We made it to the end of the last quarter of 2021! Next week, I’ll be recapping my reading year, listing my favorites in various categories for the whole year. Today, though, I’m focused on the last three months and my favorite books from these cozy yet busy days.
I finished 40 books this quarter, many centered around seasonal themes. Something about the fall months inspires me to read cozy books from childhood and books specifically about the holidays. Last year, I made October my “month of L.M. Montgomery” by rereading all of the Anne of Green Gables series. It was so enjoyable that I decided to continue this October with Montgomery’s Emily of New Moon series. It is a nice way to spend my favorite month of the year!
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Favorite Historical Fiction Books for Adults
The Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon (Outlander book #5)
I loved the story of this book but it was soooo long! 1450 pages! Now I’m caught up with the TV show and will be reading the sixth book in January to get ready for the sixth season of the show.
Love, Theodosia by Lori Anne Goldstein
I have figured out that one trope I love is Romeo and Juliet retellings (West Side Story, etc). This book is a retelling using famous but little known people from history – the children of Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr, Philip and Theodosia. While the people are real, the romance is imagined but I didn’t care, I loved every minute of it!
Once Upon a Wardrobe by Patti Callahan
This is a wonderful story about the love between siblings and between an author and his readers. If you loved the Chronicles of Narnia and wondered where the idea came from, this book is for you. Even if you didn’t read Narnia, you’ll still love this powerful and poignant book.
Last Christmas in Paris by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb
I love epistolary novels, which seem so hard to write! This novel is done beautifully, with the story and the history of World War I shining through the letters.
Favorite Historical Non-Fiction Book
The Churchill Sisters by Rachel Trethewey
I received this as an ARC from the publisher and loved its narrative voice. Winston Churchill had four daughters, three of whom had fascinating and tragic lives as adults. I loved learning about each daughter, their unique personalities, and how they shaped world politics and wartime activities.
Favorite Middle Grade
Emily of New Moon series by L.M. Montgomery
I loved all three of these novels about one of my favorite heroines from any book, Emily Starr. She is a lot like me as a child, introverted, loves reading and writing, and doesn’t want to rock the boat. But boy, does she ever! Such a sweet and poignant story.
Favorite Christmas Reads
While great to read any time of year, these novellas and romances are meant to be read during Christmas!
Other genres
With my focus on revising my first novel (again and again!), I found that contemporary romances with heart are hitting the sweet spot right now. Light and easy to read but with a lot of emotional heft behind the romance.
Beach Read by Emily Henry
I discovered a new favorite author this quarter! I read her second book first (People We Meet on Vacation) but really fell in love with Beach Read. It will be one of my top books of the year!
This Time Next Year by Sophie Cousens
Such a sweet romance about fate and how it affects our lives. I loved its premise of two babies born within seconds of each other on New Year’s Day and how their lives continually bring them together.
Life’s Too Short by Abby Jimenez
I absolutely loved this novel about a woman who lives life to the fullest because she’s convinced she has a terminal disease. Such a powerful message about how to truly live and what’s really important in life. I can’t wait to read her other books!
What was your fourth quarter reading like? Any all-time favorites?
