Merry Christmas! I want to say thank you for being a faithful reading friend! Where would authors be with out readers who buy, listen, check out, read, review, and recommend our books? I count it a joy and privilege to share my novels and novellas with you. Thanks for partnering with me and sharing our love for reading.
To say thank you, I’m offering this special Readers’ Christmas Giveaway!
I found this Bookish Candle Set in Ohio this week where we’re caring for two of our grandkids while their dad, who is a US Marine, is overseas on an assignment. I’ve been looking for a fun gift to offer this month, and when I saw these candles, I knew they were perfect. I’m giving away two sets. This giveaway is open to US and international reading friends. If US winners are chosen, they will receive the candle set, and if international winners are chosen, they will receive a $25 gift card. The candles are soy and smell delightful!
To enter the Readers’ Christmas Giveaway, leave a comment on this blog post and tell me one of the top books you’ve read this year. Also please tell us the name of the author and what you liked about the book. The giveaway is open from December 12 – December 31. I will notify the winners by email in the new year. I can’t wait to see who the winners will be!
I hope you have wonderful Christmas and New Year celebrations. And thank you to Cozy Creatures Artwork for the lovely bookshop image above. You can visit @cozycreaturesartwork on Instagram.
Thanks again for being a faithful reading friend!
Carrie – with my latest books to enjoy below!
I recently read No Ocean Too Wide. I think you may be familiar with the author!
I appreciated the love of family. My heart was saddened by what the children experienced.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts about No Ocean Too Wide. The research for this story really tugged at my heart.
Love anything by Deborah Rainey and MelodybCarlson. I plan to start your various books in 2025.
I recently read Al Pacino’s “Sonny Boy.” I’ve admired him as an actor and it was enjoyable to hear of his life, especially his love for his mother and his children.
I recently read Comfort & Joy by Kristin Hannah.
The storyline and plot twist was engaging.
I read a book by Brenda Novak that I really enjoyed this year. It is called the Banned Books Club. I think that you might enjoy it, too. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
The best book I read this year was a non-fiction book. It’s Holy Sexuality and the Gospel by Christopher Yuan. It’s an excellent book!
I recently read We Redeemed the Rain by Ashley Dill and it was amazing! Also I thoroughly enjoyed Susan May Warren’s Air One Alaska series. They were so good. I can’t wait to read some from you the coming year, though. Thanks for all you do!
Fugitive Search by Dana Mentink was one of my favorite reads. Although, I figured out the ending before the book ended, it kept me in suspense most of the time. There was constantly a new suspense moment in almost every chapter.
I am currently reading A Good Woman by Danielle Steel. This is probably one of my most favorite reads this year.
Annabelle is an amazing, strong woman who’s story is a powerful celebration of life, dignity and courage!!
No Ocean too Wide… The series! Kept me reading into the night until my eyes closed on their own and I found my book and glasses somewhere in bed😊 I think I could have read them out of order. But I loved the character development and the solutions that you wove in…but you did keep.me guessing! Thank you for a great read about that time in history!
Hmm, quite a few great books I’ve read this year…. Her Best Match (Tamie Dearen) was fun. Poppy Creek series (Rachel Bloome) was sweet and loved immersing myself in the small town there.
Holiday Lights and Cocoa Cookie Nights (Meg Easton I think) was a really fun short Christmas read.
Sleighed By the Farmer’s Daughter was fun too. (I could go on but that’s enough….)
Loved the Legacy of Longdale Manor! Just finished Token of Love! Time to send and share with my 90 yo book friend! Our long distance Book Club!
Your Token of Love is one I can’t forget. I also loved The Women by Kristin Hannah. I love historical fiction books. I have so many books in my TBR pile. Books by Wanda Brunstetter is always a delight.
A NIGHT TO REMEMBER by Walter Lord; this laid bare account of the sinking of the Titanic is haunting. Through the facts and figures the emotions overwhelm. The beautifully and simply written words have the power to leave me broken, bruised and sobbing. Like no other.
I loved Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. It was so different from anything else I read this year. It had fun and it had sadness too but it was just a great book.
Thanks for the chance and Merry Christmas.
Christmas at the Marshmallow Cafe by CP Ward
relationship between main character and her friend
Beyond Shattered Dreams by Cynthia Roemer. It’s about a woman who has to learn be strong when facing several challenges. It’s a really interesting book.
One of my favorite books this year When the Day Comes by Gabrielle Meyer. It was very different than anything that I’ve read. The plot was unexpected but very good!
One of the books I enjoyed the most this year was “All Creatures Great and Small” by James Herriot. Merry Christmas to you and your family!
One of my top books this year was The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center. I also read and loved a middle grade historical fiction book by Ruta Sepetys titled The Bletchley Riddle. Merry Christmas!
I really liked A Codebreakers Christmas Surprise by Anne Green I loved that it was women doing a job helping to win the war. The ending was wonderful.
Anything by Tamera Alexander! All her books are wonderful!
I am rereading November of the Heart by Lavryle Spencer
The Rose Arbor by Rhys Bowen is heartwarming.
This is so hard! How about two favorite new-to-me authors this year? Katie Powner and Michelle Shocklee!
The vow by D.L. Wood
It had a twist near the end of the book that left me speechless.
The Algorithm Will See You Now by JL Lycette. It’s a thrilling read about the dangers of AI.
I really enjoyed The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip by Sara Brunsvold. It touched so many parts of my heart.
Where in Ohio did you find these? I live in Cincinnati and am always looking for bookish things like this. 🙂
I’ve read so many good books this year. Some of my favorites have been Dragonfly Ashes by C.C. Warrens, Shield of the Mighty by Connilyn Cossette, Rocky Road by Becky Wade and Rhythm of Fractured Grace by Amanda Wen
Hi Erin, I found these candles at Boho in South Park Mall outside Cleveland. I hope you win or find some. Merry Christmas!
I loved reading The Lost Boys of Barlowe Theater by Jaime Jo Wright this year. I usually don’t read this kind of book as I am not a big fan of duel time novels and I usually don’t read suspense, but I loved this book. My favorite character by far was Kit who is really relatable and funny. I also enjoyed the mystery which kept me guessing the entire time. I also really enjoyed A Convenient Christmas Wedding by Regina Scott which I finished just recently. This was a very sweet Christmas read and I look forward to reading the other books in the series, although you don’t have to read this series in order for the books to make sense. My favorite part of this book was the family. I love reading about large families that are very close because I am part of a family of nine (five sisters and one brother, plus my parents and I make nine).
I just went way back into my past and started with the first historical romance I ever read, that got me hooked on them. It was ‘The Flame and the Flower’ by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss. Then I read a few more oldies but goodies. I even remembered where I was and what was going on in my life when I read them for the very first time.
My favorite book this year was by Julianne Donaldson called “Edenbrooke”. It was a lovely story. I read her other book too which was a wonderful story “Blackmoore”.
Since my husband passed away, I don’t have the free time I used to have to read. I had to go back to work, after being a housewife for 36 years. I would have to say the best book I’ve read this year is the Bible.
The Letter Tree by Rachel Fordham
Oops, forgot to say why I liked it. A sweet enemies to lovers story with a little mystery and suspense.
A novel that was memorable and captivating was The Song of Hartgrove Hall by Natasha Solomons.
The Husbands by Holly Gramazio topped the list for me this year, such a unique concept and had me laughing!
My top read this year (well, one of them anyway) was Born of Gilded Mountains by Amanda Dykes. I liked the fact that Amanda portrayed two single heroines, one of whom found love and the other was content in singleness. It was as if she was saying to the reader that neither path is better than other. Also, the story has a treasure hunt!
Oh, it’s hard to pick just one!
I love reading Christian historical fiction:
I just finished reading Drawn by the Current by Jocelyn Green. I had not heard of the SS Eastland capsized while in port and so many people died.
What I Left for You by Liz Tolsma. A duel crime story 1939 WWII in Poland and 2023 Pennsylvania. It’s an emotional story that had me in tears…some sad, some happy tears.
Anything by Misty M. Beller.
Christmas blessings to you and your family.
Oops, auto correct changed my post!
That should say, What I Left for You by Liz Tolsma. A duel-time story…
One of my favorite books this year was “Fairest of Heart” by
Karen Witemeyer. I loved the way she retold Snow White with a Texas twist! It was such a delightful story with enjoyable characters. 🙂
I think my favorite book this year was also my FIRST read of the year back in January… “The Nature of Fragile Things” by Susan Meissner. I love historical events (in this case, an earthquake) brought to life by fictional characters.
Never Fall Again by Lynn Blackburn – I love stories that include a large family
This year my daughter decided to do our own book buddy read. We read almost all the Keeper of the Lost Cities series. I think I enjoyed it more because it was fun to do something together with my daughter. For 2025 she wants to continue by reading wings of fire series together.
I reread “The Shack” by William Paul Young. What I loved about it was that I was finally able to share it with my youngest children…and that we all watched the movie together afterward.
I love books that stay with you long after you read it. The first book that did it was 1984. Now the next book that did it was New Year Island by Paul Draker. This was his first book. It was about people invited on a trip that takes an unexpected turn and people getting killed.
Well, although I am an adult, I did finally manage to read “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” by J. K. Rowling. I had seen the movies, but never read the books, so I decided to read the first book in the series, and I have to say, I enjoyed it. There were a number of differences between the book and the movie; however, it was a fun read and glad I finally decided to read it.
I have done a thing this year. I have cross stitched a bookshelf with the spines of all the books I’ve read this year (62 so far). I’m going to turn it into a bookmark.
I read an autobiography by Lucille Ball, Love Lucy. Her daughter found a journal she had written after she passed and had it published.
I enjoyed MISSION POSSIBLE by Marilyn Laszlo, a missionary to Papua New Guinea. This is based on her life story of Bible translation work to the Sepik Iwan people. She experienced many trials while there, but remained to finish the work. Her work resulted in the Word of God transforming an entire group of people. PRAISE GOD!
I loved A Token of Love by you and Appalachian Song by Michelle Shocklee! and many others! I listened to the audiobooks of each.
I read ” The Cowboy’s Forgotten Love”, by Tina Radcliffe, it was a pretty good book!
Oh boy, this is a loaded question. I’ve read so many great books this year. Going through my 5 star reads from the past few months I’m going to choose Julia Monroe Begins Again by Rebekah Millet. I think it’s tied with several others, but I just picked this one. lol It’s just so relatable. Julia is a widow (I’m not) and her boys are grown, which she’s not thrilled with. A man comes back into her life and upends it. Rebekah Millet is witty and writes situations with Julia’s thoughts and relationships so wonderfully!
I just finished Meddling with Mistletoe by Liz Johnson. It was the perfect read for a relaxing day in the holiday season.
Born of Gilded Mountains by Amanda Dykes was one of my favorite books this year.
One of my favorites this year was The Gold in These Hills by Joanne Bischof. I love dual time novels.
I read so much! I’m keeping a list this year so I know what I’ve read. One favorite was While the City Sleeps, by Elizabeth Camden. I love all her books, this was memorable for the heroine, and the police officer who looks out for her-and wins her heart.
Thank you, Carrie, for the giveaway, and for your writing!
The best book I read was by Geneva Rose called THE PERFCT MARRIAGE
Also, a book by Lisa Kleypas-DREAMING OF YOU
I read The White City by Grace Hitchcock this year and really, really enjoyed it! That was the first book that I’d read by her and I’ll definitely be reading more! Another book I read this year that I liked for different reasons was One More River to Cross by Jane Kirkpatrick. It was an interesting book with historical tidbits that help you learn history while reading it. It was based on a true story and, I believe, it was set a year or so before the Donner Party. It almost read like you were watching a movie (if that makes any sense?)
I recently reread Christy by Catherine Marshall. I like rereading books and picking up on details that I might have missed earlier. Sometimes, I like to read books and then go right back and read it again.
My favorite book this year was Born of Gilded Mountains by Amanda Dykes. It was such an enjoyable book. Thanks for the chance to win the candles. Merry Christmas!
My favorite book will always be my Bible.
I like “Amish” books and books set in Ireland.
I have read several good books lately.
I have a new favorite Christmas in the castle library. Ann Swindell. A beautiful story
It’s hard to choose just one, but probably my favorite has been The Now Habit by Neil Fiore. It gave me some really great suggestions on how to stop and avoid procrastination!
I loved The Berlin Letters by Katherine Raey! It’s one of my favorites in 2024. I loved the historical aspect, the CIA code breaker, and I learned so many things that now I’d love to visit Berlin!
I recently indulged in Me before you by Jojo Moyes. It is by far one of the most raw and authentic romance novels I’ve read. Many books deal with tough issues but it feels as though they do not really have a true perspective on the difficulty of the person who experiences that issue but she’s able to capture it in such a way that you yourself are actually able to empathize with the character.
One that I just finished yesterday was Keeping Secrets Through Time : A Faith Based Time Travel Romance by Emily Elizabeth Andrews. This was book 4 in a series. My favorite genre is historical books, but time travel is second. This book has both with settings in Russia, Cuba and the U.S.
‘The Five Wishes of Mr. Murray McBride’ by Joe Siple. A very nice book that I passed onto family and friends, enjoyed by all.
I am excited to tell you about Summer at the Saint by Mary Kay Andrews. It is an entertaining, heartwarming storyline with so many good elements, including intrigue, fanily love, opening your heart to someone in news and second chances. The character development was excellent and even though it’s not a Christmas story, it is one that you can read any time of the year, especially during the holiday season.
What a very thoughtful Giveaway. I would be thrilled to win and thank you for the chance.
It is so hard to pick just one book as they all have been amazing, But I would have to say Rediscovering Christmas by Mindy Obenhaus！ The characters are so wonderful it was heartfelt and Inspirational!
No Ocean too Wide (on audio! It was great!) and EllaCare by Ella Kick–a local author!
Hi!
One of the best books I’ve read this year is called “El fuego de María”, written by Father Ignacio Doñorio de Los Rios. It tells about a children’s home he created in Peru and other places, where children are raised and taught about Jesus’ love. The stories about them are so hard, and Ignacio loves them with all his heart. I highly recommend this book.
Born to Run
Hidden in the Night by Elizabeth Goddard.
Terminal Danger by Jerusha Agen is a wonderful culmination of the series that brings it all together. The complexity of the story is amazing!
I just finished reading “Gentle on my Mind by Kim Campball: A real page turner, tells of Glen’s career , his music and the dementia that eventually took his life.
Honestly, one of the best books I read this year was a classic read aloud to my kids: “Miracles on Maple Hill.” Fantastic!!!
Earlier this year I read The Master Craftsman by Kelli Stuart. I really enjoyed reading about the history of the Fabergé Eggs—so fascinating. I went to Russia on a 10-day missions trip but we only had one day in St. Petersburg so we didn’t get to the Fabergé Museum. I love living vicariously though historical fiction!
The Breadbaker’s Apprentice.
I’ve read so many excellent books this year, but I’ll have to say A Lady’s Guide to Marvels and Misadventure by Angela Bell was my top read. It was so unique and had a marvelous story and gospel message.
One of my favorite books this year was Dangerous Beauty. It’s so good that I’ve read it like 5 times! 🫣 Melissa Koslin is an amazing indie author and her newest book, The Lost Library is outstanding as well.
One of my top books that I read this year was The Burning by Linda Castillo.
Some of my favorite books this year were Mesu Andrews Egyptian Chronicles Series, Becky Wade’s Bradford Sisters series & I’m currently reading Joel Rosenberg’s The Auschwitz Escape. That one’s incredible & I’m loving it.
One of the books I enjoyed most this year was Mercy’s Rain by Cindy K. Sproles. It was such a deeply emotional and intense book. It was difficult at times to read but I couldn’t help but continue on. It’s a book you’ll not forget.
One of my favorite books this year is Born of Gilded Mountains by Amanda Dykes. Her books are always so deep and full of meaning. I always want to read it again after I’ve finished, so I can get all the depth and beauty of it. I often find myself re-reading paragraphs and sentences during the story.
One of the books that made a big impact on me this year was What I Left for You by Liz Tolsma! It was so touching! It’s one that I won’t forget for a very long time!
Book Lovers Emily Henry. Well written
So hard to pick my favorite book I’ve read this year. One of my favorite authors is Lynette Eason, I just finished a series of her’s called Danger Never Sleeps. So good! I loved the suspense and it’s fun trying to figure out who is behind all the danger.
I recently read The Berlin Letters by Katherine Reay. This was so well written, and the author really did her research on the history of Cold War era. The coded letters were fascinating. She did a good job of drawing you into that time and the emotions that were being generated.
One of the best books I have read this year is by Valerie Bodden from her Hope Springs series. Book 1 is “Not Until Forever.” It was excellent.
I have read several this year that I liked. A Token of Love must be an amazing read that I enjoyed reading. And as always your detailed information is outstanding. I also just read A Canine Christmas by Jennifer Seines. What a sweet fun story that was. Thank you.
The best book for me was The Book Women of Troublesome Creek.
I just finished Charlotte Bronte’s classic novel JANE EYRE. It’s one of those books you *think* you’ve read because the plot is well known and there have been so many film versions. However, this time I listened to a very fine audio version while reading a print copy, and I was amazed at the literary skill of this young writer who died all too soon. The Christian content in the novel is more pronounced than in most faith-based titles today, and those memorable characters – oh my! I think Charlotte B and Carrie T would be the best of peers today. 🙂
Hi Maggie, it was so fun to see your comment pop up here! Yes, I love Jane Eyre and I’ve done a lot of research on Charlotte Bronte from my next novel. I’ve also enjoyed listening to Jane Eyre recently and also noted the faith themes woven in so beautifully.
This is so kind of you, Carrie. Merry Christmas to you and yours!🎄❤️
Oh, I read so many wonderful books this year! I will choose my first favorite read in 2024, and it was The Seamstress of Acadie by Laura Frantz. 💖
Two that stand out are Summerlin Groves by Elizabeth Camden. A contemporary departure from her usual historical books.
Across the Ages by Gabrielle Meyer a time crossing book, extraordinary.
One of my best reads of the year was A Noble Princess by Saraina Whitney. It’s such a sweet little romance story, and the characters and plot blew me away for an indie novella.
Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate. It opened my eyes to a place in history I wasn’t even aware about. Heartbreaking yet heartwarming at the same time. A wonderful read and departure from the usual fiction I read. “….tells the story of the Foss children and their encounter with Georgia Tann, the director of an adoption organization. The book is based on a real-life scandal in which Tann kidnapped and sold poor children to wealthy families.”
I loved The Legacy of Longdale Manor! It was so good!
The Baker’s Secret by Lelita Baldock was the best book I read this year.
Merry Christmas to you.
The best book I read this year was A Worthy Pursuit by Karen Whitmeyer. I really liked how they didn’t trust each other but in the end that trust was the thing that saved the kids.
This year I read Anne of Green Gables with my 12 year old daughter. I love that she enjoys all the amazing classics such as Little House On the Prairie that I did as well at her age.
I read A Killer Unleashed by Jackie Layton. I enjoy cozy mysteries and try to solve the mystery/ culprit before being revealed by the author!
Across the Ages by Gabrielle Meyer
I read Token of Love, and enjoyed it immensely. I’m looking forward to reading more of your books.
Glued to see you by Judith Dickerson Ackaret. This is the second or third book in the series but it’s a great series I love it.
Oh goodness. So many choices! I really enjoyed ‘Glory Over Everything’ by Kathleen Grissom.
I’ve just finished Jessie Gussman’s 6 book Christmas series. I enjoyed visiting this little town and it’s faith-filled residents.
Still my favorite, No Ocean Too Wide. It introduced me to the author Carrie Turansky and now I can’t wait for each new book to come out.
Commanding the Curvy Girl by Nichole Ross is my book of the year. I love it when an alpha man protects his love but also supports her life/career goals. ♥️