10 Great Reads of 2020

 

My goal for 2020 was to read 50 books and I was able to surpass that to 66 books. I so enjoy reading and audio-books have allowed me to read even more. I listened to the 2 classics on this list and found it really enhanced the experience. Maybe you'll find a good read here to add to your 2021 reading!

 Here are my favorites from this past year...

Identity Theft by Various Authors - Each chapter in this book deals with who we are in Christ, as Christians, encourages us to find our identity in Him alone, and to not let anything rob us of it. I loved that the chapters were written by a variety of female authors. It was nice to hear different and unique voices all coming together to teach the same Biblical truths.

 

Evelina by Frances Burney - This was a really fun classic novel. It had inspired Jane Austen's writings, which made me curious about it. A diary of sorts of a young quiet girl learning the ways of life in 18th century London society. I loved her attitude and reflections. It was nice to hear her inner thoughts, when others thought she was simple and boring, she was thinking intelligently and deeply. It was an introverts delight to read!

 

Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross by Various Authors - An Easter devotional compiled by Nancy Guthrie with reflections on the cross from contemporary and classic Bible teachers and theologians. So encouraging and gospel-filled. Loved it!

 

Come Let Us Adore Him by Paul David Tripp - Wow! This advent devotional is also so gospel-filled and beautiful. I'm almost finished it, as it includes 31 days of devotions for December. I highly recommend it and will be reading it again.

 

Les Miserables by Victor Hugo - The theme of this book is grace. It's considered a masterpiece of literature, and I'd have to agree! Though there were some long drawn out parts, the novel as a whole was amazing. I read (listened to) it slowly throughout 2020 and enjoyed it very much. 

 

Epic by Tim Challies - This was such an interesting idea for a book! Tim Challies took a trip around the world, visiting places of Christian significance and writing about Christian history through objects he observed. The book also contains many photos, which added to the meaning of each story he was telling. 

You can read my thoughts on the book... HERE

 

 

You're Not Enough (and that's ok) by Allie Beth Stuckey - This is a much needed book in the days we are living. Self-love has taken the place of Kingship in many women's hearts and it is not only ungodly, but idolatry. This book was written beautifully with grace and encouragement. I will be posting about it soon!

 

His Indwelling Spirit by Charles Stanley - I loved this book! Filled with truthful and beautiful teachings on who the Holy Spirit is and what He does, simply written in quotes.

You can read my thoughts on the book... HERE

 

 

The Reformation by Stephen J. Nichols - If you read my blog you know by now, I love church history. This was an easy to read book on the period of the Reformation. A great book for someone starting out on learning about this subject.

The Sun Does Shine by Anthony Ray Hinton - Another great book! This was a memoir of sorts from an African American man who spent 30 years in prison on death row, for a crime he didn't commit. His conduct and faith were so encouraging and humbling to read about. 

 

                                Happy Reading in 2021 and I hope you have a blessed New Year.

10 Great Reads of 2019

My goal this year was to read 45 books and I just made it at the end of December, reading 48.

I have to admit my reading was a little disappointing this past year, but I was able to find 10 books which I really enjoyed and excited to share here.

I also read a few classics, and though none really stood out to me. I'm glad I read them.

They were:

Silas Marner by George Elliot - About a man who is misjudged and how a young baby girl left near his home changes his life. I felt this story was to short and skipped over a great part of his life where he raised the child. But it did include some thought provoking quotes.

Kristin Lavransdatter by Sigrid Undset- I really didn't like this book I'm sad to say. It was filled with Catholic imagery and superstitions from the Middle Ages, which didn't sit right with me. I'm so glad the Bible teaches we are saved by grace alone and not works, least we boast about them! What a blessing to be able to rest in the work Christ did for our salvation.

Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad - This was about the slave trade and was good, but a bit depressing as it talked of the darkness slavery entails.
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Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton - This was my least favorite classic. Though a clean read it focused on adultery and I never enjoy reading about that.

The History of England by Jane Austen - This was a short novella written in her youth and was a bit silly, but it was fun to read something by a favorite author from her younger years.

I'm hoping to read more classics in 2020. Starting with Les Miserables, which I'm sure I will love!

And now onto my favorites of 2019:


Devoted by Tim Challies - This was about 11 godly men and the influence their mothers had on them.

Here is a link to my thoughts on the book... HERE

In His Image by Jen Wilkin - Loved this one just as much as her other book, 'None Like Him', which I included on my 2018 favorites list!

Reflections on the Psalms by C.S. Lewis - This was an interesting read filled with Lewis's thoughts on the book of Psalms.

Here is a link to my thoughts on the book... HERE

True Feelings by Carolyn Mahaney and her daughter, Nicole Whitacre - I really enjoyed this one. It teaches how to use our feelings, a gift God has given us, for good and for His glory.

Church History in Plain Language by Bruce L. Shelley - This one took me awhile to get through but was so good! I learnt a lot about the history of the church.

Here is a link to my thoughts on the book... HERE

Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate - This is one of the few fiction reads I really loved this year. It's about a family of children stolen from their home and taken to a Tennessee Children’s Home Society orphanage run by a corrupt woman named Georgia Tann. This was based on true events and was a very sad and emotional read.

God, Greed, and the (Prosperity) Gospel by Costi W. Hinn - Here Costi shares his experience within his Uncle Benny's ministry. Costi is very matter of fact and kind in his writing of this book, but I felt sad and frustrated with how many people are deceived and hurt by these kinds of ministries like his Uncle Benny Hinn's. Full of greed, false teachings and false hopes for money.

Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson - This was a very eye-opening read. Bryan Stevenson is a lawyer who founded the Equal Justice Initiative, which helps those unjustly accused and imprisoned for crimes they didn't commit. Some as young as 13 years old. And many on death row. His compassion and commitment to helping the least of these was inspiring. I recently heard they are making a movie from this book, which I'm excited about.

All That's Good by Hannah Anderson - This book addresses the commands of Philippians 4:8...
 
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." 

Here is a link to my thoughts on the book... HERE

Total Truth by Nancy Pearcey - I still think about the things I read in this book. I listened to it on audio and really need to get a copy of it so I can underline some profound and moving quotes. Her website says here of the book: "Nancy makes a passionate case that Christianity is not just religious truth but truth about total reality. It is total truth." 

                                                              Happy Reading to you all in 2020!

10 Great Reads of 2018

My goal for 2018 was once again to read 50 books, and I just made it!

I tried to participate in the Tim Challies Reading Challenge but only got 7 of the 13 books I chose, read. Hopefully I can get to the others in 2019!

Here were my picks for the 2018 Tim Challies Challenge with a check mark in front of the ones I finished:

✔1. A book by a female author -  'None Like Him' by Jen Wilkin

  2. A biography - 'Jane Austen: A Life' by Claire Tomalin

✔3. A book by your favorite author - 'Miracles' by C.S. Lewis

✔4. A book more than 100 years old - 'Crime and Punishment' by Fyodor Dostoyevsky

✔5. A classic novel - 'Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' by Robert Louis Stevenson

  6. A book about history - 'Mysteries of the Middle Ages' by Thomas Cahill 

  7. A book you have read before - 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen

 8. A book about Christian living - 'This is Our Time' by Trevin Wax

✔9. A novel longer than 300 pages - 'The Snow Child' by Eowyn Ivey

 10. A memoir or autobiography - 'The Emancipation of Robert Sadler' by Marie Chapian and Robert Sadler

 11. A book about theology - 'The God Who is There' by Francis A. Schaeffer

✔12.  A book of 100 pages or less - 'Mary' by Leonardo De Chirico

✔13. A book of your choice - 'Elizabeth and her German Garden' by Elizabeth von Arnim


I also enjoyed reading more classic novels and would like to continue doing that this coming year.

I finally finished the Anne of Green Gables series with the last 5 books. Some were better than others, but I'd have to say my favorites were the first and last books, 'Anne of Green Gables' and 'Rilla of Ingleside.'

Here are the rest of the classics I read:

Wives and Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskell
Hard Times by Charles Dickens
Black Beauty by Anna Sewall
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson 
Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky


Now onto my favorite reads of 2018...


None Like Him by Jen Wilkin -  I really loved this book! It talks about the attributes of God and how knowing how He is different from us, gives us a greater hope in Him. 

You can read my thoughts on this book ... HERE

I Can Only Imagine by Bart Millard - I've always loved the song 'I Can Only Imagine' and I really enjoyed reading Bart's story of how he came to write it. The movie is also very good!

You can read my thoughts on the book ... HERE

Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges - This book talks about the sins we often sweep under the carpet and excuse because 'everyone does them.' Sins such as unthankfulness, discontentment and gossip.

You can read my thoughts on this book... HERE

Wives and Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskell - This is definitely a new favorite! A story with a bit of a Cinderella feel to it, as well as great writing, which made it an enjoyable read.

Here I Stand by Roland H. Bainton -  This was a long one, but very interesting. It's a biography of Martin Luther, the German monk who changed history by speaking out about the abuses of the church of the time. Martin Luther was not perfect, he had his flaws, but God always uses flawed people to show us who He is. A gracious God. A caring God. And a truthful God. 

Defining Deception by Costi Hinn and Anthony Wood - This book deals with some of the deceptions within the church today. Costi is the nephew of the well-known erroneous teacher Benny Hinn, and though he loves his uncle, he lays out the falsehoods he teaches. This book also deals with the false teachings within the prosperity gospel, Bethel Redding and the New Apostolic Reformation, also known as the NAR. 

You can read my thoughts on this book... HERE

Also if you are interested this is Costi's testimony... HERE

All Things Wise and Wonderful by James Herriot - I'm really enjoying this 5 book memoir series of a Yorkshire country vet during the early 20th century. This one, which is book 3, is particularly funny and I am loving all the endearing characters. 

Note: There is some mild language in these books, but other than that, so far they are clean reads.

Jane Austen at Home by Lucy Worsley -  This was a wonderful book on Jane's life. I love Jane Austen's novels and really enjoy reading about her. So this was a real treat.

You can read my thoughts ... HERE

Miracles by C.S. Lewis -  This was another great read from C.S. Lewis. His thoughts were so deep and he always gives me something to ponder. I actually listened to this one on audio and had a hard time remembering everything I wanted to. I do have a copy of the book and intend to read it again so I can underline some of his profound thoughts.

Earth Psalms by Francine Rivers - This was such a beautifully written book. It consisted of 52 devotionals to reflect on each week of the year.

You can read my thoughts ... HERE

Happy reading in 2019 and have a blessed New Year!

10 Great Reads of 2017

I was able to complete most of my goals from this past reading year.

My first goal was to read 50 books, and I was able to surpass that to 66 books.

Secondly, I wanted to finish up a couple books from a reading challenge I did in 2016 and I was able to get to them both. They also both made it onto my favorites here of 2017! (Holiness by J.C. Ryle  and God's Love by R.C. Sproul)

Thirdly, I wanted to do a little re-reading. Something I don't normally do. I was able to get to three of the six I had mentioned... 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee, which I loved even more the second time around. 'The Last Sinner Eater' by Francine Rivers which I listened to on audio and really enjoyed once again, and 'If' by Amy Carmichael, which was just as convicting as the first time I read it, such a beautiful little book.

Fourthly, I wanted to read some classics. I am happy to have been able to read 13 classics! I quite enjoyed most of them.

Fifthly, I wanted to read at least one biography, one history book and one memoir this year. I had no problem fulfilling this challenge, because I love these kinds of books.

And lastly, I read from my Bible and was excited to grasp truths I didn't understand before. That's one of the great things about re-reading your Bible, God always brings greater understanding, when you seek Him through His Word.

"My son, if you receive my words,
And treasure my commands within you,

So that you incline your ear to wisdom, And apply your heart to understanding;

Yes, if you cry out for discernment, And lift up your voice for understanding,

If you seek her as silver,
And search for her as for hidden treasures;

Then you will understand the fear of the LORD,
And find the knowledge of God.

For the LORD gives wisdom;
From His mouth come knowledge and understanding"  Proverbs 2:1-6

Now onto my favorite reads of 2017! ...


Holiness by J.C. Ryle - This was a very deep and gratifying read. As I grow older, I see that the Christian life has nothing to do with the external things of life such as health, wealth or prosperity. Though I'm thankful for all He has given me, the true Christian life is about holiness.

This book reminded me of this, that we are to be holy, as He is holy. (1 Peter 1:16) And that we are to be continually transformed by the renewing of our minds, so that we can know God's will, which is good, pleasing and perfect. (Romans 12:2) These things show our true Christianity.

You can read my thoughts on this book... HERE

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery - This was the first time I'd read Anne of Green Gables and I loved it so much! Such a sweet and beautiful story. L.M. Montgomery makes you fall in love with this little orphan girl who has so much to give and makes you want to go outside and enjoy the beauty of God's creation. Truly a classic.

Between Shades of Grey by Ruth Sepetys - This was a YA novel set during WW2 in Lithuania, where a young girl, her mother and brother are separated from their father and taken by the Soviets to a work camp in Siberia. 

It was extremely moving and well written. 

This book brought the characters to life and makes you feel for them with compassion and understanding. It is now in the process of being made into a movie, which will be called 'Ashes in the Snow.'

David Copperfield by Charles Dickens - This book really stayed with me after I turned the last page. Though, for me, David Copperfield wasn't the most interesting character in the novel, Dickens wrote many others that were. These three were my favorites, Mrs. Peggotty, her brother Mr. Peggotty and Agnes Wickfield.

Especially Mr. Peggotty, who under his rough exterior we find a loving and caring man who reflects the character of Christ as he shows grace towards others. There's just nothing better than a gracious character in a book.

Taking God At His Word by Kevin DeYoung -  I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The importance of Scripture is being belittled more and more these days and it was refreshing to read a book from someone who honors God's Word, it's beauty, authority and inerrancy.

You can read my thoughts... HERE

In Order to Live by Yeonmi Park - This memoir was extremely moving. Told by a young girl who escaped North Korea with her mother and sister, she shares what they experienced.

You can see her speak... HERE
 

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee - This was a re-read for me and I enjoyed it even more the second time around.

You can read my thoughts... HERE

God's Love by R. C. Sproul - I was so saddened to hear of R.C. Sproul's passing. His books have been an encouragement to me and have helped me grow in my faith. This one really showed me how extraordinary God's love really is.

You can read my thoughts... HERE

The Stranger in the Woods by Michael Finkel - This book was so interesting. Michael Finkel interviews Christopher Knight, who is known as the 'Hermit of North Pond', a man who lived alone in the woods of Maine for 27 years.

I've heard some call him an extreme introvert, but as a introvert myself I have to disagree. Introverts enjoy spending time alone, but they also love spending time with family and friends. As someone who wanted no interaction with any other person, Christopher Knight is beyond being introverted, he is a hermit. Two completely different things.

I found this story fascinating and even though I couldn't relate to him, I felt for him and how misunderstood he must be.

Hidden Christmas by Timothy Keller - I was surprised at how much I loved this book. I just read it here in December and was reminded of why the Christmas story never gets old. It's because it's really not a story at all. The birth of Christ was an historical event that changed my life and the lives of many others. An event that will effect eternity.

Born in a manger, the Light in this darkened world.

Death on a cross, risen from the dead. His love is gracious and sacrificial.

He is the greatest gift ever given.

Hope you all had a wonderful and enjoyable Christmas and have a happy and blessed new year in 2018!

10 Great Reads of 2016

My reading goal for 2016 was 55 books and I was able to surpass that by 4 books to 59. It always amazes me when I get to the end of the year and see how much I've actually read!

Most on my list this year are non-fiction, with only two fiction favorites. It's always so hard to pick what I loved the most, but I really enjoyed all of these.

I've also been slowly reading through the book of Psalms this past year. Such a beautiful book. I'm hoping to do another post on some of them. Here is a link to my first post... The Psalms

I didn't blog as much this year (I took off about 6 months!) and so I didn't write about most of these books but the one's I have, I will leave a link to.

Now onto my top 10 reads of this year, in no particular order...


At Home with Jane Austen -  I really enjoyed this book! Filled with lovely photos and great information about the places Jane Austen lived. You can read my thoughts on this book... HERE

A. Lincoln - This one took me quite awhile to get through, but I really enjoyed reading about the political system in the United States and how it worked in Lincoln's time, as well as about Lincoln himself. Long read, but well worth it.

The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert - Rosaria's story was fascinating. And I found her book lovingly and thoughtfully written, as well as humbling to read. She was a English professor who lived with her lesbian partner, when she encountered God. She says here of her conversion:

"Conversion put me in a complicated and comprehensive chaos. I sometimes wonder, when I hear other Christians pray for the salvation of the “lost,” if they realize that this comprehensive chaos is the desired end of such prayers. Often, people asked me to describe the “lessons” that I learned from this experience. I can’t. It was too traumatic. Sometimes in crisis, we don’t really learn lessons. Sometimes the result is simpler and more profound: sometimes our character is simply transformed." 

If you are a Christian and would like to learn how to lovingly interact with the LGBTQ community, I highly recommend this book. As Rosaria's humbling words say here: "Homosexuality is a sin, but so to is homophobia." 

 
Parables - I'm just finishing this one, so I'm including it here. I love John MacArthur's books and this one is no exception. He thoroughly goes through several parables of Jesus in an easy and understandable way. I may write about this one in the new year.

The Magnolia Story - Loved this book! And love their show! You can read my thoughts.... HERE

Little Women - I can't believe it took me this long to get to this book! This beautiful novel is filled with the love of family, and the nostalgia of a time gone by. I've loved the 1949 version of the movie since I was a little girl, and now, I will treasure this book for years to come.

God's Pursuit of Man - Loved this one, as I always love Tozer's books. You can read some excerpts...HERE

Ruth - This classic novel was very moving and I really enjoyed it. You can read my thoughts... HERE

Prayer - This was an intense book! Timothy Keller does a great job defining true prayer from a wide range of Christian forefathers, such as Augustine, John Calvin, Martin Luther, Jonathan Edwards and John Owen, as well as more recent Christians such as J. I. Packer, C.S. Lewis and Martyn Lloyd-Jones.

He also looks closely at the Lord's Prayer from Matthew 6:9–13. It took some time to get through this one, but definitely a book worth reading.

Dear Abigail - I really enjoyed this biography of Abigail Adams (the wife of John Adams) and her two sisters. It takes us from their childhood until their deaths.

What a time period to live in (the American revolution and the birth of a new nation, the United States of America) and what lives they lived, especially Abigail. This book was based on the many letters the sisters wrote to each other, and it was interesting to hear of their beliefs, their every day lives and their relationships with family and friends.

                                                              HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!