A moment of silence for the gift that reading is. Truly, what a delight it brings to humanity! A warm read under a blanket, a stolen moment in carpool line, the ding of a notification that your book is finally off hold... readers get it! This year brought a slightly smaller number to my reading list, but still more than a book a week - what fun!

Each year I so enjoy seeing readers post their reading recaps, goodreads summaries, and favorites of the year. I hope sharing mine here finds you reading something new and delightful this year!

Favorite Series

The Red Series by Amanda Witt: I started 2023 with this series upon the recommendation of a friend and I could.not.stop. It's a not-as-discovered version of Hunger Games meets Divergents meets all the best dystopian features. My whole family passed them around!

The Housemaid Series by Freida McFadden: I had a mid-life reading crisis this year that I'll share more on later, but these books brought me back to reading life again! They are suspenseful without being too much and not the kind where you can guess the ending. Just fantastic!! Two of my favorite reads of the year.
 

Favorite Faith Books

Defying Jihad by Ester Ahmad and Craig Borlase: "Defying Jihad is the true story of a girl growing up under radical Islamic rule, trained to believe her ultimate purpose was to serve Allah by dying as a jihadist. But two nights before she was to leave forever, she had a dream . . . one that would change the course of her destiny." My friend Laura lent me this book and I'm so glad. I learned about a culture different than my own and was encouraged by the story of radical faith and the power of the gospel.

Spiritual Disciplines: How to Become a Healthy Christian by Mason King: I'm partially biased since Mason is our real life pastor and friend, but his work on this topic has impacted us for good for several years! I could hear his voice as I read this one! It truly reads like a guide and I closed the book inspired to live more into the knowledge that I'm loved by God, as well as more active in daily rhythms that help me do so.
 

Favorite Suspense/Thriller

This was a new genre for me this year! I'd always written them off as being too scary, but I ventured into a few that were the perfect balance for me. If you've been looking for a good thriller that still lets you get up and use the bathroom at night without jumping out of your skin, try out The Only One Left by Riley Sager and Brain Damage by Freida McFadden.

P.S. My 2024 started with The Locked Door, also by McFadden. I couldn't read it at night. Too scared. FYI. But it was an excellent daylight read! 

Favorite Romance

Meet Me At the Lake by Carley Fortune: I adored her Every Summer After book and waited not so patiently for this one to be done. It did not disappoint!

One Night on the Island by Josie Silver: She's an author I enjoy so much. Not always chapters you'd want to live yourself, but she weaves incredible poignant stories!

No Room in the Inn by Gracie Ruth Mitchell: a new to me author this year and this was the cutest Christmas read!

Favorite Memoir

All My Knotted Up Life by Beth Moore: Queen Beth. What more needs said?! It's hard to rate a memoir because how can you cast stars for someone's real life experiences? But for our Beth's way of writing: there aren't enough stars to give!

Favorites Just Because

These aren't necessarily specific genres or reasons, but other absolute favorites this year were Rogue Justice by Stacey Abrams, Run Rose Run by Dolly Parton and James Patterson, and The Five-Star Weekend by my dearly beloved Elin Hilderbrand.

Currently Reading: Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros (yep, joining the club!) and Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb

Excited for in 2024: Kristin Hannah's The Women and book 3 in the Housemaid Series!

Happy reading, friends! I can't wait to hear what you read and love this year!