Reading Journal - March & April

I had great intentions to post my reading journal every month and I have already failed. In March I had a great reading month and April was pretty dismal, but that's okay. Here is a look at what I have been reading the last few months.

March

Fiction:

• Constable among the Heather by Nicholas Rhea - I am really enjoying this series and am still working my way through it. 
• Constable around the Green by Nicholas Rhea
• Constable beneath the Trees by Nicholas Rhea
• The Game of Kings by Dorothy Dunnett - I read this book for The Literary Life Reading Challenge for the middle ages. It took a while to get all the characters straight, but I did enjoy the story by the end.
• Just Like That by Gary D. Schmidt - I love Gary D. Schmidt and this was another outstanding story by him. Not as good as Wednesday Wars, but still a worthy read.
• A Man Lay Dead by Ngaio Marsh - I listened to my first Ngaio Marsh book in December and then I realized that it was a part of a series. I have a thing about series and like to start at the beginning. I think I prefer reading her books vs. audio and I will dive a little more into this series eventually.
• Munich by Robert Harris (audio) - I saw this book recommended somewhere. It was an interesting read since it dealt with Chamberlain and the beginning of World War II. 
• Murder in an Irish Bookshop by Carlene O'Connor - This is another series that I have really enjoyed. This one was a little more PC than I prefer, but still readable.
• Silas Marner by George Eliot (audio) - I listened to this along with The Literary Life podcast. I have always enjoyed this story even when I first read it in high school. (Of course, everyone else moaned and groaned about it.)

Non-Fiction:

• Elastic Habits: How to Create Smarter Habits That Adapt to Your Day - Stephen Guise - While there a few good ideas in here the system that the author described was so intense that I don't know who would follow it. 
• In Vital Harmony: Charlotte Mason and the Natural Laws of Education by Karen Glass - I will definitely have to re-read this again. I always feel like she talking just above my head, but I'll keep on trying!
• Handbook on the Epistles of Paul by Jeremy Painter - I read this for a class my kids are doing. Reading a commentary from front to back (thankfully it wasn't too thick of a book) is not recommended.
• Nobody's Cuter than You: A memoir about the beauty of friendship by Melanie Shankle - I have read most of Melanie Shankle's books and could never get my hands on a copy of this. I finally found it on Hoopla and let me tell you this book was just wonderful, plus listening to her read made it even better.
• Walking on Water by Madeleine L'Engle - This book has been on my radar for a while. While I wasn't wowed by the book there were a few good thoughts that were worth jotting down.

April: (I had COVID-19 in April so it greatly affected my reading life. Not that I was very sick, but I didn't feel very inclined to read.)

Fiction:

• Constable in the Shrubbery by Nicholas Rhea 
• Constable versus Greengrass by Nicholas Rhea
• Constable about the Parish by Nicholas Rhea
• Constable at the Gate by Nicholas Rhea

Non-Fiction:

• Cider with Rosie by Laurie Lee - I heard about this book from a recommendation from a podcast. I didn't really care for it so I won't recommend it. 
• Pearls of Wisdom: Little Pieces of Advice by Barbara Bush - On the other hand this book is a gem! I really enjoyed all the little tidbits that Barbara Bush passed on. Just good common sense advice that our world needs to remember and follow.

Reading Journal - February 2021

Fiction:

• Constable in the Dale by Nicholas Rhea - I am still reading through this series and finding them thoroughly enjoyable.  
• Constable by the Sea by Nicholas Rhea
• Constable Along the Lane by Nicholas Rhea
• Constable Through the Meadow by Nicholas Rhea
• Constable in Disguise by Nicholas Rhea
• Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie (audio) I listened to this for The Literary Life Podcast. This is my second time to read this and at first thought I'd just listen to the podcast, but I'm glad that I did read it again since I forgot big chunks of it. 
• A Final Storm: A Novel of the War in the Pacific by Jeff Shaara (read-aloud) - I've been reading through Jeff Shaara's series with my son for part of an in-depth World War II study. Jeff Shaara writes very compelling fiction which we have enjoyed thoroughly.
• Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier - What a read! I read this for The Literary Life Podcast and finished it early since once I got to a certain point I had to finish it. Highly recommended!
• The Secret of the Chimneys by Agatha Christie (audio) - This book caught my eye last year and I decided to give it a listen. It is part of the Superintendent Battle Series. When the book was finished I felt like I had read it before, but when I looked in my Goodreads I didn't have a record of it. So I guess I'll never know!
• Seven-Day Magic by Edward Eager (read-aloud) - This is the conclusion of the Tales of Magic Series. My daughter has thoroughly enjoyed this series. I was glad to revisit this series.
• The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion #1 by Beth Brower - I saw this book (actually novellas) recommended and it was available on Kindle Unlimited so I gave it a go. This is written in journal format and cover just a few months at a time. I devoured all four books in the series and I enjoyed them so much that I ordered them in paperbacks. They are very clever and extremely funny! Just what I needed when we lost our internet for a week after surviving an ice storm.
• The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion #2 by Beth Brower
• The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion #3 by Beth Brower
• The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion #4 by Beth Brower
• The Well-Wishers by Edward Eager (read-aloud) - The sixth book in the Tales of Magic series. I read some of them aloud to my older kids, but this is the first time I read the whole series out loud.

Non-fiction:

• 84 Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff (audio) - This is a re-read that I read for The Literary Life Podcast. I loved Hanff's books when I first discovered them years ago, but honestly, the audio book was sheer perfection. I highly recommend this in audio!
• Realign: God-Called Leaders Connecting with Their Purpose by Eugene T. Wilson - This is a book that I read for some classes my husband and I oversee. I had high hopes for it but was disappointed since there were so many ideas that came from other book that it seemed like a book of compilations. A book list might have sufficed better.

Reading Journal - January 2021

 

Fiction:

• Constable on the Hill - Nicholas Rhea - I subscribed to Kindle Unlimited since I could get a free trial. There were some books that I wanted to read. Needless to say I'm past the free trial and am still paying for it since I discovered this series. These books have improved as the series has continued. This are very gentle reads, but he has a great knack for capturing human character. These are in the vein of James Herriot and Miss Read books. 
• Constable on the Prowl - Nicholas Rhea
• Constable Around the Village - Nicholas Rhea
• Constable Across the Moors - Nicholas Rhea
• A Long Road on a Short Day - Gary D. Schmidt - I'm a big fan of Gary D. Schmidt, so when I saw he had new book out I quickly checked it out. This is a simple picture book about a simple (or not so simple) trade deal that I think small kids would really enjoy. 
• The Reader's Room - Antoine Laurain - I'm not sure where I read about this book, but I thought the plot was interesting enough to check it out. Unfortunately, it wasn't my cup of tea.

Non-fiction:

• Breaking Bread with the Dead - Alan Jacobs - I heard an interview with the author about this book. It sounded great, but when it was all said and done I was not impressed. While I agree with his premise, I found his writing hard to follow and his classic literature he draws from is obscure at least for this normal person.
• The Clutter Connection: How Your Personality Type Determines Why You Organize the Way You Do - Cassandra Aarssen (audio) I love reading about personalities and this was an interesting listen. My only problem was that I could never identify my "Clutterbug" style. There is an updated book out that I have on hold so maybe it will be more helpful.
• HRH: So Many Thoughts on Royal Style - Elizabeth Holmes - Overall I enjoyed this book though they were problems with it. The first was that there wasn't enough pictures. I could have done with more pictures and less "thoughts". The thoughts were written like on a blog, which can be really distracting in a book. The section about the queen was the best part by far. Princess Diana was not too illuminating considering that Princess Diana was THE princess during my teen years. Princess Kate could have better coverage, but felt that the author wanted to promote Meghan Markle and her woes more, but honestly, how can we really know what Meaghan Markle's style is since she is----gone from the HRH?
• Notes from a Small Island - Bill Bryson - This was an okay read. If it wasn't for his always bringing up delightful British place names and his monologue on sand I probably would have given it up.
• Through Gates of Splendor - Elisabeth Elliot (audio) - I have a few Elizabeth Elliot books on my bookstand that I want to read, but I had never read Through Gates of Splendor so I decided to rectify that. The biggest thing I took away was their devotion to God--so convicting!
• Welcome Home - Myquillyn Smith - I loved the author's first book, The Nesting Place, but found her second book, Cozy Minimalist Home disappointing. I'm not sure why I read this book since she still thinks the best way to add "cozy" to your home is blankets, pillows, and plants. (I do have blankets in my house, but not for decoration since most people in my house lay them on the floor, pillows also go on the floor, and plants--outside is where they belong!) I did come away with one good tip on entertaining, but other than that we are on two different wave lengths when it comes to decorating! (Which is why she is a published author on the subject, and I'm not.)

2020 Reading Journal

 Another reading year is over. Being 2020 it was a weird year of reading though I did get quite a lot read. When we first went into quarantine I didn't do a lot of reading since I found it hard to focus. I finally came out of that funk and then had to spend a lot of time driving so thus I have a record number of audio books read for this year. My total for this year was 127 books.  

Fiction: 81 Books

• Aiming for Love - Mary Connealy 
• The American Agent - Jacqueline Winspear (audio) 
• Anne of Green Gables - L.M. Montgomery (audio - 2x) 
• As You Like It - William Shakespeare (audio) 
• The Ark - Margot Benary-Isbert 
• The Austen Escape - Katherine Reay (audio) 
• Bayou Suzette - Lois Lenski 
• Blandings Castle - P.G. Wodehouse (audio) 
• Bless Me, Father - Neil Boyd 
• Blue Ridge Billy -Lois Lenski 
• Carry On, Jeeves - P.G. Wodehouse (audio) 
• The Cater Street Hangman - Anne Perry 
• The Code of the Woosters - P.G. Wodehouse (audio) 
• Corn-Farm Boy - Lois Lenski 
• The Corpse at the Crystal Palace - Carola Dunn (audio) 
• Death Has Deep Roots - Michael Gilbert 
• A Father Before Christmas by Neil Boyd 
• A Gentleman of Leisure - P.G. Wodehouse (audio) 
• The Golden Road by L.M. Montgomery (audio) 
• The Gown - Jennifer Robson 
• The Great Divorce - C.S. Lewis (audio) 
• Happy Little Family - Rebecca Caudill (audio) 
• Home to Holly Springs - Jan Karon 
• The Importance of Being Earnest - Oscar Wilde (audio) 
• The Incredible Journey - Sheila Burnford 
• In the Company of Others - Jan Karon 
• In This Grave Hour - Jacqueline Winspear (audio) 
• The Jane Austen Society - Natalie Jenner (audio)
• Jill the Reckless - P.G. Wodehouse 
• Knights Castle - Edward Eager* 
• The Last Holiday Concert - Andrew Clements (audio) 
• Laetitia Rodd and the Case of the Wandering Scholar - Kate Saunders 
• Last Christmas in Paris - Hazel Gaynor 
• Letters from Father Christmas - J.R.R. Tolkien 
• Light from Heaven - Jan Karon 
• The Light Over London - Julia Kelly 
• Madam Will You Talk - Mary Stewart 
• Magic By the Lake - Edward Eager* 
• Magic or Not? - Edward Eager* 
• Magical Melons - Carol Ryrie Brinks* 
• The Man in the Brown Suit - Agatha Christie (audio) 
• Mansfield Park - Jane Austen (audio) 
• Men of Iron - Howard Pyle (audio) 
• Michael O'Halloran - Gene Stratton Porter 
• Murder in an Irish Churchyard - Carlene O'Conner (audio) 
• Murder at an Irish Christmas - Carlene O'Conner (audio) 
• Murder in an Irish Cottage - Carlene O'Conner (audio) 
• Murder in an Irish Pub - Carlene O'Conner (audio) 
• Murder at an Irish Village - Carlene O'Conner (audio)
• Murder at an Irish Wedding - Carlene O'Conner(audio) 
• Murder Most Malicious - Alyssa Maxwell 
• No Less Than Victory - Jeff Shaara* 
• Peace Like a River - Leif Enger 
• Prairie School - Lois Lenski 
• The Reb and the Redcoats - Constance Savery* 
• The Right Sort of Man - Allison Montclair 
• The Rising Tide - Jeff Shaara 
• Rowan Farm - Margot Benary-Isbert 
• A Royal Affair - Allison Montclair 
• Rules of Civility - Amor Towles 
• Scout: The Secret of the Swamp - Piet Prins* 
• The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgson Burnett (audio) 
• Shepherds Abiding - Jan Karon 
• The Snow Child - Eowyn Ivey 
• Somewhere Safe with Somebody Good - Jan Karon 
• The Steel Wave - Jeff Shaara* 
• The Story Girl - L.M. Montgomery (audio) 
• Strawberry Girl - Lois Lenski 
• Summer Lightning - P. G. Wodehouse (audio) 
• Superfluous Woman - Carola Dunn (audio) 
• The Talisman Ring - Georgette Heyer (audio) 
• The Tempest - William Shakespeare 
• Thimble Summer - Elizabeth Enright* 
• Tied Up in Tinsel - Ngaio Marsh (audio) 
• The Time Garden - Edward Eager* 
• Till We Have Faces - C.S. Lewis (audio) 
• To Die But Once - Jacqueline Winspear (audio) 
• The Unknown Ajax - Georgette Heyer (audio) 
• Venetia - Georgette Heyer (audio) 
• Where the Crawdads Sing - Delia Owens 
• The Winter's Tale - William Shakespeare 

Non-fiction: 46 Books

• The 4 Wills of God - Emerson Eggerichs 
• 12 Ways Your Phone is Changing You - Tony Reinke 
• Abigail Adams: Witness to the Revolution - Natalie S. Bober* 
• Anyone Can Homeschool - Nicki Truesdell 
• Awakening Wonder - Sally Clarkson 
• The Book on Prayer - Ken Gurley 
• The Clutter Free Home - Kathi Lipp (audio) 
• A Colorful Way of Living - Barbara Bradley Baekgaard 
• Dear Bob and Sue - Matt & Karen Smith 
• An Everlasting Meal - Tamar Adler 
• Evaluating Books - Richard J. Maybury* 
• Find Your Weigh - Shellie Bowdoin 
• Finish: Give Yourself the Gift of Done - Jon Acuff (audio) 
• The Grace Blueprint - Lisa Taylor 
• Growing a Church - David K. Bernard 
• The Handbook on the Gospels - Jeffrey E. Brickles 
• A Higher Call - Adam Makos 
• The Homeschool Experiment - Charity Jenkins 
• House of Dreams: The Life of L.M. Montgomery - Liz Rosenberg 
• How to be a Great Wife Even Though You Homeschool - Todd Wilson 
• Integrity: Principles of Christian Ethics - Richard M. Davis 
• The Lazy Genius Way - Kendra Adachi 
• Lies Homeschool Moms Believe - Todd Wilson 
• A Literary Education - Emily Cook 
• A Love the Laughs - Ted Cunningham 
• Mama Bear Apologetics - Hillary Morgan Ferrer 
• M.O.M.--Master Organizer of Mayhem - Kristi Clover 
• Mother Culture - Karen Andreola 
• My Divine Comedy - Missy Andrews 
• October Sky - Homer Hickam 
• The Ocean of Truth - Joyce McPherson 
• On the Bright Side - Melanie Shankle (audio) 
• On Reading Well - Karen Swallow Prior 
• The Pioneer Woman: Black Heels to Tractor Wheels -Ree Drummond (audio) 
• Rhythms of Rest - Shelly Miller 
• The Second World War: Milestones to Disaster - Winston Churchill (audio) 
• The Second World War: Alone - Winston Churchill (audio) 
• The Second World War: The Grand Alliance - Winston Churchill (audio) 
• Seven Men Who Rule the World From the Grave - David Breece 
• A Simplified Life - Emily Ley 
• The Unhurried Homeschooler - Durenda Wilson 
• United We Stand - Arthur L. Clanton 
• Used and Rare: Travels in the Book World - Lawrence & Nancy Goldstone 
• What Ever Happened to Justice - Richard J. Maybury 
• When Less Becomes More - Emily Ley 
• When Ye Pray - Joy Haney

Reading Journal: April

 

I really struggled in March to get any reading finished, but once I had adjusted myself to the fact that I was going to be stuck at home I finally found a reading groove. Honestly, my list looks long which surprises me because I don't feel like I have spent too much extra time reading. I think most of my reading came from read-alouds that I did with my kids. With everything dropped from our school schedule the read-alouds didn't get bypasses as easily. A good month overall!

Books read in April

Fiction:

• Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery (audio) - This was the pick for The Close Reads podcast which was so exciting for me since this is probably one of my favorite books. I decided to listen to the Rachel McAdam's narration that Audible put out a few years ago and which everyone raves about. So I am going to go out on a limb and say that while I really liked Rachel McAdam's as a narrator, but I think the Barbara Caruso version is better. Of course, that is probably because that is the version I first listened to. Anyhow, Anne was a great pick especially since we are in quarantine and I it helped me get the reading juices going. 
• The Austen Escape by Katherine Reay (audio) - I have enjoyed quite a few of Katherine Reay's books and decided to download this one from the library. I think I may have enjoyed this more in book form than audio. This was an okay read, but I can't say it was a favorite.
• Blandings Castle by P.G. Wodehouse (audio) - I always enjoy P.G. Wodehouse when life gets weird and have wanted to go through the Blandings books in order. This was book 2 and I didn't realize that it was more short stories than one story. The first part dealt with Blandings and then the rest were other stories most of them Mulliner stories. Again, not one of my favorite listens.
• The Code of the Woosters by P.G. Wodehouse (read-aloud) - When we went under the stay-home order I picked this up and started reading aloud to my older kids. This is one of the best Jeeves and Wooster books and even though we all have read it we enjoyed it again. (My kids probably would have preferred the audio version since my French pronunciation is really, really bad!)
• Home to Holly Springs by Jan Karon - Continuing on with the Mitford series. When I first read this book years ago I was hesitant to pick up the next book in the series since I didn't particularly enjoy it. I am glad to say I did like it better this time around and I think it helped that I have been reading through the books though I feel the following books are better.
• The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde (audio) - I listened to this along with The Literary Life Podcast. A funny read.
• In the Company of Others by Jan Karon - Another Mitford book and totally enjoyable. It happens in Ireland so you can't go wrong.
• The Reb and the Redcoats by Constance Savery - (read-aloud) This was a read-aloud with my youngest daughter. I read this aloud years ago to my older kids. This is such a great book about the Revolutionary War and takes place in England. I great twist on the Revolutionary War. Highly recommended!
• Rules of Civility by Amor Towles - A few years ago I read A Gentleman in Moscow and really enjoyed it. This is the author's first book and most everyone gives it rave reviews so I decided to give it a try. Honestly, I'm glad I read this after A Gentleman in Moscow because I don't think it even compared and I would have never read A Gentleman in Moscow based off of this book.
• Scout: The Secret of the Swamp by Piet Prins (read-aloud) - While reading The Code of the Woosters to my big kids my youngest, Delani, wanted to read about Scout. Again, this was another book I read to my oldest kids and Delani really enjoyed it.
• The Steel Wave (World War II: 1939-1945, #2) by Jeff Shaara (read-aloud) - From my last Reading Journal I had listed the first book that I read aloud to my son while he is studying World War II. Again, we are really enjoying this series. (A side note: There is some language which is one reason I'm reading it aloud.)

Non-Fiction:

• Lies Homeschooling Moms Believe by Todd Wilson - This is a little book that packs a powerful punch. This is addressed to homeschool moms but there is so much truth in the fact that all moms can easily be drawn into lies about parenting, housework, childbearing, homeschooling, etc. that quickly control our thoughts and soon we believe some very wrong thoughts. Some may think that Todd Wilson is over the top in some of his suggestions, but I think it is a necessary since we mom's are so bad at listening. Great read. 
• Rhythms of Rest: Finding the Spirit of Sabbath in a Busy World by Shelly Miller - I listened to a podcast that Shelly Miller was featured on and then a few weeks later I walked into the Christian bookstore and found the book on clearance for $4. I really enjoyed this book. The way she talks about doing Sabbath is very doable and she didn't beat the reader over the head about how getting off our phones will bring peace to our lives. Her scope for having Sabbath goes way beyond phones which I think is very overlooked in self-help books that are being published today. A great read and one I hope to implement in some way shape or form in my life. Probably not perfectly, but she assures her readers that that is okay. Highly recommended!

Reading Journal 2020: January - March

 

Warning: This is a very long post. I have been very remiss in getting my reading journals this year so while I'm in quarantine I thought I would try to get caught up. January and February were very good months for reading while my reading life took a drastic drop in March. I think some of this was at first due to struggling to find something that was catching my interest and then at the end of the month I just had trouble focusing on anything including reading. Thankfully, I have been able to get past that. So here goes:

January:

• Magical Melons by Carol Ryrie Brink (read-aloud) - I read Caddie Woodlawn to my youngest in December and she wanted to read the sequel so I obliged. She really enjoyed this book. I don't think it's as outstanding as Caddie, but still a worthwhile read.
• Death Has Deep Roots by Michael Gilbert - This was a mystery set in World War II. I reminded me a little bit of Rumpole of the Bailey. It was a good read.
• Last Christmas in Paris by Hazel Gaynor & Heather Webb - I'm still at a loss at why I even bothered to finish this book.
• Mansfield Park by Jane Austen (audio) - I read this along with The Literary Life Podcast.
• Peace Like a River by Leif Enger - I read this along with the Circe Close Reads Podcast. I have read Leif Enger's other two books, but had never read the first one. I have enjoyed everything I read by him, but I think this is his best.
• Venetia by Georgette Heyer (audio) - An old reliable read.
• Find Your Weigh by Shellie Bowdoin (audio) - Some great points in this book. I listened to it, but I need to actually read the book and jot down a few things.
• House of Dreams: The Life of L.M. Montgomery by Liz Rosenberg - I saw this recommended in a group I'm in and thought I'd give it a go. I know that Montgomery's life was nothing like her books and was pretty sad and could never muster up the courage to attempt to read about her. I thought maybe a book aimed for younger readers may make it an easier read. So here are a few thoughts--This is a lovely book. The artwork is very sweet and I think Rosenberg does a great job at presenting the material of Montgomery's sad life. That being said I wouldn't hand this book to my 12 year old or even to my 20 year old. They would be depressed and honestly I think this could turn younger readers off from reading Montgomery's books and that would be a tra gedy. I am truly of the opinion that beautifully written books don't require an extensive knowledge of an author's life to truly enjoy a story. Many author's had horrible lives yet in the midst of their pain they still produced something that was beautiful and lovely.
• M.O.M.--Master Organizer of Mayhem: Simple Solutions to Organize Chaos and Bring More Joy to Into Your Home by Kristi Clover (audio) - For me I didn't find much in this book that I haven't heard before. It does have rave reviews though so you may want to check it out.
• Mother Culture by Karen Andreola - This is a beautiful book for the homeschool mama even if she doesn't ascribe to the Charlotte Mason method.
• The Second World War: Milestones to Disaster by Winston Churchill (audio) - My son wanted to study World War II history so we are using his last two years of school being immersed in it. He read the book and I cheated and listened to the audio book. (This audio book goes along with the  Churchill's abridged edition of Churchill's six volume Second World War series which my son is reading since we didn't have enough time for six volumes.)
• Whatever Happened to Justice - Richard Maybury (read-aloud) - This is part of our government study that is pretty much an ongoing subject in our house. Honestly, this has been my favorite of all the Maybury books. He says to start with Whatever Happened to Penny Candy, but if you aren't used to his style he can be a little offsetting and Whatever Happened to Justice just seems a better starting point to me and helps you to understand his other books.
• When Less Becomes More:Making Space for Slow, Simple, and Good by Emily Ley (audio) - Okay, I get that social media is a problem. I think most of us would admit it, but does every book about simplicity and slow have to be about taking it out of your life (not permanently, but way less of it). Honestly, I'm not faulting the author because it obviously worked for her, but it seems like every book that has come out in the last 2-3 years had been the same message--"less technology, more _______" I think we all know we could use less technology and since everyone's message is the same obviously things aren't changing so it may be time to find a new message. The funny thing is as I write this review while I'm in quarantine due to COVID-19 there may be a new market for all these books since I'm most attempts at cutting back went out the window!

February:

• The Gown: A Novel of Royal Wedding by Jennifer Robson - I really enjoyed this read about the Queen's wedding dress and a story of friendship. One caveat: I didn't enjoy the page of a rape scene (which was probably comparatively mild) which only needed a paragraph. Why do authors think this is necessary. What if that scene was triggering to someone reading it? Head up authors, reader's do have imaginations we don't need everything in detail. I'm off my soap box.
• Laeticia Rodd and the Case of the Wandering Scholar by Kate Saunders - A cozy mystery that I enjoyed.
• The Rising Tide (World War II 1939-1945 #1) by Jeff Shaara (read-aloud) - I'm reading through this series with my son for part of his World War II study. Shaara does such a great job with these books. It's probably the favorite part of our day.
• Shepherd Abiding by Jan Karon - I'm still working my way through the Mitford series. I did enjoy this book better this time around that my first read through.
• The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey - This was an odd book with a sad ending. I don't like sad endings.
• The Tempest by William Shakespeare - The kids and I listened to this (with our books) for our Shakespeare study. I also picked it since The Play's the Thing podcast was doing it also.
• Thimble Summer by Elizabeth Enright (read-aloud) - I read this aloud to my youngest daughter.
• The Winter's Tale by William Shakespeare - Another Shakespeare play.
• Finish: Give Yourself a Gift by Jon Acuff (audio) - I've seen several recommendations for this book so I gave it a go. I will definitely need a re-read since I spent the first listen through dying laughing at Jon Acuff's stories and illustrations.
• Handbook of the Gospels by Jeffrey Brickle - My husband started a Biblical Training program and a couple of my kids are doing it. This is one of the books required and I recorded it for them to listen to since they have been busy working. (Even now two of them are still busy working.)
• Love That Laughs: Lighten Up, Cut Loose, and Enjoy Life Together by Ted Cunningham - I saw a little clip online of Ted Cunningham which I enjoyed so I went looking for his books. I found this one on Cloud Library, This is probably a good read for someone who need to learn to laugh. If you're an old married couple like us you are probably doing pretty well in that department.
• Seven Men Who Rule the World from the Grave by David Breece (read-aloud) - I started reading this aloud to my two middle kids and then my daughter graduated so I read the rest to my son. This book is on the AmblesideOnline list and it is highly recommended in Truthquest History. This was really a thought provoking book that I really enjoyed. I don't know if my kids got much out of it, but I did.

March:

• The Cater Street Hangman by Anne Perry - I was looking for a new series and decided to check this out, but it was not my cup of Dt. Coke.
• Light from Heaven by Jan Karon - Another Mitford book!
• The Light Over London by Julia Kelly - I found this an interesting read.
• Growing a Church by David K. Bernard - Anther book I read and recorded for my kids.
• On Reading Well: Finding a Good Life Through Great Books by Karen Swallow Prior - This was a dense read. I honestly don't know how I feel about this book and I probably enjoyed I think my biggest problem is that it just seemed to take me a long time to read it. I just never felt very compelled to read it.
• On the Bright Side: Stories About Friendship, Love, and Being True to Yourself by Melanie Shankle (audio) - I needed something cheerful not too long after quarantine started. I always enjoy Melanie Shankle and as always she makes me laugh.
• United We Stand by Arthur Clanton - Another book I read and recorded.
• When Ye Pray by Joy Haney - A book by one of my former Bible School teachers.

Books read in 2019

I am ridiculously late in posting this, but here it is in all it's glory! I read a total of 120 books--74 fiction and 46 non-fiction. Of those books 37 were audio books. 

Fiction (74):

• After the Armistice - Catronia McPherson
• Bookends - Liz Curtis Higgs
• The Bookshop - Penelope Fitzgerald
• Caddie Woodlawn - Carol Ryrie Brink
• The Chestry Oak - Kate Seredy
• The Chilbury Ladies Choir - Jennifer Ryan
• The Children of the New Forest - Frederick Marryat*
• The Christmas Hirelings - Mary Elizabeth Braddon*
• Death Comes for the Archbishop - Willa Cather
• Dorothy Sayers: The Complete Stories - Dorothy Sayers
• A Few Quick Ones - P. G. Wodehouse*
• Gaudy Night - Dorothy Sayers
• A Gentleman's Murder - Christopher Huang
• Henry V - William Shakespeare
• The Inimitable Jeeves - P. G. Wodehouse*
• Jeeves and the King of Clubs - Ben Schott
• Julius Caesar - William Shakespeare
• The Kaiser's Last Kiss - Alan Judd
• Little Britches - Ralph Moody
• Little Women - Louisa May Alcott*
• Macbeth - William Shakespeare
• The Magician's Nephew - C. S. Lewis*
• Northanger Abbey - Jane Austen*
• The Odyssey - Homer
• Othello - William Shakespeare
• Pay Attention Carter Jones - Gary D. Schmidt
• Persuasion - Jane Austen
• The Printed Letter Bookshop - Katherine Reay*
• The Quiche of Death by M. C. Beaton
• The Rector of Justin - Louis Auchincloss
• The Remains of the Day - Kazuo Ishigaro 
• The Road to Paradise - Karen Barnett*
• The Secret of the King's Tomb - Garrett Drake*
• Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen*
• Something Fresh - P. G. Wodehouse
• The Spies of Shilling Lane - Jennifer Ryan
• To Kill a Mockinbird - Harper Lee
• The Vanderbeeker's and the Hidden Garden - Karina Yan Glaser
• The Vanderbeeker's to the Rescue - Karina Yan Glaser
• The Watson's Go to Birmingham - Christopher Paul Curtis*
• Way of the Warrior Kid - Jocko Willink
• Whose Waves These Are - Amanda Dykes
• Wicked Autumn - G. M. Malliet

Amory Ames Series - Ashley Weaver

• Murder at the Brightwell
• Death Wears a Mask
• A Most Novel Revenge
• The Essence of Malice
• The Act of Villiany 

Anne of Green Gables Series - L. M. Montgomery

• Anne's House of Dreams
• Anne of Ingleside*
• Rainbow Valley
• Rilla of Ingleside

Chronicles of Brother Cadfael - Ellis Peter

• An Excellent Mystery*
• The Raven in the Foregate*
• The Rose Rent*
• The Hermit of Eyton Forest*
• The Heretic's Apprentice
• The Confession of Brother Haluin

Mitford Series - Jan Karon

• A New Song
• A Common Life
• In This Mountain 

Miss Marple Series - Agatha Christie

• Murder in the Vicarage*
• The Thirteen Murders
• The Body in the Library*
• The Moving Finger*
• A Murder is Announced*
• They Do It with Mirrors*
• A Pocket Full of Rye*
• The Mirror Crack'd from Side to Side*
• 4:50 from Paddington*
• A Carribean Mystery*
• At Bertram's Hotel*
• Nemesis*
• Sleeping Murder*

Non-Fiction (46):

• 3 Seconds - Les Parrott*
• The 4:8 Principle - Tommy Newberry
• About My Mother - Peggy Rowe*
• Adorned - Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth
• Are Women Human? - Dorothy L. Sayers
• Atomic Habits - James Clear
• Becoming a Welcoming Church - Thom Rainer
• Bookgirl - Sarah Clarkson
• The Brave Learner - Julie Bogart
• Building Her House - Nancy Wilson*
• Burnt Toast Makes You Sing - Kathleen Flinn
• The Call of the Wild and Free - Ainsley Arment*
• Checklist for Life for Leaders - Checklist for Life
• Chasing the Horizon - Thomas & Patrick Kinkade
• The Conversation - Leigh Bortins
• Cozy Minimalist Home - Mcquillyn Smith
• Darkest Hour - Anthony McCarten
• Decluttering at the Speed of Life - Dana White
• Doctrines of the Bible - J. L. Hall
• Help, I'm Homeschooling - Tricia Hodges
• Education - Israel Wayne
• The Enchanted Hour - Meghan Cox Gurdon
• An Enemy Called Average - John Mason*
• An Experiment in Criticism - C. S. Lewis
• The Fairy Tale Girl - Susan Branch
• The Gospel-Centered Mom - Brooke McGlothlin
• The Homebody - Joanna Gaines
• Introverted Mom - Jamie C. Martin*
• Homeschool Bravely - Jamie Erickson
• Hope for the Weary Mom - Brooke McGlothin, Stacey Thacker
• Just Do Something - Kevin DeYoung
• Know and Tell  - Karen Glass
• The Library Book - Susan Orlean
• Make it Happen - Lara Casey*
• Make Time - Jake Knapp
• The Next Right Thing - Emily Freeman
• The Path Between Us - Suzanne Stabile
• Placemaker - Christie Purefoy*
• Roots and Sky - Christie Purefoy
• Rythms of Renewal - Rebekah Lyons
• Sold on Monday - Kristina McMorris
• Switch on Your Brain - Caroline Leaf
• To-Do List Formula - Damon Zahariades
• Three Days in Moscow - Bret Baier*
• The Yellow-Lighted Bookshop - Lewis Buzbee
• You Who - Rachel Jankovic