It's that time of year again, when I look back over my reading log to see what I read most, which authors I read a lot of, which new authors I've discovered, and so on. I like doing this so I can get ready for a new year of reading! I like to think about what books I want to read and to challenge myself to read authors and genres I have read very little or not at all. So, I'm going to tally up this year's results, list my favorite authors of the year, and make comments as I go.
To start off, which authors did I read the most this year?
Agatha Christie wins! I read 21 Agatha Christie murder mysteries this year. This is, I think, very unusual for me, considering my normal reading habits. I'm an enormous fan of historical romance, and here I am gorging myself with murder mysteries of all things! I first read Christie when I found one of her books left in a house my parents bought--I was a young teen at the time. Years later, I went through stages of checking Christie's books out of the library where we lived in England. This year, I have become addicted. Agatha Christie paperbacks, and I like vintage ones the best, are very easy to find at used bookstores and thrift stores, and they are very cheap to buy. I have started collecting them...because that's the sort of thing I do...collect books. I can't say I've enjoyed all her books. A few I've found very depressing, but generally, I like them very much...almost like a guilty pleasure. And, to be honest, they're not so far off my normal genres. They're historical in the sense that she wrote them during a period which is now historical--the early 1920s-early 1970s (I personally prefer the earlier books). Many of them even have a little romance, so they fit quite well with what I like.
Second place in the "author I read the most" contest is a tie between Sarah E. Ladd and Elizabeth Camden, two of my favorite authors. I have now read every book those two authors have written, with the exception of a novella Elizabeth Camden JUST published (and Sarah has a new one coming out in about a week). I read 4 of each author's books this year.
Third place goes to Jen Turano, an author I discovered last year. I intend to read all of her books as I am able to acquire them. Set during the Gilded Age, they are laugh-out-loud historical romances. Seriously, they are so hilarious...I really do laugh out loud. I must have more! I read 3 of Jen's books this year.
Have my favorite authors changed? No, but I have added some. A few favorite authors only got 0-2 books read by me this year, but that's simply because I'd already read all but one or two of their books, or I have some saved for next year because I simply didn't get to them this year.
I did discover a few new favorites. One is Rachel Fordham. Rachel is a fairly new author, with 2 books published and a third in the works. After hearing about her first book repeatedly on my favorite Christian fiction facebook page (Avid Readers of Christian Fiction), I finally decided to try it. The Hope of Azure Springs has earned top spot on my favorite reads of the year...I loved it THAT much! Not long afterward, I read her second book Yours Truly, Thomas. Rachel is from my state (my new home state), which is really cool. Her books are mostly set in Iowa in the 1800s.
The second new-to-me author is Becky Wade. Becky writes contemporary Christian romance. I am not normally a fan of contemporary. I will read one and find it either disappointing or just okay, nothing that makes me want to read more. I read one Becky Wade book this year, after having her recommended to me on the same facebook page I mentioned previously. True to You was enjoyable enough that I want to read all of her books...maybe next year! I will now put Becky Wade as my favorite author of contemporary romance.
I mentioned that Rachel Fordham's book The Hope of Azure Springs is #1 on my favorite books read this year. Second place goes to She Walks in Beauty by Siri Mitchell. I highly recommend both books!
I impressed myself this year by reading 3 nonfiction books and 3 classics. The nonfiction were all Christian books, and I really enjoyed them (I'm not normally a nonfiction reader). These were Captivating by John & Stasi Eldredge, Jesus Revolution by Greg Laurie and Ellen Vaughn, and The Blessed Life by Robert Morris. The classics were Frankenstein (Mary Shelley), A Christmas Carol (Charles Dickens), and Ben Hur (Lew Wallace). I'm surprised how much I enjoyed Frankenstein. I had never read it before. It's a very tragic story, but well-written and interesting...in a very tragic sort of way.
So, here are my top 10 favorite books that I read this year:
1. The Hope of Azure Springs (Rachel Fordham)
2. She Walks in Beauty (Siri Mitchell)
3. A Daring Venture (Elizabeth Camden)
4. Flights of Fancy (Jen Turano)
5. The Spice King (Elizabeth Camden)
6. The Noble Guardian (Michelle Griep)
7. The Weaver's Daughter (Sarah E. Ladd)
8. The Piper's Pursuit (Melanie Dickerson)
9. Yours Truly, Thomas (Rachel Fordham)
10. The Princess (Lori Wick)
Current favorite Christian authors:
1. Melanie Dickerson
2. Elizabeth Camden
3. Karen Witemeyer
4. Jen Turano
5. Julie Klassen
6. Sarah Ladd
7. Michelle Griep
8. Rachel Fordham
9. Tamara Leigh
10. Tamera Alexander
I also still love Grace Livingston Hill, so she has to fit in that list somewhere. The only differences between her and the others is that she's not current, and her books are shorter.
Favorite...how do I put this...no-long-living authors of clean fiction that is not specifically Christian:
1. Georgette Heyer
2. Emilie Loring
3. Jane Austen
4. Agatha Christie
5. Clare Darcy
6. JRR Tolkien
What do I have ahead for 2020? Well, I have a to-be-read pile and also a to-be-bought list. My to-be-read pile has several books by Tamara Leigh, one by Tamera Alexander, another one by Siri Mitchell, and several new-to-me authors, including Carolyn Miller and Kristi Ann Hunter. My to-be-bought list includes new books by almost all of my favorite authors, either recently released or to-be-released in 2020, as well as some books I've been wanting for years...and I'm sure some more Agatha Christie!
Wednesday, 1 January 2020
Friday, 18 January 2019
2019 Book Log
As usual, I am attempting to reach 100 books this year. The last 3 years have been so hectic (with two gigantic moves) that I'm surprised I read as many as I did, though I didn't reach 100. Here's to 2019 and reading lots of books!
Rules: Books must be chapter books (no children's picture books count, no short novellas unless they're part of a collection), and I don't reread any books from the previous year.
1. Bachelor's Puzzle (Judith Pella)
2. Dawn at Emberwilde (Sarah E. Ladd)
3. A Stranger at Fellsworth (Sarah E. Ladd)
4. The Body in the Library (Agatha Christie)
5. Murder in Mesopotamia (Agatha Christie)
6. Love Came Laughing By (Emilie Loring)
7. The Warrior Maiden (Melanie Dickerson)
8. Towards Zero (Agatha Christie)
9. Cards on the Table (Agatha Christie)
10. To the Farthest Shores (Elizabeth Camden)
11. Captivating (John & Stasi Eldredge)
12. The Moving Finger (Agatha Christie)
13. Jesus Revolution (Greg Laurie & Ellen Vaughn)
14. The Man in the Brown Suit (Agatha Christie)
15. Why Didn't They Ask Evans? (Agatha Christie)
16. The Princess (Lori Wick)
17. Sad Cypress (Agatha Christie)
18. The Clocks (Agatha Christie)
19. Gingham Mountain (Mary Connealy)
20. Flights of Fancy (Jen Turano)
21. A Daring Venture (Elizabeth Camden)
22. The Weaver's Daughter (Sarah E. Ladd)
23. A Daring Sacrifice (Jody Hedlund)
24. True to You (Becky Wade)
25. Murder in Three Acts (Agatha Christie)
26. They Came to Baghdad (Agatha Christie)
27. Behind the Scenes (Jen Turano)
28. The Governess of Penwythe Hall (Sarah E. Ladd)
29. More Than Words Can Say (Karen Witemeyer)
30. The Noble Guardian (Michelle Griep)
31. With Every Breath (Elizabeth Camden)
32. The Hope of Azure Springs (Rachel Fordham)
33. Appointment With Death (Agatha Christie)
34. The Mysterious Affair at Styles (Agatha Christie)
35. Evil Under the Sun (Agatha Christie)
36. Hercule Poirot's Christmas (Agatha Christie)
37. Lord Edgware Dies (Agatha Christie)
38. Murder After Hours (Agatha Christie)
39. Remembered Death (Agatha Christie)
40. Murder on the Links (Agatha Christie)
41. She Walks in Beauty (Siri Mitchell)
42. The Spice King (Elizabeth Camden)
43. A Most Peculiar Circumstance (Jen Turano)
44. Frankenstein (Mary Shelley)
45. Yours Truly, Thomas (Rachel Fordham)
46. A Christmas Carol (Charles Dickens)
47. Ben Hur (Lew Wallace)
48. A Desperate Hope (Elizabeth Camden)
49. The Piper's Pursuit (Melanie Dickerson)
50. Elephants Can Remember (Agatha Christie)
51. The Mystery of the Blue Train (Agatha Christie)
52. The Blessed Life (Robert Morris)
53. Astra (Grace Livingston Hill)
Add to the two giant moves in 3 years that I mentioned at the beginning of this post. Half-way through this year, we moved a 3rd time. So, I'm proud of reading as many books as I did!
Rules: Books must be chapter books (no children's picture books count, no short novellas unless they're part of a collection), and I don't reread any books from the previous year.
1. Bachelor's Puzzle (Judith Pella)
2. Dawn at Emberwilde (Sarah E. Ladd)
3. A Stranger at Fellsworth (Sarah E. Ladd)
4. The Body in the Library (Agatha Christie)
5. Murder in Mesopotamia (Agatha Christie)
6. Love Came Laughing By (Emilie Loring)
7. The Warrior Maiden (Melanie Dickerson)
8. Towards Zero (Agatha Christie)
9. Cards on the Table (Agatha Christie)
10. To the Farthest Shores (Elizabeth Camden)
11. Captivating (John & Stasi Eldredge)
12. The Moving Finger (Agatha Christie)
13. Jesus Revolution (Greg Laurie & Ellen Vaughn)
14. The Man in the Brown Suit (Agatha Christie)
15. Why Didn't They Ask Evans? (Agatha Christie)
16. The Princess (Lori Wick)
17. Sad Cypress (Agatha Christie)
18. The Clocks (Agatha Christie)
19. Gingham Mountain (Mary Connealy)
20. Flights of Fancy (Jen Turano)
21. A Daring Venture (Elizabeth Camden)
22. The Weaver's Daughter (Sarah E. Ladd)
23. A Daring Sacrifice (Jody Hedlund)
24. True to You (Becky Wade)
25. Murder in Three Acts (Agatha Christie)
26. They Came to Baghdad (Agatha Christie)
27. Behind the Scenes (Jen Turano)
28. The Governess of Penwythe Hall (Sarah E. Ladd)
29. More Than Words Can Say (Karen Witemeyer)
30. The Noble Guardian (Michelle Griep)
31. With Every Breath (Elizabeth Camden)
32. The Hope of Azure Springs (Rachel Fordham)
33. Appointment With Death (Agatha Christie)
34. The Mysterious Affair at Styles (Agatha Christie)
35. Evil Under the Sun (Agatha Christie)
36. Hercule Poirot's Christmas (Agatha Christie)
37. Lord Edgware Dies (Agatha Christie)
38. Murder After Hours (Agatha Christie)
39. Remembered Death (Agatha Christie)
40. Murder on the Links (Agatha Christie)
41. She Walks in Beauty (Siri Mitchell)
42. The Spice King (Elizabeth Camden)
43. A Most Peculiar Circumstance (Jen Turano)
44. Frankenstein (Mary Shelley)
45. Yours Truly, Thomas (Rachel Fordham)
46. A Christmas Carol (Charles Dickens)
47. Ben Hur (Lew Wallace)
48. A Desperate Hope (Elizabeth Camden)
49. The Piper's Pursuit (Melanie Dickerson)
50. Elephants Can Remember (Agatha Christie)
51. The Mystery of the Blue Train (Agatha Christie)
52. The Blessed Life (Robert Morris)
53. Astra (Grace Livingston Hill)
Add to the two giant moves in 3 years that I mentioned at the beginning of this post. Half-way through this year, we moved a 3rd time. So, I'm proud of reading as many books as I did!
Favorite Authors of 2018
I love looking back over my year of reading to see which authors I've read the most of, which new authors I've discovered, and what types of books I tend to pick up. I still have my favorites, but I did add some new ones this year.
So, which author did I read the most in 2018???
Her books are short, easy reads, and I've read them over and over and over since I was 13. Grace Livingston Hill was the author I read the most, and she remains a lifelong favorite! I read 19 of her books this year, including some I read aloud to my teen daughter.
Second place was Agatha Christie--I read 5. Over the years, I've taken spells of reading several Christie books in a row, and then I seem to take breaks for a long time. This year, I've grown to enjoy her crime novels more than ever. It helps that her books are very easy to find at libraries and used bookstores. A few of hers I have not enjoyed, but most of them I really do. I'm looking forward to finding and reading more!
Third place, with 4 books apiece, was Elizabeth Camden, Georgette Heyer, and Mary Connealy (a new-to-me Christian author I just discovered this year.) I also read 4 stories by Karen Witemeyer, another of my top 3 favorite Christian authors, but 3 of those were novellas in collections that included other authors as well.
Elizabeth Camden is one of my top 3 all-time favorite Christian authors. I have loved every single one of Elizabeth's books so far. Her books are primarily set in America, mostly in the late 1800s. I love that all her heroines are independent women with interesting careers. Her characters have flaws, but they overcome to get where they're at. I honestly think Elizabeth Camden is one of the best authors ever. Everything about her books literally tick every box for me: believable, likeable, round characters, unique plots, all kinds of fascinating historical details, often set around intriguing events, exciting adventure and mystery, and incredible romance. I still have 3 of her books left to read, not counting her upcoming release!
I bought a few collections of Christian novellas this year because they featured Karen Witemeyer. However, I also enjoyed the other authors who contributed to those collections, including Mary Connealy. I decided to go to my local library and checked out one of her books, and I was hooked. I've read three so far this year and intend to read more. Her books are set in the Old West. Another author in a few of those collections was Regina Jennings. After reading her novel At Love's Bidding, I think I'll be reading more of hers in the future.
Three of my favorite Christians authors got only two reads this year, though I am highly anticipating reading their new releases. They are Melanie Dickerson, Tamara Leigh, and Julie Klassen. Melanie and Tamara both write medieval novels, one of my favorite time periods to read stories from. Melanie is one of my top 3 favorite authors, as well as my teen daughter's (she won't hardly read anything else). Interestingly enough, one of Melanie's that I read this year was set in 1800s Alabama, a completely new setting for her. That didn't change the fact that it was a great book! My daughter and I are excited for her new Mulan story (The Warrior Maiden) coming out February 2019. Tamara just released a new book (Merciless), which I am eager to buy, and Julie Klassen also recently released the third book in her Tales From Ivy Hill series. I'm sure those will be on 2019's book list!
How about new authors? Aside from Mary Connealy, I discovered two new-to-me authors I really liked. The first was Jen Turano. I WON her newest release in a facebook giveaway and read it almost as soon as it came in the mail. How exciting! And, I found out that historical fiction can be laugh-out-loud funny as well as dramatic. The book was Caught By Surprise, and I LOVED it! I read two more of her books toward the end of the year, and I'm planning to buy more for sure.
Another new-to-me author is Lynn Austin. I checked two out of the library and loved both. However, the first one I read is probably my favorite read this year! A Proper Pursuit takes place during the Chicago World's Fair of 1893 and does a superb job of showing the heroine's growth, as far as her character. It was a very enjoyable read, and I'm definitely going to have to get my own copy.
What about nonfiction? Sigh. I'm not a fan, really, of nonfiction, and a book really has to grab me. I don't know...certain writing styles hold my interest better. I keep trying, because my husband has challenged me to read 10 Christian nonfiction books (for a reward of $5...but hey, I can spend that on a used fiction book). I haven't made it to 10 yet...in 2 years...but anyway. I read two that really impacted me this year. The first is The Fire of Delayed Answers (Bob Sorge) and the second is Boundaries (Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend). Both were very timely and just what I needed to read, but Boundaries was probably my favorite. I would honestly recommend both those books to anyone!
I have a huge pile of books to begin 2019 with; in fact, I've already read several while travelling from Missouri to Washington, where we just moved. Once I get bookshelves in my new home, I can organize the hundreds of books I have, most of which have been in storage for years. So, between old books and new, I'm set to read, read, read!
So, which author did I read the most in 2018???
Her books are short, easy reads, and I've read them over and over and over since I was 13. Grace Livingston Hill was the author I read the most, and she remains a lifelong favorite! I read 19 of her books this year, including some I read aloud to my teen daughter.
Second place was Agatha Christie--I read 5. Over the years, I've taken spells of reading several Christie books in a row, and then I seem to take breaks for a long time. This year, I've grown to enjoy her crime novels more than ever. It helps that her books are very easy to find at libraries and used bookstores. A few of hers I have not enjoyed, but most of them I really do. I'm looking forward to finding and reading more!
Third place, with 4 books apiece, was Elizabeth Camden, Georgette Heyer, and Mary Connealy (a new-to-me Christian author I just discovered this year.) I also read 4 stories by Karen Witemeyer, another of my top 3 favorite Christian authors, but 3 of those were novellas in collections that included other authors as well.
Elizabeth Camden is one of my top 3 all-time favorite Christian authors. I have loved every single one of Elizabeth's books so far. Her books are primarily set in America, mostly in the late 1800s. I love that all her heroines are independent women with interesting careers. Her characters have flaws, but they overcome to get where they're at. I honestly think Elizabeth Camden is one of the best authors ever. Everything about her books literally tick every box for me: believable, likeable, round characters, unique plots, all kinds of fascinating historical details, often set around intriguing events, exciting adventure and mystery, and incredible romance. I still have 3 of her books left to read, not counting her upcoming release!
Georgette Heyer is a favorite of many years now. I discovered her Regency novels while living in England and bought them all. I reread one of her Georgian novels this year, and I also read 3 of her mysteries (which I'm now trying to collect).
Three of my favorite Christians authors got only two reads this year, though I am highly anticipating reading their new releases. They are Melanie Dickerson, Tamara Leigh, and Julie Klassen. Melanie and Tamara both write medieval novels, one of my favorite time periods to read stories from. Melanie is one of my top 3 favorite authors, as well as my teen daughter's (she won't hardly read anything else). Interestingly enough, one of Melanie's that I read this year was set in 1800s Alabama, a completely new setting for her. That didn't change the fact that it was a great book! My daughter and I are excited for her new Mulan story (The Warrior Maiden) coming out February 2019. Tamara just released a new book (Merciless), which I am eager to buy, and Julie Klassen also recently released the third book in her Tales From Ivy Hill series. I'm sure those will be on 2019's book list!
Another new-to-me author is Lynn Austin. I checked two out of the library and loved both. However, the first one I read is probably my favorite read this year! A Proper Pursuit takes place during the Chicago World's Fair of 1893 and does a superb job of showing the heroine's growth, as far as her character. It was a very enjoyable read, and I'm definitely going to have to get my own copy.
What about nonfiction? Sigh. I'm not a fan, really, of nonfiction, and a book really has to grab me. I don't know...certain writing styles hold my interest better. I keep trying, because my husband has challenged me to read 10 Christian nonfiction books (for a reward of $5...but hey, I can spend that on a used fiction book). I haven't made it to 10 yet...in 2 years...but anyway. I read two that really impacted me this year. The first is The Fire of Delayed Answers (Bob Sorge) and the second is Boundaries (Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend). Both were very timely and just what I needed to read, but Boundaries was probably my favorite. I would honestly recommend both those books to anyone!
I have a huge pile of books to begin 2019 with; in fact, I've already read several while travelling from Missouri to Washington, where we just moved. Once I get bookshelves in my new home, I can organize the hundreds of books I have, most of which have been in storage for years. So, between old books and new, I'm set to read, read, read!
Monday, 1 January 2018
Favorite Authors of 2017
This past year, I tended to stay with authors I knew well. I discovered a few new ones, but my favorites remain the same as in past years!
Authors I read the most in 2017 include:
1. Emilie Loring: I acquired 46 of her 50 books in fall of 2016. I bought 2 more in 2017, so I have only 2 left to find and read!
2. Clare Darcy: Darcy is one of my favorite Regency-era authors, and I am trying to complete my collection. I managed to find 8 this year and read the ones I hadn't read yet. I believe I still have a few to find.
3. Grace Livingston Hill: I read 3 of these to my 13-year-old daughter this year, and I read another on my own. So far, these are my favorite mother-daughter read-alouds.
4. Melanie Dickerson: She had 3 new releases this past year, and I ordered and read all 3! Dickerson is my current favorite author and has been for the past few years.
5. Georgette Heyer: Heyer is my favorite Regency-era author, but this year I read 3 of her mysteries. Fun! My favorite was Why Shoot a Butler?
I also read new releases from some of my favorite authors: Julie Klassen, Karen Witemeyer, Tamara Leigh, Elizabeth Camden (that one wasn't a new release but new to me), and Anthony Horowitz.
I read only a few children/young adult books (Kate DiCamillo and Anthony Horowitz), but I will be starting 2018 off with one I haven't read since I was little!
I tried a few new authors. One is Catherine Tinley, a new author whose inspiration is Georgette Heyer. Her book was one I read an excerpt from years ago and had anticipated for a while! I was not disappointed.
A few other new authors I tried out were in genres of fiction that I rarely read, and I wanted to challenge myself to read something different. Three of these were contemporary Christian romances, and while I liked them, I wouldn't say they are favorites. I also tried a short Gothic novel and found it surprisingly enjoyable.
Finally, my husband challenged me to read more Christian nonfiction. I managed 3, which is good for me. All three were excellent, and I have a nonfiction reading list for 2018!
Authors I read the most in 2017 include:
1. Emilie Loring: I acquired 46 of her 50 books in fall of 2016. I bought 2 more in 2017, so I have only 2 left to find and read!
2. Clare Darcy: Darcy is one of my favorite Regency-era authors, and I am trying to complete my collection. I managed to find 8 this year and read the ones I hadn't read yet. I believe I still have a few to find.
3. Grace Livingston Hill: I read 3 of these to my 13-year-old daughter this year, and I read another on my own. So far, these are my favorite mother-daughter read-alouds.
4. Melanie Dickerson: She had 3 new releases this past year, and I ordered and read all 3! Dickerson is my current favorite author and has been for the past few years.
5. Georgette Heyer: Heyer is my favorite Regency-era author, but this year I read 3 of her mysteries. Fun! My favorite was Why Shoot a Butler?
I also read new releases from some of my favorite authors: Julie Klassen, Karen Witemeyer, Tamara Leigh, Elizabeth Camden (that one wasn't a new release but new to me), and Anthony Horowitz.
I read only a few children/young adult books (Kate DiCamillo and Anthony Horowitz), but I will be starting 2018 off with one I haven't read since I was little!
I tried a few new authors. One is Catherine Tinley, a new author whose inspiration is Georgette Heyer. Her book was one I read an excerpt from years ago and had anticipated for a while! I was not disappointed.
A few other new authors I tried out were in genres of fiction that I rarely read, and I wanted to challenge myself to read something different. Three of these were contemporary Christian romances, and while I liked them, I wouldn't say they are favorites. I also tried a short Gothic novel and found it surprisingly enjoyable.
Finally, my husband challenged me to read more Christian nonfiction. I managed 3, which is good for me. All three were excellent, and I have a nonfiction reading list for 2018!
2018 Book Log
I have just finished my 7th year doing the 100-book reading challenge! I haven't always made it to 100, but I love trying. In 2017, I beat my 2016 record by only 1 book! Here are my books lists for the past 7 years:
2011 Book Log
2012 Book Log
2013 Book Log
2014 Book Log
2015 Book Log
2016 Book Log
2017 Book Log
My rules are simple:
1. The books must be chapter books (or at least long, such as a Shakespeare play or book of poetry--no children's picture books will count).
2. The books must not include any I read last year (though re-reads from previous years are fine).
2018 Book Log
1. Brentwood (Grace Livingston Hill)
2. The Phantom Tollbooth (Norton Juster)
3. Monster (Frank Peretti)
4. A Gamble with Hearts (Barbara Cartland)
5. The White Lady (Grace Livingston Hill)
6. The Awakening (Tamara Leigh)
7. The Goose Girl (Shannon Hale)
8. Kissing Adrien (Siri L. Mitchell)
9. Miranda (Grace Livingston Hill)
10. Lady of Milkweed Manor (Julie Klassen)
11. With This Ring? (Witemeyer, Connealy, Jennings, Jagears)
12. The Lady of Bolton Hill (Elizabeth Camden)
13. Against the Tide (Elizabeth Camden)
14. Behold, Here's Poison (Georgette Heyer)
2011 Book Log
2012 Book Log
2013 Book Log
2014 Book Log
2015 Book Log
2016 Book Log
2017 Book Log
My rules are simple:
1. The books must be chapter books (or at least long, such as a Shakespeare play or book of poetry--no children's picture books will count).
2. The books must not include any I read last year (though re-reads from previous years are fine).
2018 Book Log
1. Brentwood (Grace Livingston Hill)
2. The Phantom Tollbooth (Norton Juster)
3. Monster (Frank Peretti)
4. A Gamble with Hearts (Barbara Cartland)
5. The White Lady (Grace Livingston Hill)
6. The Awakening (Tamara Leigh)
7. The Goose Girl (Shannon Hale)
8. Kissing Adrien (Siri L. Mitchell)
9. Miranda (Grace Livingston Hill)
10. Lady of Milkweed Manor (Julie Klassen)
11. With This Ring? (Witemeyer, Connealy, Jennings, Jagears)
12. The Lady of Bolton Hill (Elizabeth Camden)
13. Against the Tide (Elizabeth Camden)
14. Behold, Here's Poison (Georgette Heyer)
15. They Found Him Dead (Georgette Heyer)
16. Ordeal by Innocence (Agatha Christie)
17. Head of the House (Grace Livingston Hill)
18. The Mystery of Mar Saba (James H. Hunter)
19. From This Moment (Elizabeth Camden)
20. For Love & Honor (Jody Hedlund)
21. The Fire of Delayed Answers (Bob Sorge)
22. Stray Affections (Charlene Ann Baumbich)
23. Regency Brides (Kimberley Comeaux)
24. Consider Lily (Anne Dayton and May Vanderbilt)
25. The Innkeeper's Daughter (Michelle Griep)
26. Homing (Grace Livingston Hill)
27. A Dangerous Legacy (Elizabeth Camden)
28. The Isaac Project (Sarah Monzon)
29. Coming Through the Rye (Grace Livingston Hill)
30. The Best Man (Grace Livingston Hill)
31. The Raveling (Tamara Leigh)
32. Iron Cast (Destiny Soria)
33. Duskin (Grace Livingston Hill)
34. White Orchids (Grace Livingston Hill)
35. The Orphan's Wish (Melanie Dickerson)
36. Not Under the Law (Grace Livingston Hill)
37. Sweet's Folly (Fiona Hill)
38. Grace Livingston Hill (Robert Munce)
39. April Gold (Grace Livingston Hill)
40. The Ladies of Ivy Cottage (Julie Klassen)
41. The Strange Proposal (Grace Livingston Hill)
42. Job's Niece (Grace Livingston Hill)
43. The Painter's Daughter (Julie Klassen)
44. Rose Galbraith (Grace Livingston Hill)
45. The Secret of Chimneys (Agatha Christie)
46. The Seven Dials Mystery (Agatha Christie)
47. The Secret to Happiness (Billy Graham)
48. The Talisman Ring (Georgette Heyer)
49. The Curiosity Keeper (Sarah E. Ladd)
50. Kerry (Grace Livingston Hill)
51. More Than Meets the Eye (Karen Witemeyer)
52. A Match Made in Texas (K. Witemeyer, M. Connealy, R. Jennings, C. Cox)
53. Caught By Surprise (Jen Turano)
54. Happiness Hill (Grace Livingston Hill)
55. Magnolia Summer (Melanie Dickerson)
56. Montana Rose (Mary Connealy)
57. To Win Her Favor (Tamera Alexander)
58. A Proper Pursuit (Lynn Austin)
59. The Witch of Blackbird Pond (Elizabeth George Speare)
60. Crooked House (Agatha Christie)
61. The Husband Tree (Mary Connealy)
62. Wildflower Bride (Mary Connealy)
63. Hidden Places (Lynn Austin)
64. Out of the Storm (Grace Livingston Hill)
65. Death in the Stocks (Georgette Heyer)
66. Boundaries (Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John Townsend)
67. At Love's Bidding (Regina Jennings)
68. After a Fashion (Jen Turano)
69. Lady Pamela (Clare Darcy)
70. How Can the Heart Forget? (Emilie Loring)
71. The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (Agatha Christie)
72. The Substitute Guest (Grace Livingston Hill)
73. Patricia (Grace Livingston Hill)
74. The Christmas Heirloom (K. Witermeyer, K.A. Hunter, S.L. Thomas, B. Wade)
75. Playing the Part (Jen Turano)
16. Ordeal by Innocence (Agatha Christie)
17. Head of the House (Grace Livingston Hill)
18. The Mystery of Mar Saba (James H. Hunter)
19. From This Moment (Elizabeth Camden)
20. For Love & Honor (Jody Hedlund)
21. The Fire of Delayed Answers (Bob Sorge)
22. Stray Affections (Charlene Ann Baumbich)
23. Regency Brides (Kimberley Comeaux)
24. Consider Lily (Anne Dayton and May Vanderbilt)
25. The Innkeeper's Daughter (Michelle Griep)
26. Homing (Grace Livingston Hill)
27. A Dangerous Legacy (Elizabeth Camden)
28. The Isaac Project (Sarah Monzon)
29. Coming Through the Rye (Grace Livingston Hill)
30. The Best Man (Grace Livingston Hill)
31. The Raveling (Tamara Leigh)
32. Iron Cast (Destiny Soria)
33. Duskin (Grace Livingston Hill)
34. White Orchids (Grace Livingston Hill)
35. The Orphan's Wish (Melanie Dickerson)
36. Not Under the Law (Grace Livingston Hill)
37. Sweet's Folly (Fiona Hill)
38. Grace Livingston Hill (Robert Munce)
39. April Gold (Grace Livingston Hill)
40. The Ladies of Ivy Cottage (Julie Klassen)
41. The Strange Proposal (Grace Livingston Hill)
42. Job's Niece (Grace Livingston Hill)
43. The Painter's Daughter (Julie Klassen)
44. Rose Galbraith (Grace Livingston Hill)
45. The Secret of Chimneys (Agatha Christie)
46. The Seven Dials Mystery (Agatha Christie)
47. The Secret to Happiness (Billy Graham)
48. The Talisman Ring (Georgette Heyer)
49. The Curiosity Keeper (Sarah E. Ladd)
50. Kerry (Grace Livingston Hill)
51. More Than Meets the Eye (Karen Witemeyer)
52. A Match Made in Texas (K. Witemeyer, M. Connealy, R. Jennings, C. Cox)
53. Caught By Surprise (Jen Turano)
54. Happiness Hill (Grace Livingston Hill)
55. Magnolia Summer (Melanie Dickerson)
56. Montana Rose (Mary Connealy)
57. To Win Her Favor (Tamera Alexander)
58. A Proper Pursuit (Lynn Austin)
59. The Witch of Blackbird Pond (Elizabeth George Speare)
60. Crooked House (Agatha Christie)
61. The Husband Tree (Mary Connealy)
62. Wildflower Bride (Mary Connealy)
63. Hidden Places (Lynn Austin)
64. Out of the Storm (Grace Livingston Hill)
65. Death in the Stocks (Georgette Heyer)
66. Boundaries (Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John Townsend)
67. At Love's Bidding (Regina Jennings)
68. After a Fashion (Jen Turano)
69. Lady Pamela (Clare Darcy)
70. How Can the Heart Forget? (Emilie Loring)
71. The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (Agatha Christie)
72. The Substitute Guest (Grace Livingston Hill)
73. Patricia (Grace Livingston Hill)
74. The Christmas Heirloom (K. Witermeyer, K.A. Hunter, S.L. Thomas, B. Wade)
75. Playing the Part (Jen Turano)
Saturday, 18 February 2017
Favorite Authors of 2016
I'm rather late in writing this post because most of my favorite authors of 2016 were the same as the ones from previous years!
My favorite authors remain:
1. Melanie Dickerson
2. Georgette Heyer
3. Emilie Loring
4. Grace Livingston Hill
5. Karen Witemeyer
6. Julie Klassen
7. Elizabeth Camden
8. Sarah Ladd
9. Tamara Leigh
10. Clare Darcy
So, what authors did I read the most this past year?
1. The author I read the most was Emilie Loring! I wrote about her in last year's post, at which time I had only read two of her fifty books. Last fall, I was lucky to place a winning bid on a lot of 46 Loring books online, and I've been reading them ever since. In fact, I was recently invited to write a guest post on The Emilie Loring Collection blog (Patti Bender). You can read that post HERE. In return for the post, Patti sent me one of the four books I was missing! My post discusses the reasons why I love Emilie Loring's books, so I won't go into any more detail here!
2. Second place was a tie between four authors--I read three books each. The first is Melanie Dickerson, my current favorite author. My pick of the year, though every single one of her books is awesome in my opinion, was The Beautiful Pretender. I pre-order all her books as soon as I can and have already read one this year.
3. The second is Lori Wick. I've known of Lori Wick for years but never bought any of her books. The only reason I have read several of her books in the past few years is because a friend of mine gave me quite of few! Some of Wick's books I like, and others I'm not that crazy about. There are definitely a few keepers. Sophie's Heart has been one of my favorites.
4. Karen Witemeyer is one of my all-time favorite Christian novelists (probably a close second to Melanie Dickerson). Stealing the Preacher was my favorite this year, though I loved all three of the novels I read. What made this one special was that I won an autographed copy in a blog giveaway! I had to complete a short writing assignment in order to enter the giveaway. Writing is my hobby. While I may or may not ever publish, I have written over 300 story ideas, with 70 of those edited as short stories (mostly for my own enjoyment, though I've let a very few people read one or two). I'm constantly editing and seeking to improve my writing, so this was a fun and instructive lesson and was a lot more effort than simply writing a blog comment. Anyway, my entry won me a book, so it was well worth the effort!
5. I read The Hunger Games trilogy probably 4-5 years ago; of course that's the series Suzanne Collins is known for. A few years ago, however, I discovered her lesser-known Gregor the Overlander series. I read all five of the books in that series before passing them to my teenage son. He loves them! I read three of Collins's books this past year.
Did I discover any new authors in 2016 that blew me away? No, not really. Just my regular favorites! Emilie Loring was pretty much my star author last year and will probably be this year as well! As soon as I finish reading Loring's books, I do have a large pile of books by other authors, just waiting to be read at some point this year. So, maybe, just maybe, I'll find a new gem in 2017!
My favorite authors remain:
1. Melanie Dickerson
2. Georgette Heyer
3. Emilie Loring
4. Grace Livingston Hill
5. Karen Witemeyer
6. Julie Klassen
7. Elizabeth Camden
8. Sarah Ladd
9. Tamara Leigh
10. Clare Darcy
So, what authors did I read the most this past year?
1. The author I read the most was Emilie Loring! I wrote about her in last year's post, at which time I had only read two of her fifty books. Last fall, I was lucky to place a winning bid on a lot of 46 Loring books online, and I've been reading them ever since. In fact, I was recently invited to write a guest post on The Emilie Loring Collection blog (Patti Bender). You can read that post HERE. In return for the post, Patti sent me one of the four books I was missing! My post discusses the reasons why I love Emilie Loring's books, so I won't go into any more detail here!
2. Second place was a tie between four authors--I read three books each. The first is Melanie Dickerson, my current favorite author. My pick of the year, though every single one of her books is awesome in my opinion, was The Beautiful Pretender. I pre-order all her books as soon as I can and have already read one this year.
3. The second is Lori Wick. I've known of Lori Wick for years but never bought any of her books. The only reason I have read several of her books in the past few years is because a friend of mine gave me quite of few! Some of Wick's books I like, and others I'm not that crazy about. There are definitely a few keepers. Sophie's Heart has been one of my favorites.
4. Karen Witemeyer is one of my all-time favorite Christian novelists (probably a close second to Melanie Dickerson). Stealing the Preacher was my favorite this year, though I loved all three of the novels I read. What made this one special was that I won an autographed copy in a blog giveaway! I had to complete a short writing assignment in order to enter the giveaway. Writing is my hobby. While I may or may not ever publish, I have written over 300 story ideas, with 70 of those edited as short stories (mostly for my own enjoyment, though I've let a very few people read one or two). I'm constantly editing and seeking to improve my writing, so this was a fun and instructive lesson and was a lot more effort than simply writing a blog comment. Anyway, my entry won me a book, so it was well worth the effort!
5. I read The Hunger Games trilogy probably 4-5 years ago; of course that's the series Suzanne Collins is known for. A few years ago, however, I discovered her lesser-known Gregor the Overlander series. I read all five of the books in that series before passing them to my teenage son. He loves them! I read three of Collins's books this past year.
Did I discover any new authors in 2016 that blew me away? No, not really. Just my regular favorites! Emilie Loring was pretty much my star author last year and will probably be this year as well! As soon as I finish reading Loring's books, I do have a large pile of books by other authors, just waiting to be read at some point this year. So, maybe, just maybe, I'll find a new gem in 2017!
Monday, 9 January 2017
2017 Book Log
I have just finished my 6th year doing the 100-book reading challenge! I haven't always made it to 100, but I love trying. In 2016, I did well to finish 53, as we moved country! Here are my books lists for the past 6 years:
2011 Book Log
2012 Book Log
2013 Book Log
2014 Book Log
2015 Book Log
2016 Book Log
My rules are simple:
1. The books must be chapter books (or at least long, such as a Shakespeare play or book of poetry--no children's picture books will count).
2. The books must not include any I read last year (though re-reads from previous years are fine).
2017 Book Log
1. It's a Great World! (Emilie Loring)
2. Give Me One Summer (Emilie Loring)
3. High of Heart (Emilie Loring)
4. Uncharted Seas (Emilie Loring)
5. A Viscount's Proposal (Melanie Dickerson)
6. With Banners (Emilie Loring)
7. As Long as I Live (Emilie Loring)
8. The Tale of Despereaux (Kate DiCamillo)
9. With This Ring (Emilie Loring)
10. Forever and a Day (Emilie Loring)
11. Lighted Windows (Emilie Loring)
12. Hilltops Clear (Emilie Loring)
13. Waltzing With the Earl (Catherine Tinley)
14. Gay Courage (Emilie Loring)
15. Swift Water (Emilie Loring)
16. The Fully Funded Missionary (Rob Parker)
17. Rolande (Clare Darcy)
18. Cressida (Clare Darcy)
19. A Blunt Instrument (Georgette Heyer)
20. The Noble Servant (Melanie Dickerson)
21. Allegra (Clare Darcy)
22. The Case for Christ (Lee Strobel)
23. The Solitary Horseman (Emilie Loring)
24. The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill (Julie Klassen)
25. A Certain Crossroad (Emilie Loring)
26. Spring Always Comes (Emilie Loring)
27. Here Comes the Sun! (Emilie Loring)
28. A Key to Many Doors (Emilie Loring)
29. Love with Honor (Emilie Loring)
30. The Enchanted Barn (Grace Livingston Hill)
31. No Time for Love (Emilie Loring)
32. Forsaking All Others (Emilie Loring)
33. The Shining Years (Emilie Loring)
34. The Unfinished Clue (Georgette Heyer)
35. Why Shoot a Butler? (Georgette Heyer)
36. The Story of a Whim (Grace Livingston Hill)
37. The Vexing (Tamara Leigh)
38. Georgina (Clare Darcy)
39. A Dangerous Engagement (Melanie Dickerson)
40. Letty (Clare Darcy)
41. Breaking the Stronghold of Food (Michael L Brown and Nancy Brown)
42. Caroline and Julia (Clare Darcy)
43. Beyond the Sound of Guns (Emilie Loring)
44. Beyond All Dreams (Elizabeth Camden)
45. Heart on the Line (Karen Witemeyer)
46. Eugenia (Clare Darcy)
47. Pièce de Rèsistance (Sandra Byrd)
48. Hip to Be Square (Hope Lyda)
49. The Honor Girl (Grace Livingston Hill)
50. Astra (Grace Livingston Hill)
51. Partners (Grace Livingston Hill)
52. Truffles by the Sea (Julie Carobini)
53. Mansion of Evil (Caroline Farr)
54. Alex Rider: Never Say Die (Anthony Horowitz)
END OF 2017 READING LOG
2011 Book Log
2012 Book Log
2013 Book Log
2014 Book Log
2015 Book Log
2016 Book Log
My rules are simple:
1. The books must be chapter books (or at least long, such as a Shakespeare play or book of poetry--no children's picture books will count).
2. The books must not include any I read last year (though re-reads from previous years are fine).
2017 Book Log
1. It's a Great World! (Emilie Loring)
2. Give Me One Summer (Emilie Loring)
3. High of Heart (Emilie Loring)
4. Uncharted Seas (Emilie Loring)
5. A Viscount's Proposal (Melanie Dickerson)
6. With Banners (Emilie Loring)
7. As Long as I Live (Emilie Loring)
8. The Tale of Despereaux (Kate DiCamillo)
9. With This Ring (Emilie Loring)
10. Forever and a Day (Emilie Loring)
11. Lighted Windows (Emilie Loring)
12. Hilltops Clear (Emilie Loring)
13. Waltzing With the Earl (Catherine Tinley)
14. Gay Courage (Emilie Loring)
15. Swift Water (Emilie Loring)
16. The Fully Funded Missionary (Rob Parker)
17. Rolande (Clare Darcy)
18. Cressida (Clare Darcy)
19. A Blunt Instrument (Georgette Heyer)
20. The Noble Servant (Melanie Dickerson)
21. Allegra (Clare Darcy)
22. The Case for Christ (Lee Strobel)
23. The Solitary Horseman (Emilie Loring)
24. The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill (Julie Klassen)
25. A Certain Crossroad (Emilie Loring)
26. Spring Always Comes (Emilie Loring)
27. Here Comes the Sun! (Emilie Loring)
28. A Key to Many Doors (Emilie Loring)
29. Love with Honor (Emilie Loring)
30. The Enchanted Barn (Grace Livingston Hill)
31. No Time for Love (Emilie Loring)
32. Forsaking All Others (Emilie Loring)
33. The Shining Years (Emilie Loring)
34. The Unfinished Clue (Georgette Heyer)
35. Why Shoot a Butler? (Georgette Heyer)
36. The Story of a Whim (Grace Livingston Hill)
37. The Vexing (Tamara Leigh)
38. Georgina (Clare Darcy)
39. A Dangerous Engagement (Melanie Dickerson)
40. Letty (Clare Darcy)
41. Breaking the Stronghold of Food (Michael L Brown and Nancy Brown)
42. Caroline and Julia (Clare Darcy)
43. Beyond the Sound of Guns (Emilie Loring)
44. Beyond All Dreams (Elizabeth Camden)
45. Heart on the Line (Karen Witemeyer)
46. Eugenia (Clare Darcy)
47. Pièce de Rèsistance (Sandra Byrd)
48. Hip to Be Square (Hope Lyda)
49. The Honor Girl (Grace Livingston Hill)
50. Astra (Grace Livingston Hill)
51. Partners (Grace Livingston Hill)
52. Truffles by the Sea (Julie Carobini)
53. Mansion of Evil (Caroline Farr)
54. Alex Rider: Never Say Die (Anthony Horowitz)
END OF 2017 READING LOG
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