Favorite Books – 4th Quarter, 2022

Favorite retelling of a classic

Marmee by Sarah Miller 

One of my favorite reads – ever! – is this retelling of the Little Women storyline from the mother’s perspective. It’s truly the perfect book for me, a look at the Civil War homefront from a woman’s perspective along with the nostalgia of the Little Women plot. Read my five star review here. 

Favorite books set in a mysterious English home

The Winter Garden by Nicola Cornick and Ashton Hall by Lauren Belfer

Both of these novels were set in medieval manor homes in the English countryside and were so atmospheric, I could smell the wood varnish and plush velvet draperies as I read! Both are what I’d consider historical suspense, and it would be perfect to curl up in front of the fire while reading about the mysteries still lingering in the centuries-old stones. Find my reviews of the books here and here.

Favorite time travel book

11/22/63 by Stephen King

I always heard that this was an amazing book, but with it being written by horror master, Stephen King, I was unsure. I am happy to say that I absolutely loved it! While long, I flew through the pages to see if Jake is able to prevent the JFK assassination. Find my review here. 

Favorite WWII books

Sisters of Night and Fog by Erika Robuck, The Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn, and The Mayfair Bookshop by Eliza Knight

I love books about strong women in World War II and these three books show how different women affected the war effort. From spies and Resistance fighters in occupied France to a Russian sniper to a British socialite turned homefront defender, these women didn’t back down from a challenge and showed how fighting for freedom can unleash the leader in everyone. Find my reviews here, here, and here. 

Favorite book in a series

Go Tell the Bees That I am Gone by Diana Gabaldon

As of this writing, I have only a few hundred pages left in this book, and I know I’ll finish by the official end of the year. I love the continuation of Jamie and Claire’s story, especially now that they are getting close to the Battle of Kings Mountain – in my hometown!

Favorite Reread

A Woman of Intelligence by Karin Tanabe

I don’t reread many books, but when I chose my favorite book of 2021 as my book club’s pick, I wanted to read it again. It was even better the second time around! This book about Katharina, a former UN translator turned mom of two boys in 1950s New York City, and her quest to regain control of her life is poignant, heartfelt, and full of historical detail. Read my review here. 

Favorite History Nonfiction

Mary Churchill’s War: The Wartime Diaries of Churchill’s Youngest Daughter, edited by Emma Soames 

I loved reading Mary’s own words about her life during WWII from her time with her illustrious Papa to her time as an ack-ack girl. She was a brave young woman! Review can be found here. 

The Blue Castle and The Blythes are Quoted by LM Montgomery

As my Octobers of reading LM Montgomery continued, I read this stand-alone sweet romance and what’s considered the last of the Anne of Green Gables series. Both were wonderful and special as only Montgomery can be! Find my review of both books here. 

Favorite Thriller

Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister

This thriller surprised me at how much I loved it! The mystery centers on a mom who witnesses her son doing something terrible – but then she slips back in time before the crime and tries to understand how it came about. I still think about the spot-on portrayal of motherhood and how time slips through your fingers before you even know it. A contender for my top book of the year! Read my Instagram review here. 

Favorite Christmas books

I read many Christmas-themed contemporary fiction books this season. My favorites included The Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan (all about Edinburgh!) and The Christmas Wish by Lindsey Kelk (I love a good Groundhog Day theme!). My favorite, however, had to be my reread of The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry, a Christmas classic. 

Glad You’re Here by Walker Hayes and Craig Allen Cooper

A book about friendship and God’s redeeming love by one of my favorite singers! Link to review here.

Clanlands: Whisky, Warfare, and a Scottish Adventure Like No Other by Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish

As an Outlander fan, I knew this book featuring two of the TV series’ stars would be great fun. I didn’t expect it to be poignant and chock full of history. I read it on audio while following along in print as well, and I highly recommend the audio since the actors read it themselves. If you’re planning a trip to Scotland, this is a great book to add to your list!

Favorite YA

City of Ghosts by Victoria Schwab

This atmospheric book about a girl who can visit the veil in-between life and death is perfect to read before any trip to Edinburgh. Read my review here. 

Favorite Middle Grade

Danger on the Stage by Steven K. Smith

I loved this next book in the Virginia Mysteries series, and I can’t wait to visit the real Barter Theatre in Abingdon, VA. Your kids will enjoy the mystery that Derek, Sam, and Caitlin solve while learning about the history of southwest Virginia. Review found here.