Recent Reads

American Girl's Claudie series (secular, middle grade historical fiction)... I was happy with the two books I read in this new historical series from American Girl, set in 1920s Harlem and followed by a trip to visit family in Georgia. The Harlem Renaissance is something I didn't know a lot about so I enjoyed this. (You can read my reviews on every American Girl book I've tried here) 

Charlie Brown's Christmas Miracle* (nonfiction)... What a delightful Christmas nonfiction explaining the story behind this beloved classic Christmas movie! I especially enjoyed learning that a cartoon nativity quoting scripture was unprecedented and a little scary to undertake as I may be seen as irreverent. Definitely a fun Christmas read. 

Christmas Miracles* (Christian, nonfiction)... Truthfully, I didn't remember that I had already read this book because the cover was so different! But it was still just as good (tear-jerkers galore!) and I loved the new story added to this edition, too.

A Healthier Home (secular, nonfiction)... So many great tips for making every room in the house "a little less toxic!" 

The Legacy of Longdale* Manor (Christian, time slip)... This is not my first Carrie Turansky novel (loved No Ocean Too Wide!) but this was her first time slip. Id say she pulled it off! Family dynamics, a little scandal, good stuff! 

Miracles on Maple Hill (secular, middle grade, TGTB book list)... The siblings in this book are rude enough to each other that i was surprised it was a TGTB pick. A toung girl becomes friend with a grown man and i always hate that, but it was still an overall good read. 

The Night Flyers (secular, middle grade, historical fiction)... This history mystery had a few bratty parts and a few issues that weren't addressed as well as I like but I was overall okay with it for the age group (6th ish grade). This is a World War I story which I don't see much of!

The Red-Haired Archaeologist Digs Israel (Christian, nonfiction)... This book is a few years old but it was such a fascinating approach to archaeology, Israel, Palestine, and modern issues and archaeological digs with a biblical view. I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to understand more about Israel and Palestine. 

The Words Between Us (Christian, fiction)... Not squeaky clean Christian fiction but oh man, so good! And not just for the bookstore setting! I plowed through this one.  

* I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.