It’s been a month, to say the least. But the silver lining of all the unexpected travel to Pennsylvania and the long holiday weekend has been reading time. I couldn’t quite wrap my mind around Christmas reading during the chaos of the first half of this month, but I went full-on at the end! So here we go!
Falling in Somerset by Jenny B. Jones
I haven’t read a Jenny B. Jones book in awhile, and I’d forgotten what a great story teller she is! This novella was really cute—long time friends finally admitting their feelings for one another while at attending a wedding together in Somerset, England. Right up my alley!
Laurel’s Dream by Pepper Basham
I’ve seen Pepper around on social media and know we have mutual friends (waving at you, Laura Frantz!), but I hadn’t read any of her books until this month. Loved this one so much! Set in the early 1900s in the Blue Ridge Mountains, it had a very Christy feel to it. And who can resist an English hero?
The Lines Between Us by Amy Lynn Green
I loved Amy’s debut novel and, to be honest, had put off reading this one for fear I wouldn’t like it as well I needn’t have worried! In fact, I loved this one! Such fascinating bits of WWII US Homefront history woven together into a compelling story. Can’t wait to read her next one!
Sundown by Susan May Warren
The final book of The Sky Kings Ranch series—and wow! What a crazy ride! But I expect no less from Susie May! This series has taken us from Alaska to Africa and eventually back to Alaska again. A very satisfying end to this series—and very fun to meet up with a few characters’ from other series along the way.
The Snowbound Bride by Davalynn Spencer
A sweet Christmas novella about two people thrown together in a blizzard.
Star of Wonder by Tracy Higley
When I went to put this book into Goodreads, I discovered I’d read it before—all the way back in December of 2015! I had zero recollection of it! But I won’t forget it again, because this time I finished the trilogy! Tracy brings all her knowledge of the ancient world to create a unique set of characters who eventually intersect with Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus (but not until book 3, so be patient!) This book is mostly Misha’s story—part Jewish but training as a Magi, he is in a caravan of those following a star that portends the birth of a world ruler.
Star of Night by Tracy Higley
Book #2 of The Incense Road series focuses on Reza, a reluctant soldier trying to find his destiny. He and Misha have been friends their entire lives.
Royal Beauty by Tracy Higley
The final Incense Road book. This is Khamilla’s story, an Egyptian princess with the power and knowledge of a Magi. And yet she is held captive by another who desire to harness her power for himself. She cares for both Misha and Reza yet desires even more to be free of the control of others. I loved coming to the end of this trilogy and seeing each of the main characters find what they are seeking but all in ways they didn’t expect.
The Shepherd, the Angel, and Walter the Christmas Miracle Dog by Dave Barry
A short, sweet, funny little Christmas story, very much in Dave Barry’s signature style. Read it in a hour, laughed many times, and closed the book with a smile.