It’s been a month of travel—including a long road trip that involved audiobooks! Therefore, we have many books to talk about, although, truth be told, half a dozen were shorter than a full-length book.
Here we go!
Let’s start with the full-length books because, well, there were so many good ones.
Warsaw Sisters by Amanda Barrett
This book won the Christy Award in the historical fiction category. I read this one via audiobook. It was such a hard story in so many ways—two sisters in Poland from the time the Germans rolled in and took Warsaw to the time the Russians arrived after Germany was defeated. And yet, it put some historical pieces together for me, which I enjoyed. The story of the sisters, while holding much history but not based on specific people, was both hopeful and heartwrenching, but definitely worth the read.
Appalachian Song by Michelle Shocklee
Another beautiful book that was a historical fiction finalist this year. Honestly, that category was so strong! This was my first Michelle Shocklee book, and it won’t be my last! Loved this story, even if I felt like it got a bit rushed at the end.
Across the Ages by Gabrielle Meyer
Oh. My. Goodness. This series just keeps getting better and better! Can’t wait for the next one!
Loyally Luke by Pepper Basham
This is my favorite of the three books—Authentically Izzy and Positively Penelope being the first two. I loved each of those, but this one. I mean, who can resist a royalty rom-com that actually pokes a bit of fun at itself by identifying all the tropes in play as well as all the Hallmark movie moments. So. Much. Fun.
Yours is the Night by Amanda Dykes
Wow. I thought I knew where this World War 1 Novel would go, but it kept surprising me. Lovely writing and a painful yet hopeful book about our God who rules the night just as He rules the day.
Awakening by Tracy Higley
Apparently, this is an older title Tracy has re-released. But since I didn’t read it the first go-around, I’m glad I got to it this time. Wow. A compulsive read with time travel, mystery, and history with great spiritual truths embedded in the whole story. Don’t miss it!
A Cup of Autumn by Melissa McClone
The third in the charming Silver Falls series. Another enjoyable read. Looking forward to finishing it out with the arrogant but soft-hearted doctor brother finding his true love in book 4.
The Day the World Came to Town by Jim DeFede
We love the musical Come From Away, so when we went to pick an audiobook we would both enjoy for our road trip, we thought this one would be fun. Especially since we are set to see Come From Away again in January! I never imagined this book would impact me so deeply–and I’m not sure reading it would have been the same as listening to this one. I want to be like the residents of Gander—to open my heart to anyone in need. But I also want to be like the majority of the “plane people” and not complain when I’m in an unavoidably uncomfortable or unforeseen situation. I honestly think it’s a book everyone should read.
Wishing for Mistletoe by Robin Lee Hatcher
This was my first Christmas read of the season—and what a delight! Robin is such a great storyteller.
Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
I listened to the Audible version read by Rosamund Pike. It was a delight. Partly because I do love this story so much and partly because I love hearing Jane Austen done in a British accent!
Now for some shorter reads:
The Shifting Current by Dani Pettrey
Honestly, I haven’t read a Dani Pettrey book in years, because I don’t really read suspense. Although I may have to stop saying that! The truth is, I enjoyed this novella. I didn’t find myself scared in any way. That’s why I’d stopped reading suspense so many years ago—it gave me nightmares! But this book was more like watching one of our BBC police procedural shows, which I’m fine with.
The Answer is No by Frederik Backman
A laugh-out-loud funny short story by one of our favorite authors.
Gifts of the Season by Deborah Raney
Two Christmas novels, one historical, one contemporary. Both wonderful. Like Robin Lee Hatcher, Deb Raney is a master storyteller.
Autumn Kisses by Kristi Ann Hunter, Kimberly Duffy, Kelly D. Scott, Jessica Kate, Hayley Elliott, Ashley Clark
A collection of romance short stories set in autumn. A very fun read. This was a giveaway from the authors which has now expired. Maybe they’ll bring it back next autumn!
Abigail by Mesu Andrews
This is a novellette to kick off her Brides of King David series. I always love the imagination she brings to the little we get in the Biblical narrative. This is only available through her newsletter! You can sign up to get your free copy here: https://mesuandrews.com