December 29, 2014

10 Great Reads of 2014


I love this photo, it's kind of how I felt about picking my 10 favorites this year. : ) I read a lot of great books and it was so hard to choose! I probably read more non-fiction then fiction so most of my picks are from the non-fiction genre.

I made my goal of reading 55 books this year, but it was a stretch to the finish line this past month! How did I ever read 70 books last year?

Well now for my top 10 favorite reads of 2014.


God's Smuggler - This was an amazing autobiography by Brother Andrew, a man from Holland who smuggled Bibles into Communist countries in the 1950's. And is still working to bring Bibles to all he can today. It was co-written by John and Elizabeth Sherrill who helped co-wrote the Hiding Place with Corrie Ten Boom. Read my thoughts HERE



Abraham Lincoln: Civil War Stories - I really loved this book! Filled with great stories of Abraham Lincoln, which showed his great character. Read my thoughts HERE



Living Water - Brother Yun is a missionary in China. In his book he imparts his wisdom and encouragement. This was an extremely soul moving book. Read my thoughts HERE



Women Living Well - I first heard of Courtney over at her blog. She is a bubbly, fast-talking lady who loves the Lord and I found I could easily connect with her through our love of being stay-at-home wives and moms. Read my thoughts HERE



Jane Austen's First Love - Super sweet novel! Read my thoughts HERE



Out of a Far Country - This is a moving book about a gay son and a broken mother. I loved reading about their journeys and the wisdom they both impart. Read my thoughts HERE



The Hiding Place - This is probably my favorite read of this year. So much of God is this family's story. Read my thoughts HERE



Dear Mr. Knightley - This was a beautiful modern day story with a Austen flare. I really enjoyed this novel. Read my thoughts HERE



When We Have Failed - What Next? - K. P. Yohannan is the founder of the organization 'Gospel for Asia.' This booklet is very short but so profound. It shares an encouraging and Biblical way on dealing with our failures and how to move past them. Read my thoughts HERE



The Treasure Principle - I learnt so much from this little book. It will change the way you think about your money and about eternity. Read my thoughts HERE




                          Wishing you all a Happy New Year in 2015!


49 comments:

  1. I've been wanting to read more non-fiction so I enjoyed reading your post. A very happy New Year to you, Cathy.

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  2. I have read `The Hiding Place` a few times. It's a very good book.
    I imagine it to be quite a joy when Corrie, and her family, laid eyes on Jesus.
    What a day of rejoicing!

    I read at least one book by author Randy Alcorn. He's another good author.
    I have not read `The Treasure Principle`. Although I'm sure it's good, too.


    Have a wonderful 2015 and enjoy your reading!

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    1. 'The Hiding Place' was definitely my favorite read this year. So encouraging and it gave me a better understanding of the whys of suffering and the compassion of our great God.

      Happy New Year to you too Michelle! : )

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  3. Dear Cathy, thank you very much for your this post. All your posts were inspiring me this year. Have a wonderful New Year.

    P.S. I really loved first photo you shared :) Liuba x

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  4. I love that picture too!

    Thanks for your kind words Liuba, hope you have a wonderful New Year as well! : )

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  5. I loved Dear Mr. Knightly - it was one of my top ten of the year. I think I may have read God's Smuggler years ago - I should probably reread it some time. I've had Out of a Far Country on my TBR list for a long time and would love to get to it soon.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by Barbara! Looks like we enjoy the same kind of books. : )

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  6. Wow! What a great collection of books! I LOVE The Hiding Place, and I'm familiar with a few of your others, but I haven't read any of them. Thanks for the recommendations!

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    1. Glad you loved 'The Hiding Place' too! Thanks for stopping by Amy. : )

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  7. SO many good books here. Sounds like a great reading year. The Hiding Place is one of my all-time favorites too. So rich in faith and inspiration. Happy New Year to you, Cathy!

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  8. Thank you. I appreciate all your reviews.
    Looking forward to 2015!
    Carla

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  9. It's been years since I've read The Hiding Place. It may need a rrread in 2015!

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    1. Yes, it's one of those books I'd love to re-read too! Thanks for stopping by Stephanie. : )

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  10. So happy to have you a part of our community. God bless you in 2015!

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  11. Oh my, you just made my TBR list even longer!! Thanks for the recommendations.

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    1. Hope your enjoy what you read in the new year!

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  12. Reading is such a great pastime... you have shared many wonderful treasures. Thank you. :)

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  13. I read 49 books this year, but none of them were these! I love seeing other people's lists. :) Thanks for linking up at #ThreeWordWednesday.

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    1. Me too. It's always fun to see what others are reading and even better to find a new book to add to my ever growing TBR list!

      Happy New Year Kristin!

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  14. Thanks for the reading recommendations. I read The Hiding PLace a couple of years ago and agree. Amazing story. I have the book by Brother Yun. Haven't read it yet. Happy New Year to you@

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    1. Thanks for stopping by Michelle! Brother Yun's book is filled with wisdom, hope you can get to it in 2015. : )

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  15. Great! Visiting you from Sunday Stillness. Powerful. Real. Books. Have you read Tozer? Blessings ~Chris~

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    1. Yes, Tozer is one of my favorites!! Thanks for stopping by Chris. : )

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  16. I'm hoping to read God's Smuggler as I got it at a library sale last year from 25 cents! Great list you got! Thanks for sharing at Booknificent Thursday! :)

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    1. I love finding great books at bargain prices! You will love it! Thanks for stopping by Laura. : )

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  17. I love your list, Cathy. One of my goals for 2015 is to read more non-fiction and you just cemented that for me! I read a little over 100 books last year and that was way too many because I felt pressured with tour deadlines several times. And I felt exactly the same way as your picture at the top so beautifully illustrates! Thanks for sharing, Cathy.

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    1. Hi Carole, you will enjoy any of these books. I'm sure! Thanks for coming by and commenting! : )

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  18. You are an inspiration. I have tons of books that I want to read and cant' seem to read more than 4 or 5. My mind never seems to calm down enough to read. My goal for this year is 25 books. We'll see if I can do that! Thanks for sharing your reads.

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    1. I hope you enjoy each book you get to this year!

      Happy New Year Barbie!

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  19. Thanks Cathy for your list and also prompting me to read, "The Hiding" place. It's been on my TBR list for a couple of months now. Seems like a good place to start 2015! Wishing you a new year filled with many blessings!

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    1. 'The Hiding Place' is a really great place to start! You will love it.

      Thank-you for the blessings, and Happy New Year to you Marian!

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  20. Did you have a chance to read Unbroken. I normally read fiction, but I am loving reading Louie's story. I try and read one book a month I can't believe your read more than one a week.

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    1. Yes I've read Unbroken and loved it too!

      One book a week... I've always had at least 2-5 books going at the same time so I've never really thought of that! : )

      Happy New Year Amanda!

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  21. I love Hiding Place, but that is the only one on your list I have read. I have a great list to cover now! Thank you!

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    1. Glad you give some recommendations! Thanks for stopping by. : )

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  22. I have read "The Hiding Place" and "The God's Smuggler" many times. I have been heavily involved with Brother Andrew and Corrie ten Boom for YEARS. Met her back in '71 at the church I was at in Redwood City, CA, when she came to speak. I already knew about her... I was about 26 then, and had her book as soon as it was published and got it at church. And she was a helper and encourager for Brother Andrew. They both are an encouragement how our Lord can break through and when life will change. I was involved with his ministry, too, and my husband and I have been sending money to Open Doors monthly for at least 30 years...I was too poor before that, and had his book early, but couldn't. I'm blessed to know more and more about him. Anyhow, you just grabbed me!! Thank you.

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    1. Glad to hear of your involvement with these great people. Open Doors is a wonderful organization. God bless you!

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  23. I love your list :). I can tell you're a Jane Austen fan--Have you read Beth Pettillo's books (Jane Austen Ruined My Life & Mr. Darcy Broke My Heart)? I loved them! Unbroken is also an excellent book. Happy reading!

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    1. Yes, I love all things Jane Austen! And yes I've read Beth's novels and enjoyed them. 'Jane Austen Ruined my Life' was my favorite of the series.

      Happy New Year! : )

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  24. I too loved Dear Mr. Knightley and God's Smuggler. I'll be looking into some of the others for sure! Thanks for being a part of Booknificent Thursday this week!
    Tina

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    1. Glad I could link-up! Thanks for stopping by Tina. : )

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  25. Hi, I hope you will put Book Musing Mondays on your list of linkups if you have not already done so. I love your list. Such exciting titles. I am so behind on my reading and I do book reviews. LOL

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    1. Thanks for stopping by Mary. I've visited and linked up! God bless!

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  26. Hi Cathy,

    Happy New Year :-)

    I remember reading the God's Smuggler in my first year at Bible College, and it affected me deeply. Hoping to read it again soon.

    The other books look interesting too, particularly, 'When We Have Failed - What Next', will have to look into it further.

    Thank you for sharing your top ten.

    God bless.

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  27. Hi Anita, thanks for stopping by. Happy New Year to you too!

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