Porch #162 📚 My 4 favorite books in 2024

Two fiction. Two non. Plus 3 BONUS links (because we can never get enough lists, right?) and a vintage cookbook puzzle.

Pulling together a favorites post is one of those happy things I love doing at the end of a year. Listen in …

Kimberly Farmer

My Dearest Reading Buddies -

As we careen into the final weeks of this year, I’m keeping it short and sweet because we’re all busy right now … and truth be told most of us are only skimming, at best, the avalanche of stuff pouring into our inboxes.

So go ahead and bookmark this and come back later. I won’t be mad.

Bottom line? I’ve finished 45 books so far in 2024, most of them pretty good (because I almost never read beyond 50 pages if I’m not captivated). But if you told me I could only choose four to grab before heading to the proverbial desert island (plus my well-worn NIV Bible, of course!), these would be the absorbing, worthy titles I’d reach for.

Two fiction. Two non. I’m including the audiobook previews which give you a superb taste of each storyline to listen to while you’re washing dishes or wrapping gifts. Enjoy.

MRS. QUINN’S RISE TO FAME: A NOVEL
- Olivia Ford
’After fifty-nine years of marriage … Jenny decides she wants a little something for herself. So she secretly applies to be a contestant on the prime-time TV show Britain Bakes. Whisked into an unfamiliar world of cameras and timed challenges, Jenny delights in a new-found independence. But the stress of the competition, starts to unearth memories buried decades ago …’

Back in April, I promised this brand new fictional masterpiece would be one of my favorite books of 2024. I didn’t lie. Mrs. Quinn is warm and delightful and sheer comfort food in and of itself.
Hardcover
Kindle
Paperback
Audiobook Preview

🤍

THE WOMEN: A NOVEL
- Kristin Hannah
‘The Women is the story of one woman gone to war, but it shines a light on all women who put themselves in harm's way and whose sacrifice and commitment to their country has too often been forgotten. A novel about deep friendships and bold patriotism, The Women is a richly drawn story with a memorable heroine whose idealism and courage under fire will come to define an era.’

In October, I knew this would end up being another top novel of the year. Hands down. I was reluctant to wade into the storyline, but once I did, there was no going back.
Hardcover
Paperback
Kindle
Audiobook Preview

🤍

THE KINGDOM, THE POWER, & THE GLORY: AMERICAN EVANGELICALS IN AN AGE OF EXTREMISM
- Tim Alberta
’Evangelical has become an impediment to evangelizing. The people to whom we are witnessing - our friends, neighbors, co-workers - are completely and categorically repelled by that word. They sense that it has nothing to do with the teachings of Christ and everything to do with social and political power. That perception must inform our reality.’
(page 440)

‘Through the eyes of televangelists and small-town preachers, celebrity revivalists and everyday churchgoers, Alberta tells the story of a faith cheapened by ephemeral fear, a promise corrupted by partisan subterfuge, and a reputation stained by perpetual scandal.’

Tim Alberta, an evangelical himself, carefully sifts ‘through the wreckage - pastors broken, congregations battered, believers losing their religion because of sex scandals and political schemes.’

Impeccably researched, this is a mesmerizing, disturbing, deeply articulate, and informative collection of personal stories that present the reader with a clearer understanding of the current state of the American evangelical church.

Buckle up. It’s not an easy read.
Hardcover
Paperback
Kindle
Audiobook Preview

🤍

RULES OF ESTRANGEMENT: WHY ADULT CHILDREN CUT TIES & HOW TO HEAL THE CONFLICT
- Joshua Coleman
‘I do think that both parents and adult children should try for some period of time to empathize with the other’s position in order to see if a more mutually satisfying relationship can be built. Parents should do this because the buck stops with them, and one never completely relinquishes the title of parent. Adult children should do it because working through childhood issues provides a better foundation for healthy relationships and the ability to parent.’
(pages 23-24)

Finally, a volume written for broken-hearted parents that puts words (shame, hurt, guilt, sorrow) to their shattered lives. The author is not only a practicing psychologist but has experienced several years of estrangement himself, giving credence and value to his practical guidance. He delves into the reasons that adult children are making these choices including ‘rising rates of individualism, an increasing cultural emphasis on happiness, growing economic insecurity, and a historically recent perception that parents are obstacles to personal growth.’ And he provides step by step guidance in how parents can respond in ways that may open doors to reconciliation.

With plenty of real life examples, this book sheds light and gives hope. It’s not for only those who have experienced this level of disorienting family trauma but for all who know and love them.
Hardcover
Paperback
Kindle
Audiobook Preview

+ 3 BONUS LISTS …

My Desert Island Bookshelf

Porch #159 🎅 10 Exceptional Books to Calm + Heal + Inspire

Porch #120 🎄 Merry Christmas from your very own personal shopper!

🤍

Oh I just started this puzzle last night! If you or someone you love have a thing for cookbooks or vintage stuff this is your baby.

I so appreciate all of you who support my work when you click any Amazon link around here and then do whatever shopping you need take care of. No hidden fees, no long waiting lines, no frazzled nerves. You’re happy, I’m happy, it’s a win-win. Merry Christmas to you, Merry Christmas to me. Thank you for your generous kindness.

Drum roll, please! Your favorite book this year is …
Linda

PORCH is a Christ-centered weekend newsletter featuring gentle conversation, calming snapshots, uplifting linkage, and occasional surprises

THE BOOKBAG is a mid-month chat where we compare notes about all things bookish

I SHARE MY WRITING with Anne . Paula . Joanne . Andrew . Joanne . Lynn