Whether youโre looking for spiritual growth, a new recipe to try, or a way to help your grandkids with their homework, the stars of your favorite family-friendly movies have some excellent recommendations. From daily devotionals to classic literature, weโve rounded up the reading lists of the actors you love to see on screen.
Kathie Lee Gifford: Friendship and Faith
Kathie Leeโs library is a beautiful reflection of her long-standing relationships and her passion for historical faith.
- Jump and Find Joy by Hoda Kotb: Kathie Lee loves this book because it was written by her dear friend and former co-host. She finds Hodaโs perspective on embracing change deeply moving and personal.
- It Girl by Alison Pataki: She enjoys Patakiโs ability to bring powerful historical women to life, finding the narrative both captivating and meticulously researched.
- Nero & Paul by Kathie Lee Gifford: This is her own project, born from a desire to show how grace and history intersect in the early church.
Candace Camer on Bure: Starting the Day Right
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For Candace, reading is about consistency and spiritual renewal. She is a major advocate for a structured morning routine.
- Rise and Renew & Joy and Strength: Candace uses these daily to ensure she starts every morning with scripture and intention, keeping her centered despite her busy schedule.
- Woman’s Day Magazine: Candace is often pictured on Instagram holding and reading the Woman’s Day Magazines.
Danica McKellar: Empowerment and Clarity
Danicaโs choices are all about making complex things simpleโwhether that’s the chronological order of the Bible or middle school math.
- The Bible Recap by Tara-Leigh Cobble: This is her #1 recommendation. She loves it because it makes the Bible approachable and easy to follow by reading it as one continuous story.
- Jesus Calling by Sarah Young: Danica often turns to this for its immediate sense of peace and perspective.
- Math Doesnโt Suck: Inspired by her own childhood struggles, Danica wrote this to help girls realize that being smart is powerful .
- I Love You, Too: A counting book full of love.
Jonathan Stoddard: The Craft of a Leading Man
Jonathan looks for books that sharpen his mindset and his professional skills.
- Secrets of Screen Acting by Patrick Tucker: This was his “a-ha” moment. He loves it for its technical breakdown of how an actor connects with the camera lens.
- Awaken the Giant Within by Tony Robbins: He credits this for his disciplined mindset and his ability to manifest his professional goals.
Merritt Patterson & Trevor Donovan: Resilience and Romance
- Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand: Merritt used this book as her emotional blueprint for her role in Unbroken: Path to Redemption, citing it as a major influence on her performance.
- Meet Me in the Margins by Melissa Ferguson: This is the book the movie is based on that Merritt Patterson just filmed for the 2026 season on Great American Family.
- Love Always by Trevor Donovan: This series captures the wholesome, small-town feeling Trevor loves to bring to life on screen.
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