Book Recommendations

Here is my yearly list of the best books that I have read throughout the year. Of course not all of these books are new books. They are just out of what I have read this year, they are new and old titles. This year the types of books that I read was all over the place. As usual.

I'm also very happy to announce that I was over my reading goal by one book this year. I am raising the goal for this year, hopefully I can make it.

I did also want to mention I mention a series (The Glass & Steele Series by C.J. Archer) that I have read this year. Not all of the books from the series were given 5 stars but the entire series is worth a read. Not all the books were given 5 stars as I feel that the series started out slow and gained momentum but then dragged on for longer than it needed it on certain story lines. There was two other series I read as well and neither of them needed to be read in order to understand what is going on where as The Glass and Steele series does need to be read in order to be able to keep up with the plot.

I hope you enjoy my list of recommended book. Each and every book on this list was a delight to read.

Diana: Her True Story in Her Own Words by Andrew Morton

An intimate look into the life of Princess Diana. Contains details about her marriage, royal life, motherhood and dealing with being in the public eye. Includes never before seen photographs.

Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

A small cafe in Tokyo offers a unique experience of having the opportunity to travel back in time but there's a catch. Only one particular seat will send you back in time, you must not leave the cafe during this time and you must be back to the present before the coffee gets cold. Four different stories of people traveling to the cafe to use this unique ability.

The Apothecary's Poison by C.J. Archer (Glass & Steele Series, book 3)

Matt ends up as a suspect in the murder of "miracle doctor" Dr Hale after trying to find information on where Chronos is hiding. Still no closer to finding Chronos, Matt and India must find the real killer while trying to fix Matt's magical watch.

The Magician's Diary by C.J. Archer (Glass & Steele Series, book 4)

Matt and India finally track Chronos down but his appearance brings a lot more questions than answers. To fix Matt's magical watch they must find the diary of an old doctor magician that was murdered long ago, unearthing long forgotten secrets as they get closer to an answer.

The Assertiveness Guide for Women: How to Communicate Your Needs, Set Healthy Boundaries, and Transform Your Relationships by Julie de Azevedo Hanks

Many women struggle with assertiveness, especially those prone to anxiety and avoidance. This book is grounded in attachment theory. Learn to acknowledge and express your own needs instead of being caught in a cycle of bitterness and regret.

The Convent's Secret by C.J. Archer (Glass & Steele Series, book 5)

Matt and India are led to a convent to find the one man that can fix Matt's magical watch. They must uncover the truth behind the disappearance of the mother superior and two babies that were given to her care many years ago all while trying to out smart Matt's nemesis that will do anything to keep them from being happy.

Fresh Water for Flowers by Valerie Perrin

Violette Toussaint is the caretaker of a small town cemetery. Many come to her to confide in her as she helps them in their journey with grief. One day her routine is disrupted by Julien Sole, a man insistent on depositing the ashes of his mother on the grave of a complete stranger, his mother's one time lover. It becomes clear that his mother's story is entwined with Violette's own secret past.

Men, Women, and Worthiness: The Experience of Shame and the Power of Being Enough by Brene Brown

With more than 12 years of investigation into the topic, Brene Brown helps reveal how we can disarm the influence of shame to live a life with courage, joy and love. Explore the differences of shame within men and women.

The Christmas Hope by Donna VanLiere (Christmas Hope Series, book 3)

After the death of their son, Patricia and Mark Addison have given up on having a meaninful Christmas. Against her better judgement, through her job as a social worker, Patricia brings home a young girl for Christmas. Can young Emily help the Addisons learn how faith can help them find their way through their sorrows.

Finding Grace: A True Story about Losing Your Way in Life... and Finding it Again by Donna VanLiere

The story of a woman struggling to find answers of where God is when we need Him the most. A moving story about finding grace while struggling on the road of motherhood.

Midnight Tides by Steven Erikson (Malazan Book of the Fallen, book 5)

After decades of war, the five tribes of the Tiste Edur are united under the rule of the Warlock King. To the south, the expansionist kingdom of Lether, long to fulfill the prophesy of an Empire reborn. The two sides gather to sign a peace treaty that neither side really wants.