Summer has the reputation of being a slump. There’s the summer slump that kids get where they forget everything they’ve learned in school over the summer. Then there’s the spiritual slump, where people get too busy in the summer to go to church and read their Bibles. Then there’s the slump of not being on a schedule, sleeping in too long, and more.

But summer doesn’t have to be a slump for anything. In fact, summer can be a great time to spend extra time doing things you don’t normally get to do. One of those things just might be reading. There’s nothing more encouraging than picking up a book that really inspires, motivates, or encourages you. I made a list of several books that I’ve read within the last year or so that really encouraged me.

Here’s a list of ten books along with a short synopsis and a quote I loved from each book.

Mostly What God Does by Savannah Guthrie

This book has short chapters; it’s a collection of essays on different topics. But the basis of the book is this…Mostly what God does is love you. It’s really an encouraging and inspirational read.

“How do we summon and maintain that feeling of being loved? It’s pretty simple. We don’t. Because it’s not a feeling; it’s a fact. To ‘remain in God’s love’ is a frame of mind. We use our brains to remind our hearts. We may not be able to sustain the emotion of being loved by God, but we can remain in the knowledge of being loved by God.”

Long Obedience in the Same Direction by Eugene Peterson

This is one those books that you can’t rush through. You may only read a page or two at a time, but it’s really good at the soul level.

“No literature is more realistic and honest in facing the harsh facts of life than the Bible. At no time is there the faintest suggestion that the life of faith exempts us from difficulties.”

“Discipleship is a decision to live by what I know about God, not what I feel about him or myself or my neighbors.”

Create Anyway: The Joy of Pursuing Creativity in the Margins of Motherhood by Ashlee Gadd

I really enjoyed this book. It’s all about creating, even in the midst of mothering and raising little ones. It’s also really pretty. The artist is a photographer and uses full-color photos in this book, adding to its artistry. it’s a mix between encouragement to be a good mom and encouragement to be a creative.

“We can take heart in a God who is capable of using every ounce of our mothering, and every ounce of our art, for sacred work that can never be measured in numbers.”

“Our role is to simply make the art, open our hands, and then wait and see what God does with it.”

A Simplified Life by Emily Ley

Emily Ley is a successful businesswoman that loves structure and to-do lists and planners but also is a mom of little ones. Her books are always practical and helpful and full of inspiration to tidy up your life.

“Clearing clutter unlocks the power our homes have to be places of refuge, rest, and relaxation.”

“The goal of simplifying isn’t to embrace bare or sparse or extreme; it’s to eliminate distractions so you can focus on what really matters, treasure the possessions you do have, and live life a little easier.”

Sister Roar by Kay Robertson and Lisa Robertson

This book is full of inspiration and encouragement in Duck Commander style. I really enjoyed getting glimpses behind the scenes of the men and women in the popular show.

“It’s time to be the strong, unique woman God create you to be–the peace-filled, loving, happy, full-of-potential woman he sees when he looks at you.”

Cultivate by Lara Casey

This book is another one that you can’t really rush through, but I enjoyed it. It’s all about going under the surface of your work, relationships, and home, and seeing where things are really at.

“I’m learning that there is magic in the middle ground. There’s good stuff for us in the tension of the in-between. Growth happens in the wait.”

“Imperfection is a gift because it opens a door for us to see His ever-present grace. Right where were are, in every season, His grace abounds.”

Simply Tuesday by Emily Freeman

I loved this book. It’s all about embracing and finding joy in the Tuesdays of life–the mundane, ordinary days.

“But Tuesday teaches me that part of living well in ordinary time is letting this day be good. Letting this day be a gift. Letting this day be filled with plenty.”

“Here’s to giving ourselves permission to bring our gifts Ito the presence of God, knowing he will bring them out of us in his own timing and in his own way.”

The Time-Saving Mom by Crystal Paine

Crystal is an author and really popular blogger. This book is full of practice advice–schedules, habits, planning, systems, etc.

“This system allows me to get a lot done each day while also having breathing room and time for enjoying life, resting, creating, and investing in relationships.”

Resilient by Rebekah Lyons

This was another really good read. It’s a reminder that the life of faith takes resilience and getting back up again and again. It’s about how to handle adversity and trials and Rebekah’s personal story.

“Some mental health professionals believe we are in one of the angriest and most anxious, depressed, and isolated eras of human history.”

“He held us when we couldn’t feel him, whispered when we couldn’t hear him, and stayed by our side when we couldn’t see Him. He led me into deeper resilience, first individually, then with my family, then with my community. And he’d done it all through adversity.”

The Powerful Purpose of Introverts by Holly Gerth

This book was so eye-opening and gave me permission to embrace the introvert side of me without being afraid of it. I’m really glad I read it. I learned so much from this book!

“Our introvert brains release feel-good chemicals when we turn inward, focus on ideas, have meaningful conversations, and do work that matters to us.”

“As introverts, we need solitude to recalibrate our brains and nervous systems, process our thoughts, make decisions, figure out priorities, refuel for socializing, and reconnect with our true selves.”

Bonus: Untangle Your Emotions

I haven’t read this one yet, but it’s next on my TBR list. I love Jenni Allen’s other books, though, and know I’ll enjoy this one as well.

Pick one of these ten books to read to help you break out of that summer slump! I promise you won’t regret it.

Happy reading!