I so rarely read things right as they are released, mostly because there are so many other books stacked on my to read shelves or in my kindle Next folder! So my best reads of 2021 weren’t necessarily released this year—and many 2021 releases that I wanted to read, I haven’t yet. But that’s how I roll. : )

I always have a hard time narrowing down the best books I’ve read, especially since I logged 87 this year! So I’m going with my top 5.

5

Colors of Truth by Tamera Alexander

Book 2 in the Carnton series, and this one was just as wonderful as the first. Tamera has a way of weaving fiction into history and spiritual truth that make her novels not only entertaining stories, but ones which make me think about my own life and relationship with the Lord.

4

Britt-Marie Was Here by Fredrik Backman

I think this is my favorite of his so far! (Of course, there are still others of his I have yet to read!) A bunch of quirky characters who are thrown together and who foster change in one another. Such a precious story of finding community and purpose.

3

Things We Didn’t Say by Amy Lynn Green

I love a well-written epistolary novel, but I so very rarely find them. This one was exactly that. I loved the history, the characters, and the storytelling through letters, telegrams, newspaper stories, etc.

2

West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge

I stumbled on this one through the Amazon First Reads program. Such a surprising read—so compelling, so unique. And I especially loved that it was built around an obscure piece of history. A coming of age and a road trip story unlike any other.

1

Life Without Lack by Dallas Willard

Written around Psalm 23, this book challenged me on so many levels, including the main question: do I really trust God to give me what I need in this life? It is a book I have thought about so many times since reading it, and one I would love to read again.

What were your favorite reads in 2021?