Read in November
And now we enter the last month of the year! As far as my reading challenge goes, I don’t think I am going to make it. Unless something crazy happens in December and I find myself with enough time on my hands to read 22 books. Part of me wants to change my goal so that Goodreads congratulates me for my 2025 reading, but that also feels dishonest. Next year I’ll keep that in mind 😉 I did read some books this month so (YAY me) and here they are:
Through Each Tomorrow by Gabrielle Meyer
5 Stars: Every. Single. Time. These books are my favorite and I cannot help myself! This one especially had several connections to past books and my heart leapt for joy at every single one. I love these books because you know right away how they *should* end but you have no idea how that will be possible until until it does. I also absolutely enjoyed the Epilogue and Authors Note at the end – these stories are well researched, historically accurate, super imaginative, and heartwarming. I don’t know how a book about time crossers can feel so real and authentic, but they just do. This book brought me into a time in history I don’t often read about and I enjoyed learning more about that time period. It was also new and fun to have a man’s POV – Charles’s story is chefs kiss. I am trying to avoid spoilers so I won’t say anymore. If you haven’t read this series, you need to NOW. Make it your new year’s resolution!
Whispers at Painswick Court by Julie Klassen
5 Stars: I wasn’t expecting a murder mystery but here we are! Love it. I did not love the drama at the beginning and was instantly relieved she was able to get away and enter into her own story. The redemption of that storyline makes the first chapter worth it and it really sets up the main character, so I don’t hate it. Once Anne arrives at Painswick, there are so many little mysteries to be solved as everyone is keeping secrets. Then it turns into a murder mystery – which I would have known if I read the back – and I couldn’t put the book down. The characters were great, the drama was sometimes over the top, and I enjoyed it all. This was a perfect fall evening read!
Mama Bear Apologetics: Empowering Your Kids to Challenge Cultural Lies by Hillary Morgan Ferrer
4 Stars: Not a bad book at all but I do think that I read it six years too late. This stuff was new and novel in 2019 and I love that these moms (since it is actually a bunch of authors) took the time to share this truth and awaken the minds and hearts of mothers all over the world. 2020 changed things and a lot of these voices that were silenced or swept under the rug before, now found new platforms to share and educate. The last several years, I have listened to a lot of podcasts, seen speakers live, and read a lot of books/ articles about the topics that were included in this book. Nothing was new to me per say, but it is ALL important stuff to know and be aware of. If YOU are not teaching and equipping your child with the truth (a Biblical worldview), someone else is building and equipping a false world view in them. It is also so important to open your eyes to the false worldviews you as a parent may also be harboring – things like “follow your heart” or “abortion is compassion/ healthcare.” This is a great book for parents. While not everything may be surprising to you, it is good to know what our kids (and ourselves) are facing and instill truth and love into our children.
The Gospel on the Ground by Kristi McLelland
5 Stars: This was the Fall Women’s Bible Study pick and it was incredible. I have never done a study by Kristi before but now I want to do them all! I love how she brings historical context and repetition into the study so that you can see Scripture with fresh eyes and have it imprinted on your heart. I was challenged and convicted to be the hands and feet brining the Kingdom of God to earth, to invite people to the table while there is time, and to not just know what Jesus knows, but be JUST LIKE HIM. I also cannot stop thinking about the way she describes how the original hearers would have heard the phrase “God’s Kingdom is like a mustard seed.” It cannot easily be stopped – it will wildly grow like a weed even, and despite of, persecution.
GOAL UPDATE: As of today we sit at 58/80 books. Will I reach my goal? Probably not! You can check the status of my Goodreads report here. If you don’t already, follow me on Goodreads to see what I am reading, what I want to read, my favorite books, and every review I write! I also share all the books that I have rated 4 or 5 stars on my Amazon storefront AND here are my Monthly Book Review archives for all the books I’ve read this year and years before!! Always feel free to share recommendations with me – I am a big fan of word of mouth!