Winner of the book: Conny!
For the past 2 years I've kept a record of the books I've read right here on my blog. You can see what I've read anytime by clicking on the pages under the blog title.
In 2013 I read 26 books, one more than I read in 2012!
I used to say that I prefer non-fiction over fiction, and while I think that is generally true, my reading logs do not bear that out. I've found a few fiction series that I enjoy, so that's added to the numbers and kept me going.
An overview: At times, I enjoy Debbie Macomber books. They are light romance. Any books after 2000, about the time she became a Christian, are cleaner than her previous works.
I absolutely love Jennifer Chiaverini books which follow a quilting guild through many adventures and life events. They feel like family.
My son turned me onto a youth fiction selection by L.A. Meyer entitled the Bloody Jack series. I am surprised I enjoy it so much, but the main character has so much pluck I just can't resist. It's about a British orphan girl who finds herself in the British Royal Navy at the turn of the 19th century. From there she has many adventures. It is definitely for teenagers, not pre-teens.
Did you read any good books in 2013? I'd love to get your recommendations!
Here's 2013's list. I will be combining 2012/13 this coming week under one page and starting 2014's page, but wanted to share my wrap up for 2013 first.
Enjoyment Scale:
1=trash. Didn't finish it for whatever reason. Would not recommend.
2=ok. Nothing exciting; probably wouldn't recommend.
3=enjoyable. It was a decent read to pass the time. Might recommend.
4=good. I thought the book was worth the time and I would recommend it.
5=loved! I would buy this book to read again. A must-read recommendation!
January
Morning Comes Softly by Debbie Macomber (2 1/2)
The Wedding Quilt by Jennifer Chiaverini (4 1/2)
*my second favorite Elm Creek Novel. Excellent story-telling!
February
Sonoma Rose by Jennifer Chiaverini (4)
The Lover's Knot by Clare O'Donohue (3)
March
A Drunkard's Path by Clare O'Donohue (4)
Thursdays at Eight by Debbie Macomber (2)
The Double Cross by Clare O'Donohue (3)
April
The Devil's Puzzle by Clare O'Donohue (4)
Eat That Frog! by Brian Tracy (4 1/2)
Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey by The Countess of Carnarvon (4)
A Stitch In Time by Ann Rinaldi (3)
Broken Days by Ann Rinaldi (2 1/2)
May
Brides for Brothers by Debbie Macomber (3 1/2)
The Marriage Risk by Debbie Macomber (3)
Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo (5)
Orchard Valley Grooms by Debbie Macomber (4)
*want to read Orchard Valley Brides!
The Giving Quilt by Jennifer Chiaverini (2)
July
I Left My Heart by Debbie Macomber (4)
The Shared Wisdom of Mothers and Daughters by Alexandra Stoddard (3)
Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis (5)
* definitely a keeper for the home library.
November
Bloody Jack by L.A. Meyer (4)
December
Curse of the Blue Tatoo by L.A. Meyer (4)
Under the Jolly Roger by L.A. Meyer (4)
In the Belly of the Bloodhound by L.A. Meyer (4)
Mississippi Jack by L.A. Meyer (4)
My Bonny Light Horseman by L.A. Meyer (4+)
26 in all! (one more than last year!)
Since Downton Abbey begins again in America this week, I thought I would give away one of my 2013 books, Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey. It's about the Carnarvon family who still live in Highclere Castle, the set for Downton Abbey. You'll find similarities to their life story and the Grantham/Crawley family. It's a fun read!
Please, leave a comment with at least one book recommendation (you can leave more!), and I will choose the winner for Lady Almina... from them on Sunday, January 5th at 9pm. One comment per person.
2 comments:
What a wonderful idea to track your books! I have read LOTS but not kept track other than in my head.
I watched seasons 1-3 of Downton all in a row in a very few days (weeks, I guess?) ... and am ready to watch along with everyone else this year!!
My book recommendation for the year is non-fiction: Eric Metaxes' BONHOEFFER. I think I read it in 2012 but I hope to re-read it in 2014. :)
I love the idea of keeping track. I think I'll do that this year. Have you heard of Jon Acuff's "Empty Shelf Challenge" - like a visual way of keeping track of what you read in a year?
Cindy, thank you for the "push" to read the book on Bonhoeffer. I have it on my Kindle and have wanted to read it. Will put it on my list for this year.
I'd recommend reading The Widow of Larkspur Inn by Lawana Blackwell. In starting to read it, I thought "This is really my 'cup a tea'", but the characters, dialogue, scenery and strong friendships drew me in. It was a sweet, unexpected read.
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