2025 Book Log

 Goal: 100 books of all sorts, whatever I want, except they must be chapter books.

January

1. The Return of the King (Lord of the Rings) by J.R.R. Tolkien

2024 Book Commentary

I read 38 books in 2024, beating last year's book count by 5. The years 2023-2024 have been challenging as far as reading. (The reason is at the end of this post.)

Here's my commentary for books I read this year:

Top 10 Books of 2024

1. Born of Gilded Mountains by Amanda Dykes

2. The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple by Joanna Davidson Politano

3. A Rumored Fortune by Joanna Davidson Politano 

4. The Letter Tree by Rachel Fordham 

5. While the City Sleeps by Elizabeth Camden 

6. The Metropolitan Affair by Jocelyn Green 

7. Spectres in the Glass House by Jaime Jo Wright 

8. Gold and Shadows by Michelle Griep 

9. The Hudson Collection by Jocelyn Green 

10. The Starlet Spy by Rachel Scott McDaniel 

Runners-Up:

11. Summerlin Groves by Elizabeth Camden 

12. Beyond Ivy Walls by Rachel Fordham 

I didn't read any author more than twice, so I don't have a "most-read author" to mention. 

Here are some more stats:

Non-fiction read - 2 (1 was an autobiography)

YA fantasy read - 2

Non-Christian fiction read - 6

New-to-me Christian fiction authors: 

L.E. Richmond

Hannah Linder

Naomi Stephens

Jocelyn Green

Favorite classic: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee 

My class read this book, so I decided to read it. I would put it near the top of my favorite classics list, though it's the only classic I read this year.

Favorite contemporary fiction: Summerlin Groves by Elizabeth Camden 

While this is the only complete contemporary book I read this year (complete meaning not a dual timeline), it's not a genre I normally read. I've had a few I've liked over the years, but historical is my preference. When my favorite historical fiction author decided to write a contemporary, I had to read it. It was so good that it's going on the very top of my favorite contemporary Christian fiction books ever!

Why my 100 Books Goal has not been feasible the last 2 years:

Though I've always homeschooled my kids and have only one left (she's currently a junior), I took on directing for Classical Conversations, which is a homeschooling program where kids meet once a week for class discussions on their assignments, giving speeches and presentations, and debating. Like a classroom teacher, I have a class (12 students), and I prepare, I manage the class, and I communicate with parents. Unlike a classroom teacher, I don't teach. The parents teach. I just direct group discussions and activities. I don't give grades. The parents do that. But I do give progress reports and communicate with parents. I only have class once a week, not 5 days a week. But I stay busy throughout the week posting what we did in class, making announcements, answering parent questions, prepping for the next class day, gathering materials, and helping my own child with her school work. It takes up more time than I expected, but I love it. I will also be directing next school year when my daughter is a senior. All that to say, this has been a new chapter in my life, and I haven't been able to read as much. Next school year will be the same. And I'm okay with that. I may keep a goal of 100 books, but if I can finish 25-30 books in 2025, that's actually great!

2023 Book List Commentary

This will be short. Because since 2011, this has been my shortest book list. I took a new job directing a Classical Conversations class, which is the homeschool program my youngest is in. It's only one day a week, but the prep and business aspects keep me very busy. I've had little time for any of my hobbies, including reading. So, I did not make my 100 books goal. I read only 33. I also participated in the same two reading challenges I always do, but I only finished one, so I'm not doing any in 2024.

My list includes 2 nonfiction books and 3 children's books. The rest were fiction. I read two books by Julianna Deering and two by Grace Livingston Hill. The author I read the most was Jaime Jo Wright. I read 4 of her books, meaning I'm all caught up on Jaime's books and look forward to her next!

My favorite book of the year was by far All the Lost Places by Amanda Dykes. I've rarely read a more beautifully-written book! It's like a work of art! Here are my 5 favorites and 3 honorable mentions:

1. All the Lost Places by Amanda Dykes

2. Fairest of Heart by Karen Witemeyer

3. The Legacy of Longdale Manor by Carrie Turansky

4. Hearts of Steel by Elizabeth Camden

5. Man of Shadow & Mist by Michelle Griep

HMs:

1. Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson

2. The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond by Jaime Jo Wright 

3. Christy by Catherine Marshall

Hoping I read more in 2024!

2024 Book Log

2024 Book Log

Goal: 100 books

I'm not participating in any book challenges this year. 

January (didn't read) 

February

1. In Spotlight and Shadow (Rachel Scott McDaniel)

2. Cloak of Scarlet (Melanie Dickerson)

3. The Letter Tree (Rachel Fordham)

March 

4. The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave (Frederick Douglass)

5. The Mermaid's Tale (L.E. Richmond)

April

6. To Spark a Match (Jen Turano)

7. Children of the Shadows (Erica Vetsch)

8. Forged in Love (Mary Connealy)

9. Detection Unlimited (Georgette Heyer)

May

10. Night Falls on Predicament Avenue (Jaime Jo Wright)

11. While the City Sleeps (Elizabeth Camden)

12. The Metropolitan Affair (Jocelyn Green)

13. If the Boot Fits (Karen Witemeyer)

June

14. To Kill a Mockingbird (Harper Lee)

15. A Rumored Fortune (Joanna Davidson Politano)

16. The Looking Glass Illusion (Sara Ella)

17. Beneath His Silence (Hannah Linder) 

18. The Starlet Spy (Rachel Scott McDaniel)

19. Death at Thorburn Hall (Julianna Deering)

July

20. The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple (Joanna Davidson Politano)

21. The Hudson Collection (Jocelyn Green) 

22. The Juliet Code (Pepper Basham)

23. Lady of Disguise (Melanie Dickerson)

August

24. A Winter by the Sea (Julie Klassen)

25. The Big Four (Agatha Christie)

26. In Her Sights (Karen Witemeyer)

27. Born of Gilded Mountains (Amanda Dykes)

September (read but didn't finish any)

October

28. Meeting Her Match (Jen Turano)

29. Of Gold and Shadows (Michelle Griep)

30. Beyond Ivy Walls (Rachel Fordham)

November

31. Specters in the Glass House (Jaime Jo Wright)

32. The Burning of Rosemont Abbey (Naomi Stephens)

33. Summerlin Groves (Elizabeth Camden)

34. Fellowship of the Ring (J.R.R. Tolkien)

December

35. Thriving in Love and Money (Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn)

36. Two Towers (J.R.R. Tolkien)

37. Christmas at Sugarplum Manor (Roseanna M. White)

38. Hallowe'en Party (Agatha Christie) (My book edition is ridiculously and erroneously titled A Haunting in Venice from the movie loosely based on the book, which has nothing to do with a haunting or Venice, so I'm using the book's original and real title for this list.)

2023 Book Log

I'm excited to read through my current TBR list as well as books to be released this year by favorite authors!

Goal: 100 books. 

2023 Book Log

1. The Curse of Misty Wayfair (Jaime Jo Wright)

2. The Question (Leigh A. Bortins)

3. Bud, Not Buddy (Christopher Paul Curtis)

4. All the Lost Places (Amanda Dykes)***

5. Is It Any Wonder (Courtney Walsh)

6. Fortress of Snow (Melanie Dickerson)

7. The Sisters of Sea View (Julie Klassen)

8. Defeating Darwinism by Opening Minds (Phillip E. Johnson)

9. A Noble Groom (Jody Hedlund)

10. A Match in the Making (Jen Turano)

11. Hearts of Steal (Elizabeth Camden)

12. The Vanishing at Castle Moreau (Jaime Jo Wright)

13. The Cairo Curse (Pepper Basham)

14. Doctor in Petticoats (Mary Connealy)

15. Dressed for Death (Julianna Deering)

16. Crazy Mary (John Benton)

17. Fairest of Heart (Karen Witemeyer)

18. The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond (Jaime Jo Wright)

19. Murder on the Moor (Julianna Deering)

20. The Witness for the Prosecution and Other Stories (Agatha Christie)

21. Though Waters Roar (Lynn Austin)

22. Archer (Camille Elliot)

23. Edenbrooke (Julianne Donaldson)

24. The Knight and the Dove (Lori Wick)

25. Out of the Storm (Grace Livingston Hill)

26. Vivid (Ashley Bustamante)

27. Johnny Tremain (Esther Forbes)

28. The Legacy of Longdale Manor (Carrie Turansky)

29. The Lost Boys of Barlowe Theater (Jaime Jo Wright)

30. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (Barbara Robinson)

31. Christy (Catherine Marshall)

32. Man of Shadow & Mist (Michelle Griep)

33. Duskin (Grace Livingston Hill)

Avid Readers Reading Challenge 2023

January: Travel the World: A book set in a different country than the one you live in

All the Lost Places (Amanda Dykes)--Italy

February: Love is in the Air: Read a CF romance novel by an author you have never read before

Is It Any Wonder (Courtney Walsh)

March: Color Themed: Read a novel with a green cover

A Noble Groom (Jody Hedlund)

April: Indie, Self or small press Celebration: Find an author that fits into one of these categories to read

Archer (Camille Elliot)

May: Historic Month: A CF novel set before 1900’s

Doctor in Petticoats (Mary Connealy)

June: Flower Power: A book that is set in the 1960’s or 70’s

Crazy Mary (John Benton)

July: Women’s Fiction: Read a book that is published as Women’s fiction

Though Waters Roar (Lynn Austin)

August: Older Published: Read a CF book published 2000 or before

The Knight and the Dove (Lori Wick)

September: Rainy Days: Read a CF book that is weather themed, whether on the cover or in title.

Out of the Storm (Grace Livingston Hill)

October: Biblical Proposal: Read a book set in Bible times

November: Leaves are falling: A CF book with something about fall, leaves, or the like either on the cover or in the title.

December: Regency Month: Pick a CF Regency novel to read

Posse Reading Challenge 2023

January: A book with NEW somewhere on the cover

Bud, Not Buddy (Christopher Paul Curtis)

February: A book with snow on the cover

Fortress of Snow (Melanie Dickerson)

March: A book with a green cover

A Noble Groom (Jody Hedlund)

April: A book with flowers on the cover or a heroine with a floral name

The Vanishing at Castle Moreau (Jaime Jo Wright)

May: A book where the hero/heroine is a medical professional

Doctor in Petticoats (Mary Connealy)

June: A book that uses a fairy tale trope

Fairest of Heart (Karen Witemeyer)

July: A book that is part of a series

Murder on the Moor (Julianna Deering)

August: A book with a location in the title

Edenbrooke (Julianne Donaldson)

September: A book where the hero/heroine is a teacher

Christy (Catherine Marshall)

October: A book with a book on the cover or in the title

The Legacy of Longdale Manor (Carrie Turansky)

November: A book by an author with a middle name or initial on the cover

The Lost Boys of Barlowe Theater (Jaime Jo Wright)

December: A book where the hero/heroine has a Christmas-inspired name (Nick, Carol, Holly, Rudolph, etc.)

Duskin (Grace Livingston Hill)

2022 Book List Commentary

2022 was an odd year. It began with getting covid, when I was too sick even to read. In spring, I endured 2 months of severe back pain. I read a lot of books while standing...it hurt too badly to sit. Ugh. I got the flu later in the year, and I read a ton. There were good times, too, and I read books while doing a bit of travel. In the end, I managed 75 books, which isn't a bad thing at all!

In 2022, I read 2 nonfiction books and a children's biography. Toward the end of my bout with covid, I binge-read 9 Nancy Drew mysteries. Otherwise, I read no other children's books. I read 10 Agatha Christie murder mysteries as well as 1 other mystery. Everything else I read was Christian fiction, or at least clean reads written by authors who are Christians. So the following stats will be from those.

Not counting Agatha Christie or Carolyn Keene (Nancy Drew pen name)...

Most read author: Karen Witemeyer (book of novellas, single novella, novel), Michelle Griep (book of novellas, 2 novels), and Regina Jennings (single novella, 2 novels)

Favorite Books Read in 2022

▶A Midnight Dance by Joanna Davidson Politano

▶Proposing Mischief by Regina Jennings 

▶The Souls of Lost Lake by Jaime Jo Wright

Other Favorites

✴The Mobster's Daughter by Rachel Scott McDaniel

✴To Treasure an Heiress by Roseanna M. White

✴Twilight at Moorington Cross by Abigail Wilson

✴Where the Last Rose Blooms by Ashley Clark

✴The Letter from Briarton Park by Sarah E. Ladd

✴In Search of a Prince by Toni Shiloh

✴Written on the Wind by Elizabeth Camden

✴Midnight's Budding Morrow by Carolyn Miller

✴The Premonition at Withers Farm by Jaime Jo Wright

Favorite authors who are on my automatic buy list: Karen Witemeyer, Elizabeth Camden, Jen Turano, Jaime Jo Wright, Rachel Scott McDaniel, Rachel Fordham, Julie Klassen, Sarah E. Ladd, Michelle Griep, Erica Vetsch, Abigail Wilson, Amanda Dykes

More favorite authors: Melanie Dickerson, Ashley Clark, Joanna Davidson Politano, Roseanna M. White, Regina Jennings, Carolyn Miller

Favorite contemporary romance author: Toni Shiloh (I don't normally care for this genre, but Toni Shiloh is one of a few who have written books I love in this genre.)

Favorite new-to-me authors: Kara Swanson and Sara Ella, who both write YA fantasy

I was involved in 2 book challenges this year and enjoyed both. I've done these previous years and will be joining in 2023 as well.

2022 Book Log

As always, I count chapter books or works such as books of poetry or plays. I do not count children's picture books toward my goal of 100, but I do include children's chapter books if they're a normal sort of length (not beginner chapter books or really short chapter books like the American Girl series). I will keep one log of books read. I will also include the 2 reading challenges I'm joining this year, and I will add to them each month as I complete the required book.

Books Read in 2022

1.  Under the Texas Mistletoe (Karen Witemeyer)

2.  The Mobster's Daughter (Rachel Scott McDaniel)*

3.  The Core: Teaching Your Child the Foundations of Classical Education (Leigh A. Bortins)

4. Shadows of Swanford Abbey (Julie Klassen)

5. Nancy Drew Mystery Stories: The Sign of the Twisted Candle (Carolyn Keene)

6. Nancy Drew Mystery Stories: The Hidden Window Mystery (Carolyn Keene)

7. Nancy Drew Mystery Stories: Mystery of the Tolling Bell (Carolyn Keene)

8. Nancy Drew Mystery Stories: The Quest of the Missing Map (Carolyn Keene)

9. Nancy Drew Mystery Stories: The Mystery of the Brass Bound Trunk (Carolyn Keene)

10. Nancy Drew Mystery Stories: The Ghost of Blackwood Hall (Carolyn Keene)

11. Nancy Drew Mystery Stories: The Moonstone Castle Mystery (Carolyn Keene)

12. Nancy Drew Mystery Stories: The Secret in the Old Attic (Carolyn Keene)

13. Nancy Drew Mystery Stories: The Clue in the Crumbling Wall (Carolyn Keene)

14. The Tuesday Club Murders (Agatha Christie)

15. To Disguise the Truth (Jen Turano)

16. Mary Arden (Grace Livingston Hill)

17. Dust (Kara Swanson)*

18. So Many Steps to Death [AKA Destination Unknown] (Agatha Christie)

19. The Debutante's Code (Erica Vetsch)

20. Leave it to Psmith (P.G. Wodehouse)

21. A Midnight Dance (Joanna Davidson Politano)**

22. Lost in Darkness (Michelle Griep)

23. Hearts Entwined (Karen Witemeyer, Mary Connealy, Regina Jennings, Melissa Jagears)

24. Death on the Nile (Agatha Christie)

25. Words Spoken True (Ann H. Gabhart)

26. The Lost Castle (Kristy Cambron)*

26. Shadow (Kara Swanson)*

27. Lady Jayne Disappears (Joanna Davidson Politano)

28. To Treasure an Heiress (Roseanna M. White)*

29. Fancy Pants (Cathy Marie Hake)

30. Petticoat Ranch (Mary Connealy)

31. Potager Plot (Vikki Walton)

32. Twilight at Moorington Cross (Abigail Wilson)*

33. Proposing Mischief (Regina Jennings)**

34. Where the Last Rose Blooms (Ashley Clark)*

35. The Letter from Briarton Park (Sarah E. Ladd)*

36. As Dawn Breaks (Kate Breslin)

37. Dawn of Vengeance (Ronie Kendig)

38. In Search of a Prince (Toni Shiloh)*

39. The Souls of Lost Lake (Jaime Jo Wright)**

40. Where the Road Bends (Rachel Fordham)

41. Mark Twain: His Life (Catherine O. Peare)

42. Dumb Witness (Agatha Christie)

43. Whispers in the Reading Room (Shelley Gray)

44. Five Little Pigs (Agatha Christie)

45. In Honor's Defense (Karen Witemeyer)

46. Murder at the Mikado (Julianna Deering)

47. Breaker's Reef (Terri Blackstock)

48. White Orchids (Grace Livingston Hill)

49. One, Two, Buckle My Shoe (Agatha Christie)

50. Written on the Wind (Elizabeth Camden)*

51. The Labors of Hercules (Agatha Christie)

52. Veil of Winter (Melanie Dickerson)

53. Midnight's Budding Morrow (Carolyn Miller)*

54. A Perilous Plan (Melanie Dickerson)

55. Are We There Yet? (Drew Berryessa)

56. A View Most Glorious (Regina Scott)

Oct

57. The Bride of Blackfriars Lane (Michelle Griep)

58. The Governess (Kristie Self)

59. The Premonition at Withers Farm (Jaime Jo Wright)*

60. The Mozart Code (Rachel McMillan)

61. Within These Gilded Halls (Abigail Wilson)

62. The Movement of Crowns (Nadine C. Keels)

Nov

63. Murder With Mirrors (Agatha Christie)

64. The Wonderland Trials (Sara Ella)*

65. Millstone of Doubt (Erica Vetsch)

66. My Dear Miss Dupree (Grace Hitchcock)

67. Nemesis (Agatha Christie)

68. Yours is the Night (Amanda Dykes)

69. The Mysterious Mr. Quin (Agatha Christie)

70. Wildflower Road (Janine Rosche)

71. To Win a Prince (Toni Shiloh)

December

72. Once Upon a Dickens Christmas (Michelle Griep)

73. The Husband Mission (Regina Scott)

74. Christmas on King Street (Ashley Clark)

75. Engaging Deception (Regina Jennings)

Avid Readers Book Challenge:

January--Honor Our Authors (CF author interviewed and featured on Avid Readers in 2021): Dust (Kara Swanson)

February--Adventurous Reader (CF book that features adventure, spies, or intrigue): The Debutante's Code (Erica Vetsch)

March--The Fine Arts Reader (CF book that features music, art, dance, theater, or cinema): A Midnight Dance (Joanna Davidson Politano)

April--Tap into your Life Skills (CF book about someone in an occupation different than you are in, but one you always wished you could do): Words Spoken True (Ann H. Gabhart) (journalist)

May--Flowery Reader (Indy published CF book that features flowers, spring, or gardening): Potager Plot (Vikki Walton)

June--Fly away with Me (CF book that features travel): Dawn of Vengeance (Ronie Kendig)

July--Library Lane (CF book that you got from the library that features libraries, whether a home library or a public library): Whispers in the Reading Room (Shelley Gray)

August--Wedding Blues (CF book that features weddings): Murder at the Mikado (Julianna Deering)

September--Published in the Fall (CF book that was published in 2021 or 2022): The Bride of Blackfriars Lane (Michelle Griep)

October--Rainy Days (CF book where the rain plays a key role or is featured in the title or cover): The Movement of Crowns (Nadine C. Keels)

November--Veteran's Day Remembrance (CF book where a war veteran is a key character): Yours is the Night (Amanda Dykes)

December--Holiday Hoedown (CF book that features a holiday): Once Upon a Dickens Christmas  (Michelle Griep)

2022 Posse Book Challenge:

January--A book with To, Too, or Two in the title: To Disguise the Truth (Jen Turano)

February--A book with Heart, Love, or Valentine in the title: Hearts Entwined (Karen Witemeyer, Mary Connealy, Regina Jennings, Melissa Jagears)

March--A book from the middle of your TBR pile: Lost in Darkness (Michelle Griep)

April--A book with no people on the cover: The Lost Castle (Kristy Cambron)

May--A book where the heroine is a mom: Petticoat Ranch (Mary Connealy)

June--A book with a body of water on the cover: As Dawn Breaks (Kate Breslin)

July--A book set in an era you don't usually read: In Search of a Prince (Toni Shiloh)

August--A book written by an author whose first or last name has the same number of letters as yours: Written on the Wind (Elizabeth Camden)

September--A book with a mountain on the cover: A View Most Glorious (Regina Scott)

October--A book set in a place you would like to visit: The Mozart Code (Rachel McMillan) (Vienna and Prague)

November--A book with a main character who is a soldier or veteran: Yours is the Night (Amanda Dykes)

December--A Christmas novella: Christmas on King Street (Ashley Clark)