Summer Reading or Christmas Giving
In 84 issues of my newsletter I’ve recommended 24 books. I thought it’d be fun put them all in one pace to make it easier to find a good read. Give one of these a try, or put a few on your Christmas Wish List, or your gift giving list. I’ve added a few of my recent favorites that didn’t make it into the newsletter yet. So many books so little time! I’ve linked each book so you can read the longer description on Amazon.
The first book I ever recommended was Set The Stars Alight by Amanda Dykes. Loved the magic feeling of this one.
Waging Peace: One Soldier’s Story of Putting Love First by Diana Oestreich. A powerful story that stuck with me for a long time.
Forever Yours This Christmas by Sherry Kyle. Thift shop owner and architect make the holiday sparkle.
The Santa Chronicles Heart-Warming Tales from a Real Life Santa by Dan Short. Full of real holiday cheer, and maybe a few shiny tears.
Things We Didn’t Say by Amy Lynn Green. Epistolary novels are tricky to write. But this story told in letters is so good.
When Twilight Breaks by Sarah Sundin. I liked reading about Evelyn Brand war correspondent in WWII and the romance too.
On Point by Roger Johnson. Small town girls basketball at it’s best! Engaging.
All that Really Matters by Nicole Deese. A lovely modern romance, strong characters in believable situations.
Saturday Night Supper Club by Carla Laureano. Chef falls from grace, rises again. First of three books about three girlfriends.
Just As I Am Cicely Tyson. Such a good read. So many wise words from this iconic woman.
The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America’s Great Migration by Isabel Wilkerson. History you should know. Fascinating well told.
Sanctuary: The True Story of an Irish Village, a Man Who Lost His Way, and the Rescue Donkeys That Led Him Home by Patrick Barrett & Susy Flory. Compelling read, the title really does tell it all.
Sacred Earth Sacred Soul: Celtic Wisdom for Reawakening to What Our Souls Know & Healing the World by John Philip Newell. Insightful and thought provoking.
The Great Date Experiment by Ashley Mays. Teen story full of so many clever dates and coming of age.
With Love From London by Sarah Jio. I always love a good bookstore story.
The Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles. Took me three tries to get into it but I’m glad I stuck it out. It’s lovely.
You’ll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey: Crazy Stories about Racism by Amber Ruffin and Lacey Lamar. Yikes! True, sad and funny all at once.
Florence Legacy by Lauraine Snelling. A lovely travel novel with thoughtful insights into aging.
Mr Willowby’s Christmas Tree by Robert Barry. A nostalgic favorite from my childhood.
Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles. Each chapter another voice in the story. A good way to tell this story.
Rising Out of Hatred: The Awakening of a Former White Nationalist by Eli Saslow. See how love wins first by understanding hate.
The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb. Fast paced good mystery read. And you learn a little something too.
The Invincible Miss Cust by Penny Haw. Strong story of female perseverance.
Symphony of Secrets by Brendan Slocumb. If you loved the violin story now read about the whole symphony.
Okay these are a few I’ve loved and didn’t get a chance to tell you about in the newsletter.
Victoria Grace, the Jerkface by S. E. Clancy. Teen story well written in a good snarky voice that’s endearing.
The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict & Victoria Christopher Murray. Novel based on a true story of a strong woman you need to know about.
Lessons In Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. Popular title for good reason, great strong woman in the 1960s. Read it!
The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music by Dave Grohl. This rock and roll Foo Fighter is indeed a very good storyteller.
The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin. Lots of insight into the creative practice of any discipline; he comes at it from music.