From mornings on the front porch to afternoons on the sand, summertime presents countless opportunities for stolen moments of reflection. For these precious fleeting minutes of solitude, we’ve rounded up the perfect companion: a good book. K-LOVE’s summer reading list is full of inspiring memoirs, practical prayer journals and uplifting devotionals. Many of your favorite Christian artists have written books that make for a nice, leisurely beach read complete with a thought-provoking perspective on faith. Other beloved authors and well-known entertainers have also put their unique stamp on stories of belief that will simultaneously delight and thrill readers of all ages. We even threw in a fictional title the tween in your life will love! So grab your hat, your Stanley and your sunnies and settle in under the shade of an umbrella as we present 10 must-read books to dive into this summer.
“Rescue Story,” Zach Williams
Zach Williams took his first sip of liquor when he was in sixth grade. He got his first taste of marijuana when he was a sophomore. He spent decades of his life in an awful cycle with alcohol and drugs. But then, he heard a song on the radio that completely changed his life. “Rescue Story,” the GRAMMY® winner’s first book, is his full-circle, first-person account of how Jesus used music to literally save him. Many know Williams for his hits like “Chain Breaker,” “Old Church Choir,” “Fear Is A Liar,” “There Was Jesus,” and the book’s namesake, “Rescue Story,” but few are aware of the past that inspired his songs of hope and redemption. This all-new autobiography gives fans the opportunity to meet the former rebellious rockstar behind the hits.
“Believe for It,” CeCe Winans
In “Believe for It,” CeCe Winans shares anecdotes from her personal life and lessons from her storied career that highlight the importance of passing down biblical values from one generation to the next. Throughout her first project for K-LOVE Books, the decorated artist offers wisdom on various aspects of faith, family and fame. In a tone exuding warmth, love and friendship, Winans tackles the importance of finding community, staying involved in a local church, working from a place of fulfillment, and tending to your mental heath. In addition, she’s candid about her own challenges along the way, including overcoming intense shyness as a new artist while performing with her bother, BeBe, and grieving the early, unexpected death of her oldest brother, Ronald. She concludes by bringing the book up to present day, recounting the story behind her mega-hit, “Believe for It.”
“Finding Grace,” Larry Randolph & Jennifer Marshall Bleakley
With a mutual passion for animals and a shared love of writing, Canines for Christ founder and president Larry Randolph and author and former grief counselor Jennifer Marshall Bleakley team up for “Finding Grace.” The book details Randolph’s real-life adventure of chasing a divine calling placed on his life to bring hope and healing to others through pet therapy. Following a string of personal losses — including his beloved basset hound, Gus — Randolph finds himself searching for renewed meaning and purpose. Enter Gracie, a white lab that steals Randolph’s heart and the hearts of countless others as the pair sets off on an unexpected expedition to bring comfort to hundreds of sick and lonely individuals. Told from Randolph’s warm, humorous point of view, “Finding Grace” is a tale not just for animal lovers but for anyone in need of a little faith, love and grace.
“On Our Knees,” Phil Wickham
Presented in an easily digestible format primed for quick daily encouragement, Phil Wickham’s K-LOVE Fan Award-winning devotional, “On Our Knees,” finds the chart-topping artist reflecting on 40 different passages of Scripture that offer new approaches to prayer, fresh perspectives on the vital spiritual discipline and easy ways to converse with the Father. He looks at the way Jesus taught the disciples to pray and how the early church wove this essential ritual into the fabric of their communities. Led by Scripture presented in chronological order as it appears in the Bible, “On Our Knees” is filled with Wickham’s keen observations, practical application, sample prayers, simple activations and thought-provoking questions. By putting his thoughts down on paper, he hopes readers’ prayer lives will be enriched in the same way his prayer life was enhanced after searching the Scriptures for himself and learning how to pray bigger, bolder prayers.
“On Our Knees Prayer Journal,” Phil Wickham
“On Our Knees Prayer Journal” is a beautiful hardcover companion to Wickham’s acclaimed devotional. This additional resource dedicates ample space to personal reflection, allowing readers to keep track of their spiritual journeys as they jot down intimate thoughts, prayers and needs. Alongside guided Scripture readings for each day, fellow sojourners learn the art of an ancient Christian practice called lectio divina, which simply means to pray the words of the Bible — a ritual that’s become an integral component of Wickham’s own prayer routine. In addition, the “On Our Knees Prayer Journal” offers prompts to help readers identify areas of gratitude, encouraging believers to take time each day to count their blessings and give thanks to God. Whether used alongside Wickham’s original 40-day devotional or enjoyed as a standalone keepsake, this thoughtful prayer journal will serve to enrich the lives of believers in all stages of their faith journey as they come to God with their requests, questions and praise.
“Never Look at the Empty Seats,” Charlie Daniels
“Never Look at the Empty Seats” takes readers inside the heart and soul of an American icon, the late Charlie Daniels. Written before his death in 2020, the 2017 memoir is filled with anecdotes, recollections and wisdom straight from the horse’s mouth. Daniels’ autobiography is as warm and down-to-earth as the man himself. The Country Music Hall of Famer shares his journey from a post-Depression childhood to some of the world’s most renowned stages. Meanwhile, he also divulges stories about encounters with Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson and other legendary acts, reminding readers Daniels walked in some pretty elite circles thanks to his self-taught musicianship and southern lyrical drawl. In addition to his acclaimed songs and deft fiddle-playing, as the book attests, “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” singer was most respected for being a family man and a devout man of faith.
“The Prince Warriors,” Priscilla Shirer
Bestselling author and Bible teacher Priscilla Shirer introduces the challenging topic of spiritual warfare through creative means in “The Prince Warriors,” the first book in a fictional series aimed at middle-grade readers. Inspired by her own three sons, Shirer set out to write a book that fleshes out the fantasy world of two brothers — Xavier and Evan — who end up embarking on an extraordinary adventure as they enter and explore a mysterious land and fight a dangerous, imperceptible enemy. The fast-paced plot fuels an unexpected, out-of-this-world story. Through this preliminary book and the subsequent titles in the series, Shirer hopes to teach young readers, including her own boys, about the very real, very serious subject of spiritual warfare in a way that’s imaginative, memorable and compelling.
“Walking Free,” Micah Tyler
In his first book, “Walking Free,” Micah Tyler uses his experience as a former youth pastor to break down Scripture-backed principles into bite-size doses of truth. Forty-two chapters encompass this devotional-style offering that allows for six weeks of thoughtful daily study. Inspired by the theme of his hit song, “Walking Free,” the singer/songwriter fuses Bible passages, personal anecdotes and snackable truths to present an easy-to-read odyssey that, ultimately, leads to Jesus. With every page turned, fans will get to know the “People Like Us” singer better, but most importantly, they’ll get to know Jesus more intimately. And that’s Tyler’s main goal with “Walking Free.” From chapter one, he is clearly intent on helping readers establish a personal relationship with Christ, first and foremost. Then, he’s committed to helping them walk out that relationship — one step at a time.
“Look What You’ve Done,” Tasha Layton
Part memoir, part devotional, Tasha Layton’s “Look What You’ve Done” is proof God writes the best stories. Across 24 chapters, the mother of two recounts her experiences from a place of thoughtful examination and time-afforded hindsight. Sprinkled with humorous anecdotes and heartbreaking realizations, “Look What You’ve Done” gives the seasoned singer space to probe the path that led her to the present. She takes readers along on her travels across the globe as she experimented with mysticism, practiced Buddhism and studied Judaism, among other world religions — finally revealing why she now fully believes Jesus to be the only One worthy of worship. From the glamour of private jets and celebrity encounters to the depths of utter despair and hopelessness, Layton’s book is full of the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Each step of the way, her unorthodox journey is filled with an immense gratefulness as she acknowledges the masterful ways God continues to bring her story full-circle.
“inhale (exhale),” MercyMe
Multi-K-LOVE Fan Award-winning outfit MercyMe serves up a companion book to their popular 2021 release with 40-day devotional “inhale (exhale).” Laid out in a simple daily format, each chapter delivers three brief sections: a personal reflection from a member of the band, a message that uses Scripture to evoke a thought or lesson, and a meditation that asks readers some introspective questions and provides space for journaling. Every daily dose of inspiration ends with a memory verse and a short prayer. Chapter by chapter, the devotional lives up to its name allowing readers to experience both sides of the coin — inhaling truth and exhaling gratitude with every page. While it’s meant to resource believers with a simple tool that encourages them to carve out daily time with God, “inhale (exhale)” is a treasured keepsake for MercyMe fans interested in going behind the scenes of their songs. Page by page, it gives readers a chance to sit down each day and take a deep breath in and a deep breath out.
