My Top 10 Books of 2023

Dec 28

If you are wondering what I have been reading this year ... I can't wait to share my top 10 books with you.

If you are wondering what to read in 2024 ... maybe the list that follows will help you choose some wonderful books to add to your library.

These are in no particular order ... they are just my "Top 10 Books of 2023".

1 - "Forgive" by Timothy Keller. In my humble opinion, no one should ever write a book again on forgiveness. This is the consummate book on that topic. It's wonderful. I read it with tears rolling down my cheeks ... often on my knees ... and with a heart filled with prayer.

2 - "My Daily Pursuit" by A. W. Tozer. I, of course, have read this before but I used it this year as one of my daily devotionals. Don't read this book unless you want to go deeper with the Lord.

3 - "The Bible Recap" by Tara Leigh Cobble. If you only read one book in 2024 - this must be the book.

4 - "The Awe of God" by John Bevere. We have lost our awe of God ... we have forgotten His power and His holiness. I loved this book - it pierced me.

5 - "Pilgrim" by Ruth Chou Simons. Ruth has a gift - she has a gift with words and a love for beauty. This book will enrich your soul on many levels.

6 - "Being Elisabeth Elliot: The Authorized Biography; Elisabeth's Later Years" by Ellen Vaughn. Ellen is a talented writer with a heart for God. I was completely undone by this book and its prequel, "Becoming Elisabeth". Completely undone.

7 - "The Sound of Light" by Sarah Sundin. Sarah is a master storyteller and an expert on World War II. I never miss one of her books and wait expectantly for the next one to come out.

8 - “Martin Luther” by Eric Metaxas. I love everything that Eric writes and his book on Martin Luther is educational, academic and inspirational.

9 - “Habits of the Household” by Justin Earley. Even though my children and grown and gone, I loved Justin's approach to living a life of healthy rhythms and disciplines. I especially recommend this book for women in the trenches of motherhood.

10 - “Mere Christianity” by C. S. Lewis. I read this book about every 2-3 years so rich is its content. I need to be reminded time after time after time the depth of my faith and the glory of who Christ is.

What are some of the best books you have read in 2023? I'd love to know!

Carol McLeod

Carol says, “I am just a girl who is head over heels in love with Jesus ... passionately addicted to His Word ... and find all of the joy that I need in time spent in His presence." Carol is a Christmas-aholic, loves ACC basketball and the beach! Like all menopausal women, she is overly fond of chocolate and enjoys a good read. She doesn't like cleaning her house and is an expert in carry-out dinners. She hates to shop … loves to jog … and somehow finds time in her busy life to hang out with small children. She is the kind of woman that you could laugh with over lunch, cry with over disappointment and shout with over a victory! But … if you need her official bio … read on! Carol is an author and popular speaker at women's conferences and retreats, where she teaches the Word of God with great joy and enthusiasm. She also hosts highly successful Just Joy! outreaches. Carol encourages and empowers women with passionate and practical biblical messages mixed with her own special brand of hope and humor. Carol has written three books, "Holy Estrogen!", "The Rooms of a Woman's Heart" and "Defiant Joy!" which was released by a subsidiary of Thomas Nelson. Her teaching DVD, "The Rooms of a Woman's Heart", won the Telly Award, a prestigious industry award, for excellence in religious programming. Carol has also been featured on YouVersion (the smart phone Bible app) with several devotionals, including: "For the Journey Set Before Him", "Jolt of Joy", and "Joy to YOUR world", " Carol has a daily radio program, "Defiant Joy! Radio" which is available in several national markets including Youngsville PA, Warren PA, Buffalo NY, Roanoke VA, Norfolk VA, and Nashville TN. A 1977 graduate of Oral Roberts University with a degree in Music and English, Carol has the distinction of being both the first Women's Chaplain and the first woman to speak at the university's Vespers. Carol currently serves on the ORU Alumni Board as chaplain. She is married to her college sweetheart and love of her life, Craig, who serves as senior pastor of Life Church, a church near Buffalo, NY. Craig and Carol have been happily married for nearly 37 years and are the parents of five children and three delightful daughters-in-law. Craig and Carol are thrilled with the joy of being grandparents to five precious grandchildren! Carol has written three books, "Holy Estrogen!", "The Rooms of a Woman's Heart" and "Defiant Joy!" which was released by a subsidiary of Thomas Nelson. Her teaching DVD, "The Rooms of a Woman's Heart", won the Telly Award, a prestigious industry award, for excellence in religious programming. Carol has also been featured on YouVersion (the smart phone Bible app) with several devotionals, including: "For the Journey Set Before Him", "Jolt of Joy", and "Joy to YOUR world", " Carol has a daily radio program, "Defiant Joy! Radio" which is available in several national markets including Youngsville PA, Warren PA, Buffalo NY, Roanoke VA, Norfolk VA, and Nashville TN. A 1977 graduate of Oral Roberts University with a degree in Music and English, Carol has the distinction of being both the first Women's Chaplain and the first woman to speak at the university's Vespers. Carol currently serves on the ORU Alumni Board as chaplain. She is married to her college sweetheart and love of her life, Craig, who serves as senior pastor of Life Church, a church near Buffalo, NY. Craig and Carol have been happily married for nearly 37 years and are the parents of five children and three delightful daughters-in-law. Craig and Carol are thrilled with the joy of being grandparents to five precious grandchildren!

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