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2024 Books

01 Wednesday Jan 2025

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  1. The Women Kristin Hannah (Best book I read this year)
  2. West End Girls Jenny Colgan
  3. Not Another Christmas Rom Com A.J. Pine
  4. The Best Worst Christmas Kate Forster
  5. The Christmas Book Hunt Jenny Colgan
  6. Iris is More Than Ok Natalie Cooper
  7. Studies at the School by the Sea Jenny Colgan
  8. I invited Her In Adele Parks
  9. The Lioness of Boston Emily Franklin (Second favorite book of the year)
  10. Slow Dance Rainbow Rowell
  11. Yellowface R.F. Kuang (Least favorite book of the year)
  12. Crave Tracy Wolff
  13. The Nauty, The Nice & The Nanny Willa Nash (Trash)
  14. Delicious Ruth Reichl (always a favorite)
  15. The Paris Novel Ruth Reichl
  16. The Bookshop on the Corner Jenny Colgan
  17. The Heiress Rachel Hawkins
  18. Close Knit Jenny Colgan
  19. Lady Jayne Disappears Joanna Davidson Politano
  20. Silver Girl Elin Hilderbrand
  21. The Bee Sting Paul Murray (DNF it was so bad)
  22. The Night I Died Anne Frasier
  23. Happy Place Emily Henry
  24. This Summer Will Be Different Carley Fortune
  25. Beach Read Emily Henry
  26. The Wanderer Robyn Carr (horrible)
  27. Ruthless Vows Rebecca Ross
  28. Mrs. Nash’s Ashes Sarah Adler
  29. Resistance Women Jennifer Chiaverini
  30. The Answer is No Fredrik Backman
  31. When the Moon Hatched Sarah A Parker
  32. What You Are Looking For is in the Library Michiko Aoyama (This was so good)
  33. Listen for the Lie Amy Tintera
  34. Court Tracy Wolff
  35. The Last Bookshop in London Madeline Martin
  36. North and South Elizabeth Gaskell
  37. A Girl of the Limberlost Porter Gene Stratton (I loved this: we watched the movie as kids but I had never read the book before)
  38. Faking Christmas Cindy Steel
  39. The God of the Woods Liz Moore
  40. Preparing for Easter C.S. Lewis
  41. Heartless Hunter Kristen Ciccarelli
  42. House of Flame & Shadow Sarah J Maas
  43. The Exception to the Rule Christina Lauren
  44. A Grief Observed C.S. Lewis
  45. The Italian Girls Debbie Rix
  46. Covet Tracy Wolff
  47. Funny Story Emily Henry
  48. Crush Tracy Wolff
  49. Hunting Magic Eels Richard Beck
  50. Tower of Dawn Sarah Maas
  51. One Dark Window Rachel Gillig
  52. The Things we Leave Unfinished Rebecca Yarros
  53. Yours Truly Abby Jimenez
  54. The Briar Club Kate Quinn (she’s always amazing)
  55. Iron Flame Rebecca Yarros
  56. Fourth Wing Rebecca Yarros
  57. All the Colors of the Dark Chris Whitaker
  58. Remarkably Bright Creatures Shelby Van Pelt (Loved)
  59. Just for the Summer Abby Jimenez
  60. The Frozen River Ariel Lawhon
  61. Two Twisted Crowns Rachel Gillig
  62. Celebrate Every Day Shauna Niequist
  63. House of Sky & Breath Sarah Maas
  64. House of Earth & Blood Sarah Maas
  65. Tired of Being Tired Jess Connolly
  66. Empire of Storms Sarah Maas
  67. Kingdom of Ash Sarah Maas
  68. Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
  69. Harry Potter 1-7
    • 1
    • 2
    • 3
    • 4
    • 5
    • 6
    • 7

75. Narnia 1-7

82. Sense & Sensibility Jane Austen
83. Pride & Prejudice Jane Austen
84. Mansfield Park Jane Austen
85. Mere Christianity C.S. Lewis
86. Small Things Like These Claire Keegan
87. A Casterglass Christmas Kate Hewill
88. The Girls in the Stilt House Kelly Mustian
89. Anne of Green Gables L.M. Montgomery
90. The Fellowship of the Ring J.R.R. Tolkein
91. The Creative Act Rick Rubin
92.The People We Meet on Vacation Emily Henry
93. Heading Home to Lavender Cottage Allison Sherlock

93 total for 2024. Not as many as last year, but… I’m ok with it! I think I’m missing a few, but I do a poor job keeping track! Tell me some of your favorite reads of the year so I can add them to my list!!

Books I Read in 2023

03 Wednesday Jan 2024

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I really wanted to push the limits this year. I heard a pastor in a podcast talking about how he usually reads about 150 books a year, so I wanted to see if I just went all out and read as much as possible, how many books could I read. I ended 2023 with a whopping 105. Didn’t quite make it to 150, but maybe 2024 will be the year. If you have any recommendations, I would love to hear your favorite books of 2023. I have put ** by my favorites this year. Happy Reading!

  1. **The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson
  2. The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
  3. A Touch of Darkness by Scarlett St. Clair
  4. **Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
  5. The Cypress Maze by Fiona Valpy
  6. Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris
  7. The Princess Game by Melanie Cellier
  8. A Midwinter’s Wedding by Melanie Cellier
  9. Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas
  10. Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas
  11. Ditch the Baggage, Change Your Life by Nancy Alcorn
  12. The Princess Pact by Melanie Cellier
  13. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
  14. Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan
  15. The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien
  16. A Princess of Wind and Wave by Melanie Cellier
  17. A Captive of Wing and Feather by Melanie Cellier
  18. A Dream of Ebony and White by Melanie Cellier
  19. A Dance of Silver and Shadow by Melanie Cellier
  20. A Tale of Beauty and Beast by Melanie Cellier
  21. A Crown of Snow and Ice by Melanie Cellier
  22. Hallowe’en Party by Agatha Christie
  23. **Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
  24. **Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros (read 2x)
  25. Happily Ever Afters by Melanie Cellier
  26. An Island Wedding by Jenny Colgan
  27. Then She was gone by Lisa Jewell
  28. Christmas at the Island Hotel by Jenny Colgan
  29. The Princess Fugitive by Melanie Cellier
  30. Christmas on the Island by Jenny Colgan
  31. Brooklyn by Colm Toibin
  32. God’s Chosen Fast by Arthur Wallis
  33. Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
  34. The Endless Beach by Jenny Colgan
  35. The Art of Seduction by Robert Greene
  36. **The Covenant of Water by Abraham verghese
  37. Thank you for Listening by Julia Whelan
  38. Dirt: Growing Strong Roots in What Makes the Broken Beautiful by Mary Marantz
  39. The Orphan’s Tale by Pam Jenoff
  40. **Life of the Beloved by Henri Nouwen
  41. Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell
  42. The Cafe by the Sea by Jenny Colgan
  43. **Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools by Tyler Stanton
  44. The Summer Skies by Jenny Colgan
  45. Out of the Silent Planet by C.S. Lewis
  46. The Inklings by Humphrey Carpenter
  47. The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill by Julie Klassen
  48. Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
  49. **Night Road by Kristin Hannah
  50. True Colors by Kristin Hanna
  51. Dawn of the Golden Promise by B.J. Hoff
  52. Sons of an Ancient Glory by B.J. Hoff
  53. Heart of the Lonely Exile B.J. Hoff
  54. Song of the Silent Harp by B.J. Hoff
  55. **Managing Expectations: A Memoir by Minnie Driver
  56. The Loveliest Chocolate Shop by Jenny Colgan
  57. The House by the Sea by Louise Douglas
  58. The Princess Companion by Melanie Cellier
  59. **Code Name Sapphire by Pam Jenoff
  60. One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle
  61. Sabbath by Dan B. Allender
  62. Miss Newbury’s List by Megan Walker
  63. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzero
  64. The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley
  65. The American Wife by Lucyk-Berger
  66. **The Seed Keeper by Diane Wilson
  67. Book Lovers by Emily Henry
  68. Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister
  69. Homecoming by Kate Morton
  70. A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J Maas
  71. A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J Maas
  72. A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J Maas
  73. A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J Maas
  74. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas
  75. **Once Upon a Wardrobe by Patti Callahan Henry
  76. Lessons at the School by the Sea by Jenny Colgan
  77. The Go-Giver by Bob Burg
  78. Land of a Thousand Dreams by B.J. Hoff
  79. The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
  80. Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun by Elle Cosimano
  81. Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead by Elle Cosimano
  82. Finlay Donovan is Killing It by Elle Cosimano
  83. The Bookshop on the Shore by Jenny Colgan
  84. All Good People Here by Ashley Flowers
  85. The Small Rain by Madeleine L’Engle
  86. The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton
  87. Be Brave For Me by Elaine Johns
  88. Letters to the Church by Francis Chan
  89. Scotland’s Melody by Katie Stewart Stone
  90. **Iona Iverson’s Rules for Commuting by Clare Pooley
  91. The Problem of Pain by C.S. Lewis
  92. Harry Potter 1
  93. Harry Potter 2
  94. Harry Potter 3
  95. Harry Potter 4
  96. Harry Potter 5
  97. Harry Potter 6
  98. Harry Potter 7
  99. Narnia 1
  100. Narnia 2
  101. Narnia 3
  102. Narnia 4
  103. Narnia 5
  104. Narnia 6
  105. Narnia 7

2018 Book List

06 Thursday Sep 2018

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Every year I make a goal to read as many books as my age. I know its not that many yet, but someday when I’m 80…yeah it will be a lot of reading! I probably won’t be able to do much else at that point. Anyway, here’s my 2018 book list. Happy birthday to me! Getting started on my 37 books for 2019…I’d love to hear your suggestions!

  1. The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society by Annie Barrows
  2. Surprised by Oxford by Carolyn Weber
  3. Side Hustle by Chris Guillebeau
  4. Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen
  5. The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas
  6. *Harry Potter All 6 Books by J. K Rowling
  7. *The Chronicles of Narnia All 7 books by C. S. Lewis
  8. Spirits In Bondage by C. S. Lewis
  9. Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein
  10. The Subtle Art of not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson
  11. The Baker’s Secret by Stephen Kiernan
  12. The Night Circus By Erin Morgenstern
  13. The Plantagenets by Dan Jones
  14. Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie
  15. Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
  16. The Little Book of Lykke by Meik Wiking
  17. Wonder by RJ Palacio
  18. A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
  19. The Light We Lost by Jill Santopolo
  20. Everybody Always by Bob Goff
  21. Scary Close by Donald Miller
  22. Library of Souls by Ransom Riggs
  23. The Shadow of Death by James Runcie
  24. Girl Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis
  25. My Oxford Year by Julia Whelan
  26. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
  27. Rare Objects by Kathleen Tessaro
  28. Casual Vacancy by Robert Galbraith (J.K. Rowling)
  29. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
  30. The Eternal Current by Aaron Niequist
  31. Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
  32. Mansfield Park by Jane Austen
  33. Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen
  34. Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
  35. The Road Back to You by Suzanne Stabile & Ian Morgan Cron
  36. The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
  37. The Broken Way by Anne Voskamp

*  I don’t count the Narnia and Harry Potter books because I read them every year so it’s not like they are new material

Sisi: Empress on Her Own by Allison Pataki

07 Monday Mar 2016

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“I wander lonely in this world,
Delight and life long time averted,
No confidant to share my inner self,
A matching soul never revealed.”
Empress Elisabeth 

When I started reading this book, I knew nothing about Sisi, Empress of Austria-Hungary, but as I set it down to write this review, I feel as if I know her, deeply, intimately. Her hurt, frustration, sadness, and passion, followed by slanderous gossip, destined to live a life unfulfilled and alone. This novel begins in the late 1800’s, and takes you through important historical events, leading all the way up to the start of WWI and the collapse of the Hapsburg empire.

I love historical fiction because I feel like I am learning something while being immersed in a captivating story. This book took me through a whole realm of emotions. Sadness in the realization that she was in a loveless marriage, excitement in her joy of traveling and finding adventure, heartwarming in the way she loved her children, but couldn’t figure out how to be a mother to them, all the internal struggles and hardships of the young Empress.

Allison’s elegant writing style flows naturally making Sisi an immersive novel that is entertaining, and an easy read. However, in reading this the reader will come to view Sisi as a selfish, ignorant, immature, and irresponsible leader who disrespected her husband, the Emperor, and was clueless about how to be a mother. I found her character conflicting. At one point she returns to the court to rescue her son, the Prince, who was being mistreated, and she was firm and stood up to her husband and other advisors and did what she thought was best for her child, but then the next chapter she is off riding horses and neglecting her responsibilities. The ending felt rather anti-climactic, despite the traumatic events that were occurring.  I enjoyed the book for entertainment purposes. It was quite lengthy, but I had no trouble reading the 420 pages in 2 days.

In response to the many reviews saying that Allisons’s research wasn’t done well and had many historical inaccuracies… I guess I would just say keep in mind it is fiction and enjoy the story.

You can order the book from Amazon here. Enjoy!

 

Overrated by Eugene Cho Book review & Giveaway

01 Wednesday Oct 2014

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Overrated
Are we more in love with the idea of changing the world
than actually changing the world?
by Eugene Cho
Foreword by Donald Miller

I never really think about justice. Sure I follow A21 and Bob Goff and other great organizations who are pursuing justice for the enslaved, sex trafficked, unfortunate, underfed and mistreated. They fill my news feed. I support a beautiful girl in Ethiopia and I am moved when I hear stories about people rescued and restored. But I never really think about justice.

This book is open and honest. Cho makes himself vulnerable. He shares his struggles, his doubt, his questions. He takes the reader on his journey that follows his desire to change the world. He shapes his passion and shares stories and lessons that helped him get to a point where he could pursue his dreams. Dreams of bringing justice to the world with the right motives, knowledge about the people he was helping, and in a way that clearly brings glory to God.

It was humbling. Compelling. Convicting. It made me pause and contemplate how I live my life. How I give, serve, act. Cho says “I believe you cannot credibly follow Christ unless you pursue justice.” Because Jesus was all about justice. In Luke 4:18-19 Jesus says: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

Jesus cared about justice. That’s why he was here. To set people free. To serve the poor. To heal the sick. If we want to be more like Christ, we need to care more about justice. We have to want justice and want to change the world because God loves justice. Justice reflects God’s character. Jesus never drew attention to himself. But beyond caring, we need to take action. We need to DO something. So many people blog and tweet and change their profile pictures to reflect that they care about justice. They are taking a stand. They are talking loud. But that’s where it stops.

What are you passionate about? Do you want wells for people without water, food for the homeless, freedom for the enslaved, medical care for the sick? What tugs at your heart? What are you doing about it? Actions speak louder than words. This book is about moving your words into action. About actually doing something to change the world instead of just talking about it.

“Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time and always start with the person nearest you.” Mother Teresa

Stop talking

Listen

Pray

Show us

Do something

Live a better story

Giveaway: I’m giving away a copy of Overrated! For an opportunity to read this great book for yourself, post a comment answering this question: How do you want to “change the world” and what are you doing about it?

OverRated

Giveaway ends October 8, 2014

 
*Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”)
Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.
Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.” 

Bread & Wine: A love letter to life around the table with recipes by Shauna Niequist

09 Tuesday Apr 2013

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Bread & Wine: A love letter to life around the table with recipes

“And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, ‘This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.’” Luke 22:19-21

The last supper, the first communion. Every time we come together to break bread and drink wine, a remembrance of the gospel. A symbol of Christ’s sacrifice made on our behalf. Bread. Wine.

This book was enchanting.  Shauna accentuates the connection between bread and wine and communion and Jesus body and blood and the table and food in our everyday lives. Some of my favorite things in life are reading and cooking so imagine a book full of great life stories, and recipes! I am the type of person who will read a cookbook cover to cover and study each recipe and technique.

I loved all the elements of this book. I have read Shauna’s other two books and really enjoyed them. I love her energy, and the simplistic style of her writing. She writes so raw. So honest. So down to earth. She shares stories from her life without reservation. She’s not afraid to be vulnerable or to be human. Mistakes and all.

She shares: “What’s becoming clearer and clearer to me is that the most sacred moments, the ones in which I feel God’s presence most profoundly, when I feel the goodness of the world most arrestingly, take place at the table. The particular alchemy of celebration and food, of connecting people and service what I’ve made with my own hands, comes together as more than the sum of their parts. I love the sounds and smells and textures of life at the table, hands passing bowls and forks clinking against plates and bread being torn and the rhythm and energy of feeding and being fed.”

Most chapters ended with a recipe that tied it all together. It made me feel like I got to enjoy an amazing dish while hearing a great story. Visiting with a friend who was sharing her day with me while we ate steamy risotto, or mac and cheese, or mango chicken curry.

I also appreciated that most of the recipes in the book were healthy and included a gluten-free option.  As I try to eat gluten-free this is huge for me! There is not one recipe that I will not try. I am excited to dive into this book again and cook the recipes as I go along.  I hope you pick up a copy. Stop by the grocery store. Invite some friends over. Read these stories and cook some great food. Enjoy the bread, the wine, the fellowship, and the remembrance of what Christ has done in your life.