I'm Back: Top 5 Reads of 2025!

 Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! I'm so sorry for my extended absence... the past year has been a doozy for sure. But I'm back again with my top 5 reads from 2025. Not easy to narrow down, since I read over 75 books this year!

First, the honorable mentions, in no particular order- Land of Dreams by Lauraine Snelling; An Unexpected Grace by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse; The Hudson Collection by Jocelyn Green; A Noble Scheme by Roseanna M White; The French Kitchen by Kristy Cambron; and Never Fall Again by Lynn H Blackburn!

Now, my top five!

In fifth, A Sea View Christmas by Julie Klassen.

In fourth, Final Approach by Lynette Eason

In third, Tempest at Annabel's Lighthouse by Jaime Jo Wright- A memorable read because right when the ghost appeared, my book light died, and I was plunged into complete and utter darkness... it took all of my will power not to scream bloody murder in the middle of the night and wake the household!

In second, Every Hour Until Then by Gabrielle Meyer- I couldn't put it down, and I definitely had to remind myself that the characters in the book weren't going to hurt me for knowing too much... if you know, you know! Possibly the best one in this series so far!

My top book for the year was an easy choice- I genuinely wanted to Google the characters at the end of the book and see how their story ended, before remembering that they were fictional. I absolutely cried, laughed, and thoroughly enjoyed my way through the entirety of the story- 

It's...

A Song in the Dark by Kimberley Woodhouse

My Top 5 Reads of 2023!

 It's that time again. The time when I completely lose my mind in the impossible task of choosing just five favorites out of the over 100 books I've read this year. Thankfully, rereads are disqualified, so that narrows it just a bit, but sheesh, this is going to be a hard one, because I branched out and read a lot of new and different things this year that really stuck with me. This may be the most difficult year so far...

First, the honorable mentions, in absolutely no particular order. By the way, I adore all of these!!! 

The Ringmaster's Wife by Kristy Cambron,  A Beautiful Disguise by Roseanna M White, In This Moment by Gabrielle Meyer, A Mark of Grace by Kimberley Woodhouse, The Decagon House Murders by Yukito Ayatsuji, Crossfire by Lynette Eason, And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie, Yesterday's Tides by Roseanna M White, The Secrets Beneath by Kimberley Woodhouse, The Lost Boys of Barlowe Theatre by Jaime Jo Wright, The Italian Ballerina by Kristy Cambron 

These were all amazing books! I even pre-ordered the sequels to some of them. 

Now... top five begins...

In fifth, this story had me laughing the entire time, while also keeping me invested in the characters. This duo never fails to challenge me spiritually and write a book that God wants me to read in the season of life that I'm in. I'm ever grateful for this book, as well as completely captivated by Marvella. If that didn't give it away, I'll go ahead and let you know... It's

The Heart's Choice by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse

Fourth place this year goes to the sequel to last year's winner. When I tell you I read this book twice this year, ordered copies for all my friends, and shared quotes on my Instagram stories for weeks. This book impacted me hard. (Also had me in tears... I'm still not over having my heart yanked out like that!) It's

The Looking Glass Illusion by Sara Ella

Third place, sitting comfy on the podium, is by an author I had never read before. Not just another war story, this book had me reading constantly, even on lunch breaks at work. I love a good "spies whose cover is a married couple even though they don't even like being in the same room as each other" trope, and this book gave by exactly what I wanted! It's 

Far Side of the Sea by Kate Breslin

Second, a book from another new to me author. That I reread the parts I loved the most. That I bookmarked and highlighted and used quotes from as my phone lockscreen. That helped me understand the prophets just a little better. It's

Isaiah's Daughter by Mesu Andrews

And my favorite book of the year, another new to me author. I didn't think this would be my type of book, but let's be honest, I fell for the cover. This first place book had me literally sobbing my heart out. I tried listening as an audiobook, but got so invested that I had to read with my eyes so I could go faster. I've already pre-ordered the newest book in the series. It's

When the Day Comes by Gabrielle Meyer

Spotlights! New To Me Authors in 2023!

 Hey all! I branched out just a smidgeon this year and found some new-to-me-authors. Not saying I recommend everything by these authors, but here's a list of folks that I just found, some contemporary, and some classic, and even a few translated works.

1. Kate Breslin

2. Mesu Andrews

3. Hannah Linder

4. Yoko Ogawa

5. Yukito Ayatsuji

6. Gaston Leroux

7. Wilkie Collins

8. Denise Weimer

9. Sarah E. Ladd

10. Gabrielle Meyer

11. Olivia Newport

Who have you discovered this year?

Spotlights! Books That Got a Re-Read in 2023

 Hi there! A bit of a different post today, but I'm sharing books that I read in 2023 that were rereads. (AKA captured my heart and mind enough to push them to the top of my ever-growing TBR pile of shiny new books...) Since re-reads aren't eligible for the Top 5 post, I thought they should get their own special time.

In no particular order...

1. The Shepherd of the Hills by Harold Bell Wright (my second time)

2. Fawkes by Nadine Brandes (I think my fourth time?)

3. The Striking a Match trilogy by Tracie Peterson (Third... or maybe fourth? time. It's my favorite non-Alaskan series she's written)

4. Fraying at the Edge and Gathering the Threads by Cindy Woodsmall (Third time... maybe fourth, now that I think of it.)

5. Books 1-8 of the Jennie McGrady series by Patricia H. Rushford (At least the fifth time... maybe more. These were an obsession in my high school years...)

6. The Wonderland Trials by Sara Ella (Fourth time)

7. A Killer Among Us by Lynette Eason (Second time)

8. Too Close to Home by Lynette Eason (At least the third time)

9. Vow of Justice by Lynette Eason (Second time)

10. Magnificent Obsession by Lloyd C. Douglas (Second time)

11. Not My Will by Francena H. Arnold (Ninth time...)

12. The Looking-Glass Illusion by Sara Ella (I know it came out this year... I read it twice...)

13. Christy by Catherine Marshall (Fourth time)

14. House of Secrets by Tracie Peterson (Second time)

15. Portrait of Loyalty by Roseanna M. White (Third or fourth time...)

16. Yukon Quest trilogy by Tracie Peterson (I've literally lost track of how many times I've read this series...)

17. Alaskan Quest trilogy by Tracie Peterson (Again... no clue...)

18. Song of Alaska trilogy by Tracie Peterson (Third time, I think)

What books do you come back to over and over again?

My Top 5 Reads of 2022!

 It's that time of year again! The one where I try and come up with a short list of this year's favorites, even though there are so many amazing ones! Remember, these are books that I read for the first time this year. Repeat reads are lovely, but disqualified. (Looking at you, Love Comes Softly!) I'll start with honorable mentions and then move up from there!

Honorable Mentions, in no particular order: Ever Constant by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse, Wishtress by Nadine Brandes, The Heart of the Mountains by Pepper Basham, The Right Kind of Fool by Sarah Loudin Thomas, To Treasure an Heiress by Roseanna M. White, and The Mistletoe Countess by Pepper Basham.

These all deserve to be the favorite, honestly, but I read a ton of great books this year. Don't worry. It's also breaking my heart that they can't all be number one.

Without further ado, the top five fiction reads of 2022.

In fifth place, the breathtaking sequel to last year's top read, it's The Bride of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep. I love the mix of Sherlock and Dickens vibes, coupled with stunning characters and a story that I just couldn't put down! Anyone who has read book one will be thrilled to see the continuing adventures of our favorite quick witted couple.

In fourth, book two in a series that I read completely backwards. I met the characters in Drawn by the Current and just had to know them better. Cue me binge reading Shadows of the White City by Jocelyn Green. I adored the theme of adoption and watching the characters work out their disagreements just hit that special part of my heart. This story broke my heart and soothed it all at once. An absolute must read for fans of historical fiction.

I went through a dry season where I couldn't read anything for quite a while. A Gem of Truth by Kimberley Woodhouse knocked me out of that painful spot. I honestly can't even begin to describe how this book was used in my life when I needed it most. For all those people that knock on fiction, just know that sometimes fiction is just the right medicine for a tired and weary soul. For helping me in the toughest of spots, this beauty earns a place on the podium and in my heart.

For most of the year, I thought this next book would be my number one. I read it twice and bawled like a baby both times. A Portrait of Loyalty by Roseanna M. White really took me by surprise, not that it should've since I love her work. I was deeply attached to every character. I was compelled by the story and immediately wished to have the experience of reading it for the first time all over again. While I adore all of her books, this might possibly be my favorite. It's also notable for being the last time we get to enter the world started in The Lost Heiress. This was the first book I read in 2022, and I couldn't have chosen better if I'd tried. What a deserving recipient of the silver medal.

And taking home the gold today, the book that made me feel like I might be okay with teaching high school, it's The Wonderland Trials by Sara Ella. I've read it two and a half times this year, and I'm making all of my ninth and tenth grade students read it as well. (They adore it as well, and alternate between rooting for Chess and wanting to slap him.) The reimagined Wonderland captured my heart like you wouldn't believe. Alice, Charlotte, Chess, Madi, Blanche Lapin (whose name delights me to no end, and I'm sure my French students are tired of hearing about it), and Dinah are such a part of me now. I absolutely am on tenterhooks waiting for book two. The allegorical nature of the work adds a little something special, too. I honestly can't say enough good things about this book. If you haven't read it, do so soon. I promise it will make a special place in your life. 

And a special shoutout to my top nonfiction read of the year, Through Gates of Splendor by Elisabeth Elliot. If you haven't read the story of Jim Elliot told through Elisabeth's eyes, you're missing out. There's something so powerful and inspiring in this missionary journey. 

So, what were your favorite reads this year? Do we have any overlaps? Let me know in the comments.

My Top 5 Reads of 2021!

 Taking all the books that I read for the first time this year (there are several honorable mentions that were not first time reads- Looking at all of Roseanna M White's books here...) here are my top five reads for this year.

In fifth place, the most recent book in the Rizkaland Legends series by Kendra E Ardnek, Love and Memory. Love and Memory is a massive, I mean MASSIVE, tome of a portal fantasy and I adored every moment of it. The characters are complex, the world building is awesome, and can we have a moment of appreciation for Laura, who has to be the best character ever written ever. While some things can get a little confusing sometimes, Kendra does an amazing job with this series, which is Indie published, something I'm excited to share with you because that's impressive to get in the top five considering how many books I've devoured this year. 

Coming up next, in fourth place Hope Between the Pages by Pepper Basham. I absolutely love Pepper because she takes me to the Blue Ridge in the most perfect way each and every time. This dual timeline story swept me right into the Biltmore estate, a place I've visited several times, and I couldn't have been more pleased with the special insight she brought to a place I already love. While it did take me a second to get into the dual timeline, I was hooked long before the ending, and definitely recommend it.

And on the podium, we have our third place, The Silent Governess by Julie Klassen. This was a new author for me, but I absolutely couldn't have asked for more. I adored the story, even spending my entire day off one week this summer reading it straight through. What's more, I even posted a review immediately, which generally only happens when I'm overwhelmed with how perfectly a story ended. I need to get my hands on more by this author in 2022.

Second place (Silver medal, anyone?) goes to A Deep Divide by Kimberley Woodhouse, whose new series explores the Harvey Girls in the southwest US. Emma's story resonated with me in a way I didn't expect, and Emma's verse was a verse that at that moment in my life, was already pulsing through my entire being, which just proves that God works in mysterious ways that include historical fiction. From Psalm 34- I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.

And my top read of 2021 goes to... (((I really hope y'all are drumrolling)))

The Thief of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep. This wasn't the first of her books I've read, but I think it's my favorite so far. I was so into the story and my goodness the plot just did exactly what I wanted it to (with of course a few frightening setbacks along the way...) and the characters were so real to me that I didn't want to book to end. Ever. I wanted to stay with them forever. I want a sequel. NOW. I absolutely adore this book, and you should definitely read it if you have time. (AKA make time...)

What about you? What were your favorite reads this year? Let me know in the comments. Anyone loving the same ones I do?

Character Spotlight: Bastian Dennell

Today we have a lovely spotlight on Bastian from The Midnight Show by Sarah Pennington!

https://www.amazon.com/Midnight-Show-Sarah-Pennington-ebook/dp/B08B1RV653/

Bastian Dennell may not be the best-known or most experienced private investigator in Innsjøby, but that doesn’t stop him from doing his best to solve his clients’ cases. He has a knack for noticing the right thing at the right (and sometimes wrong) time and a genuine desire to help others by uncovering answers, solving problems, and, most importantly, finding and speaking the truth. Because of all this, while his track record might not be lengthy, he’s been fairly successful in his work.

 

As Bastian neared the Carousel Club, where he was to meet with his newest client, he paused to compose himself. Private investigators didn’t go about grinning and whistling like a common sap any more than they danced in the streets. Or, at least, they didn’t when they met with clients. Bastian studied himself in a reflective shop window. He combed his fingers through his dark curls, then adjusted his cap to a rakish angle and tugged on the lapels of his best jacket, straightening it. Someday, he’d save up for a few decent suits and a nice hat, but for now, this would do. He practiced a steely ice-stare, then a confident smirk, and settled on the former before strutting up to the door.

 

As a relatively young and unknown member of his profession, Bastian is very conscious of how he comes off to others. While he’s currently too broke to afford the nice suits and hats he feels a private investigator should wear, he puts serious effort into adopting what he thinks is the right attitude and expression. When working with clients, he often hides excited smiles behind a steely stare and exchanges cheerfulness for sharp-edged sarcasm. He doesn’t like it, and the act slips a little more often than he realizes, but he won’t get anywhere if people don’t take him seriously.

 

[Bastian] smiled wryly to himself. If helping out old birds always brought such luck, every man and woman over the age of fifty would probably have so many people bending to their whims that they wouldn’t even have to walk if they didn’t want to.

   

Most old birds, of course, weren’t Granny Starseeker or her kind. Bastian took off the glasses and folded them up pensively. What would he have seen, looking at her through them? He could guess — a woman, beautiful and ageless, wearing her wrinkles like a mask, with the threads of fate ready at her fingertips. His father had spoken of them by the name the Cormont academics used — Premiére Foire, First Fair — and claimed they were agents of the Divine who helped weave the destinies of kings and princesses and heroes. His mother had called them Fateweavers and said they tested the hearts of those chosen for great tasks, no matter their nobility. Bastian saw no reason why both couldn’t be true. At this particular moment, he was more concerned with the fact that one of them — or multiple of them — apparently deemed his case significant enough to interfere. Not that he was ungrateful for the help, but now he had a nasty feeling about whatever lay ahead.

 

The son of a Gallish immigrant and a Solorele native, Bastian grew up with stories of fey and fair folk from one side of the ocean and spirits, monsters, and shifters from the other. And while he’s not specifically a magical investigator, he’s used those stories to help him solve more than one case. But his knowledge is hardly exhaustive, and there’s a great deal in the world that his parents’ stories never even dreamed of . . .

Book Spotlight: Tarnished Halos by Linda McDonald Davis

Okay.... so I can't in good conscience actually review this book. The reason... well, I happen to know the author. Not like I know other authors, as in this author put my grandmother in her book. (Yep... you should look for a reference to Olive Oyl, Popeye's girlfriend) and may or may not have bought a Christmas ornament for me. My mother refers to her as Aunt Lin.... Yes, all these are reasons why this book would not get an unbiased review. But I can spotlight it! This book is Oops, almost started reviewing there again...

A book about "Miss Lydia" and her journey through teacher college and her teaching years, Tarnished Halos is 245 pages worth of little stories combined into one. Well, I'd better just give you the official run-down here, huh?

Lydia stood on the steps of SHS reminiscing about her school days. Her long hair cascaded down her back like a shawl thrown loosely about her shoulders. Although never aspiring to being a teacher she found that she fell passionately in love with teaching, in spite of herself. Comfort "Miz Lizzy" when her entire fourth grade disappears and gasp as Bobby falls from the classroom window. Your heart will break to learn that two of Lydia's angels have life threatening diseases.

Why is Lydia holding a gun when the principal is shot? Ready for thrills? Follow "Miz Lizzy" back through time.