Sunday, December 29, 2013

Looking back ~ Anne's 2013 Book Favorites

**UPDATED LIST**
While I didn't read or review a huge amount of books in 2013, I did read some exceptionally good ones. These are the ones that stood out the most, completely capturing my attention and affection.


Trinity: Military War Dog by Ronie Kendig

13356995


Talon: Combat Tracking Team by Ronie Kendig

15822709 


Rescue Team by Candace Calvert 

17131031

  
When a Secret Kills by Lynette Eason
 
16117750


Whispers on the Prairie by Vickie McDonough

 17606497


Stealing the Preacher by Karen Witemeyer

15835020


Murder, Plain and Simple by Isabella Alan

15985366


Gunpowder Tea by Margaret Brownley

 17659610


Follow the Heart by Kaye Dacus
 
 15994399


Into the Whirlwind by Elizabeth Camden


16109788


Don't know how I missed this one. It is a fabulous story!
The Governess of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky


I also read quite a few novellas and haven't compiled that list yet! 

Did you read a full length novel that stood out to you this year? 
Please share! I love to hear what others enjoy reading. 

Personal note: At the end of 2012, I honestly thought I could jump right back into reviewing at the start of 2013 but discovered somewhere along the way that I was still pretty deep in grief over the loss of my daughter. I couldn't focus for long periods and that affected my reading. Plus, a major foot surgery in Sept left me unable to focus on reading because of so much pain for weeks on end. Therefore, I still have a few books in my TBR that should have been read and reviewed this year. I'm working on getting those books finished before I dig into some highly anticipated reads for 2014. 
  
Wishing you a blessed New Year!

14 comments:

  1. SO many wonderful books and so little time! I love my audiobooks as you know!!! Hugs!! Loved your list!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Carrie, I might have to look into audio books so I can multi-task this coming year :)

      Delete
  2. I had major foot/ankle surgery in March and still having lots of pain and problems. I am trying physical therapy again per my surgeon's request because my bones/muscles are so weak in that area. I hope you are doing well with your recovery. My surgeon told me it would be a year recovery, so there's still hope for me.
    susanlulu@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Susan, I am sorry to hear about your ongoing pain. I am in PT and experiencing great weakness in my ankle, too. Hopefully, as 2014 goes along, it will become stronger. I pray that for both of us!

      Delete
  3. I have read some of the books you mention. They come up in the Kindle lists quite often. I wonder if you have read any of Janette Oke's books? They give an interesting view on pioneer history.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Barbara, I LOVE Janette Oke's books! I think I have read most of them years ago. Sort of like the movies made form her books, too :) Have you seen any of those?

      Delete
  4. These all look great and in the general genre I read... I read a few books by Suzanne Woods Fisher and Beverly Lewis that were very good...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Nancy, Suzanne and Beverly are two of my top favorite Amish Fiction writers! I just finished Beverly's book The Secret Keeper for review purposes. Wow. It was good! Have you read it yet? My favorite of Suzanne's is The Keeper! Have you read that one? Do you read on an e-reader?

      Delete
  5. Valley of Chaya by Tracey Hoffmann was one of the best Christian fiction that I read this year. It's certainly one that is not easily forgotten. She has written another that I want to read soon.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I haven't seen that one. Guess I will be looking it up :)

      Delete
  6. Anne, I'm so sorry about the loss of your daughter. I cant imagine how hard that must have been. I know when my dad died that I couldn't write for a while because of the grief, so being unable to read for a time makes sense. I'm glad you're doing better now and moving on. Thanks so much for adding Whispers on the Prairie to your special list! The sequel, Call of the Prairie, releases on January 1st--just a few more days. Happy New Year!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Vickie, It has been much harder to get back into reading, and just life in general, than I expected. But the Lord is good and I feel his present help in this time of grief. Thanks for writing such a great story. I'm looking forward to the next one! Happy New Year!

      Delete
  7. I really enjoyed Stealing the Preacher too. Love Karen's books. The Governess of Highland Hall sounds good, looking forward to reading it.

    Praying God blesses you this year with His peace and comfort.

    Happy New Year. : )

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Happy New Year, Cathy! You will enjoy TGoHH. It's a fantastic Edwardian Era novel :)

      Delete

I am so delighted that you've taken time to come by and comment. Blessings for a joy-filled day!

1 Corinthians 1:3 ~ Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.