I read 32 books in the third quarter, bringing my yearly total to 101 so far. I had many more 4.5/5 star reads this quarter, so I had a hard time narrowing them down to my favorites. The books that I’m still thinking about weeks or months after reading are the ones that made my favorites list. Check it out below, and let me know if you’ve read any!
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Favorite Historical Fiction
Favorites about Unknown History
When the World Fell Silent by Donna Jones Alward
I had never heard of the 1917 Halifax explosion before this searing, emotional book. It is one of the best historical fiction novels I’ve read this year! Read my review here.
The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali
I read this for book club and just loved its focus on friendship as two women struggle under the oppression of the Iranian regime. It’s such a good book to learn about history that is still affecting our world today. Read my review here.
Favorites about Strong Women
The Booklover’s Library by Madeline Martin
It’s hard to find an aspect of WWII history that hasn’t been covered, but Martin always does! This novel about the strong women of the Boots lending libraries was so good! Read my review here.
Virginia (Daughters of the Lost Colony #4) by Shannon McNear
What if Virginia Dare survived the Lost Colony of Roanoke? As we uncover more artifacts that show the colony was likely absorbed by a Native American tribe, this novel tells her story. It is powerful! Read my review here.
Favorites with a Strong Sense of Place
The Fabled Earth by Kimberly Brock
No one writes about the coast like Kimberly, and I just love her lyrical descriptions of Cumberland Island and its murky history. It will transport you there! Read my review here.
Daughter of Ruins by Yvette Manessis Corporon
I fell in love with Corporon’s writing while preparing for my Greece trip this summer, and her latest novel is one of her best. Following three women whose lives intertwine throughout the 20th century, you’ll learn so much about Greek history, mythology, and food through her writing. Read my review here.
Favorite Love Stories
The Berlin Apartment by Bryn Turnbull
Torn apart by the Berlin Wall, Lise and Uli must fight for their love across barbed wire and no man’s land. The novel follows them throughout several decades of history where their lives are separated by just a few blocks that seem like another world. Read my review here.
The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern by Lynda Cohen Loigman
I adored this love story between two elderly people who reconnect 60 years after their relationship ended. It’s so sweet and heartfelt! Read my review here.
Favorite Biographical Historical Fiction
Mademoiselle Eiffel by Aimie K. Runyan
I loved learning about Claire Eiffel who was the daughter who ran things behind the scenes for Gustave Eiffel. What a strong woman! Read my review here.
Katharine, the Wright Sister by Tracey Enerson Wood
Katharine isn’t known like her brothers, but without her sacrifices, they would have never gotten their wings. Her story is definitely one that we should celebrate! Read my review here.
Favorite Backlist Book
Secret Sisters by Joy Callaway
Joy is a favorite author so I knew I wanted to read her backlist of books. This novel about the beginnings of women fraternities was so special, particularly as a member of a sorority myself. I just adore her writing!
Read my review here.
Favorite History Nonfiction
The Mysterious Mrs. Nixon: The Life and Times of Washington’s Most Private First Lady by Heath Hardage Lee
This new biography about Pat Nixon was so illuminating. Far from the “plastic Pat” description given to her by the press, Mrs. Nixon was an intelligent woman who was a wonderful asset to her husband when given the opportunity. Read my review here.
Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President by Candice Millard
This narrative nonfiction reads like a thriller as you follow President James Garfield and his assassin through near misses, insanity, and medical malpractice. The “what-ifs” of history ring loud in this story. Read my review here.
Favorite Personal Growth
Do the Next New Thing: Embrace Uncertainty and Discover Purpose, Happiness, and Friendship by Pamela Lamp
I had to include Pam’s uplifting look at how to tackle the next season in life by finding one new thing to do each day. From little things like trying new recipes to life-changing things like moving, she has great real world examples of how we can find more joy in our lives. Read my review here.
So many great books read in the last three months. What was your favorite book?
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