I’m back to my “normal” amount of reading this month. Which is both good—means I’m getting other work done!—and bad—I miss it! But to make up for the amount, these are all great reads!
We’ll start with fiction, since all but one were fiction this month.
The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien
I always find this one a bit of a slog, both in the books and movies, but toward the end are some great scenes which, of course, propel you into the third and final book. I listened to this, and I wasn’t crazy about this narrator. But I’m back to the voice I listened to in the first book for the third book, so that makes me happy!
Cloaked in Beauty by Karen Witemeyer
Finally got to this one! It was another good fairytale retelling in Texas—a bit of Red Riding Hood which some mix of Sleeping Beauty. So fun!
Where Trees Touch the Sky by Karen Barnett
This is another National Parks novel, this one set in the Redwood Forest. And so, so good! Well-deserving of the Christy Award finalist status that it just received. Can’t wait to read her newest one!
A Steadfast Heart by Lacy Williams and Martha Hutchins
Book 2 of the Wind River Mail Order Brides series—and I loved it! I love the twists on the mail order bride trope that these books have had so far. Absolutely delightful series.
Meet Me in Virginia by Elizabeth Camden
Historical or contemporary, Elizabeth Camden is a great storyteller. I especially loved this contemporary because it involved discovering answers to a historical mystery. I wish Reid’s Roost was a real place, because I’d absolutely go visit it!
The Wedding Run by Leanna Ellis
The first book of a series about three sisters, this rom-com was a fun story of both love and self-discovery. Second book in the series just came out, I believe.
A Scheming in Parliament by Erica Vetsch
Book 2 of the series Of Cloaks and Daggers, but we’ve known these characters through a couple of other books in other series. It’s mystery with a slow burn romance—and I loved it! Can’t wait for the next one!
The Black Friar and The Destroying Angel by S.G. Maclean
More historical suspense in the Damian Seeker series. Love the unique setting—1640s-1650s in England, during Oliver Cromwell’s reign—and the characters that keep weaving in and out of all the books. Reading the 4th book now!
Now for non-fiction:
The Unseen Realm by Michael Heiser
A fascinating look at the spiritual realm in the Bible in the way those living in those times would have understood it. All based in Biblical and historical texts, this has a lot of interesting ideas to consider. I read it too fast to absorb it all. I’ll have to read it again—slower—at some point. But it has definitely made me think!
That’s it! Which of these have you read? Which are on your list to read?
LOVED The Unseen Realm. I read it SLOWLY, took lots of notes and even bought the guide that helps explain it.
I will re-read it and refer to it.
I have noticed that in my Bible study now I pick up on references to the unseen realm much more often than I ever did before. God is so mysterious and there is much we will never understand this side of eternity.
It was certainly eye-opening! And yes, I agree that it makes you see things in scripture that you hadn’t noticed before. It makes me excited to learn in eternity all that was going on in the spiritual realm!