Monday, January 20, 2025

Top 5 Favorite Series: Christian Fiction Edition

I've been reading Christian fiction since I was a teen (I won't say how long ago...) and in this time I've seen the genre not only grow in popularity, but the writing become exceptional. 

I have had such fun creating my top five and ten lists. I thought it might be fun to list my top five favorite series.  These books made my list because of the engrossing plots, memorable characters, and have stayed with me long after I've finished the story.

Here are my top five. Did any of these make your list? My hope is it'll inspire you to read in 2025. 

1.) KAREN WITEMEYER

If you've read my blog for a while it's no surprise that this fan-favorite historical author made my list. Although narrowing it down to one series was a challenge. It was a toss-up between her Archer Brother series and the Patchwork Family series. Ultimately, I choose the Archer Brothers probably because Short-Straw Bride was THE book that made me a lifelong, die-hard fan of this author.


Short-Straw Bride (Archer Brothers Book One)


Stealing the Preacher (Archer Brothers Book 2) 


A Cowboy Unmatched (Archer Brothers Book 3)


An Archer Family Christmas (Archer Brothers Book 4) can be found in the Under the Texas Mistletoe collection. You can read my review here.

2.) GABRIELLE MEYER

This author's creative time crossing series has taken the Christian fiction world by storm. Although only four books published there's due to be seven books total...maybe more. 










Every Hour until Then releases May of 2025



3.) BECKY WADE

Becky is known for swoon-worthy romances mixed with mystery. So, if you love a book that's just not all about the romance and keeps you thinking than I highly recommend her Bradford sisters series.  


True to You Book 1






4.) ROSEANNA M WHITE

Roseanna is a prolific historical author. With some many wonderful series it was hard to narrow it down to one, but her Shadows Over England series kept replaying in my head. 









5.) BETH K VOGT

Contemporary romance author Beth K. Vogt mesmerized me with the raw and honest storytelling in her Thatcher Sister series, a powerful and unforgettable journey that had me laughing and crying.


Things I Never Told You Book 1


Moments We Forget Book 2


The Best We've Been Book 3


Unpacking Christmas (A Thatcher Sisters novella)

Christian fiction has a unique way of weaving faith, hope, and powerful storytelling into unforgettable narratives. These top five series have left a lasting impression, offering deep character development, meaningful themes, and stories that inspire, challenge, and uplift. Whether you're looking for heartfelt romance, thought-provoking drama, or gripping suspense, these books showcase the best of Christian fiction. Have a favorite series of your own? Share it in the comments—I’d love to hear what books have impacted you!

Reading is an Adventure,
Emilee 





Tuesday, January 7, 2025

Across the Ages is a Page-Turning Read


Across the Ages was my first read of 2025! Author Gabrielle Meyer set the bar high with this 5-star read.

The fourth book in her Timeless series follows time crosser Caroline who lives two lives two hundred years apart. One in 1727 as Caroline Reed and the other in 1927 ad Caroline Baldwin.
In 1727, she's desperate to find answers to her questions as to why she's been cursed with a time-crossing existence. Discovering a letter from her mother who was also a time crosser leads her to a clue. Disguising herself as a cabin boy, Caroline boards a ship for the Bahamas in search of proof.

Her life in 1927 St. Paul, Minnesota she's the daughter of a renowned preacher with two older brothers whose corruption and life choices threaten to ruin her family. With the help of a childhood friend now a police officer he helps her find the answers she seeks against the backdrop of Prohibition and speakeasies. 

Caroline must decide which life she wants. 1727? or 1927? Which one will she choose?

Her stubborn, spunky determination to find out why she was a time crosser was a quality I admired. It makes you want to root for her. I feel like Across the Ages had a similar vibe to book one When the Day Comes. The way the author expertly balances possible love interests in each timeline was outstanding. It was so well done I found myself liking both romantic heroes. I was leaning a little more towards one hero than the other, but thought it was brilliant the way she made you like both. Also, I love the way the author ties in previous characters as well as introducing future characters...pure genius. Total masterclass.

I also liked that Caroline's perspective changes about being a time crosser. Initially, she sees it as a curse, but over the course of the story she recognizes it as a blessing. 

If you haven't read Ms. Meyer's Timeless series do yourself a favor and read them. I'd rank it as one of my top five favorite series of all time for its creative time crossing plot, exceptional storytelling, captivating characters, and the extraordinary way the author weaves in the gospel. This book had the timely theme of trusting God with His Plan for your life and knowing His Timing is always perfect and is fitting as we begin a new year.

This series needs to be read in order. Ms. Meyer's intertwines characters from previous novel to get the full effect and appreciate the story. 

If you like historical, fantasy, time crossing books you need to add Gabrielle Meyer's Timeless series to the top of your TBR pile.


You can find my review of When the Day Comes here.



You can find my review In this Moment here.




You can find my review For a Lifetime here

 


 

Monday, December 23, 2024

Countdown to 2025...Favorite books of 2024

My new year countdown post is one of my favorite posts to write every year. With so many fantastic reads in 2024 it's hard to narrow down the list, but I'm up for the challenge.

Incidentally, is anyone else trying to wrap their head around the fact that it's going to be 25 years since the year 2000? (Y2K anyone?)

This year, books inspired me and helped me see the beauty in life's moments. I noticed that crying was a main response in many of the books I read this year. Not just crying once, but multiple times throughout the story. Either I'm getting more emotional, or the authors are getting better. While you're perusing this list, I'd recommend stocking up on Kleenex if you read any of these. Maye I should have a hankie rating next to my star rating.

In no particular order here are my top 5 books of 2024. Did any of these make it on your favorites list? Any books I'm leaving out? I'd love to know.


You can read my review here.



You can read my review here.

You can read my review here.



You can read my review here.



You can read my review here.







Tuesday, December 17, 2024

Cloaked in Beauty is a Fairytale Retelling of Sleeping Beauty and Little Red Riding Hood


I was up until 1 AM finishing Cloaked in Beauty because I couldn’t put it down. I needed answers, not sleep, and I would’ve finished it in less than three days if “real life” responsibilities hadn’t gotten in the way. Honestly, I was so intrigued by the premise and curious to see how the author would combine a retelling of Sleeping Beauty (my favorite Disney princess) with Little Red Riding Hood.

Karen cleverly includes enough "Easter egg" references to both fairy tales to satisfy readers. Her Texas Ever After series is loosely inspired by fairy tales, not direct retellings. You still feel like you’re reading a Karen Witemeyer novel, with all the exceptional storytelling and nuanced writing that readers have come to love and expect from this fan-favorite author. (Karen was voted #1 Readers’ Favorite Christian Historical Author in 2023 by Family Fiction Magazine.)

Scarlett Radcliffe, alias Letty Hood, has been hidden away in the backwoods of Texas for fifteen years, living with her grandmother and pet wolf, Rusty. She’s been in hiding to escape the clutches of her evil uncle, who wants her dead before her 21st birthday. Letty sees herself as a simple girl who has spent most of her life free and outdoors. She has no interest in the wealth she’ll inherit or in taking her place in society—her only concern is preserving her family’s legacy.

Pinkerton Agent Philip Carmichael, nicknamed the "Lone Wolf," is tasked with finding the Radcliffe heiress before her milestone birthday and escorting her home alive. I loved Philip's deeply protective nature and how honorable he was to the core.

One of my favorite lines in the book is the last one on page 199. It’s one of the most sigh-worthy, heart-melting lines I’ve ever read—pure perfection! (Did you flip to that page?)

The believable romantic tension between Philip and Letty is one of the best parts of the story. Karen is known for building incredible romantic tension between her leads, and this book is no exception.

The theme of Cloaked in Beauty—how God has gone before us and knows what lies ahead, even when we don’t—is such a timely and important lesson. It’s one of those messages we need to be reminded of often.

I want to live in a Karen Witemeyer novel! She’s an automatic pre-order for me, and the second I have one of her new books in my hands, reality takes a backseat. Why do I love her books so much? To me, the mark of a terrific author is someone whose stories you can re-read and still glean new insights and enjoyment from. Karen's books check all my wish-list boxes.

Her characters are never cookie-cutter; they’re unique and interesting, and you can’t help but want to know their stories and follow their journeys. She also seamlessly weaves the gospel message and biblical truths into her narratives. It’s hard to make this feel natural, but Karen does it so well. That’s a big part of why I keep reading and re-reading her books—and recommending them to all my bookworm friends.

In many of my reviews for Karen’s books, I mention the cover design, and I just want to applaud the team at Bethany House again. They’ve created another exquisite cover! I love the contrast of the vibrant red cloak against the lush green forest—it gives off major Christmas and fairytale vibes all at once. Each book in Karen Witemeyer’s Texas Ever After series perfectly captures the storybook atmosphere her books invoke, and the covers are stunning.

I’d probably rate Cloaked in Beauty 4.5 out of 5 stars, only because I felt the ending was a little rushed, and I wanted more. When you don’t want a story to end, that’s the sign of a truly engaging read.



Thursday, December 5, 2024

Top 5 Favorite Christmas Movies

There's something about watching Christmastime movies under a soft blanket enveloped by Christmas decorations that is delightful and cozy.

Here's my top 5 favorite Christmas movies. Did any of these made your list? 

1. IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE (1946)


Over the years, this black and white quintessential Christmas film has become an annual tradition for many families, mine included. You can read more about this beloved film in my review here

2.) HOLIDAY INN (1942)


A friend of mine introduced me to this movie about a decade ago and it's been a favorite ever since. Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire play dancers vying for the same girl along with some memorable dance sequences. 

3.) MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET (1947)


Miracle on 34th Street is a charming black and white Christmas film about Kris Kringle (played by the delightful Edmund Gwenn) filling for the Macy's Thanksgiving parade as Santa Claus and later becomes Macy's department store Santa. He is put on trial for claiming he really is Santa Claus. The beautiful Maureen O'Hara and the precocious Natalie Wood star in this film as well. 

4.) WHITE CHRISTMAS (1954)


Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye play army pals who become a famous singing duo post-WWII and end up falling in love with a sister act while trying to save a failing Vermont Inn of their former commander. If you like singing, dancing, elaborate costumes and humor add this film to your list. 

5.) LITTLE WOMEN (1949, 1994, & 2019)









Louisa May Alcott's classic Little Women has gotten several films versions of this beloved story that capture the heart of the story. I couldn't pick just one version. Have you seen any of these versions? Which is your favorite? 

Honorable Mentions:

WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING (1995)




YOU'VE GOT MAIL (1998)





WE'RE NO ANGELS (1955)


CHRISTMAS IN CONNECTICUT (1945)




REMEMBER THE NIGHT ((1939)



SUSAN SLEPT HERE (1954)









Friday, November 29, 2024

A Baker's Dozen: Favorite Christmas Reads for the Season

Christmas is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to break out the mistletoe, cozy up with a soft blanket, grab your favorite beverage, and dive into some romantic Christmas reads or series. A quick warning: you might want to keep some tissues handy—these stories are sure to tug at your heartstrings!

Without further ado, here are thirteen (or a "baker’s dozen") of my favorite and most memorable Christmas reads.

1. THE CHRISTMAS SHOES SERIES 

Author Donna VanLiere has an eleven book Christmas Hope series which is wonderful. I've read them all and thoroughly enjoyed them. Six of the eleven books made my list. You could read each book as a standalone, but you'll enjoy the series more of you read them in order.

You can read my review of The Christmas Shoes (Christmas Hope Book #1) here

The Christmas Blessing (Christmas Hope Book #2)


The Christmas Secret (Christmas Hope Book #5)


The Christmas Town (Christmas Hope Book #9)

The Christmas Star (Christmas Hope Book #10)


You can read my review of The Christmas Table (Christmas Hope Book #11) here


2. BOOKS BY AUTHOR COURTNEY WALSH

Christmas wouldn't be complete without a couple of author Courtney Walsh's books. 

You can read my review of Cross-Country Christmas here

You can read my review of A Match Made at Christmas here


3. BOOKS BY AUTHOR RICHARD PAUL EVANS

A Christmas reading list should have some books by the King of Christmas Mr. Richard Paul Evans. Here are two of my favorites.  Warning: You may need some Kleenex while reading these.

The Mistletoe Promise

The Noel Diary 

4. BOOK BY AUTHOR TERRI BLACKSTOCK

Best-selling suspense author Terri Blackstock wrote a charming page-turning Christmas novel that still lives in my memory. 

Catching Christmas


5. BOOK BY AUTHOR SARAH MONZON

Sarah Monzon is a new-to-me author, and I found this holiday read delightful. 

You can read my review of All's Fair in Love and Christmas here


6. BOOK BY AUTHOR ROSEANNA M. WHITE

For all my historical lovers I didn't forget about you. Roseanna M. White's new Christmas novella Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor is romantic and charming.

You can read my review of Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor here


Did any of my Christmas reads make your list? Any I missed? I'd love to know. 

Reading is an adventure,

Emilee