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?

Nikolas Dietrich

Guys, meet my baby brother! I'm so excited! I love him so much, and I can't wait to hold him!

Induced at 38 Weeks 4 Days~ 20.5 inches long, 8 pounds and 12 ounces!

Top 10 Sob-Worthy Literary Deaths {And 8 Teary-Eyed Honorable Mentions}

Do I really need to warn you that there are obvious SPOILERS in here?

Really big space to give you time to back out of this.....





Here are 10 of the characters who had me crying over their death. *Book listed is story they died in, but not necessarily the only story they were in*

1: Beth March from Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

2: Karen Ivankov from Whispers of Winter by Tracie Peterson

3: Matthew Cuthbert from Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

4: Edward Travilla from Elsie's Widowhood by Martha Finley

5: John Brooke from Little Men by Louisa May Alcott

6: Chad Stewart from Not My Will by Francena H Arnold

7: Alice Humphreys from The Wide Wide World by Susan Warner

8: Fairlight Spencer from Christy by Catherine Marshall

9: Tom Chilton from Pollyanna Grows Up be Eleanor H Porter

10: Laura Mayfield from The Confession by Beverly Lewis


Honorable Mention: Fan in Millie's Fiery Trial, Patience in Treasures of the North, Grandpa in Across the Years, Annika in Hidden Among the Stars, Baby Darya in Twilight's Serenade, Lady Dedlock in Bleak House, Mrs Hamley in Wives and Daughters, and last but not least Marmee in Jo's Boys (she actually dies before that but the mention is enough to reduce me to tears apparently)


That might not be the exact order according to tissues used, but I tried. {And yes, I have shed tears for each mention here...Lots of tears.} Did any of your most emotional character deaths make my list? If not, share who yours is in the comments.

Sophomore Year?!?!?

I've often been told {during high school especially} that sophomore means "Wise Moron". I'll admit that I'm just the tiniest bit skeptical of that, but I can see where such a definition might come from. Well, I'll be a sophomore in just a week and a half! I head back to Bob Jones University on August 27th. I'll be starting right back into work at Bob Jones Academy, as both a late stay assistant and a teachers' aide, although this year I'll be working with second grade. I will surely miss my first grade teachers, but I'm ready to get to know the second grade teachers and my fellow 2nd grade aide, Heidi. I can't wait to see all my friends and get back into the swing of things. Still a little ill with you Miss Sharon! I miss my Dragon sisters and can't wait for rush and induction, which will be incredibly fun! I get to take French class this semester and I'm totally stoked! Two of my closest friends will be my roommates! Which will be nice, since I can't tell you how many times I fell asleep in their room last semester :D We're going to FaceTime this Monday, and I'm excited to work everything out for the year! {Love you Meggy and Даша!} Then in {Why did my font size change????} early October baby Nikolas Dietrich will come! I can't wait to meet him, although it will probably be Thanksgiving before I can! Also in October, one of my wonderful friends is getting married, and I'm so excited to come home for their wedding! I hope everyone is going to have as wonderful a fall as I am! Let me know in the comments what big plans you have! 

{PS I had a ton of fun this summer, and was so grateful to see this wonderful friend twice!}

A Job and Other Things That Indicate I'm a Functioning Adult.

Hey Guys, I hope you are having an awesome summer! I just wanted to do a little update and let you know some things that are going on.

First of all, I finished my freshman year at BJU so that's a blessing. I can't wait for sophomore year and seeing what God will do. I miss all my Dragon sisters!

VBS at my church starts tonight and I am excited to be one of the assistant teachers in the first and second grade classes.

Next month I'm headed to Mississippi. I'm super excited and I'll share pictures of course. And you can still get in touch with me! I love hearing from y'all. I also have a trip planned in August with one of my dearest friends from college. Super excited about that too!

And in really big news... I got a job! I'm now a QKIDS teacher. It's a great job opportunity and I love it. If you want to check it out, I have a referral code. {WBKARU}

And in the biggest news of allllll….. My baby brother is due in October! I can't wait to meet this handsome little fella!

How is your summer going? I'd love to know! Comment below! And don't forget to comment on posts for extra points in the upcoming Summer Giveaway! I can't wait! Love ya!

Big Summer Plans!

Hey, y'all! About time I let you know what's going through my mind for this summer! I have three author interviews that will be spaced out a little, and after that I'll post my review for the first work in their series. I hope you will check out each of these posts! I'm also going to run an unrelated giveaway sometime this summer, but be sure to comment on the interviews for extra entries into this. I'm super excited for this giveaway, and I can't wait to share it with you. Keep in touch! Love you all!

A post that has absolutely NOTHING to do with ANYTHING!!!

Here we go, folks. Just a little post to say that Duolingo is one of my favorite apps ever! I use it to help me review my French for French class. {I'm very excited to start MLF 201 this fall!} I'm using it to teach myself Russian. {Alas! BJU does not offer a course in Russian!} I'm using Duolingo to learn Norwegian because Lauraine Snelling's books always make me want to speak Norwegian. {Of course, for now, Norwegian is just a little side language. I'm already serious about two other languages... Three might short-circuit my poor little old brain!}

Seriously, if you've ever thought about picking up a new language, use Duolingo! It's free and they are all the time adding new languages!

{P.S. Don't laugh! I know I'm 3000% nerd...}

Meeting Tracie and Kim!!!!

I think I'm prepared for this... as I sit here in my dorm room and drink this concoction that is getting rid of my cough, eat my pepperonis, (Thanks Tiara! I love you girl!) and study my verse for the Doctrines quiz today.

It's been three days (I think... time has taken on a new, indiscernible quality that makes the week seem like Monday followed by three Thursdays) since Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse came to Bob Jones for a book signing. Which I was so excited for. Anyone who talked to me for longer than 20 seconds knew about my excitement, I think. I even talked to Chief, (The dorm supervisor who I don't approach 3 out of 5 times) and got permission to steal take the poster from the back door. And yes, it is hanging on my closet door, so that everyone who comes in our room sees it.

Here's my normal Tuesday schedule though... Work from 8-9:30, Piano at 1:25, and English 103 at 2:35. My dilemma was that the book signing was scheduled for 2. THIS DOES NOT BODE WELL FOR ME!!! AT ALL!!!! So my first thought is "Well, I'll just skip En103. No biggie!" My second thought was "Maybe just being late is better." So I talked to my professor, and shoutout to Dr. McNeely here, cause he is amazing, he actually encouraged me to take the opportunity to meet Tracie and Kim and be late.

Tuesday rolls around and I go to work. But then I leave work like fifteen minutes early so I can go take my English quiz with the 9:35 class. That works out. I rush out of my piano lesson at 1:50, hurry to the Den (which takes all of a minute and a half) and see them! But did I rush right in and say hi? Nope. NERVES! (WHat even???) So I go in one door of the Bruins Shop and out the other. Loiter in the Den for 5 or 10 minutes talking to Em. But really just wanting to go in. Eventually I did. Stood in line... explained the plot of multiple different books on the table to the girl behind me in line.... finally get up there and hand Tracie my (well-loved, as you can tell by the slightly crinkly cover) book. She asks what my name is... I say "Erica" while grinning like a Cheshire because I'm too excited for anything else... and then things happen!

Kim looks at me and asks "Are you the young lady from Twitter?" and I'm sure I was already nodding my head before she finished her question (insert eye-roll). Apparently, this gets me automatic hug privileges, and I am VERY much a hugging type of person. Over the moon.... again! (Awkward pause, since I started writing this last week and didn't have time to finish!) And so I spent 45ish minutes getting to know them and just talking to them about their books and how I want to go to Alaska. Kim new that I was going to be late for my class. About a minute after the class starts she told me I was late for class, which made me giggle. And she told me to keep in touch and email her (which I will do as soon as I figure out where her email is...) and I made so many more fun memories that I have chickened out of sharing because they are so special and I just want to keep them in my head and enjoy them there, and please don't call the crazy people, I'm not that looney!

Sorry for the rambling and the filler words. My heart was going faster than my fingers and vocabulary could keep up. Also sorry that this took so long to post! Trust me, it was not for lack of wanting!

New Blog Color Guys!

Tell me really, do you like this new color scheme? Here's a pic of the old one.

I kinda like the map on the brown one though! I've been thinking about changing the colors for a while but never did.

Sound off in the comments!

Chit-Chat!

I'm headed to BJU this Saturday! Packing like crazy, unpacking something that I need now, packing it back up.... Trying to fit in as many books as humanly possible. Cleaning my room. Buying textbooks. Filling in my schedule. Buying more school supplies. Cooking pumpkin bundt cakes (I'll probably put the recipe up in October for y'all. It's one I found on another blog and modified slightly). I had my last piano lesson from Mrs. G (Until next summer) who has taught me since January 2013. (No I didn't lose my composure. I don't like to cry out in public ;) ) Only a few more days left in my own little room. I'm a little sad, I'm a lot sad that I can't bring all my favorite books with me.... Oh Well. I'm getting ready for my new adventure! I'll keep you updated throughout the year. (You should probably keep an eye out on my Twitter account. Just saying) That's all for now. More reviews and whatnot coming soon! Stay tuned!

August Update

So.... there's so much to say. I leave for college in a few weeks. Out-of-state college, in a town that seemed so much safer before I read Lynette Eason's Women Of Justice series ;) (Just kidding....mostly!) I've been writing and writing and storing up drafts and scheduling posts for weeks so that I won't have to abandon you guys this semester. Upcoming reviews include Chasing Secrets by Lynette Eason, and a new Lauraine Snelling. August 8th I have a CelebrateLit tour happening, so be sure to stop by for that! Also, just a thanks for being awesome! Y'all are the best readers. Contact me anytime, I'm always checking for messages. This was a pretty short update, but I'm scurrying around trying to pull everything together here!

Oh Guys!

I am so sorry that I've been neglecting you all the past couple of weeks. It's a busy time. I'm getting ready for college this fall, and looking for a campus job. This week is VBS at my church (Ocean Commotion!) and all kinds of other stuff is going on. But... I did just order a ton of books from ThriftBooks so yay! I can't wait to share picture with all of you. Be watching my Twitter especially. And if you aren't following me, there is a place in the sidebar. Or it's @3714Bookdragon. Feel free to comment and let me know how you're doing! I'd love to hear from all of you readers. I appreciate all of you.

(P.S. Be on the look-out for a blog tour July 2! It's a doozy!)

Pictures from last week's trip!

So, yeah. I totally meant to put these pictures up on Sunday or Monday or something, but that didn't happen. Now I'm actually going to do them. You can enjoy these pictures while I'm at the beach with my best friend, soaking up some sun... You know. Also, reading lots of books. (Mom packed three books, I've got four, plus all my ebooks on my phone, and yet I'm still trying to fit more books in my bag.)

(Oh, by the way, I WON'T be getting "gorgeously tanned", I'll be burning. Like a marshmallow held too close to the flames.)

I left the house at 3 (Bleh!) to catch my flight. The sunrise was gorgeous though, and they fed me my favorite airplane fare. (Shoutout to American Air!)

First stop, after I got picked up in Boston, (Well, besides Dunkin', cause New England runs on Dunkin', not even lying!) was Mystic Aquariums. The Beluga whales were so adorable and playful. I got to touch a ray for the first time, and my sister flipped over the pings (Penguins.)

We were in the Penguin gift shop, when suddenly Jaye yells, "Look at that ping! He's sooo RICH!"

Then Tuesday we started off with Animal Adventure Park, where we got to see April, Oliver, and Taj. And the most adorable baby camels ever!!!!!!!!! Oliver wasn't too happy since no one was giving him carrots though.

This place is the awesomest (I know that's not a real word but whatever) zoo ever. You could feed literally all the animals. (Albeit, sometimes you just tossed a grape down a tube so your hand didn't get bitten.)

Then the Crayola Experience, where we all got crayons with our name on them! It was so neat.

Taylor of Jaye wanted a picture with the huge mosaic of Scarlet. Taylor's really starting to "pose" for pictures, as you can tell by her feet.

Then Colonial Williamsburg Wednesday, which silly me forgot to take pictures of. It was really nice, but super hot. The highlight of the day might have been when Jaye caused a guy to come out of character to rescue his ruler from her.

We had a great trip, and I wish I had taken more picture. Honestly though, with a kid holding each hand, it was a miracle I got what I got. Thanks for reading. I hope you enjoyed this post as much as I enjoyed sharing it with you.

June Update

So... I'm still on the trip. But, I think you should know what else is coming up this month. After this trip, I'm headed back to the beach in a few days. I don't remember a summer when I've been this crazy busy. Then later this month I'll be going to Summer Orientation for college. And VBS is this month. The last week I think. It shouldn't stop me from posting, but who knows. Anyway, that's the crazy hectic stuff. Here are some posts to look forward to.

June 13: Author Interview with Beth Durkee (Squee)
June 16: Celebrate Lit tour The Secret Slipper by Amanda Tero

Sometime this month I'll also be reviewing Pursued by Lisa Harris, Danger on the Mountain by Lynette Eason, Blue Skies Tomorrow by Sarah Sundin, and the books I got through Thrift Books. So be on the lookout!

10 Beach Tips for this Summer. Just In Time For Memorial Day Weekend Too!

What? On a book blog?
Yeah. On a book blog. I mean, you're gonna be reading on the beach, right? Right!

Okay, so here we go. I'm going to try to make sense. Y'all just bear with me now, okay?


1: Bring a book. But also bring a towel/sheet to put the book on to keep it from getting water/sand all in it. And also bring something with a little weight, even if it's just another towel, to put on top of it, so it doesn't blow away in the breeze while you're out in the water.

2: GET RID OF YOUR PART!!!! I'm being serious. It doesn't matter how funny you think you look with your hair slicked straight back. Get rid of the part. There is no pain quite like raking a brush across a sunburned scalp. And when the sunburn starts to peel (I know. GROSS!) it's just worse.

3: If you're using spray on sunscreen, step into a sheltered alcove, or the wind will carry some of it away. And then you burn in really really weird splotches. Been there, done that.

4: Bring an extra swim suit if you have one, because nothing is worse than putting on a wet swimsuit.

5: Ice cream melts really fast on the beach. Just saying. And then you have to wash the chocolate off your hands in the ocean. Just be a little careful. Duh-whee.

6: Don't wear your prescription sunglasses out in the ocean. At least, not far enough out that you could get knocked over and have them snatched off your face before you can catch your breath back. (Yes, that did happen to me. No, my mom was not happy. Yes, she did say "I told you so" a lot.)

7: Reapply the sunscreen sooner than the bottle says if you're in the water.

8: For easing sunburn pain try aloe, coconut oil, vinegar soaked cloths and/or aspirin *I've not had much experience with this but I'm told it works really well*

9: Bring loose-fitting clothing that won't rub your sunburn.

10: Make sure you always have something to wipe the salt or sand out of you eyes.

Okay, there ya go. If you couldn't tell, I get sunburned very easily ;) Hope this was a help.

My Favorite Authors

Okay, so here are a few of my favorite authors. I'm going to do my always-go-back-to and a few newer authors that I haven' read but one or two books by. Let me know in the comments if you like any of the same authors or if you have recommended authors!


Okay, so I'm just going to throw out a couple of classical authors first and then get to the others. I love Louisa May Alcott! Beyond explanation! I also love Dickens, and he has written some of my favorite books, Bleak House and Great Expectations. But he's kind of hit and miss for me. I didn't like Hard Times, and I didn't finish A Tale of Two Cities. I also enjoy Elizabeth Gaskell's Wives and Daughters and Cranford.


But enough about dead people. You want to know who I like that's actually still writing! Okay, well... Tracie Peterson is my.... I don't know but I have more of her books than any other author (not counting the Nancy Drew or Hardy Boy books, since I have like the whole set of both of those!) My favorite Tracie Peterson's are... you guessed it... the Alaska ones! I found an Alaska book by her co-authored with Kimberley Woodhouse and found out that I'm a fan of her too! I've read three of her books and can't wait for more! Judith Miller is another favorite of mine, although some of her stories are definitely better than others! My favorite of hers, my all-time favorite, has to be the Postcards from Pullman series! It was the first non-kid section series I read! I've said it before, but I love Patricia H Rushford's mysteries, and I have for years! But recently I discovered Lynette Eason and her books always give me a thrill! Julianna Deering also writes mysteries and hers always make me want to watch British period dramas! Kim Vogel Sawyer has a way with words that have me not moving for 5 straight hours! Lauraine Snelling hardly ever disappoints, although obviously not everyone gets it every time. Cathy Marie Hake is another I love. My favorites of hers are Whirlwind (or maybe That Certain Spark, I can never make up my mind) and Mixed Blessings!

A few authors that I've only read one or two books by, but loved include...

1: Jen Turano- her book had me in stitches
2: Dani Pettrey- Alaska and a mystery? Does it get any better?
3: Roseanna M White- The Lost Heiress and A Lady Unrivaled were incredible!
4: Patrick W Carr- I loved his fantasy book... I'm ready for another anytime!
5: Elizabeth Camden- It takes a couple pages, but once I'm in, I'm in for the long haul!
6: Rhonda Gibson- she writes cowboy stories!
7: Sarah Sundin- WWII at it's best
8: Beverly Lewis- the queen of Amish fiction, am I right?
9: Janette Oak- hit and miss but Love Comes Softly and Canadian West are the way to go!
10: Melanie Dickerson- I've only read The Golden Braid... but it was crazy good!


I hope I've given you some ideas for new authors to check out or if not, I hope you liked getting to know who I enjoy! Can't wait to hear from you!

Yeah. I know it's really late....

...but I have a lot of important things to say, so listen up! First off..... June 13th! It's an author interview and I  am beside myself! More info to come on that later, I don't want to say everything all at once. But make sure you're following the blog so you don't miss out on this. Also, follow my Twitter to get more info on the interview and for daily updates on what I'm reading.

Another thing, in case you haven't heard, I'm going to the beach this weekend, so I'm not sure what's going to be going on with my social media and my blog posts, but I'm going to try and send you pictures. And if you were wondering what books I'm taking on my vacation... Tracie Peterson's Striking a Match series is safely packed in my bag (Yes the whole series, and if I finish that, and I probably will, depending on how much I'm required to interact with people, I'll have to see what's on my Kindle app)

Anyway, that's all for tonight... or I guess this morning since it's past midnight now. Oh well. I just couldn't wait!

Why a lot of my reviews are 5 star!

So if you've been here very long, you'll have noticed that I have a higher end grading scale, as in a ton of 5s. It's not a "don't wanna hurt noone's feelins"  kind of thing. Here's the deal. I get emotionally invested in almost all the books I read. Like way too badly. It's definitely a problem. So unless something happens in the book that

A: Makes me uncomfortable
B: Has language
C: Is super poorly written
D: Doesn't engage me, or make me get emotionally involved

I'm most likely going to give a 5 star rating. Then I'll go down to 4.5 or 4. I'll also grade on how compelled I am to reread it. I'm not sure that I even have a 3.5 on this blog. I know that I have a 3, and that was a book that I did not finish. The only reason that their aren't any 2 or 1 ratings on this blog is because, frankly, if it's going to get that low of a rating, I am not going to read it. I will put it down and not look back, so why even put myself through the struggle of scarring my eyes with bad lit. You feel?

Not that any of you were wondering or anything, but in case you were interested in knowing how my brain works. Also, review coming tomorrow! A Love So True by Melissa Jagears!