Be Ha-PEA is a perfect gift or coffee-table book for anyone who appreciates good food and clever wordplay. Saba’s compilation of family-friendly, quirky and creative food puns will have dads everywhere testing their knowledge of pop culture (think Celine Dijon and Robert Brownie, Jr.), tourist attractions (St. Peter’s Basilica), cartoon characters (Elmer Fudge) and much more. Saba’s tasty visual puzzles are as intriguing as they are appetizing and beautifully photographed.

Entertaining and light-hearted, Saba’s puns aim to inspire creative thinking, connection and laughter that will leave readers craving more.

“Don’t Worry, Be Ha-PEA reminds us all that we can find humor in the most unlikely of places — the back of the pantry or the bottom of the veggie drawer,” Saba said. “It’s just the book we need right now.””

About the Author:

“Marie Saba is a former lawyer, cookbook author and freelance content creator. Her playful creations have been featured in numerous media, including Bon Appetit and Food & Wine, as well as on The Rachel Ray Show and Martha Stewart Show. Marie lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband, John, and their two children, Jack and Elaine.

Marie was recently named by Country Living Magazine as one of the top 100 creative people in the country.

For more information, visit https://mariesaba.com/, or follow her on Instagram: @MarieSaba; TikTok: @MariesKitchenTikTok; and YouTube: Marie’s Kitchen.”

Published by Famillius LLC

PET SEMETARY:  A Novel,  by Stephen King

PET SEMATARY

About the Book: 

“Now a major motion picture! Stephen King’s #1 New York Times bestseller is a “wild, powerful, disturbing” (The Washington Post Book World) classic about evil that exists far beyond the grave—among King’s most iconic and frightening novels.

When Dr. Louis Creed takes a new job and moves his family to the idyllic rural town of Ludlow, Maine, this new beginning seems too good to be true. Despite Ludlow’s tranquility, an undercurrent of danger exists here. Those trucks on the road outside the Creed’s beautiful old home travel by just a little too quickly, for one thing…as is evidenced by the makeshift graveyard in the nearby woods where generations of children have buried their beloved pets. Then there are the warnings to Louis both real and from the depths of his nightmares that he should not venture beyond the borders of this little graveyard where another burial ground lures with seductive promises and ungodly temptations. A blood-chilling truth is hidden there—one more terrifying than death itself, and hideously more powerful. As Louis is about to discover for himself sometimes, dead is better…”

About the Author:

“Stephen King is the author of more than sixty books, all of them worldwide bestsellers. His recent work includes Fairy Tale, Billy Summers, If It Bleeds, The Institute, Elevation, The Outsider, Sleeping Beauties (cowritten with his son Owen King), and the Bill Hodges trilogy: End of Watch, Finders Keepers, and Mr. Mercedes (an Edgar Award winner for Best Novel and a television series streaming on Peacock). His novel 11/22/63 was named a top ten book of 2011 by The New York Times Book Review and won the Los Angeles Times Book Prize for Mystery/Thriller. His epic works The Dark Tower, It, Pet Sematary, and Doctor Sleep are the basis for major motion pictures, with It now the highest-grossing horror film of all time. He is the recipient of the 2020 Audio Publishers Association Lifetime Achievement Award, the 2018 PEN America Literary Service Award, the 2014 National Medal of Arts, and the 2003 National Book Foundation Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters. He lives in Bangor, Maine, with his wife, novelist Tabitha King.”

Published by Simon and Schuster

CHRISTIAN TITLES

WHAT THE BIBLE HAS TO SAY ABOUT THE U.S.A.: The Old Testament Speaks to Americans Today, by David S. Heeren

WHAT THE BIBLE HAS TO SAY ABOUT THE U.S.A.

About the Book:

“In What the Bible Has to Say About the U.S.A., Heeren takes readers on a fascinating exploration into the book of Hosea, where he draws stunning parallels between ancient Israel and modern America. Heeren details the cultural characteristics that the two nations share during their periods of decline, centuries after their initial settlements, namely: Money vs. Morality, Lawlessness, Humanism (the deification of humanity), Liberalism (socialism), Globalism, Life vs. Convenience, New Age (and other religions that Heeren calls “hostile to Christianity”), God’s love (the book’s most important chapter), Cunning Commerce, Sexual License and Environmentalism.

Heeren compels readers to ponder questions such as, Will moral deterioration result in upheaval that could impact all levels of American society? What can Christians do to prevent a total collapse? And how should we prepare for whatever lies ahead?

“He (God) no more wants to see American civilization crumble than He desired the collapse of ancient Israel,” Heeren explained. “So we should not ignore prophetic details that seem relevant to our imperiled nation. Reproduction of conditions could result in repetition of consequences.”

In the book’s final chapter, Heeren brings the discussion full circle, with a description of a great spiritual revival — as prophetic as some of the Bible’s end-time texts that anticipate the very same thing.

Prophet Zechariah said one-third of all human beings will rise into heaven on earth’s final day,” Heeren added. “According to recent estimations by evangelists Billy Graham and D. James Kennedy, the number 33 percent is way too high. That number, according to Kennedy and Graham and others, probably right now is less than 10 percent. Talk about revival!”

About the Author:

“Heeren is an award-winning journalist and author of 18 books. A personal prayer identical to that of Isaiah (Is. 6:8) led him to change his career emphasis from sports writing to Christian writing in 2007. Since that time, he has published nine books with Christian themes, five of which deal with biblical end-time prophecy. His book, The High Sign, which identifies the most likely sign of Jesus’ Second Coming, received a double-four-star (perfect) rating from the Online Book Club — the highest rating awarded by the club. Heeren was recently approved for inclusion in Who’s Who.

His upcoming Christian novel, Year of Our Lord, has been praised by literary critic David Dickerson as “by far the most exciting in the In His Steps series.”

To learn more, please visit: www.endtimesmystery.com.”

Published by URLink Print & Media

THE EMPTY CONFESSIONAL, by Tom Hogan

THE EMPTY CONFESSIONAL

About the Book:

“Gabe Russell is the protagonist in this work of fiction that incorporates many truths about the issues that have left scars on the Catholic church. The conflicting emotions that this priest experiences gnaw at him; He wants to punish those who have abused innocent victims and stained the Catholic faith, yet he also wants to satisfy his own desires with a woman who teaches at his seminary.

In this gripping story entitled The Empty Confessional, Hogan shows us a newly minted priest who finds release for his religious and sexual frustrations through violent penance — retribution against abusers and rapists he discovers through the confessional and the pedophilic priests within his own ranks.

The Empty Confessional plunges readers into the dark workings of the Catholic church and its real-life tacit policy of protecting pedophilic priests, as told through the eyes of Gabe, who, at just 27 years old, already has his own parish in working-class Pittsburgh. But he is in crisis. He is sexually attracted to Michelle, a teacher at the seminary where he also teaches, and he is frustrated by the church’s lack of ownership of pedophilic priests.

Skilled in Krav Maga, a violent Israeli form of self-defense, Gabe can easily disable and kill with his bare hands. And as he hears confessions from battered and raped women, he decides he can no longer just sit and listen. He targets the attackers one by one, his taste for retribution escalates, and he eventually turns his attention to the pedophilic priests in surrounding parishes. Enter Carla Jessup, a jaded detective assigned to investigate the attacks. Carla turns to Gabe for his insights on the church and the pedophilia within its ranks, unaware that he is the actual assailant.

Will Gabe answer to his crimes? Or will the seal of the confessional protect his secrets?”

About the Author:

“Tom Hogan is the author of two novels: Left for Alive (2019) and The Devil’s Breath (2021), as well as the co-author of The Ultimate Startup Guide, published in 2017. His screenplays have won awards. He has also written for Newsweek and other political and travel publications, including The Jerusalem Post and The Bulwark.

For more information, please visit www.tom-hogan.com.”

Published by Laughing Dog Publishing

YOURE MARRIAGE GOD’S WAY: A Biblical Guide to a Christ-Centered Relationship, by Schott LaPierre

YOUR MARRIAGE GOD'S WAY A Biblical Guide to a Christ-Centered Relationship

About the Book:

“Celebrate the Marriage God Made for You

Your most important earthly connection is with your spouse, and when you honor the person you married, you’re also honoring God. He created marriage to be one of life’s greatest gifts, and the instruction manual you need for a joyful, lasting union is found in His Word.

In Your Marriage God’s Way, author and pastor, Scott LaPierre, takes a close look at the principles for building a biblical marriage—one in which your relationship with Christ brings guidance and blessing into your relationship with your spouse. You’ll gain the tools to…

  • understand the unique roles and responsibilities of husbands and wives
  • recognize and resolve the conflicts you face with a heart of hope and compassion
  • follow God’s worthy command to love and cherish your spouse unconditionally

Whether you’re at the beginning of your journey or you’ve been on the road together for years, Your Marriage God’s Way will provide the helpful and encouraging insights you need to experience marriage as God intends it.”

About the Author:

“Scott LaPierre is the senior pastor of Woodland Christian Church in Woodland, WA, an author, and conference speaker. He holds an MA in Biblical Studies from Liberty University. Scott and his wife, Katie, have nine children, and they are passionate homeschooling advocates. Scott is a former schoolteacher and Army officer.

To learn more about Pastor Scott LaPierre, please visit www.scottlapierre.org, or follow him on Twitter (@PastorWCC), Instagram (@pastorwcc) or Facebook (@SctottLaPierreMinistries”

Published by Harvest House Publishers

 

YOUR MARRIAGE GOD’S WAY WORKBOOK: A Biblical Guide to a Christ-Centered Relationship, by Scott LaPierre

YOUR MARRIAGE GOD'S WAY WORKBOOK

 

About the Book:

“There are ways that men and women are fundamentally different, and God expects fundamentally different things from husbands versus wives and fathers versus mothers,” LaPierre said. “If we’re going to have the fullest, most joyful relationships we can, it is to walk in what God has said.”

In Your Marriage God’s Way, LaPierre carefully examines the principles for building a strong, biblical marriage — one in which your relationship with Christ brings guidance and blessing into your relationship with your spouse.

“God is the author of marriage. He designed the roles and responsibilities for husbands and wives,” LaPierre wrote in his book. “He knows what couples need so they can experience healthy, joyful, Christ-centered relationships, and He provided the principles in the Bible.”

LaPierre gives readers the tools to:

– Understand the unique roles and responsibilities of husbands and wives

– Recognize and resolve conflicts with a heart of hope and compassion

– Follow God’s worthy command to love and cherish your spouse unconditionally

A companion workbook is also available (LaPierre’s Your Marriage God’s Way Workbook) to help couples apply biblical principles to their own marriage.

The workbook aims to help couples:

– Understand the unique roles God has given each person

– Identify ways to better help, encourage, and support each other

– Make serving God the focal point of the marriage

“Let’s journey together, with the Bible as our guide, to experience the blessings of a Christ-centered relationship,” LaPierre writes. “Whether you’re at the beginning of your journey or you’ve been on the road together for years, Your Marriage God’s Way will provide the helpful and encouraging insights you need to experience marriage as God intends it.””

About the Author:

“Scott LaPierre is the senior pastor of Woodland Christian Church in Woodland, WA, an author, and conference speaker. He holds an MA in Biblical Studies from Liberty University. Scott and his wife, Katie, have nine children, and they are passionate homeschooling advocates. Scott is a former schoolteacher and Army officer.

To learn more about Pastor Scott LaPierre, please visit www.scottlapierre.org, or follow him on Twitter (@PastorWCC), Instagram (@pastorwcc) or Facebook (@SctottLaPierreMinistries”

Published by Harvest House Publishers

YOUR BEST LIFE LATER, by Andy McQuitty

YOUR BEST LIFE LATER

About the Book:

“Scripture allows us to enjoy marriage as God intended it to be—a vibrantthrillingfulfilling relationship. Let’s journey together, with the Bible as our guide, to experience the blessings of a Christ-centered marriage.” —Scott LaPierre
By God’s design, your relationship with your spouse is your most important earthly connection. Your heavenly Father wants you to witness the fullness of His love in your marriage, and He invites you to apply His instructions for building a satisfying, enduring union.This companion workbook to Your Marriage God’s Way encourages you to dive deeper into your study of this sacred contract between man, woman, and God. You’ll lay the foundation of a marriage that lasts as you…

  • understand the unique roles God has given you and your spouse
  • identify ways you can better help, encourage, and support each other
  • make serving God the focal point of your marriage

As you and your spouse work through this book together, you’ll grow closer to God and to each other, harvesting the delicious fruits of a biblical marriage that brings joy and blessing to you and everyone around you.”

About the Author:

“Andy McQuitty is a husband, father and grandfather; an avid reader, tennis-court rat, golfer, writer and Harley rider. But his favorite pastime is being with his family. He earned his Th.M. and D.Min degrees from Dallas Theological Seminary where he received the C. Sumner Wemp Award in personal evangelism as well as the John G. Mitchell Award for outstanding scholarship and effectiveness in ministry. He has served as a youth pastor in Tacoma, Washington; an associate pastor in Garland, Texas; and as senior pastor to Irving Bible Church in Texas for 32 years. Andy McQuitty is a co-author of both Notes from the Valley: A Spiritual Travelogue through Cancer and The Way to Brave: Shaping a David Faith for Today’s Goliath World.

For more information, please visit YourBestLifeLater.com, or follow the publisher on Twitter (BooksLeadership), Instagram (leadership.books) or Facebook (LeadershipBooksOnline).”

Published by Leadership Books

Elizabeth Neas (Libby) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com

14 thoughts on “Summer Reading 2022

  • Definitely saving this ! Thanks

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  • This is a great list of books to read. It’s been a while since I’ve read a book. I’ll have to add a few to my reading list and try to read more on a regular basis.

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  • I love summer reading. I always did this with my son, and he earned several reading awards.

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  • An amazing list of books, I put a few on my reading list. I read on a regular basis and I’m looking for new suggestions.

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  • A Garden for Grace sounds like a book that I would enjoy. It needs to be added to my summer reading list.

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  • You have given me so many great titles here. I just loaded my favorites on to my kindle. Thank you for sharing these.

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  • WOW, these are some good reads. I LOVE Stephen King PET SEMETARY. some of these I need to check out for myself!!

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  • Wow! These are all really great books to read. I’m surely gonna take note of this list!

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  • This is a really great list of books that I must read! Thanks for sharing this with us!

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  • Wow! Such a wide list of books we can read this summer season. Every book looks interesting, especially for our kids to occupy themselves.

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  • A Garden For Grace sounds like a positive book for the soul. My type of book!

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  • I’m adding 48 States to my reading list. That one sounds so good!

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  • So many good books, so little time! I thought A Garden for Grace looked like a pretty book and the one about What the Bible Says about the USA sounds good too.

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  • My mom and niece love reading books! I am going to gift them a few books from this list 😍. Thanks for sharing ❤️

    Reply

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