The women of the Church have been blessed this year with many outstanding books. Here are a few of our favorites…

The Joy of Our Salvation: Talks from the 2004 BYU Women’s Conference

“The Joy of Our Salvation” is a compilation of talks given at the 2004 BYU Women’s Conference. Various speakers touch upon such topics as joy in adversity, joy in prayer and learning, joy in our families, and joy in God’s purposes. What I enjoyed most about this compilation is that I felt so uplifted by each talk. It’s a great book to read when you’re feeling a little down in the dumps because it makes you realize how much joy can be found in everyday life. I would highly recommend this to all Relief Society sisters.

You can find it for sale at Amazon.com or at DeseretBook.com.

Better Than You Think You Are by Ardeth G. Kapp

It’s a given that any book written by Sister Kapp is going to end up on a “favorites” list. Sister Kapp writes from the heart, and the best thing about reading her books is that you feel like she’s sitting on your couch, telling you a story. “Better Than You Think You Are” is a great book for Relief Society sister who may doubt that their best isn’t good enough. Take it from Sister Kapp – you’re better than you think you are!

You can find it for sale at Amazon.com or at DeseretBook.com.

If Life Were Easy, It Wouldn’t Be Hard by Sheri Dew

Like Ardeth Kapp, it almost goes without saying that a book by Sheri Dew is going to be on any Relief Society sister’s favorites list. This recent release by Sister Dew shows us how to overcome the difficulties in our life, despite how hard they may be. In everything she writes, Sister Dew’s testimony shines through and her words uplift and lighten the mood.

You can find it for sale at DeseretBook.com.

All Moms Go to Heaven by Dean Hughes

You might wonder what Dean Hughes really knows about being a mother. He used to say what every other man says at one point in time: “What’s so hard about being a mother?” All of that changed in the summer of 1973 when he was left to care for his 3 young children, plus 2 other children while his wife worked on her master’s degree. Suddenly, he found himself in an endless mound of dishes and diapers wondering if the summer would EVER end.

Not only does Hughes lead us on his journey through the summer of 1973, but he explains why every mother should go to heaven. He gives funny accounts of the antics of his grandchildren, and even gives a poignant tribute to his wife (Kathleen Hughes, first counselor in the General Relief Society Presidency) not only as a mother, but as a grandmother.

Hughes’ book is hilarious and touching from start to finish. If you’re a mother (like me), you’ll be nodding your head through the whole book, saying, “Yup, I’ve been there, done that.” If you’re a man, you’ll probably realize that Hughes does have some very good points about why most mothers, if not all, should be loved, admired, and respected.

I loved this book, which is why I’m naming it one of my Top Picks. It’s a quick and easy read (only 95 pages), perfect for all of us busy mothers. It’s a breath of fresh air to finally have a book devoted to praising mothers instead of a lesson manual on how to be a better mother.

You can find it for sale at Amazon.com or at DeseretBook.com.

Essential Mormon Celebrations: Secret Combinations for Holidays, Homecomings, Potluck Dinners and More by Julie Badger Jensen

“Essential Mormon Celebrations: Secret Combinations for Holidays, Homecomings, Potluck Dinners and More” is a cookbook designed for the special gatherings where you have a feed a crowd (but then again, it also has a section on creating a Valentine’s dinner for two – ooo lah lah!) The dishes range from the simple to the spectacular, and it’s guaranteed that there’s a dish in here for everyone.

Not only does the cookbook including recipes for the holidays, but it also has sections designated to “Football Fever Fest”, “Coming Home” (for missionaries), and “Conference Dinner”, to name a few. Menus range from picnics to sit-down dinners with appetizers, main dishes, and desserts.

You can find it for sale at Amazon.com or at DeseretBook.com.

Stand As a Witness: The Biography of Ardeth Greene Kapp by Anita Thompson

“Stand As a Witness” is a huge window into the life of Sister Kapp. Born in the small Canadian town of Glenwood in the Alberta Province, Sister Kapp was an ordinary girl. She loved dances and friends, hated school, and loved living in a small town where her relatives were her next-door neighbors. When she got to her junior year of high school, her parents sent her to Brigham Young Academy, and it was there that she blossomed.

The biography of Sister Kapp follows her life through marriage, the struggles of being childless, her callings, her work, and her school. She shows an incredible love of life and those around her, and it’s obvious to see why she was chosen to be the General President of the Young Women organization. I had no prior knowledge of just how much she did as President, and I was amazed that she was the one who developed the Young Women theme, including the values with their colors. She also had a hand in creating the Personal Progress program and starting the Young Women session of General Conference.

Truly, Sister Kapp is an inspired individual with a genuine heart. I would highly recommend this book to all women (Young Women included).

You can find it for sale at Amazon.com or at DeseretBook.com.

All Rain, No Mud: The Secret to Finding Happiness in a Stormy World by Sharon Larsen

“All Rain, No Mud” isn’t what it sounds like – it’s not a self-help book, but more of a fun read-in-one-afternoon glimpse into the life of Sister Sharon Larsen. She’s had her fair share of disappointments in her life, but she shares with the audience the way she’s chosen to view her challenges. She explains that it’s okay if it rains, but to not dwell on the mud.

You can find it for sale at Amazon.com or at DeseretBook.com.

You Can Never Get Enough of What You Don’t Need – The Quest for Contentment by Mary Ellen Edmunds

“You Can Never Get Enough of What You Don’t Need – The Quest for Contentment” is a book we all should read, because I’d be willing to bet that there’s not one of us out there who hasn’t been visited by that sneaky green monster of jealousy. Even if something is going good for us, we tend to find the one bad thing and make it the front-running topic in our lives. Edmunds’ book isn’t going to be a cure-all, but it will sure make you think about where your priorities lie.

Edmunds’ masterfully combines real-life experiences, scripture references, and other anecdotes in this not-too-serious guide on gaining contentment. I was riveted all the way through, and I knew it was good when, at the end, I vowed to be a better person.

You can find it for sale at Amazon.com or at DeseretBook.com.