For the first time in six years, I’m not working towards a book deadline. While I am deeply grateful to get to write for a living, I am also deeply grateful for a bit of a respite this year – to listen, to rest, and to collect inspiration for now and for the future.
As an author without a book releasing this year, that means I have more space to cheer on authors who do have books coming out in 2016 – not to mention the actual time to read many of those books.
Several of these titles are already released (!!) so that’s a fun bonus. If you see a title you want to be sure to pick up, go ahead and pre-order it or at least add it to your Amazon wish list.
If you use the link from this post, you won’t be charged until the book releases (often you’ll receive it on release day which is fun) and I’ll get a small percentage of the sale at no cost to you. Hooray for Amazon affiliates!
Now for the books – these first three are already on bookstore shelves so waste no time!
Human Being and Becoming by Dr. David G. Benner, PhD
Release Date: Available Now (January 19)
I have enjoyed Dr. David G. Benner’s writing for some time now and I look forward to reading this one as well.
He has a remarkable gift of being able to combine perspectives from science, philosophy, and spirituality to communicate deep truths about God and humanity.
His book The Gift of Being Yourself remains one of my favorites.
Out of the House of Bread by Preston Yancey
Release Date: Available Now (January 26)
The thing about Preston Yancey is he is quite simply an exquisite writer. His ability to put words on profound truth is stunning and I look so forward to discovering how he will weave the symbolism and experience of spiritual disciplines into the simple practice of baking bread.
And also this cover? Phenomenal.
Roots and Sky by Christie Purifoy
Release Date: Available Now (February 2)
I’ve shared about Christie’s new book several times already but if you haven’t picked it up yet, it’s released and it’s beautiful. I read it during a lonely and unsettling time last year when I was unable to connect with any books.
But Christie’s smart, grounding words met me so kindly and were exactly what I needed. When it comes to meeting God in ordinary places, no one does it better than Christie Purifoy.
Life’s Too Short to Pretend You’re Not Religious by David Dark
Release Date: February 13, 2016
David Dark teaches in the College of Theology at Belmont University in Nashville. From that description alone and from what I know of his writing, he’s basically brilliant.
But my favorite thing about David Dark is that he is married to Sarah Masen who, if you’ve been around here for seven seconds, you know has been profoundly influential in my own journey of living a creative life.
I haven’t read anything of David’s yet, but this one seems like a good place to start.
I Said Yes by Emily Maynard Johnson
Release Date: March 1, 2016
I really liked Emily on her season of The Bachelorette and was happy to discover she is just as delightful in person when I met her a couple of years ago. Also she’s from Charlotte so you know, North Carolina forever!
A.J. Gregory worked with Emily on this project as the ghost writer and I am always fascinated by the work ghost writers have to do. Plus I just really like A.J.
Two great women coming together to tell one intriguing story of redemption? Yes please!
Night Driving by Addie Zierman
Release Date: March 15, 2016
I’ve already read this one but I can’t wait for you to read it, too. If you are looking for a book to offer sure answers or clear steps, there’s nothing for you here.
Instead, what you’ll find in these pages is one woman’s willingness to share the particularities of her own struggle and, in turn, a voice leading the way for a generation of believers to accept both the shadows and the light of a deepening faith.
I am profoundly grateful for Addie Zierman’s masterful storytelling and stubborn refusal to try to simplify the mystery of God.
Thumbprint in the Clay by Luci Shaw
Release Date: April 4, 2016
In my mind, Luci Shaw is a national treasure. She was one of Madeleine L’Engle’s best friends and they even co-authored three books together.
Not to mention she’s a wise and thoughtful writer.
In this most recent work of hers, Luci ponders all the ways God’s fingerprints show up in unexpected places. I look forward to holding this one in my hands.
Looking for Lovely by Annie F. Downs
Release Date: April 5, 2016
You guys, it’s Annie!
I’m thrilled about the concept of her newest book – on what it means to collect the moments that matter in our everyday lives.
I feel like so many of us are tired on the soul level and this message is one I always want to have before me – to look for lovely and find the beautiful in the everyday, even when we have to fight for it. Maybe especially then.
Loving My Actual Life by Alexandra Kuykendall
Release Date: May 3, 2016
I’m sensing a theme among new books, you guys. If a book is about loving your actual life, chances are I’m going to be a fan. Combine that with Alex Kuykendall as an author and I’m sold.
I read (and endorsed) her memoir, The Artist’s Daughter, in basically one sitting and I’m looking so forward to reading this newest book of hers.
I trust her voice as a woman, a mom, and a friend.
The More of Less by Joshua Becker
Release Date: May 3, 2016
I have an advanced copy of this book and have enjoyed it so much so far. I especially love the subtitle of this one: Finding the Life You Want Under Everything You Own.
Joshua’s voice is one I have trusted and appreciated for years through his blog Becoming Minimalist. I’m glad he’s finally written this book.
Wild and Free by Jess Connolly + Hayley Morgan
Release Date: May 3
These two best friends are quite the power duo – moms, artists, creative entrepreneurs, and now new authors.
They have co-written this book for the woman who feels like she is both too much and never enough. I have a feeling their words will convince us that neither of those statements is ever true.
I love the friendship these two women have and the way they stand together to encourage others – and bonus? They have fantastic taste so that’s fun.
Present Over Perfect by Shauna Niequist
Release Date: August 9, 2016
When I learned Shauna’s next book was going to be about leaving behind frantic for a simpler, more soulful way of living (the subtitle of the book) I put it on my list immediately.
Shauna is on my short list of women I look to when I start to feel overwhelmed and overcome by hustle. She’s the one who said “with people, you can connect or compare but you can’t do both” and that phrase has been a life-settling mantra for me.
In short, I like having her voice in my head.
It’s Not Fair by Melanie Dale
Release Date: August 16, 2016
I’ve never read anything by Melanie Dale but I have read some of her blog posts and this girl? Is funny.
The title of her first book is Women Are Scary and every time I see the cover, I laugh to myself because right?! So she has another one coming out in August about learning to love the life you didn’t choose and I plan to read it if for no other reason than I just like her.
Her voice is unique and lighthearted and I deeply appreciate her refusal to take herself too seriously. For example.
Fresh Out of Amazing by Stacey Thacker
Release Date: September 1, 2016
I just like Stacey Thacker so very much.
Her next book sounds so lovely – “What happens when you need to be amazing–but you’re fresh out of amazing? It’s an issue all busy women share: that pressure to always be a go-getter when sometimes all you want to do is get going.”
Also Stacey is a hope*writer so that makes this book release extra exciting! Another lovely cover, right?
The Broken Way by Ann Voskamp
Release Date: September 6, 2016
They’re calling this one “the much anticipated sequel to One Thousand Gifts” so you know, there’s that.
I’m thrilled Ann has another book coming out. This woman is the real deal and I love her with my whole heart.
She understands the gospel down deep in her bones and I am thankful for all the ways Jesus comes out through her unique perspective and personality.
Falling Free by Shannan Martin
Release Date: September 20, 2016
Another fantastic sub-title here: Rescued from the Life I Always Wanted. Doesn’t that make you want to read more?
I’ve read only the book proposal for this one but you know I’ve read Shannan’s work for years.
She’s one of my all-time favorite writers on the Internet and now her first book will finally be on bookstore shelves. And all God’s people said Amen.
This list keeps getting longer which is one of the reasons it’s taken me so long to publish this post. I just remembered new titles are coming this year from Elizabeth Esther (April), Lysa TerKeurst (Aug), and Logan Wolfram (March) too!
And I’ve only linked to non-fiction + memoir here. So clear off some room on your bookshelves and make those reading lists for the year. It’s going to be a good one. What new books are you looking forward to this year?
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