November Reading Wrap Up

I read six books this month. My Goodreads goal for the year is seventy. I am currently at 68, so I should make it with no problem. Here are the books I read in November and what I thought about them.

Shadow and Storm

I was on the influencer team for this book. It was a lot of fun, and I got a free book. I did a full review here. I highly recommend this series, and I'm really looking forward to the last book coming out next year.

To Have and to Hold

This was a really cute novella collection I won in a Goodreads giveaway. The one by Katie Ganshert was my favorite.

A Sound Among the Trees

I featured this book in my big, creepy house post here. It would be easy to call this a ghost story, but it's really more about spiritual strongholds and the things that hold us back from living full lives. Highly recommended, especially if you are looking for something a little creepy at Halloween.

Newton and Polly

This was an excellent fictional bio of John Newton and his wife Polly. I did a full review here.

All the Pretty Things

When I first started this memoir, I didn't think I would be able to make it all the way through. It has some very heavy subject matter, but the writing style makes it very readable. I did a full review here.

Stones for Bread

I was a little disappointed in this one. I have read a couple of other books by this author and really enjoyed them. I just don't enjoy books about food. They make me hungry, and there are a lot of long descriptions that don't really move the story along. If you want to read a book by Christa Parrish, I would recommend Still Life.

Let me know what you have been reading lately?

Waiting on Wednesday ~ A Note Yet Unsung by Tamera Alexander

What I'm waiting on:

A Note Yet Unsung

When does it release? January 31, 2017

Why am I waiting? I love books with a musical story line.

Waiting on Wednesday is a meme originated by Breaking the Spine.

Top Ten Tuesday ~ Books for the Amish Fiction Lover in Your Life

My mom is a big Amish fiction fan. Here are some of her favorites.

Check out more top ten lists at The Broke and the Bookish.

It's Monday! What are You Reading?

Today I'm linking up with Book Date to share what I'm reading this week.

Currently Reading

The Girl in the Glass

Up Next

Of Stillness and Storm

What are you reading this week?

Waiting on Wednesday ~ Purgatory Road by Samuel Parker

What I'm waiting on:

Purgatory Road

When does it release? January 3, 2017

Why am I waiting? This one looks good and creepy.

Waiting on Wednesday is a meme that was started by Breaking the Spine.

Book Review ~ All the Pretty Things by Edie Wadsworth

All the Pretty Things

I really enjoyed this book. I started out thinking it was going to be really slow and depressing, but the writing is so beautiful and the story is told in a way that feels like a novel. It moves along at a really good pace. It feels like good southern fiction, but it's a true story that absolutely breaks your heart. It also shows how God's grace is always present in our lives. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy spiritual memoir, and also to readers who have had loved ones struggle with addiction.

I received this book for free for the purpose of review.

It's Monday! What are You Reading?

Today I'm linking up with Book Date to share my TBR for the week.

Currently Reading:

Up Next:

(One of the above)

Waiting on Wednesday ~ An Uncommon Courtship by Kristi Ann Hunter

What I am waiting on:

An Uncommon Courtship

When does it release? January 3, 2017

Why am I waiting? I have been enjoying books in this time period lately. I haven't read this author yet, but I have heard really good things.

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme started by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Top Ten Tuesday ~ Possible Bio~Pics

This week's top ten is a movie freebie. Here are some fictional biographies that would make great movies. Some of these historical figures already have movies about their lives, but I would love to see a movie based on these novels in particular.

I have really been enjoying this genre, so I would love recommendations. Check out more top ten lists at The Broke and the Bookish.

Book Review ~ Newton and Polly by Jody Hedlund

Newton and Polly

I have been reading a lot of fictional biographies lately. I love historical fiction, and being able to learn about a real historical figure makes the book all the more fascinating. This is the second book I have read by Jody Hedlund. The first was Luther and Katherina which I reviewed here. They were both excellent, but I think I enjoyed Newton and Polly a little more. There was a lot of action that kept me engaged in the story. I also enjoyed seeing John Newton's journey from scoundrel to a man under conviction for all the wrongs he had done. His salvation story is truly amazing.

There is a lot missing from this story. It focuses on the early part of Newton's life and his romance with Polly Cattlet. His involvement in the slave trade is covered in a short portion of the book, but much of it takes place later in his life after his salvation experience. There is an informative author's note at the end of the book that delves further into this fascinating story. I would highly recommend this book to lovers of historical fiction. I hope Jody Hedlund does more books like this in the future.

I received this book for free for the purpose of review.

It's Monday! What are You Reading?

I'm linking up with Book Date to share this week's TBR.

Just Finished:

Full review here.

Currently Reading:


Up Next:

(maybe)

What are you reading this week?

Cover Love ~ November

There are some beautiful books coming out this month. Here are some of my favorites.

I always love Katherine Reay's covers. They're so cute and whimsical. One Enchanted Eve is pretty too. I have a weakness for blue. I love the dress on Beneath a Golden Veil. The color is gorgeous. Which ones are your favorites?

An Exerpt from Shadow of the Storm

Shadow of the Storm

17 Tammuz 4th Month Out from Egypt 

Wild drumbeats rumbled through the ground like distant thunder, pulsing in defiant rhythms and vibrating the hollows of my chest. My fingertips echoed the beat against my knee until a glare from my mother across the tent stilled their dance. “Shira, finish your work.” Her bone needle resumed its skillful motion as she bent her head to peer at her embroidery. The dim oil lamp highlighted the silvery strands that seemed to thread her dark hair more each day—a trend that had begun a few years ago, when my father died against an Egyptian whipping post.