I am a self proclaimed book worm, but my worm nature has continued to struggle when my work load gets busy… which feels like always. I am also one of those readers who gets her nose into multiple books at once so that I have to re-read the previous chapter to remember where I had left off. My night stand is packed full of books that I am eager to read and most don’t get cracked for months on end. Thank goodness for my little Kindle who is the house of most of my recent reads, this little gem sits tucked in my purse and gets pulled out when I am getting my oil changed or waiting at the dentist office. I love reading, I really do. So here are a few of my recent reads and a little review on each book and why I loved it. 

1.) Worth Every Penny by Sarah Petty: I truly loved this book for a lot of reasons. It digs into the logistics of running a boutique business and how to price yourself within the market but also so that you can make a living and give your clients an incredible experience. I also love the fact that Sarah talks about a lot of Minnesota businesses that I am familiar with as examples and helps to resound the message, “I am worth every penny.” A great find for small businesses who are still trying to find their footing in the world. 

2.) Blog Inc by Joy Cho: If you haven’t figured it out yet, I am a fan of blogging. This is where my clients and other photographers hear my voice. This book was a really fun way to look at ways to establish your blog while also creating a consistent schedule, voice, and material. Joy runs a super fun blog so learning from her was great. A lot of the information was stuff I had already known since I have been blogging for a few years, however, it is all information that is fantastic and great to hear again. For people who want to start a blog or are struggling to find their voice, pick up this pretty read. You won’t regret it! 

3.) Exposed by Jasmine Star: J* is back on the scene with a lovely publication in the form of a magazine. I bought this as a Christmas present to myself to help prepare me for Seattle and familiarize myself with her story even more. It was a great read in terms of hearing about how she started, struggled, and triumphed. Photographers can often feel isolated and alone but this read helps to remind you that we all start somewhere and without struggle there is no growth. I adore J* through and through and reading a more in depth version of her story was a blessing. 

4.) MWF seeking BFF by Rachel Bertsche:  My sweet friend Anda recommended this book to me and my goodness, I can not stop laughing. As we grow up, move, get married, and enter the job world, finding decent girlfriends can be a heck of a lot like dating. This book is hilarious and follows a twenty-something in her quest to find her next best friends. In what seems like a series of “girl dates” she learns a lot about herself, her marriage, and what traits she seeks in friendship. I find myself highlighting one-liners and laughing at the hilarity of it all – trust me, I can relate. I am not quite done with it yet but you better believe I am enjoying every page.

5.) One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp: I am so excited about this book and when I asked my two sweet friends from our Seattle adventures if they wanted to do a devotional together, Ashlee suggested going through this book. Tami and I agreed and boy am I glad we did. The context is, “a dare to live fully, right where you are.”  It is a look into life, the complexities, busyness, chaotic minutes of life. It is an amazing reminder of what is important, where to focus your efforts, and how to give thanks for the blessings you have right at this moment. Each and every line is a reminder of what I have been seeking lately and boy, I am happy to have these pages to help me focus my life on what is important, I am equally happy to have my own little book club with my girls. I have passed this book recommendation on to several people these last few days – it is just that good. 

 Have you read anything great lately? Share some more must reads to add to my pile of books! 

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