December 29, 2013

10 Great Reads of 2013

Well, I made my goal of reading 70 books this year! I did find it a bit overwhelming trying to read this many and sometimes choose books that were short just to reach my goal!I think I'll lower my goal this coming year. : )


My 2013 Friday's 'if' series is done now and I'll be doing something different on Friday's in 2014. Each Friday will be a surprise!

Sometimes it will be a meaningful quote, sometimes a link to a blog post that has moved me, sometimes a bit of Scripture, sometimes a favorite song or whatever else may inspire me! : ) I'm calling it 'Friday's Thought'

Before I get to my top 10 reads, I thought I'd share my favorite post from this past year. A post I really enjoyed putting together. I wrote about the stories of four men who were changed by the power of God's Word. Click on the pink link below:
                             
                                               The Power of Scripture
 

Now onto my favorite reads of 2013...



5 GREAT NON-FICTION READS:

No Greater Love - The story of Levi Benkert and his family and how they ended up living and serving in Ethiopia. One of the most beautiful books I've read. Read my thoughts here: No Greater Love


  
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can't Stop Talking - As an introvert, I found this book extremely encouraging. Read my thoughts here: Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can't Stop Talking


  
Sinner's Creed: A Memoir - This is Scott Stapp's story. Scott was the lead singer of the rock band Creed and in his book he shares his trials, temptations and redemptive story which I found extremely moving. You can read my thoughts here: Sinner's Creed: A Memoir



More than a Carpenter - In this book, I felt Josh McDowell answered commonly asked questions historically, intelligently and Scripturally. Questions such as, 'Who would die for a lie?' Such thought-provoking questions and answers! Read my thoughts here: More than a Carpenter



Kisses from Katie - Katie's story and wisdom were a pleasure to read. What a wonderful example of God's love shown through a willing heart. Read my thoughts here: Kisses from Katie 

 

 
5 GREAT FICTION READS:

The Beloved Daughter - The author of this book asked me to be apart of her blog tour and normally I don't do tours but I think God wanted me to read this book! It was powerful fiction, about a young girl living in a North Korean camp. Read my thoughts here:  The Beloved Daughter
 


Iscariot: A Novel of Judas - Another powerful fiction read! This book really made me think, not only of Judas differently, but Jesus and His love for us. Read my thoughts here: Iscariot: A Novel of Judas



 
The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte - I love the Bronte sisters novels, but I didn't know much of the sisters themselves. This book takes you into their lives, their tragedy's and joys. I loved it. Read my thoughts here: The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte



Edenbrooke - On a lighter note, this novel was so much fun. This one is definitely for the innocent romantic. Here are my thoughts: Edenbrooke


  
Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker - I really enjoyed this story of Elizabeth Hobbs Keckle, the dressmaker who not only sewed dresses for Mrs. Lincoln, but became a good friend to her and her husband, President Abraham Lincoln. I loved the history in this one! Read my thoughts here: Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker


                             
                                                              HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!
 

33 comments:

  1. TatDecember 30, 2013 at 2:00 AM

    I've been busy trying to put together my reading list for next year. I haven't bought any books for a while and I'd really like some (even though I still haven't finished the last lot I bought 6 months ago). Out of your reads I've read Quiet and it was very insightful. I'll check out the rest and maybe add some to my list.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. CathyJanuary 1, 2014 at 9:54 PM

      Hope you enjoy your picks from my list.

      Thanks for stopping by and Happy New Year Tat! : )

      Delete
  2. DebbieDecember 30, 2013 at 6:53 AM

    70 books, wow! Will look forward to all your reviews. I love your top list. Every book looks like one I would enjoy. Blessed reading in the new year! I am going to post the books I know I am going to read in 2014 soon. I came across some vintage books by Jane Shaw. She has a "Susan" series. Have you read her?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. CathyJanuary 1, 2014 at 9:59 PM

      No I haven't heard of Jane Shaw before. I'll have to look her up.

      Looking forward to seeing your post on your 2014 books to read. I really enjoyed reading through some of your other posts already. : )

      God Bless and Happy New Year!

      Delete
  3. Gail @ http://biblelovenotes.comDecember 30, 2013 at 7:05 PM

    Thank you for this list. I want to go through it again and read your thoughts. It's always nice to find our more about a book before buying it. Bless you,
    Gail

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. CathyJanuary 1, 2014 at 10:00 PM

      Thanks for stopping by Gail. Hope you enjoy reading through my thoughts on some of these great books.

      Happy New Year! : )

      Delete
  4. Ganise CJanuary 2, 2014 at 1:48 AM

    Congratulations, Cathy :) 70 books is definitely quite an achievement. Soo cool to see your list!! Happy New Year!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Deanna MichaelsJanuary 3, 2014 at 5:58 AM

    What a fun list. A lot of them I've never heard of. I love the Bronte sisters as well so I might have to check out The Secret Diaries book.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. CathyJanuary 3, 2014 at 4:16 PM

      Thanks for stopping by Deanna! Hope you enjoy the Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte, it was very well written and I loved it. : )

      Delete
  6. AnitaJanuary 3, 2014 at 10:31 AM

    Hi Cathy,

    Congratulations on reading 70 books over the year; what a treasure trove to enjoy and learn from.

    I too loved Kisses from Kate. I think I will have to get a copy of Quiet. :)

    Wishing you a very Happy New Year.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. CathyJanuary 3, 2014 at 4:18 PM

      Hi Anita, thank-you! Hope you enjoy reading Quiet. : )

      Delete
  7. Simply BethJanuary 3, 2014 at 6:55 PM

    I really need to read Kisses from Kate. And 70 books in a year! Oh my! For some reason 2013 was not a productive reading year for me. I had a hard time finishing a book. I'm hoping to do better this year.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. CathyJanuary 3, 2014 at 9:21 PM

      Yes, you should read 'Kisses from Katie' it's such a wonderful book! : )

      Delete
  8. AngelaJanuary 3, 2014 at 8:16 PM

    Whew! 70 books! I couldn't imagine trying to make that happen. I didn't do much reading at all this past year so I vowed to do so this year. Hoping to make it through my list.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. CathyJanuary 3, 2014 at 9:22 PM

      Hi Angela, thanks for stopping by and I hope you get to some good books this year. : )

      Delete
  9. SherryJanuary 4, 2014 at 12:21 PM

    Thanks for linking to the Saturday Review at Semicolon. Out of your ten, I've only read Kisses from Katie, but I want to read the other nine. My TBR list is totally unmanageable, and I don't know how to tame it ---or prioritize it---or whatever it is that people do when they want to read everything good.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. CathyJanuary 4, 2014 at 5:31 PM

      I love your comment Sherry! I'm the same way. So many good books, but so little time. Thanks for stopping by. : )

      Delete
  10. enthusiastically, dawnJanuary 4, 2014 at 1:12 PM

    Oh, I love to check in with you! I am after you at Barbie's Link so checking in! The DIaries look good as well, as The Sinner's Creed...seriously, you are a hard core reader! Now, one question...how did you get the links, pink? ;) Happy New Year, Cathy!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. CathyJanuary 4, 2014 at 5:35 PM

      Hi Dawn, if you have blogger you go to template, then customize, then advanced, then links and choose your color! All your links should come up the same color. Hope that helps.

      Happy new year!

      Delete
  11. BARBIEJanuary 4, 2014 at 2:52 PM

    Wow, 70 books! That's pretty amazing. I think I read 6 or 8 last year. I am aiming for 20 this year. Thanks for linking up to The Weekend Brew!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. CathyJanuary 4, 2014 at 5:36 PM

      Thanks Barbie! Enjoy your reading time this coming year.

      Happy New Year. : )

      Delete
  12. collettakayJanuary 5, 2014 at 4:26 AM

    Edenbrooke is on my wishlist. I think the cover is absolutely gorgeous! Here is my SS:

    http://collettaskitchensink.blogspot.com/2014/01/spiritual-sunday-not-for-moment-1514.html

    Colletta

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. CathyJanuary 5, 2014 at 3:35 PM

      I love the cover too! Hope you enjoy it. I'll stop your blog soon. : )

      Delete
  13. Kaye SwainJanuary 5, 2014 at 8:14 AM

    Kudos on sharing More than a Carpenter - and a great review on it as well. it was excellent when I read it years ago and I still share it with others. He is a wonderful and prolific writer that my family has been blessed by for years and, among others, has also written (and updated) another set of books, much deeper and heavier but excellent reference/resource book - Evidence that Demands a Verdict and More Evidence that Demands a Verdict. :) Have a blessed and beautiful Sunday!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. CathyJanuary 5, 2014 at 3:38 PM

      I recently watched his movie Undaunted (and read the book) and was so moved by how God has worked in his life. These kinds of people encourage me to live for Christ.

      Thanks for stopping by Kaye! : )

      Delete
  14. Dolly@SoulstopsJanuary 8, 2014 at 9:49 AM

    Cathy,
    Congrats on 70 books and thanks for sharing your list...hope I can read more this year :)

    ReplyDelete
  15. Victoria @ Creative Home KeeperJanuary 9, 2014 at 5:36 PM

    Thanks for sharing all these great books. I've added a few new titles to my to-read list. I really enjoyed Kisses From Katie when I read it last year too. I keep hearing so many great reviews about Quiet too. I started it but never finished it. I think I need to give it another go. Thanks for linking up on Book Notes.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. CathyJanuary 9, 2014 at 8:31 PM

      I found some of 'Quiet' hard to get through too, but overall I think it was a great read. : )

      Thanks again for the chance to link-up at your blog.

      Delete
  16. Lyli @3-D Lessons for LifeJanuary 9, 2014 at 11:43 PM

    Love this list! (I am taking notes and adding to my wish list...)

    I've been working on a similar post, but have not been able to finish it.

    Thanks for linking up at Thought-Provoking Thursday last week... (I am playing catch up tonight....)

    ReplyDelete
  17. Marissa WritesJanuary 13, 2014 at 1:35 PM

    It is amazing how often our book lists overlap, and again I realize that we must have similar tastes in favorites! And I the few on this list I haven't read, are currently on my to be read list, super near the top. Thanks for sharing this with Cozy Reading spot!

    Marissa

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. CathyJanuary 15, 2014 at 12:01 PM

      We must have good taste in books! : ) I enjoy reading your reviews and often add them to my TBR list too. Now to find the time!

      Delete

Feel free to leave your own thoughts in the comments. I try to respond to all of them by the end of the week. : )

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)