Ready or not it’s December and we 19 days from Christmas.
Is anyone else wondering how on earth this happened and where 2019 had disappeared?
I wanted to sneak one more Fiction Friday into the year…Maybe I’ll have a chance to post a couple more, but with the speed this year has passed in, I’m not making promises! If you want to see the list of books I’ve read so far this year, be sure to check out my Goodreads Reading Challenge list. I’d hope to read 65 books, but am at 106, and doubt I’m done. Most of those books are reviewed, so you can quickly get a sense of what I liked and why. You’ll also notice I’ve inhaled a number of the Gabriel Allon books by Daniel Silva. When I was at ACFW, I like to ask my editors and other editors and agents what they’ve read and enjoyed. It usually gives me an eclectic list, but this year Amanda Bostic was on book 17 in the Gabriel Allon series and the concept intrigued me. Listening to most of them as audiobooks also allowed me to pick up styles and unique writing quirks which was fun.
Last week I finished endorsing a rush of five books. There are some truly excellent books coming in 2020 including Colleen Coble’s next One Little Lie, Janine Rosche’s debut This Wandering Heart, Ashley Clark‘s debut The Dress Shop on King Street (just wait until you see this cover!!!!), and Beth Vogt’s next The Best We’ve Been.
In The Best We’ve Been, Beth concludes her Thatcher sister series. While I’ve enjoyed each of the books, there is something about JoHanna that drew me into the story in a way that I didn’t want to walk away. I think it stems from the way an event from her childhood cast such long shadows across her life. As an oldest I could too easily relate to the pressures and need to always be okay, to not rely on others because they wouldn’t be there when you needed them. So it’s easier to be self-reliant. But oh it’s lonely, and hard, and did I mention lonely. The story has so much richness and depth…and it ends with hope without promising everything iwll be perfect, because that’s not real life. This is a story that I will continue mulling on for awhile. I highly recommend it even if women’s fiction isn’t your typical genre. It’s not mine, but Beth has won me over, at least with hers. Unfortunatly you have to wait until March, but add The Best We’ve Been, to your preorders now.
The other book I wanted to highlight is one I literally just finished: The Major’s Daughter. I love Regina Jenning’s writing. She writes in a vein similar to Karen Witemeyer. Both women guarantee a Western historical romance with heart and laughter. I know when I open one of Regina’s books, I’ll be able to relax into a story that will make me smile and leave me with a good feeling even as there’s a light mystery of some sort and tension to keep the story moving. The Major’s Daughter is not exception. I’ve been waiting for Caroline’s story and I have to admit I was surprised by it, even though the series has been building to her. Don’t worry, if you haven’t read the other two books, you’ll be fine, though you won’t regret boing back to read the others. I love the way Regina explains it: “Yes, this is a love story, but as I was writing it, I realized that this is really my love story to my state and to the bold, audacious people who settled it. Just think about the daring it took to race with abandon for a home, and then the grit required to chisel out a town, a farm, a business from the dirt. Who were these people, and what brought them to Indian Territory? I feel like you only get one chance to tell a land run story, and this is mine. I hope you enjoy it and come away with an appreciation for what was accomplished here.” If you open The Major’s Daughter, you’ll thoroughly enjoy it!
Finally, a nonfiction title I just finished. As we race to a new year, I know I’m considering what I should adjust if anything. There’s a tug in my soul for a continuing move to simplicity. For example, this fall, all three of the kids still at home are swimming. While I miss gymnastics meets, it’s been very nice to have all the same sports practices at the same pool, and the kids competing at the same meets. It’s a simple example of bringing a touch of simple to our world. I’ve also learned not to sign my kids up for eveyr activity; something that I think is easier now that we don’t homeschool. Crazy, huh? Well, if you’re in the same place I recommend Emily Ley’s new book When Less Becomes More. I have the print edition (it’s beautiful!) but listened to the audiobook. When Less Becomes More is a calm and sweet call back to the things that matter. An exploration of whether the way we live our lives is really great. The book itself is a nice one to give as gifts — while the audiobook is like sitting down with your friend at a favorite coffeeshop and talking about the issues that impact women in today’s world. Social Media, parenting, the race for more. I recommend this book for those who are looking for ways and reasons to reset the crazy from their lives.
Wow, this ended up being longer than I anticipated. That’s what happens when I go weeks in between posts. Thanks for reading all the way to the end. Fill out the form below. I’ll select three winners to receive one of my books (as long as I have a copy 🙂 ).
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Comments 20
I am impressed with your 106 books read! I’ll definitely check out your Goodreads list. I think I put 45 on my list for this year and will probably just pull that off.
I have finished 56 books this year, 55 was my goal.
Simplify Christmas is not easy. We have no young ones in our immediate family, so that does make it a bit easier!
Author
Simplifying is hard. And every time I think I’m getting there, something crops up.
I think I’ve read a little over 50 books so far. Thanks for sharing some of your favorites, and for the giveaway! Merry Christmas!
Thank you, Cara, for the lovely comments on The Best We’ve Been. Johanna’s story was challenging to write. Her journey from book 1 to book 3 was intriguing. Readers had such a visceral reaction to her, but there were reasons for her actions — why she said and did the things she did. I hope readers travel with me all the way through book 3.
Author
I am so glad I did! Because once I understood her past, it made her so real and relatable.
Simplifying at Christmas is hard with all the end of the semester parties, concerts and activities. I am trying to carve out time in the early morning hours to sit with Jesus, a mug of coffee, and my Bible to still my list making mind and my racing heart.
Author
I love how you’re making time to sit and rest. I struggle to do that, but it’s always so GOOD when I do.
I’ve worked over the years in simplifying by paring my list down of expectations (of myself and others) Also, by starting the advent season with a devotional by She Reads Truth.
simplifying Christmas is hard but I have had to do it these last few years due to chronic pain conditions so I have had to slow way down but that left more time for reading so I guess that’s a good thing.
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I unfortunately don’t really do anything simple, not even in December. But since school is on break, I have more time to spend with my family and just chill, which usually includes reading more books! 🙂
Author
Family time is a gift!
I’ve only read about 69 yet this year, way short of my usual 100+ books. I’m also working full time now and I think that’s played a part in my shortfall.
I’ve been keeping at least one evening each week open to just staying at home. While the banquets, parties and concerts are all worthwhile, they’re not putting you in the right spirit if you’re stressed while trying to get everything done and to each event on time. Saying no is okay.
I was already considering both of these Christian Fiction books, and reading this only increased my desire! The book When Less is More sounds exactly like the conversation I was having with my sister yesterday. Busyness isn’t happiness, so I am on the hunt to find some balance.
Author
Busyness is such a trap! Glad you’re exploring it. I don’t have the answers by any stretch, but I’m searching for balance.
It’s always hard to simplify, especially in December. I am trying to cut back on taking on too many things this Christmas, and focusing on relaxing more and enjoying family and the true meaning of Christmas…Jesus!
I have not really learned how to simplify Christmas. I guess the only thing I can think of that has really made things easier is I shop 99% online and we try to “protect” that day by spending as much time together as we can. I am making soup and chili this year instead of a big meal so we can spend time together instead of Mom being in the kitchen.
Author
That sounds like a great plan — soup is perfect for winter days.
I try to have most of my Christmas shopping finished before December, so then I’m not as stressed and busy in the weeks leading up to Christmas. I like to actually enjoy the holiday season.
Author
I do the same. If I can get the bulk done ahead of time, it minimizes the last minute stress.