Favorite Books of 2017

I am excited to share my favorite books of 2017 with you. These are the books I loved. These are the books I couldn't put down. These are the books I am still thinking about today. Let's get to them, in no particular order. (I should note, these are my favorite books I read this year. They were not necessarily published this year.)

Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry

I read Lonesome Dove in January, almost a full year ago, and am still thinking about it today. It was such an intense ride. While reading it, I went through so many emotions. At times I found myself laughing out loud. At other times I found myself crying uncontrollably . Most often I found my heart absolutely racing. Such an incredible book. Do I recommend it? Yes, but with caveats. It's rough in places. Really rough. With that said, I personally gained such respect for those that lived in the west in the 1800's. I also gained such respect for Larry McMurtry. Such an amazing storyteller and writer. I never thought I'd enjoy a Western, but he made me do so.

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

I was introduced to Fredrik Backman's books just this year. I have only read three so far, but already Backman has become a favorite author. A Man Called Ove was my first of his and is still my favorite. I laughed. I cried. I loved it. Highly recommend.

Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi

Homegoing is such a powerful read. I still can't believe it is Yaa Gyasi's debut novel. The book tells the stories of half-sisters, Effia and Esi, born in Ghana in the 1700's, as well as the stories of their descendants, all seven generations of them. It is beautiful and difficult and inspiring.

A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles

A Gentleman in Moscow was one of those books that, immediately after finishing, I wanted to start over and read it again. In fact, immediately after finishing the copy I borrowed from the library, I bought my own copy, so I could do just that. I hope to reread it in 2018. I loved this book. The story and writing are equally beautiful.

Peace Like a Riverby Leif Enger

I finished Peace Like a River just a few days ago and my mind is still absorbed by it. I loved it. Yet, as much as I loved it, I am having a hard time describing it. Yes, it is a book about the strength of family during hardships and struggle. Yes, it is a book about miracles. Yes, it's beautiful. It is so, so much more though. Please read it.

2017 Runners Up

I plan on sharing my favorite books of 2017, but before I do, I thought I would share my runners up. These are the books I loved, but just didn't quite make it onto my favorites list. These books are so, so good, but I am not sure I will still be thinking about them five, ten, or twenty years from now. Who knows though! Anyway, in no particular order, here they are. (I should note, these are books I read this year. They were not necessarily published this year. All book covers are linked.)

A little Western with big heart.

Could be called an "important" book, but really it's simply a book about families.

An intense mystery full of twists and turns.

A magical world you will get lost in.

Think Tom Hanks in Castaway, but so much better.

The prose!

A mystery set during WWI in England, but so much more.

I've always loved Anne of Green Gables. Now I also love Emily of New Moon.

England, books, food and love. What more do you need?

A story of love, loss, weakness, strength, faith, perseverance and healing and it is beautiful.

What I've Been Reading - December 2017

Welcome to What I've Been Reading, where I share my (quick and personal) thoughts on what I've been reading this past month. For specifics (plot summary, etc.) about each book, click on the provided links or book images.

I read a lot this month! Due to how much I read, and how busy this season is, my shared thoughts this month will be shortened quite a bit. Happy reading!

Emily Climbs and Emily's Quest by L.M. Montgomery (5 stars)


I read the first book in this series, Emily of New Moon, last month and loved it. I loved these two books equally as well. If you love Anne of Green Gables and haven't read Emily of New Moon, please do.

Last Christmas in Paris: A Novel of World War I by Hazel Gaynor (4 stars)

I love books based around war. This book was no exception.

How to Find Love in a Bookshop by Veronica Henry (4 stars)

This book was probably my favorite "fluffy" read this month. Based in England, it's full of quirky characters, books and heart. I recommend it.

Pride and Prejudice and Mistletoe by Melissa de la Cruz (2 stars)

Loved the cover. Hated the book. The names were right. That's about it. Jane Austen was nowhere to be found in this book.

Winter Street series by Elin Hilderbrand (3 stars)

Full of family drama and family love.

Hercule Poirot's Christmas by Agatha Christie (3 stars)

No one does it better than Agatha Christie. Not my favorite book of hers, but still good.

The Deal of a Lifetime by Fredrik Backman (3 stars)

Interesting novella from one of my new favorite authors.

Peace Like a River by Leif Enger (5 stars)

One of the best books I've read this year. I can't describe it. Just read it.

The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey (4.5 stars)

A story of love, loss, weakness, strength, faith, perseverance and healing. It was beautiful.

The War I Finally Won by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley (4 stars)

I really enjoyed The War That Saved My Life. The War I Finally Won is the follow up and I may have loved it even more.

A few things I'm loving these days

I follow quite a few bloggers that periodically share things they are loving, things that are making them happy. I love these types of lists. Does anyone else? I love that they give me a peek into some of my favorite blogger's personal lives and I almost always find something new to love myself. So, today, I'm sharing a few things I'm loving these days.

GOOD CHAPSTICK
Winter is definitely here and it is dry. I always forget just how dry winters are. My lips take the brunt of it and I seem to be constantly reaching for my chapstick. I have tried quite a few brands over the years, but I always come back to my favorite. It's simple and does its job.

GOOD LOTION
Have I mentioned it's dry here. Not only are my lips taking a beating, but my hands and feet and everything else are as well. Right now I am loving this lotion. Again, it's simple and does its job.

FUZZY SOCKS
I'm sure fuzzy socks are not new to anyone else, but this is my first winter wearing these type of socks and I am loving them. My favorite pair are these from Target. They keep my feet so warm, a must when most of our house has hardwood floors.

BLANKET SCARVES
Blanket scarves have been around for awhile now, but I am just discovering them for myself this year. I currently have my eye on this one from Amazon. These scarves truly keep me warm.

BROWN PAPER AND RED AND WHITE TWINE
I am busy wrapping gifts around here, and while I'm still using regular wrapping paper for most of my gifts, the really special gifts are being wrapped with this and this. I love the simple yet beautiful presentation this creates.

2017 MMD Reading Challenge - December edtion

I'm participating in MMD's Reading Challenge this year. (If you don't know what that is, click here and here.) Below are my December picks. (Book images are linked!)

READING FOR GROWTH: Stretch yourself in 2017

a Pulitzer Prize or National Book Award winner

My pick

READING FOR FUN: Put the oomph back in your reading life

a book about a topic or subject you already love

My pick