National Read Across America Day is March 2nd, so let’s discuss some books to read. My sister, the Librarian, and I recommend these books. Get your books ready and start reading. We hope you enjoy some of our favorite books to read from 2024.
My Favorite Books
Fiction Reviews
The first few books are by the same Author, Lynn Austin. She is a Christian historical fiction author, and I can pick up any of her books, and I love them. I enjoy learning history in her books. Once you start, you can’t put the books down.
“Waves of Mercy” by Lynn Austin is one of her older books. The setting is Holland, Michigan, and the Netherlands. This story takes place over 50 years, with two women telling their stories and how life intersects. The next book in this series is “Legacy of Mercy”, as it continues where it leaves off. Check these out at the library.
“All My Secrets” by Lynn Austin takes place in New York in the Gilded Era. You learn the back stories of these ladies as they influence the daughter/granddaughter to make choices about her future. The next book in the series is “Waiting for Christmas” and is the book that follows as a Christmas Novella.
“If I Were You,” by Lynn Austin is set in England during the war and is the story of two gals from different classes who become friends. The next book is “Wish Book Christmas,” a Novella set around Christmas. This book is fun to read and find out the rest of the story in America.
I read the “Orphan Train” by Christina Baker Kline at the beginning of 2024 and learned how people overcame hardships in life. This takes place partially in Minnesota so of course I had to read this book. You can get this from the library.
Non-fiction Reviews
“Picturebook Perfection” by Brooke Van Sickle is on how to write a picture book. I have been taking Kidlit classes from her online and this book is a great resource to have on hand to keep for the future book you plan to write. This book is available on Amazon and the Journey to Kidlit website.
Here is my review, I received a copy of “Picturebook Perfection” and I found it to be thorough with great details to help in writing picture books. I loved the step-by-step process. Finally, a how-to book for picture books.
“Your Hope Story” by Brian Dixon is written to help you write a nonfiction book and is a great resource to have on hand if you plan to get a nonfiction book started. You will learn step by step what you need to do to get started in your writing.
“Back to School, Back to You: a Mom’s Guide to Balance and Blessing in a School Year Transition” is a nonfiction book written for moms and teachers with kids in school. I was the author of chapter 3 and my chapter is on “Entering the College Drop off Zone and Empty Nest- What is a mom to do?” May this book be a blessing to you. You can find it on Amazon.
My Sister’s Favorite Books
My sister has contributed to a few past book blogs. She just retired as a media specialist and reads books of many genres. I started reading from her list and will read most of these books. These were Diane’s Favorites from 2024.
“The Women”, by Kristin Hannah. I think “The Women” is a favorite for many this year. It is historical fiction set during the Vietnam War and features the story of veteran nurses. I couldn’t put it down!
“The Underground Library” by Jennifer Ryan is set in London, during WWII, when everyone spent the evenings in shelters during the bombing of their city by the Nazis. This local library started schools and lending libraries in the subways which were turned into shelters at night. You will follow several characters’ lives in this novel.
“The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip,” by Sara Brunsvold. Mrs. Kip enters hospice, but she is determined to live her life fully to the end and serve God. A reporter is assigned to write her obituary because Mrs. Kip has a story to tell.
“Daughter of Cana”, by Angela Hunt. This book is a Biblical novel about the women who catered for the wedding and saw Jesus turn water into wine. She has doubts and meets Jesus’ brother who is also wondering about his brother’s ministry. They spend time walking to Jerusalem looking for answers.
“The Foxhole Victory Tour,” by Amy Lynn Green. This book is set during WWII, a group of entertainers are assigned to North Africa to entertain the troops. It’s dangerous, and difficult, and changes their lives.
“With Each Tomorrow,” by Tracie Peterson. A daughter joins her father in checking out the property in Montana for a future National Park. Not everyone is on board with this idea.
“The British Booksellers,” by Kristy Cambron. Two bookstores in Coventry, England, are owned by a couple who used to love each other in their youth. They are not talking anymore but WWII causes them to pull together.
“The Spice King,” by Elizabeth Camden. This book is set in Washington D.C. during the gilded age. Washington politics, food and drug laws, and the spice trade all play a part in this novel.
In “Lulu’s Café,” by T.I. Lowe, a woman is abused by her husband and finally manages to escape. When she gets to Lulu’s Cafe a few states over she is seen by the owner and is given a job, home, and her love and care. Her past comes back and she may lose everything.
Blog Links with More Book Ideas
Librarians Favorite Books from 2022,
Librarians’ Favorite Books for Adults and Kids,
Librarian’s Best Books in 2021
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My eyes don’t allow me to read much anymore but anything you or your sisters recommend is sure to be an excellent read!