My Favorite Reads of 2015

Every single year the end of December finds me scrambling to finish as many books as possible. I like to make my year's reading list as long as possible, and I really want to finish the many good books I've started, but have had a hard time finishing for whatever reason {require too much thinking from my tired mommy brain?}.

It is so much fun to look back over that list and remember each book- insights gleaned, fascinating stories that have changed and shaped me... and then a handful of works I can hardly remember, or am left with only the faintest impression of how I felt or what I thought upon finishing. Fascinating.

These were a few of my favorite titles {out of 55 finished so far... still working on a few more!} read in 2015.

Together: Growing Appetites for God by Carrie Ward. One mom's journey to read the entire Bible aloud to her small children. Chock full of tips for reading Scripture to little people, with many encouraging and insightful anecdotes sprinkled throughout. A must read for all Christian moms!

The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale. I have a weakness for adolescent literature... and this novel totally hit it the spot. A creative and spell-binding twist on a not-so-well-known, classic fairy tale.

Bringing Up Bebe by Pamela Druckerman. All of my IRL friends have probably heard me talk about this book way too much this year. It seriously challenged my thinking on everything from eating habits to temper tantrums to infant sleep. I keep rechecking it out of the library! That good.

Holding Onto Hope by Nancy Guthrie. On a more serious note, this mother's story of grief and coinciding study of Job will bring great comfort and much Gospel truth to people who are hurting. It was a big help to me as I worked through our last miscarriage.

Lizzie and Jane by Katherine Reay. If you are looking for a wholesome feel-good novel with tons of gold nuggets for classical literature lovers, you simply must check out Katherine Reay. I also read Dear Mr. Knightly, but I think I liked this story about two estranged sisters, breast cancer, and the culinary world just a smidge more. I can't wait to get my hands on a copy of her newest book, The Bronte Plot.

Feminine Appeal by Carolyn Mahaney. Lots of books on Christian womanhood are fluffy, or cheesy, or a giant overwhelming to do list. Which is why I kept putting off reading this title from my nightstand stack. However I was pleasantly surprised by how much Carolyn centered her look at the Titus 2 woman in the gospel, Christ, and grace. It really challenged, convicted and encouraged me. I definitely want to revisit a handful of the chapters in the New Year.

Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens. My first ever Dickens novel- why did I wait so long?!? Embodies everything I love about classic literature- timeless, gorgeous prose; exposure of important moral and ethical issues; a complex plot with lots of twists and turns; and characters that stick with you for weeks after reading the last page.

What were your favorite books this year? Hit me up with suggestions! I'm working on my TBR in 2016 list.

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