As this year comes to a close, I have compiled a list of books I read throughout the last twelve months, because I absolutely love reading and because, “Sometimes, you read a book and it fills you with this weird evangelical zeal, and you become convinced that the shattered world will never be put back together unless and until all living humans read the book.” (John Green).
The Day of War (Lion of War #1) by Cliff Graham Through Benaniah’s eyes, see David the way he’s never been seen before; the great warlord and “Lion of Judah”, feared by countless. Follow Benaniah as he battles lions, men and his own past. This book reminded me of the movie “Gladiator” – it was just plain TOUGH. My rating: 4 stars
Return to Me (The Restoration Chronicles #1) by Lynn Austin Follow one family on a journey back to Jerusalem, seven decades after its destruction. Discover the power of complacency and growing comfortable in a sinful world. Witness the struggle of when to remain patient and when to do what God has called you to do. My rating: 3 stars
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak The touching story of a foster girl named Liesel, living in Nazi Germany during WWII. Narrated by the Angel of Death, who watches her grow as she learns of the intrigue and ultimately, the life-saving power of words. My rating: 5 stars
Killing Jesus by Bill O’Reilley Open the pages of this book and instantly step into the first century; a harsh world, dominated by Roman rule. This story is seeping with history that is jaw dropping. Feel the clock ticking down to Jesus’ final moments on every page. Understand the Jewish world as you never have before and try to hold the tears back as you read of Christ’s final moments. Rating: 5 Stars
Love’s Awakening (The Ballantyne Legacy #2) by Laura Frantz The sequel to Love’s Reckoning. A beautiful story of romance between a young woman and her forbidden love set in Pittsburg during the 1800s. My rating: 3 Stars
Happy Happy Happy by Phil Robertson An autobiography detailing the life of the famous Duck Commander, Phil Robertson. A touching story of the salvation of a man at the end of his rope, long before he created the duck call that would forever change the lives of his family. Rating: 3 Stars
Killing Kennedy by Bill O’Reilley An engrossing detailed account of the events surrounding the assassination of Present John F. Kennedy. My Rating: 3 Stars
The Sisterhood by Helen Bryan The heroic tales of five orphan girls who were hidden from the Spanish Inquisition and received help escaping to the New World. A love story and historical thriller that kept me turning pages late into the night! My Rating: 4 Stars
The Emerald Ballad Series by B.J. Hoff Follow the Kavanagh & Fitzgerald families in five novels from the hopelessness of Ireland during the Potato Famine to their new lives in America. A beautiful story of hope, romance and faith in God’s unwavering promises. My Rating: 4.5 Stars
Beyond Belief: Finding the Strength to Come Back by Josh Hamilton The story of Josh Hamilton, the first player chosen in the first round of the 1999 baseball draft, with the world at his fingertips. A shocking description of how a man destined for fame and wealth fell hard for a lifestyle consumed by drugs and alcohol. When all seemed lost, God’s grace poured forth and Josh slowly picked up the broken pieces. A great reminder that anyone can fall and lose it all, and that God loves us-just as we are. My Rating: 5 Stars
Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy by Eric Metaxas “Bonhoeffer gives witness to one man’s extraordinary faith and to the tortured fate of the nation he sought to deliver from the curse of Nazism. It brings the reader face to face with a man determined to do the will of God radically, courageously, and joyfully―even to the point of death.” My Rating: 5 Stars
Courting Morrow Little by Laura Frantz The story of Morrow Little, whose family was torn apart by raiding Shawnee warriors. Though many suitors vie for her attention, she finds herself drawn towards a forbidden love, that will only flourish if she can learn to forgive. My Ratings: 4 Stars
The Insanity of God by Nik Ripkin The true story of a couple from rural Kentucky as they follow God’s call into a life of mission work in Somalia. For years, they toil, and yet experience few victories. After a painful loss, Nik travels to record the true stories of Christian living in some of the toughest locations in the world. Touching, riveting, inspiring, convicting – the BEST book I have EVER read, besides my Bible. My Rating: 5 Stars
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