Recent Reads

The Barrister and the Letter of Marque (Christian, historical fiction, great for men)... This was such a fun read and will interest men! This book is best described by keywords: 1818, deception, England, lawyer, secrets, sleuthing. I put it in our 11th grade shelf.

Growing Up With a Bucket Full of Happiness (secular, middle grade)... I loved this secular middle grade nonfiction about doing and saying kind things. I bought a copy and we'll be reading a short section every few days as part of our morning time this coming homeschool year. I put it on our 5th grade list.

Holy Unhappiness by Amanda Held Opelt (Christian, nonfiction)... This was a good read, basically about how God meets us in the elements of our life that don't feel like #blessedlife. Some of the elements are deeper and some more superficial but that's life!

A Hundred Crickets Singing (Christian, historical fiction, time slip)... Definitely intense at times and deals with slavery, racism, and accusations of sexual assault (but I'm a very sensitive reader and I was able to handle it). I enjoyed it though and will definitely read more Cathy gohlke in the future!

A Long Time Comin' (contemporary Christian fiction)... I have been meaning to read this book for two years now. Good one! Set in North Carolina and rich with feelings of "the south." This family secret story is full of flawed characters so won't appeal to those of you who only like squeaky clean books but will be so engaging for those who like to see real-world problems in their fiction.

The Peacemaker: Growing as an Enneagram 9 by Elisabeth Bennett (Christian nonfiction, Enneagram books, devotional)... This was a very helpful, eye-opening book for me. She has one for each Enneagram type.

The Secret at Pheasant Cottage (Christian, middle grade)... Goodness, so good! I love Patricia St. John's powerful Christian messages! This one is a bit more mature than some of her others so I recommend it for 7th graders.

This Changes Everything by Jaquelle Crow (Christian, YA, nonfiction)... I learned about this teen nonfiction written by a teen via Home Row Podcast. I didn't agree with 100% of her points but I overall liked this and think it will be very inspiring to my kiddos as teens.

With Every Memory by Janine Rosche* (Contemporary Christian fiction)... I was so intrigued by the premise of this novel (missing memories! family secrets!) but the trauma involved is a bit intense for this sensitive reader. Well-done though for sure so if you aren't sensitive to triggering topics (sexual assault, especially) it'll be a good read for you!

* I received a free copy of Holy Unhappiness and With Every Memory in exchange for an honest review.