I set an annual goal to read as many books as I am old. So, this year I am reading 32 books, and I am currently 1/3 on my way to goal. Instead of waiting until December to share my favorites of the year, here’s a post where I share my favorite five so far.
Here’s my favorite 5 (so far)
The Mermaid’s Sister by Carrie Anne Noble
Young Adult Fiction
This charming tale shares the semi-whimsical story of adopted sisters who are wrestling with identity and destiny. It’s a delightful fairy tale that I couldn’t help fall in love with. I downloaded it for free on Amazon First Reads, and sometimes it’s hit or miss, but this was definitely a hit. It’s by no means perfect, but this warming story of hope and love is what I needed to read this winter.
Carve the Mark by Veronica Roth
Science Fiction Fantasy
Veronica Roth has returned after writing her Divergent series with her new sophomore series, Carve the Mark. As a writer myself, I am so impressed with her world building detail. This densely rich world draws the reader in — albeit slowly — but once one commits to the first act her characters will take one on an intriguing ride into a world that I myself cannot wait to revisit with the next installment this April.
The Sacred Enneagram: Finding Your Unique Path to Spiritual Growth by Christopher L. Heuertz
Nonfiction/Spirituality
There are some books that after reading you realize you will probably read it 15 more times throughout the course of your life. It’s a like a required reading for your soul. This is one of the books that falls into that category. As Chris explains, the enneagram is a sacred map to your soul. It’s more than just a personality test you take online. It’s a way to discover how God uniquely made you and how to connect with your Creator through spiritual discernment, healing, and disciplines.
How to Find Love in a Bookshop by Veronica Henry
Fiction
This charming book was made for someone like me, who dreams of owning a bookshop in a quaint town where each patron’s love story is just as important as the ones in the books I sell. This story follows Emilia as she tries to keep her father’s bookshop from closing, while at the same time, she is discovering that this small Cotswold town has a bookshop full of true love stories!
Pilgrimage of a Soul: Contemplative Spirituality for the Active Life by Phileena Heuertz
Nonfiction/Spirituality
There are some books that arrive when you need them. There are some books that you want to slowly read each chapter, digesting each page as if its overwhelming truth would form you into a stronger, more faithful, believer in Christ. This is one of them. I adored this book. Phileena shares her physical and spiritual pilgrimage and offers prayer practices to help one in their own journey. From sleepfulness to wakefulness, her journey has led me into a deeper relationship with God. So yeah, read it.