In the summer, time seems to slow down. The days are longer, the clock runs slower, and we often have more time to enjoy quiet moments reading a good book or tuning into a great podcast.Whether you’re on the beach, at the pool, or sitting on your patio at home, here are 7 books and podcasts to check out this summer. Some are rooted in faith, others are meant to be purely entertaining—but all will give you unique insights and an appreciation for the human experience, even if from a totally unexpected perspective.
For the dreaming mother…
Interior designer and lifestyle expert Lisa Canning inspires and equips moms to live a life theylove through her book,The Possibility Mom.If you’re struggling to balance motherhood with your own dreams, Lisa offers solutions to trim your to-do list, clarify your priorities, and get more done in less time.Lisa recently participated in the One Room Challenge, and featured three House of Royals pieces in her master bedroom makeover. She styles our Lux Sancta Raw Alabaster Prayer Candle, Face of Christ on the Cross in Linen Veil, and our Wool Chunky Knit Prayer Blanket to create a home sanctuary. You can see Lisa’s full reveal on Instagram @lisacanning.
For the mystery lover…
Who doesn’t love a good murder mystery?The Guest List by Lucy Foley brings together an Irish wedding party, each member with their own unique quirks and character. A dreamy wedding scene turns into a whodunnit murder mystery in this page-turning book, written in a similar style to that of the inimitable Agatha Christie.
For the one who wants to learn about their faith…
Bishop Robert Barron is well known across the web for his signature style that is both educational and spiritually edifying. His podcast, The Word on Fire Show, answers common Catholic questions (which listeners can submit on his website) and includes episode titles like “Understanding the Holy Spirit” and “The Eucharist in the Early Church.” This podcast is for you if you’re looking for an accessible way to grow in your knowledge of the Catholic faith!
For the woman looking for inspiration…
Abiding Together is a weekly podcast hosted by Michelle Benzinger, Sr. Miriam Heidland, and Heather Khym. They’re the faith community you’ve been hoping to find, discussing topics of faith and life for women in every season of life. The podcast was started in 2017 and has so far had over 2 million downloads – a testament to just how many women are drawn to their relaxed, conversational style on topics of faith and spirituality.Forgiveness is hard but necessary to live a life of faith and peace.The Gift of Forgivenessby Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt is a book that shows the power of forgiveness and teaches how we can learn to forgive the little things as well as the big things that hurt us in life. It’s a riveting series of interviews with remarkable individuals who have learned to forgive in seemingly unforgivable circumstances, including testimonies from Immaculee Ilibagiza, Elizabeth Smart, and Sue Klebold.
For the one who wants to laugh…
Jennifer Fulwiler is a minivan-driving standup comedian and Catholic mom of six. A former SiriusXM radio host, Fulwiler now hosts her podcast,This is Jen, where she opines about motherhood, faith, current events, and life in general. She also recently released her book, Your Blue Flame: Drop the Guilt and Do What Makes You Come Alive. Her style is brutally honest, incredibly authentic, strangely relatable… and definitely funny.
For a riveting story…
The Book of Lost Friendsby Lisa Wingate, a New York Times Bestseller, surpasses time and historical contexts, connecting the experience of freed slaves in 1875 Louisiana during Reconstruction to a first-year teacher in an impoverished rural school in 1987, culminating in a work of thought-provoking historical fiction. The women featured in this novel search for answers to questions distinct to their time and place in history, but the riveting plot brings the two together.
Cozy up, read/listen & share!
Do you plan to check out any of these good reads or podcasts this summer?Read/listen, share with a friend, and let us know what you think in the comments!
Lisa recently participated in the One Room Challenge, and featured three House of Royals pieces in her master bedroom makeover. She styles our Lux Sancta Raw Alabaster Prayer Candle, Face of Christ on the Cross in Linen Veil, and our Wool Chunky Knit Prayer Blanket to create a home sanctuary. You can see Lisa’s full reveal on Instagram @lisacanning. 
Forgiveness is hard but necessary to live a life of faith and peace.The Gift of Forgivenessby Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt is a book that shows the power of forgiveness and teaches how we can learn to forgive the little things as well as the big things that hurt us in life. It’s a riveting series of interviews with remarkable individuals who have learned to forgive in seemingly unforgivable circumstances, including testimonies from Immaculee Ilibagiza, Elizabeth Smart, and Sue Klebold. 
