What an incredible book… Have you read Theo of Golden? Everyone is talking about this unexpected novel. A story of giving and receiving, of seeing and being seen, Theo of Golden is an unforgettable novel about the power of generosity, the importance of connection, and the quiet miracles that happen when we choose kindness and wonder.

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About This Book: Theo of Golden by Allen Levi

One spring morning, a stranger named Theo arrives in the small Southern city of Golden. He doesn’t explain much about where he came from or why he’s there—but when he visits the local coffeehouse, where pencil portraits of the people of Golden hang on the walls, he begins purchasing them, one at a time, and giving each portrait to the person depicted. In exchange, he asks only for the person’s story. And so portrait by portrait, person by person, secrets are revealed, regrets are shared, and ordinary lives are profoundly altered.

So what are we reading? Here is the August book for our Book Club:

August Fiction:  Theo of Golden by Allen Levi

Would you call yourself a morning person? Or do you look at the clock and wonder how time went by so quickly, and the projects are still not done? If you are seeking refreshment and routines that honor God, read with us!

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About This Book: How to Love Your Morning: Faith-Filled Habits to Build a Life of Joy and Purpose One Day at a Time (Develop Rituals, Routines, and Prayers to See New Mercies Every Sunrise) by Jennifer Dukes Lee

Build a Life You Love One Morning at a Time

• Learn how to wake up with hope, joy, and purpose, believing that God’s mercies really are new every morning
• Customize your own morning rituals
•  Discover your morning archetype
  
  Despite your best intentions, mornings can be stressful and chaotic before your feet even hit the floor. Your thoughts spiral and hope feels just out of reach. You long to wake up with joy and energy, believing that God’s mercies really are new every morning, but you aren’t sure how.

  With her signature wit and wisdom, Jennifer Dukes Lee helps you reframe your mornings so you can experience God’s best from the moment you wake up. Drawing on every morning described in the Bible (yep, she’s studied every single one!), she helps you discover your morning archetype, examine your rhythms, develop a fresh morning mindset, create a personalized morning ritual, and adopt habits that lead to flourishing.

  You’ll also find special advice and encouragement for every life stage–whether you’re a working mom, stay-at-home mom, college student, empty nester, widow, or somewhere in between. With reflective questions and practical advice, this is your invitation to create a morning routine that fits your real life so you can experience God’s mercies new every morning.

So what are we reading? Here is the July book for our Book Club:

July Nonfiction:  How to Love Your Morning by Jennifer Dukes Lee

Are you a fan of Francine Rivers’ books and movies? If so, then join us for our summer Book Club. We have selected a fiction book for your summer enjoyment.

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About This Book: Sons of Encouragement by Francine Rivers

The complete biblical historical fiction compilation by the New York Times bestselling author of Redeeming Love and A Voice in the Wind.

The Bible is filled with inspiring stories of unlikely candidates God chose to quietly change eternity. This bestselling compilation in one volume contains five novellas about such people―men who stood behind heroes of the faith. Aaron. Caleb. Jonathan. Amos. Silas.

Each faithfully sought God in the shadows of His chosen leaders. They answered God’s call to serve without recognition or fame. And they gave everything, knowing their reward might not come until the next life. Be challenged by these faithful men from both the Old Testament and the New Testament whose stories we must never forget.

• Aaron―the priest who stood in Moses’ shadow but had the courage to cover his brother’s fears as they led the nation of Israel
• Caleb―the warrior whose words stirred men’s hearts and brought God’s people to the Promised Land
• Jonathan―the prince whose humility led him to befriend the man who would become king in his place
• Amos―the prophet who heard when God called and spoke to a nation unwilling to listen
• Silas―the scribe who worked alongside the early apostles, surrendering his wealth to record God’s Word, even as those around him were silenced

Beloved Christian author Francine Rivers brings Scripture and history to life in these well-researched stories of spiritual leaders. Each novella includes an in-depth Bible study perfect for personal reflection or group discussion.

So what are we reading? Here is the June (fiction) book for our Book Club:

June Fiction:  The Sons of Encouragement by Francine Rivers

With over a million copies sold, The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen is essential reading for all who ask, “Where has my struggle led me?” Are you currently in the Father role or one of the two sons of the prodigal story? Read this classic book with the Bible Cafe Book Club.

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About This Book: The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen

A chance encounter with a reproduction of Rembrandt’s The Return of the Prodigal Son catapulted Henri Nouwen on an unforgettable spiritual adventure. Here he shares the deeply personal and resonant meditation that led him to discover the place within where God has chosen to dwell.

As Nouwen reflects on Rembrandt’s painting in light of his own life journey, he evokes a powerful drama of the classic parable in a rich, captivating way that is sure to reverberate in the hearts of readers. Nouwen probes the several movements of the parable: the younger son’s return, the father’s restoration of sonship, the elder son’s resentfulness, and the father’s compassion.

The themes of homecoming, affirmation, and reconciliation will be newly discovered by all who have known loneliness, dejection, jealousy, or anger. The challenge to love as God loves, and to be loved as God’s beloved, will be seen as the ultimate revelation of the parable known to Christians throughout time, and is here represented with a vigor and power fresh for our times.

So what are we reading? Here is the June (nonfiction) book for our Book Club:

June Nonfiction:  The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen

Challenged to not settle for emptiness when Jesus came to give life to the full, women will find the freedom they need to accept themselves when they embrace God’s heavenly message: “Hello, Beauty Full!” Join our free book club and let’s talk about biblical beauty.

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About This Book: Hello Beauty Full by Elisa Morgan

Are you believing the great lie that God does not, maybe even could not, love you? The real you?

Women struggle under the ongoing weight of “not-enough-ness.” Not attractive enough. Not smart enough. Not fit enough. Not creative enough. Not good enough. Not sexy enough. Not strong enough. Not whole enough. Not womanly enough. And therefore, not beautiful. We are broken and ashamed to be so.

In our eyes, brokenness makes us unlovable and unusable. But in his Word, God is clear that he sees us the way we already are in Christ: deeply loved and abundantly influential. Yet we hang back, believing instead the toxic not-enough labels.

Hello, Beauty Full explodes the shame-based mythology of our “not-enough-ness.” Instead of believing the hiss of the enemy, women are encouraged to see their beauty the way God does. Chapters include:

• Voice Lessons: Beauty in Your Unique Personality
• Valuable Vessels: Beauty in Your Physical Body
• A Womb of Your Own: Beauty in Your Creative Purpose
• Scar Stories: Beauty in Your Painful Story
• Have Your Sway: Beauty in Your Influential Legacy

Challenged to not settle for emptiness when Jesus came to give life to the full, women will find the freedom they need to accept their identities when they not only hear but embrace God’s heavenly message: “Hello, Beauty Full!”

So what are we reading? Here is the May book for our Book Club:

May Nonfiction:  Hello Beauty Full by Elisa Morgan 

Ever wonder why some people seem to experience joy in their daily lives–even in the tough times–and others can’t seem to find it no matter how hard they search? Is a joy-filled life really possible? Join our free book club and let’s talk about biblical joy.

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About This Book: Choose Joy by Kay Warren

The answer is yes! And it’s possible for every woman, no matter what her circumstances may be. In this inspiring book, Kay Warren teaches women what joy really is, where to find it, and how to choose it in the good times and the bad.

With compassion and wisdom, she shows readers–even those who live with the constant companions of discouragement and depression–that true joy is deeper, richer, and more accessible than they might think.

Perfect for small groups or individual reading, Choose Joy will empower women who feel like their emotions and well-being are at the mercy of others by helping them understand the life-giving truth that joy is within their grasp–every day.

So what are we reading? Here is the April book for our Book Club:

April Nonfiction:  Choose Joy by Kay Warren