Tag Archives: classics

Book Reviews – Sept 2024

26 Sep

My crazed reading days have faded apparently. Part of that is simply because I am in the middle of two quite long books (the Sherlock Holmes audio is 67 hour long…). But, with finishing Murtagh, I’ve completed the last series I started earlier this year!

While covering different genres, I do not read anything that has blatant sexual content. I will tell you if there is any sort of such (typically very mild and delicately put) in them and if I don’t think they’d be appropriate for young/teenage readers.

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury – As a fireman, it’s Guy Montag’s job to destroy books and the houses they are found in. Books are illegal contraband and Guy never questions his job, finding satisfaction in carrying out justice and going home at the end of the day to his wife, Mildred, who spends all her time with her television ‘family’. But when Guy meets a neighbor, Clarisse, who shows him that not only was the past not what he’s been told, but that the present can be one of enjoyment and peace, he starts to question everything he’s ever known.

~I hadn’t read this since high school and wow, did I forget the powerful way that this book is written. The emotions evoked by the repetition, the short sentences, the pacing of Guy’s journey… I listened to this via hoopla and the narrator (Tim Robbins) made it come alive so incredibly. What caught me was how much I could see the chain of events that occurred in the novel, actually happening. The ending was far different than I remembered but completed it well. I figure this will be a bi-yearly read, now. I quite enjoyed it.

Murtagh (The Inheritance Cycle #5) by Christopher Paolini- Now that Galbatorix has been defeated, Murtagh and Thorn are exiled – hiding from civilization as much as they can since the people still see them as murderers and traitors. But Murtagh learns of the rumors of brittle ground and brimstone-tarnished air and he and Thorn set off to investigate. It will take all of their wit and strength to overcome the mysterious witch they find – a witch that is much more than she seems.

~I am so glad that I’ve finally gotten to read this! I love that Paolini came back to Alagaesia and gave us this story all about Murtagh and Thorn. The storyline was not what I was expecting – don’t ask me what I WAS expecting though, because it wasn’t a fully formed idea… But that’s not to say that I didn’t get truly engrossed in the story. (I even read it during our drive to an event, because it was at such a climax moment that I couldn’t bear to leave it til the next day). It was a darker story overall, I felt, from Eragon’s – but after all, Murtagh had a different upbringing that affected his actions/thoughts. And it felt right that the story reflected that. (there is torture in this book, that while not graphic, is still fairly upsetting).

Intermittent Fasting Transformation: The 45-Day Program for Women to Lose Stubborn Weight, Improve Hormonal Health, and Slow Aging by Cynthia Thurlow- With her six-week program that was created specifically for women, Thurlow guides readers through what intermittent fasting is, steps on how to have the most success by fitting it to your body and life for your hormonal needs.

~While I didn’t read this cover to cover, I read as much as I felt was helpful for me to dive into intermittent fasting and not become overwhelmed. I enjoyed the chapter on her own experience with it as well. Honestly, if I was wanting something a bit more structured, this program seems like it would be really good. She gives you small-ish tasks to do in the beginning to set yourself up for success. If you’re wanting to know more about intermittent fasting, this book does a great job telling you what is happening in your body as you eat and as you fast.

DNF: (did not finish)

Choosing A Jewish Life: a handbook for people converting to Judaism and for their family and friends by Anita Diamant – honestly, this had been on my shelves for years before I finally started reading it. It had some good information and encouragement in it but a few things that I flat-out disagree with, so it’s now in the donate pile.

Currently Reading:

The Complete Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle

Uprooted by Lyn Julius

Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame

Flight of the Falcon by Daphne Du Marier

To Read:

Of Gold and Shadows by Michelle Griep

And that’s it! Have you read any of these books or are interested in any of them?

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March 2024 Book Reviews

23 Jul

It’s time for book reviews again! I’ve been missing doing these monthly write-ups so I’m going to do my best to keep up with them. I’m actually surprised how many books I’ve read already this year – but I know that audiobooks have had a large role in that! I do try and share with you when I read it via audiobook – and I want to start sharing more about that edition (whether I liked it or not) because the narrator can really make or break it!

Around the World in Seventy-Two Days by Nellie Bly – As a journalist stunt in 1889, Nellie Bly traveled around the world to beat the fictional record of Phineas Fogg. She even made a stop in France to meet Jules Verne.

~I’ve been a fan of Nellie Bly for years now, so reading a book that’s based off the newspaper articles from 1890 was so fascinating. It was fun to read her record of her experiences, and the fact that she was able to meet Verne! I think anyone with a love of Fogg’s journey would enjoy this short read.

Strong Poison (Lord Peter Wimsey, #6) by Dorothy L. Sayers- When a man mysteriously dies from poison, it is his former lover that is investigated. Harriet Vane, mystery writer with a knowledge of poisons, is about to be charged with murder, because the man’s death is eerily similar to a death in one of her books. But Lord Peter Wimsey is determined to prove her innocence.

~I am absolutely loving these Wimsey books. This was the first one with a bit more romance in it but, with a twist than one would expect. Which, I’m coming to realize is very much in line with how Sayers wrote. I feel like this one left me confused a bit more than the others, but as always, I loved Peter and Bunter. I listened to this as audiobook, I believe it was Ian Carmichael narrating.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Harry Potter #3) by J.K. Rowling – After a long summer with the terrible Dursley’s, Harry can’t wait to start his third year at Hogwarts with his best friends, Ron and Hermione. But when they arrive, things aren’t the same. There’s a mass murderer on the loose and the guards from Azkaban are called to the school.

~Listening to this series slowly has been fun these past months. Jim Dale is the narrator. This book is the one where it really felt like we’ve started to leave the ‘little kid happy’ feel of the previous two books and started feeling the darkness of He Who Must Not Be Named. I did like the puzzle of learning more about Harry’s past and meeting Sirius Black. The Azkaban guards though- messed up for sure. Rowling knew what she was doing when she wrote them. All in all, a fun read with several favorite parts. (honestly, many of those having to do with Sirius).

Easy to Kill by Agatha Christie – Luke Fitzwilliam, retired officer, puts Miss Pinkerton’s story that there’s a murderer on the loose in her small town of Wychwood, and that the local doctor is next, down as fanciful. But when he reads in the paper that both Miss Pinkerton and Dr. Humbleby are dead, he decides there just might be something to it and goes to the small town to investigate.

~This one was a bit off for me in pacing, but I was able to still enjoy the who-dun-it of it all. And I definitely hadn’t guessed it correctly. I did have to turn back a few pages because it so completely caught me off guard. Not a favorite, but still fun.

Padawan by Kiersten White- Obi-Wan Kenobi feels as if his goal of being the best Padawan is almost impossible with his new master, Qui-Gon Jinn. While his friends are going with their masters on missions, he’s stuck researching or sitting in silent contemplation. When Qui-Gon agrees to take him on a mission, but then doesn’t show up the next morning, Obi-Wan impulsively sets off without him. But, arriving at the planet, Kenobi finds a group of teenagers who all seemingly have a connection to the Force. He enjoys the freedom the group offers but not all is as it seems. And danger is getting closer.

~It was fun to read more about when Kenobi was a Padawan and see his interactions with Qui-Gon. The lessons Kenobi goes through in this story were… relatable. Even taking out the Force parts of it. And that is what makes a story one that you keep turning the pages and engaging with the characters. Recommend for Star Wars fans for sure.

Master and Apprentice– Claudia Gray- Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi have been master and apprentice for some time now but they both still struggle in their respective roles. Qui-Gon’s greatest fear is that he will fail his padawan. Obi-Wan respects his master but wonders at the secrets that the man holds. Like why he hadn’t shared that the Jedi Council had asked him to join them? They are assigned a mission to Pijal, on what might be their last one together, and Obi-Wan’s faith in Qui-Gon is tested. Qui-Gon starts to have visions of violent disaster and becomes fully convinced in their truth. But a threat arises that master and apprentice must rise to face together.

~Ahh, Kenobi and Qui-Gon. I enjoyed this one more than the previous s.w. book, perhaps because Obi Wan is older now and he goes on a mission with Qui-Gon. The plot on Pijal was intriguing and seemed to pull the two men in opposite directions. I’d recommend this one even more than Padawan but they were fun to read one right after the other.

In Honor’s Defense (Hanger’s Horsemen, #3) by Karen Witemeyer- Luke Davenport has always been a fighter – for respect, for his country and those who cannot fight. But with his Horsemen friends settled down and married, he looks to tame the wildness within by accepting a job on his own. Damaris Baxter must step out of her comfort zone of invisibility when her brother dies suddenly and leaves her care of his son. She moves to Texas to care for Nathaniel, eager to create a different life for herself and to give her nephew the family he needs. But when questions arise about her brother’s death, and Nathaniel finds himself in deep trouble, Luke is there to help, along with the Horsemen.

~I haven’t read any of other books of this series but I still was able to enjoy it. Luke has a wandering, hurt soul but his faith is a vital part of him even still. I appreciated the internal struggles we saw him go through, and the growth he had. I always love it when a character is named Damaris (I think this is only the second time I’ve seen it actually. The other one is A Woman Named Damaris by Janette Oke). I felt that she acted a bit too far out of her personality at times, even if she is trying to reinvent herself in a new environment, you know? But, on the whole, this was a sweet read. I am intrigued by the rest of the series as well. I got this from the library, always a nice choice for a new read!

Miracles on Maple Hill by Virginia Sorensen – Marly’s father is a recovering prisoner-of-war. So to help him heal, she and her family move from the loud city to the farmhouse on Maple Hill. They share so many adventures in the small town that all help them recover and bond more closely as a family.

~This book won the Newbery Medal in 1957 and I’m not surprised at all. It was a sweet, cute kids book that showed the beauty of nature, family and friends. One also learns a whole lot about harvesting syrup. My niece gave me this book and I’m so glad, because it’s a treasure. This is a middle grade classic.

And that’s it! Come back soon for April’s book reviews!

Have you read any of these books? Did any intrigue you enough to add to your TBR?

~Laura

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Book Reviews for March 2019

12 Apr

This has been sitting in my drafts folder for at least two weeks. Yikes! So much for getting it written early and scheduling it for spring break, eh? But, all well, ce la vie.

I hope you find something to add to your To-Read pile! And as always, I want to remind you that: while covering different genres, I do not read anything that has blatant sexual content. I will tell you if there is any sort of such (typically very mild and delicately put) in them and if I don’t think they’d be appropriate for young/teenage readers.

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Levi’s Will by W. Dale Cramer- When Will runs away from his Amish community at nineteen, he leaves behind his faith, family, and a pregnant girlfriend. Years later, he returns – with a wife and two sons, and with a very different world view. What he won’t realize for many years is that his new family and life are tainted by sins of the past. And if he ever wants to reconcile with his father, or himself, he must face those head-on.

~I have had this on my shelf for quite a few months (sorry mom) and despite having picked it up several times, I never read it. I’m pleased that I finally did though- it was a different Amish story than I normally read. Part of that was that the main character was a man, and well, just the story itself. I don’t want to spoil anything for you here, but looking back on Levi’s life with him, and seeing the present consequences of it, was heartbreaking and encouraging and just…tinged with sorrow. Cramer really pulls you in with his descriptions of the locations – the Amish countryside, the mobile home the young family lives in, the war, etc. Along with that the characters were well formed – and useful. (I have this thing about useless characters in a novel). All in all, I really enjoyed this story. I don’t know how young of an audience I would recommend for it though as it does deal with some pretty heavy stuff. As always, I suggest you read it yourself before passing it on to someone younger. A book I definitely recommend!

Amish Peace : Simple Wisdom for a Complicated World by Suzanne Woods Fisher – Peace is something that we all strive for – each in our own way. Fisher shares the way that the Amish have found it – by focusing on five different themes of their faith, she shares stories, proverbs and interesting facts about their life. She’s also included questions and thoughts to help you find peace in your own life.

~Thanks to Beverly Lewis (and some other historical fiction authors), I have a mini love for the Amish. While I don’t agree with all of the tenets of their faith, I was still drawn in by this book. Their focus on community, forgiveness and faith is incredible. Fisher shares some great stories to move her point along. I recommend this book for anyone wanting to slow down for a few minutes and think about how they are living their lives.

The Love Comes Softly Series by Janette Oke  – A separate review of this series will be coming – once I finish the last two books! Suffice it to say, right now, that I adore this series.

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Praying Through Lyme Disease by Rebecca Vandemark – A compilation of prayers and verses that focus on topics that Lyme disease patients deal with daily. A daily reminder that you are not alone.

~First off, I received this book free for my honest review. I wasn’t compensated in any way. I have been following Vandemark for years now. (I’ve also reviewed December Caravan) I greatly appreciated these heartfelt prayers and corresponding scriptures touching on so many of the struggles/emotions that I, as someone who struggles with chronic Lyme, deal with on a daily basis. If you know someone, or are yourself, struggling with Lyme, don’t hesitate, get this book! I anticipate going through it again and again. Did I mention that there are pages to take notes for each prayer? Love it. 

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Enemy Brothers by Constance Savery – When his younger brother is stolen from them, Dym Ingleford promises his dying mother that he’ll never stop looking for him. That promise hasn’t been forgotten when, years later, he rather stumbles upon young Max Eckermann, a German prisoner.  Dym is convinced he’s Anthony. But the years of Nazi ideology have not been lost on the young boy, and convincing him that he’s now home, and safe, is quite the task. (first published 1944)

~Another book that I haven’t read in a few years, although now it will probably get moved to the ‘read-yearly’ list. Savery delivers a delightful, heart rending tale set WWII, which she wrote during the war. DURING THE WAR. That, for me, really made this tale come alive.  But the story itself is so good that I had a hard time putting it down. Max’s flight(s) from the White Priory (the family home), the patience of Dym and the danger of the war all join in a wonderful story. A five star book for me! 

Princess Aline by Richard Harding Davis – Falling for a picture of a Princess, a young American artist sets out across Europe to meet her. When they are finally close enough to speak, to touch, he stands, propriety-bound and too scared to offend such a creature. He does all he can to meet her properly, but will it be enough? (first published 1895)

~ I hadn’t pulled this off of my classic shelves in so many years, I only vaguely remembered it. It was delightful. It’s a light-hearted story that you just don’t want to end. It was fun to follow Carlton as he traveled across Europe, always one step behind Aline. I highly recommend this classic!

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Dear Theo by Vincent Van Gogh, edited by Irving Stone – Vincent and his brother Theo, kept up regular correspondence for years. This collection of Vincent’s letters shows how close they were; his feelings on everyday life, his family and art. (first published 1914)

~I cannot believe it took me eight months to read this book. While on the other hand, I do. It is a hard one to read in a way because he did lead such a difficult life and you already know how it ends… and in such a tragic way. (spoiler: he commits suicide). But reading in his own letters the descriptions of the places he saw – the way he saw his own art – the way he saw colors – it keeps you reaching for it again. Will I ever read it again? I don’t know. But I’m glad that I read it at least once. 

Joyful: the Surprising Power of Ordinary Things to Create Extraordinary Happiness by Ingrid Fetell Lee — as I didn’t finish this book before it had to go back to the library, I’m just going to quickly say that what I did read was interesting and I have plans to one day request it again. What I didn’t like was the talk of evolution (how that has any real bearing on the talk of color and how it affects us, is beyond me – I thought the author could have handled that differently. Overall, what I read (the first 1/4 of it?) was interesting.

 

Currently Reading:

Sons And Soldiers by Bruce Henderson

At the Back of the North Wind by George Macdonald

Eliza by Patricia Campbell

 

To Read:

The Fires of Heaven (book 5 of the Wheel of Time series) by Robert Jordan

Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Browne and King

Love Finds a Home (#8 of Love Comes Softly series) by Janette Oke

The Painter’s Daughter by Julie Klassen

 

Coming up in April’s book review: 

Love Takes Wing (book 7 of Love Comes Softly series) by Janette Oke

The Blue Sword by Robin Mckinley

A Gown of Spanish Lace by Janette Oke

A Falcon For a Queen by Catherine Gaskin

~I am going to say that I’ve got a few trilogy’s to read but I’m waiting until I finish at least one of the series that I’m currently in. Anyone else have this problem?! The nice side effect of that is, that I’m reaching for books that I haven’t read in quite a while (that are mainly quick-reads).

~Laura

What have you been reading?

If you missed it, go check out the Michelli Family Series Review. Also, the City of Tranquil Light Book Review  is a must read as well!

 

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My Favorite Reads of 2018

12 Jan

I just love reading about what books people loved, so that I can add them to my To-Be-Read pile! We all know that list can never be too long, so here’s some great books to add to your own TBR!

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Series

Evie Blackwell Cold Case by Dee Henderson (somehow I only ever reviewed the second book. I’ll work on that problem this month!)

Shadowfell by Juliet Marillier

Whispers on the Moor by Sarah E. Ladd (series review coming soon!)

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New Reads

The Finding of Jasper Holt by Grace Livingston Hill

Taken by Dee Henderson

As you Wish : Inconceivable Tales of the making of Princess Bride by Cary Elwes

The BFG by Roald Dahl

Truth be Told by Carol Cox

Distress Signals by Catherine Ryan Howard

Amazing Grace : William Wilberforce and the Heroic Campaign to End Slavery by Eric Metaxas

The Yellow Journalist by Miriam Michelson

The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by AVI

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Rereads

Mrs. Mike by Benedict and Nancy Freedman

Wildwood Dancing by Juliet Marillier

Rose Daughter by Robin Mckinley

Sophie’s Heart by Lori Wick

Mara: Daughter of the Nile by Eloise Jarvis Mcgraw

The Silent Governess by Julie Klassen

~Laura

 

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My Top Reads of 2017

29 Dec

I decided to do something a little bit fun – share a list of my favorite books of this year. We all love lists, don’t we?! We do.

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These aren’t in any particular order – just my Top 5 in each catergory:

New Reads:

~ Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy

~ Failure is Impossible (Susan B. Anthony ) by Lynn Sherr

~Timber Ridge Reflections by Tamera Alexander

~Mermaid in the Basement by Gilbert Morris

~Guardians of Childhood by William Joyce

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Classics: 

~Captain’s Courageous by Rudyard Kipling

~Lorna Doone by R. D. Blackmore

~ Eight Cousins by Louisa May Alcott

~ Rose in Bloom by Louisa May Alcott

~Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte’

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About Writing: 

~ Revision and Self- editing for Publication by James Scott Bell

~ The Writer’s Journey by Christopher Vogler

~ The New Book of Etiquette by Lillian Eicher

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Fantasy :  (note: remember I am still new to this genre. . . .)

~ Beauty by Robin Mckinley

~ Spindle’s End by Robin Mckinley

~ Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson

~ Elantris by Brandon Sanderson

~ The Hero and the Crown by Robin Mckinley

and a bonus one :

Wildwood Dancing by Juliet Marillier

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Marriage/Faith: 

Jewish Roots by Dan Juster

When God Doesn’t Fix It by Laura Story

Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend

Messianic Jewish Manifesto by David H. Stern

For Women Only by Shaunti Feldhahn

 

 

What’s your favorite read from this year? Do you love some of my top reads as well? I’d love to hear about it! 

~Laura

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Book Review – Stepping Heavenward

19 Oct

Stepping Heavenward by Mrs. E. Prentiss is, I feel, a book that every woman should read – no matter their age or where they are in life. It was given to me by some dear friends when I graduated from culinary school and I thoroughly enjoyed  it, and learned from it then. But this time reading it as a wife and sufferer of chronic illness, I feel like I gained so much more from it.

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(side note: I’m currently trying to learn a new image editor… bear with me as I figure it out) 

We watch as Katherine grows from a sixteen year old girl, in the year of 1831, to a woman of God with a husband and children. The trials of life beat against her as she seeks to live her life honoring God.

I marked a few sections that I wanted to share in this review:

“I see now that my first desire has not been to please God but to please myself, for I am restless under His restraining hand and find my prison a very narrow one. I would be willing to bear any other trial if I could only have health and strength for my beloved ones. I pray for patience with bitter tears.”

“The scenes of sorrow through which we have been passing have brought (husband) nearer to me than ever… Besides we have modified each other. (He) is more demonstrative, more attentive to those little things that make the happiness of married life; and I am less childish, less vehement- I wish I could say less selfish, but here I seem to have come to a standstill.”

Trying not to give anything away by taking out the name of her husband!

“Bishop Wilson charges us to bear all things ‘as unto God’ and “with the greatest privacy’. How seldom I have met them save as lions in my way that I would avoid if I could, and how I have tormented my friends by tedious complaints about them! Yet when compared with the great tragedies of suffering I have both witnessed and suffered, how petty they seem!”

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I identified so often with Katherine in the struggles of life and seeking to do the right thing, that I ended the book encouraged in the path. It reminded me that we all grow and change, even if we don’t see that growth. That we are not meant to suffer through life but to thrive and to make our will aligned with His. As I said before, I recommend this book to anyone. Yes it’s written in an older style, as you can see in the sections I shared but how deep and rich a meaning of daily faith is weaved throughout this book.

Also – Elizabeth Elliot even recommended it to “men, who need to better understand the wives they live with, and to any woman who wants to walk with God.” 

~Laura

Have you read this book? what did you think of it? Have you read a book like this, that inspired you? 

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Book Review – April 2017

25 Apr

This month has been full of reading, folks! I’ve made a conscious effort to pick up a book instead of turn on the tv, and this month’s list is the result.

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When Bad Things Happen to Good People  by Harold S. Kuchner  – Striving to answer the age-old question ‘why, God?’, Kuchner shares the doubts and fears that often come with the question. He shares his wisdom as a rabbi, reader and parent in the hopes to bring comfort to the reader.

~This was recommended to me – that’s the only reason I finished it. I’m not a fan of this book. There were very few points that were made that I either didn’t already know or agreed with. That probably sounds arrogant but I don’t mean it to be. He has different beliefs than I do, and his including those (evolution for one), I felt to be unnecessary and distracted from the point of the entire book. If I rated these, this would be half a star.

The Shepherd’s Voice by Robin Lee Hatcher – Finally free from prison, Gabe has a hard time finding work during the Great Depression. He heads home, hoping his father will take him in. Instead he finds compassion and faith when Akira offers him a job and a home.

~This is a favorite that I read once a year. I love the journey that Gabe and Akira go through. As well as the faith and life lessons peppered throughout. Plus it’s set in the 1940’s (?) in Idaho. Fantastic setting.

Rose in Bloom by Louisa May Alcott – As a sequel to Eight Cousins,  we revisit Rose after she’s traveled the world for two years. She’s decided that before she marries, she wants to show that she’s an independent young woman. But the world is at odds with her decision, making her wonder just who her true friends are.

~Another delightful story from Alcott. The twists were unexpected and surprising – I had a hard time putting it down! In fact, i read it in just a few days. Highly recommend this, young or old.

Captain’s Courageous by Rudyard Kipling – When young millionaire, Harvey, is swept overboard and rescued by a fishing boat, his life is forever changed. The crew teaches him how to fish, and how to be a man.

~This was a birthday present and came with a recommendation from one of my nephews. I enjoyed this book so much, although I will admit to still not knowing what a ‘foc’sle’ is. Kipling wrote a classic boy’s adventure with this one. Highly recommend, for young or old readers!

The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy – Click through for my full review! For now, I’ll say that I enjoyed this novel immensely.

Created to Live by Cathy Harris – Click through for my full review! Well worth the read on a heartbreaking and controversial topic.

Currently Reading:

Swiss Family Robinson by Johann David Wyss ~I am listening to this as an audio book via Librivox. If I had a copy in hand, I would have read it within a week, most likely. As it is though, I listen to it on the nights when I’m in too much pain to sleep. Very entertaining and not sure how I haven’t read it already!

Messianic Jewish Manifesto by David H. Stern ~ Pulled this from my OH’s library. I’m moving through it really slowly but it’s a good read so far. I am able to understand it without feeling overwhelmed. 

Elantris by Brandon Sanderson ~ A favorite that I read probably twice a year. Here’s a review from a few years ago if you want to check it out.

Revision and Self-Editing for Publication by James Scott Bell ~I picked this up at the library and am eager to get any helps on editing my first novel!

Once again, I’m joining the Reading Roundup linkup. Click the picture and find some more great reads!

Reading Roundup

What are you currently reading?

~Laura

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My Top-15 Favorite books 2016

16 Dec

 

As I was writing one day, I had a brilliant (coughcough) idea. Why not make a list of my top favorite books that I’ve read this year and share them with you all? Of course, that meant choosing only 15. Not an easy task I assure you. Especially since I read 54 books this year!

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These are in no particular order because that’s just taking things a little too far.

  1. City of Tranquil Light by Bo Caldwell
  2. Time Enough for Drums by Ann Rinaldi
  3. The Silent Governess by Julie Klassen
  4. Little Britches by Ralph Moody
  5. Maire by Linda Windsor
  6. An Assembly Such as This by Pamela Aidan (and series)
  7. The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery
  8. Tucker Mills Trilogy by Lori Wick
  9. Little Lord Fauntleroy by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  10. Happily Ever After by Susan May Warren
  11. Lord of the Ring series by J.R.R. Tolkien
  12. Everyday Life in the 1800s by Marc McCutcheon
  13. Lights of the Veil by Patty Metzer
  14. Rocky Mountain Memories series by Lori Wick
  15. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’engle

Okay, so I might have cheated by choosing whole series’..But I couldn’t help it. And it’s my blog, so I can get away with it!

If you want to check out the books I’ve read this year on Goodreads and how I did with my year’s challenge, check it out here! I did want to read more health-focused books, as well as more biographies this year but I’ll have to move that goal on to next year’s reading goals. Overall, there were only a few books that I really didn’t enjoy. Either that means that I am getting better at picking books, or my standards have fallen… Let’s go with the first option, I like that one better.

Thanks for stopping by SGL and I hope you take the time to look around,

Happy Chanukah and Merry Christmas,

Laura

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