Thanks for sharing these titles. I heard about the Coleman book from a friend whose granddaughter is estranged from her parents; it sounds so interesting.
Linda, this has been a strange reading year for me. I checked out and returned without finishing more books than I even remember. Many were probably great books, just not for me at the time, I guess. If I had to pick a favorite novel, it would be The Berlin Letters by Katherine Reay. Nonfiction would be two travel memoirs--Waking Up in the Wilderness by Natalie Ogbourne and Gather the Olives by Bret Lott. It will be interesting to see what 2025 holds, bookswise AND lifewise (which, I'd say, are somehow connected for me).
That's interesting, Lois, because I never returned more hardly read books to the library than this year. Yep, they just weren't for me, either. Are we getting more discerning or do we just KNOW this is not wherewe are right now or we're simply impatient?!
Whatever, 50 pages has turned out to be a permission slip to be done with it.
I'm addicted to the Great British Baking Show and The Great Canadian Baking Show. So, your first selection is perfect for me! I'm like a-hundred-and-something in line at the library for The Women. Honestly, it's been hit and miss for me for Kristen Hannah'a books (I've abandoned them before)...but worth another try! Have a wonderful Christmas season, Linda!
I hear you about abandoning books, Lynn. It used to make me feel bad like I SHOULD finish it because I started it or because someone I knew recommended it. But now I'm just as happy to close something that's just meh and move on.
Actually an evening with a baking show would be perfect on a night like this!
I love your list, Linda--I've actually read 3 of the 4 myself and totally agree that they are wonderful books! The only one I haven't read is Mrs. Quinn's Rise to Fame, so you know I'm adding it to my tbr right now. :)
You'll love it, Lisa. And it makes me smile because you and I've been exchanging titles for well over a decade. You've introduced me to so many books that I never would have ferreted out on my own. Thanks for continuing to enlarge my borders, friend.
Mrs. Quinn's is categorized as romance on goodreads. Is it really, though? I can't stomach most of what's been listed that way, but maybe you can convince me??
Nah, I don't think I'd classify it as a romance either, Brooke, but I don't really read anything in that genre so what do I know?! But yes, it'd be a love story for the Quinns, but so much deeper and nuanced than a typical romance novel.
I am not a fiction reader but I absolutely loved The Women. being a nurse and graduating during the Viet nam era its reading really impacted me too. I was really impressed with her writing too.
Thanks Linda for sharing. I love historical fiction, but have not read any fiction this year. I still want to read Kristin Hannah’s The Women. Wishing you a Merry Weekend, my friend!
Thanks for sharing your favorite reads here, Linda! I did order the candles you recommended in a previous post and we are enjoying them so much. Have a blessed Advent!
Oh I'm so glad, Martha! I put mine out earlier this year and bought another box so I could have a couple on the table and one in the bathroom. When I drive up to the house in the late afternoon and see them flickering I feel so warm and cozy inside.
Hey, Muriel, you, too. I hope you're well and happy and ready to celebrate. You guys always did love Christmastime. My memories of our years together are such good ones.
These all sound good. I've not read any of them. My top book of the year so far is Adorning the Dark: Thoughts on Community, Calling, and the Mystery of Making by Andrew Peterson, After finishing it, I immediately reread it.
In fiction I “discovered” Amanda Dykes with Whose Waves These Are, which I dearly loved. I’m on a mission to read the rest of her books. Same with Amanda Cox and The Edge of Belonging. Pepper Basham was another new-to-me author with Hope Between the Pages–two timelines, both involving books!
Barbara, after finishing a fabulous book, I've sometimes thought I should re-read it again soon. But never have I immediately re-read anything. It's like we're always in a rush to get to the next one on the list.
But you've given us an invitation that I'm going to say 'yes' to next time I close the cover on something that's been an exceptional experience. Thank you so much for this winsome invitation not to consider book reading a race to some kind of imaginary finish line.
I appreciate your wisdom so much. Bless you, girl.
It is such a joy to sit and listen to you reading. I thank God for you, dear friend. I haven't read one single book this year except the Bible. My reading has turned into writing and editing. Lol! I wonder if other writers experience this concerning reading? I guess it all boils down to there only being a certain amount of time, and it's like, well, I need to be editing or writing, so I don't have time to read. And the thing is, my muse is God's Word. I find that when I am completely blocked, uninspired, or without motivation or anything meaningful to say, that can always be remedied by reading even a small passage. I never leave it without a renewed, fresh spark of inspiration! I loved hearing your list. Thank you so much for sharing. May God's richest blessings be yours this Christmas season!
Without a doubt, God's Word is the only book we'd ever need to read. In His sacred love letter to us, our souls are touched and strengthened and deeply fed. It never fails to amaze me that almost every time I read it, I discover a treasure that I somehow never saw (or received) before.
Thank You, Holy Spirit.
And, too, I'm grateful for the simple yet delightful gift of books to relax with, that invite us out of our comfort zones, that enlarge our borders, or pull us into a new adventure. Reading is one of the biggest joys in my life. I'm so grateful for the public library!
I hope you're enjoying a quiet Saturday, friend. Sending hugs your way.
Thanks for sharing these titles. I heard about the Coleman book from a friend whose granddaughter is estranged from her parents; it sounds so interesting.
Happy reading in 2025!
Hey Jeannie, I'm so glad to meet you! Thanks for sitting with us for a bit during this windy, wintery week.
Wow! 45 books! That's impressive!
Yes, it's been a rich reading year, Amy! But I can't begin to tell you how many books I tossed aside after 50 pages.
Mrs. Quinn’s Rise to fame is on my winter TBR, so now that you shared it, I have to read it! 😍👏🏾
I can't wait to hear what you think, Janelle!
Linda, this has been a strange reading year for me. I checked out and returned without finishing more books than I even remember. Many were probably great books, just not for me at the time, I guess. If I had to pick a favorite novel, it would be The Berlin Letters by Katherine Reay. Nonfiction would be two travel memoirs--Waking Up in the Wilderness by Natalie Ogbourne and Gather the Olives by Bret Lott. It will be interesting to see what 2025 holds, bookswise AND lifewise (which, I'd say, are somehow connected for me).
That's interesting, Lois, because I never returned more hardly read books to the library than this year. Yep, they just weren't for me, either. Are we getting more discerning or do we just KNOW this is not wherewe are right now or we're simply impatient?!
Whatever, 50 pages has turned out to be a permission slip to be done with it.
I want to hear more about your last line!
I'm addicted to the Great British Baking Show and The Great Canadian Baking Show. So, your first selection is perfect for me! I'm like a-hundred-and-something in line at the library for The Women. Honestly, it's been hit and miss for me for Kristen Hannah'a books (I've abandoned them before)...but worth another try! Have a wonderful Christmas season, Linda!
I hear you about abandoning books, Lynn. It used to make me feel bad like I SHOULD finish it because I started it or because someone I knew recommended it. But now I'm just as happy to close something that's just meh and move on.
Actually an evening with a baking show would be perfect on a night like this!
I love end of the year book recs and I haven’t read any of these. Thanks, Linda, adding them to my ever growing list!
I can't help but think one of these will hit home for you, Laura ...
I love your list, Linda--I've actually read 3 of the 4 myself and totally agree that they are wonderful books! The only one I haven't read is Mrs. Quinn's Rise to Fame, so you know I'm adding it to my tbr right now. :)
You'll love it, Lisa. And it makes me smile because you and I've been exchanging titles for well over a decade. You've introduced me to so many books that I never would have ferreted out on my own. Thanks for continuing to enlarge my borders, friend.
Hugs.
Mrs. Quinn's is categorized as romance on goodreads. Is it really, though? I can't stomach most of what's been listed that way, but maybe you can convince me??
Nah, I don't think I'd classify it as a romance either, Brooke, but I don't really read anything in that genre so what do I know?! But yes, it'd be a love story for the Quinns, but so much deeper and nuanced than a typical romance novel.
*adds to tbr*
Also, struggling to choose between A Tree Grows in Brooklyn and Crossing to Safety as my favorites this year.
Pick both!
* smile *
I am not a fiction reader but I absolutely loved The Women. being a nurse and graduating during the Viet nam era its reading really impacted me too. I was really impressed with her writing too.
Thanks Linda for sharing. I love historical fiction, but have not read any fiction this year. I still want to read Kristin Hannah’s The Women. Wishing you a Merry Weekend, my friend!
Merry Weekend to you, too, friend. I hope you're all comfy and well this wintry evening.
Mrs. Quinn's Rise to Fame looks like one I'd enjoy!
Joanne, I just KNOW you'll love this book.
Let me know, ok?!
Thanks for sharing your favorite reads here, Linda! I did order the candles you recommended in a previous post and we are enjoying them so much. Have a blessed Advent!
Oh I'm so glad, Martha! I put mine out earlier this year and bought another box so I could have a couple on the table and one in the bathroom. When I drive up to the house in the late afternoon and see them flickering I feel so warm and cozy inside.
We get ours going at 4:15. How 'bout you?
READERS - Here's what we're talking about --> https://amzn.to/3OJmOms
One of my favorite purchases ever. Really.
Thanks for the book recommendations.
You two have a joyful Christmas!
Hey, Muriel, you, too. I hope you're well and happy and ready to celebrate. You guys always did love Christmastime. My memories of our years together are such good ones.
xo
These all sound good. I've not read any of them. My top book of the year so far is Adorning the Dark: Thoughts on Community, Calling, and the Mystery of Making by Andrew Peterson, After finishing it, I immediately reread it.
In fiction I “discovered” Amanda Dykes with Whose Waves These Are, which I dearly loved. I’m on a mission to read the rest of her books. Same with Amanda Cox and The Edge of Belonging. Pepper Basham was another new-to-me author with Hope Between the Pages–two timelines, both involving books!
Barbara, after finishing a fabulous book, I've sometimes thought I should re-read it again soon. But never have I immediately re-read anything. It's like we're always in a rush to get to the next one on the list.
But you've given us an invitation that I'm going to say 'yes' to next time I close the cover on something that's been an exceptional experience. Thank you so much for this winsome invitation not to consider book reading a race to some kind of imaginary finish line.
I appreciate your wisdom so much. Bless you, girl.
I have 3 of these books in my Amazon wish list. Including Rules of Engagement.
Thanks bunches for sharing with Sweet Tea & Friends this month sweet friend ❤️
Oh cool, Paula! I hope you'll share a review or two when you're done. Would love to hear what you think ...
It is such a joy to sit and listen to you reading. I thank God for you, dear friend. I haven't read one single book this year except the Bible. My reading has turned into writing and editing. Lol! I wonder if other writers experience this concerning reading? I guess it all boils down to there only being a certain amount of time, and it's like, well, I need to be editing or writing, so I don't have time to read. And the thing is, my muse is God's Word. I find that when I am completely blocked, uninspired, or without motivation or anything meaningful to say, that can always be remedied by reading even a small passage. I never leave it without a renewed, fresh spark of inspiration! I loved hearing your list. Thank you so much for sharing. May God's richest blessings be yours this Christmas season!
Without a doubt, God's Word is the only book we'd ever need to read. In His sacred love letter to us, our souls are touched and strengthened and deeply fed. It never fails to amaze me that almost every time I read it, I discover a treasure that I somehow never saw (or received) before.
Thank You, Holy Spirit.
And, too, I'm grateful for the simple yet delightful gift of books to relax with, that invite us out of our comfort zones, that enlarge our borders, or pull us into a new adventure. Reading is one of the biggest joys in my life. I'm so grateful for the public library!
I hope you're enjoying a quiet Saturday, friend. Sending hugs your way.